IMPROVEMENTS IN HOLDERS FOR LEADS, CRAYONS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES
Year: 1884

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
I, HERBERT JOHN ALLISON, of the firm of Allison Brothers, of 52 Chancery
Lane, London, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agents, do hereby declare tho
nature of my Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN HOLDERS FOR LEADS, CRAYONS
AND SIMILAR ARTICLES," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to bo
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :--
The object of my Invention is to provide means for inserting and withdrawing
the lead, crayon or similar article by the turning of the barrel of the poncil, which
may be also turned far enough to automatically eject the lead by means of a
plunger, which will automatically be ro-set in position to receive the lead, when
the barrel of the pencil is turned in the opposite direction.
All of which will be fully set forth in the description of the accompanying
Drawings, in which Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section of my improvements.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the lead holder. Fig. 3 is a section on line X X Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the spiral screw. Fig. 5 is a plan view of. the slotted
tube.
Fig. 6 is a broken sectional elevation showing the parts in the position occupied
at the time of ejecting the lead.
Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation containing modifications for ejecting the lead.
Fig. 8 is a similar section showing the position of the parts for use.
Fig. 9 is a plan view of the modification in the method of revolving the spiral
screw sleeve. Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-section of the same, where the head of tho
pencil is used for operating the lead carrier, and the swivelling point of the pencil
dispensed with.
Fig. 11 is a plan view of the modified form of lead carrier tube.
Fig. 12 represents an improved lead sharpener and eraser attached to the head
of the poncil
A represents tho barrel of the pencil; B a point made of metal or other suitable
materiál, upon which the barrel A is journalled or swivelled in the ordinary
manner.

page_text: Crepresents the lead holding and carrying tube, preferably constructed of an
outer shell, within which is inserted a secondary shell c which is spun or flared so
that the lead may be easily inserted.
This inner shell c also acts as a seat for a spiral spring c.
tube C around the plunger D.
It is coiled within the
d represents a guide-pin on the plungor, that projects up through a slot ƒ formed
in the tube.
The guide-pin d is diamond shaped so as to fit the screw slot to furnish increased
wearing surface, and prevent lost motion.
This diamond shaped pin is applicable to be used in all devices where the
advancing or retracting of the point is accomplished by the combination of the
spirally slotted tube, and the straight slotted tube, such as tooth-picks and
pen-holders.
E represents a spirally slotted tube or worm which is placed concentrically
within the barrel of the pencil A, as shown in Fig. 1.
F represents a straight slotted tube in which slides the lead holder or carrier C.
It is secured at the forward end to the metallic point B, which holds it fixed
concentrically within the spiral tube E.
The pin d projects up through the sloth in tube F a sufficient distance to work
in the spiral slot or worm i formed in the worm tube E, which is secured to the
barrel A so as to revolve with it, in any desired manner.
I have shown it as attached by means of a collar G.
The parts are secured together as shown in Fig. 1.
The plunger D is held retracted as shown in Fig. 3, by the tension of the
spring e, so that the lead may be inserted within the holder C and rest upon the
end of the plunger D.
When the barrel A carrying with it the worm E is revolved, the pin & moves
through sloth and carries the holder tube C forward, when the barrel is turned,
say, to the right.
This motion is continued until the point of the lead-tube C is projected against
the inward flaring mouth of the point B, which arrests the motion of the
lead-tube C.
If it is desired to eject the lead, the barrel A should be turned farther, when the
pin & will be forced forward in the slot f, forcing the plunger D forward within
the tube C, compressing the spring e, until the lead H is ejected, as shown in
Fig. 6.
The movement of the barrel A is then reversed, the recoil of the spring first
retracting the plunger D within the lead-tube C, and then the lead-tube C is
withdrawn by the continued revolution of the barrel A in the same direction.
A new lead may be inserted as soon as the barrel A is turned back a sufficient
distance to retract the plunger to its normal position shown in Fig. 3.
Instead of having the tube C composed of two pieces of metal, it may be made
of a single piece, and a washer secured within the same, to form a seat for the
spring 6.
By the introduction of the spring devices, in connection with the straight slot in
the carrier, the carrier is held in its normal position for the insertion of the lead at
all times, the plunger boing automatically retracted for its reception.
Referring to the Drawing, Figures 7 and 8 represent a modification of the means
employed for ejecting the lead, which will be fully described in connection with
the parts of the pencil which are represented by numerals.
The number 1 indicates the pencil barrel, 2 the interior spirally slotted tube
secured to the barrel to be rotated therewith by the collar 5, which unites the
parts to the barrel. 4 indicates the longitudinally slotted tube fixed by a collar 10
at its outer end to the inside of the point, and having the inner end of its slot 6
suitably closed as at 7, Fig. 1.
The cylindrical lead carrier is provided at its forward end with a grip to grasp
and hold the butt end of the lead 9, and as hero shown the grip is composed of

page_text: spring fingers 10, sultably attached to or formed with the carrier, while the
rearward end of the carrier is provided with a guide-stud. 11, preferably diamond
shaped, which extends through the slot 6 of the tube 4, and enters the spiral slot
in the tube 2, so that when the latter is turned by rotating the barrel, the lead
carrier will be moved longitudinally in the tubo 4.
The point 3 is interiorly provided adjacent to its mouth or orifice 12 with an
inward projecting annular flange 13, constituting a tubular extension, the outside
of which is tapering as at 14, the flange being arranged at a distance from the wall
of the point to create an intervening annular space 15, so that when the barrel and
its attached spirally slotted tube are rotated in one direction, the carrier will be
advanced, and the spring fingers gliding over the inward tubular extension 13 will
be spread apart, thereby releasing the grip on the lead-stub, seo Fig. 7, and
permitting it to be ejected by falling out.
A reverse. rotary movement of the barrel will retract the carrier, permitting a
fresh lead to be inserted, and when the grip of the carrier enters the outer end of
the longitudinally slotted tube, the latter compresses the grip causing it to securely
hold the lead so that its point can be projected or retracted as desired. The forward
end of the tube 4 may be extended beyond the collar 16 to a point adjacent to the
inner end of the tubular extension 13, and thus the ends of the fingers 10 may
spring slightly away from the lead when projected beyond the tubo 4, to become
directly engaged by the tubular extension and be spread sufficiently to entirely
release the lead-stub.
".
The parts comprising the pencil may be of any material suitable for the purpose,
but the point 3 is preferably of metal, and the body of the lead carrier 8 may be a
solid cylinder or tubular as desired.
The means here shown are such. that the lead-stub is positively released at such
a point that it can drop out with freedom, and all ejecting springs, plungers and
similar complicated mechanisms are avoided."
I will now describe another modification of constructing the barrel, and
connecting it to the operative parts.
Figures 6, 7, 8, are shown in broken sections, and they may be made of the plan
shown in Fig. 1 or 10 as desired.
Figure 9-number 18 represents the spirally slotted tube or worm, of similar
construction to that shown in Fig. 4.
It is rigidly secured at its upper end within the sleeve 19.
20 represents the straight slotted tube, within which the lead carrier slides.
21-a collar for securing the tube 20 within the spiral tube 18 in such a manner
that the tube 20 may freely revolve within the spiral tubo.
Any other equivalent means may be used for holding the parts, so that the
longitudinally slotted tube will revolve within the spirally slotted tube.
22 represents the head of the pencil, which is rigidly attached to the upper end
of the slotted tube 20, by a pin 23.
When the head is made of metal, it may be soldered to the slotted tube, and the
pin 23 dispensed with.
The sleeve 19 snugly fits the barrel 24 of the holder. It is preferably a friction
joint, made to fit sufficiently tight to prevent the rotation of the sleeve 19, when
the head 22 and the slotted tube 20 are rotated to propel the lead carrier tube,
In order to arrest the forward movement of the lead carrier 25, which
reciprocates within the straight slotted tube 20, the ends of the latter tube aro
milled or bent over at the forward point 26, so as to act as a stop for the lead
carrier 25.
27 represents the lead. It rests upon and is moved by a similar plunger to that
shown at D in Fig. 3, and is provided with a similar pin d, which projects through
the slot of tube 20, into the spiral slot of tube 18, and is moved in the same
manner by the revolving of the spiral screw to carry the plunger forward, and to
eject the lead, and by a reverse movement to retract the plunger and allow the lead
to slide down or back in carrier 25,

page_text: :
The lips 26 arrest the forward movement of the carrier 25, and as the spiral 18
continues to revolve, the pin d will move the plunger forward and eject the lead.
When a pencil is constructed in the manner represented by Figs. 9 and 10, the
barrel 24 may be made of one single tubular piece, and provided with the head 22
adapted to revolve the tube 20 for adjusting the lead.
Other modified means for ejecting the lead are represented in Fig. 11, which
shows a lead carrier provided with a worm or spiral slot 28.
The plunger is of similar construction as that shown in Fig. 10.
The pin d projects up through the slot 28, and through the straight slotted
tube 20 engaging in the slot of the spiral tube 18, and moves as shown in previous
Figures, until the forward and rotary movoment of the lend carrier is arrested by
Buitable means, when pin d, as the barrel continues to revolve, will move forward
in slot 28, which is of the same pitch as the slot of the spiral tube 18, thereby
carrying the plunger forward within the carrier, and ejecting the lead.
A reverse rotary movement of the spiral tube will retract the pin d to the
position shown in Fig. 11. As it is arrested at this point, additional rotary
movement will retract the carrier and plunger within the straight slotted tube 20,
for the adjustment of the lead.
Fig. 12 represents a modified form of pencil head. It is made of a tubular
sleeve 29, which is rigidly secured to the straight slotted tube 20.
30 represents a plug, fitting within a sleevo 29, which may be made of wood or
metal..
31 represents a conical orifice made at the inner end of plug 30, into which
conical orifice a lead sharpener is introduced: Or the cone may be lined with
emery or sand-paper, for this purpose.
32 represents an eraser secured to the plug 30.
It will be seen that the different means for ejecting the lead shown in Figs. 3,
7, 10, 11, are substitutes one for the other, cithor one of which may be used in
either of the different methods for the construction of the pencil, herein shown.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :-
1. The combination with a barrel and a spirally slotted tube rotating therewith,
of a lead or crayon holding and carrying tube, a lead or crayon ejecting plunger
enclosed in the carrying tube, and having a guide-pin engaging the spirally slotted
tube, and a spring normally acting to advance the carrying tube forward over the
plunger so that when the advance movement of the carrying tube is arrested, the
plunger will be positively advanced by the spirally slotted tube to eject the lead,
crayon or other similar article and said spring also acting on the plunger to
subsequently retract it into the carrying tube when the rotary movement of the
spirally slotted tube is reversed, substantially as described.
2. The combination with the barrel and the spirally slotted tube, of the slotted
lead or crayon holding and carrying tube, the lead or crayon ejecting plunger
enclosed by the lead or crayon carrying tube, and having a guide-pin extending
through its slot and engaging the spirally slotted tube, and a spring around the
plunger which acts to force the carrying tube outward over the plunger, but
permits the latter to be positively advanced to eject the lead crayon or other
similar article by the action of the spirally slotted tube on its guide-pin when the
advance movement of the carrying tube is arrested, said spring also acting to
retract the plunger into the carrying tube when the rotary movement of the
spirally slotted tube is reversed, substantially as described.
.
3. The combination with the barrel and the spirally slotted tube rotating
therewith, of the stationary longitudinally slotted tube F, the slotted lead or
crayon holding and carrying tube C therein, the lead or crayon ejecting plunger D
arranged in the carrying tube, and having a guide-pin d extending through the
slot of said carrying and stationary tubes, and engaging the spirally slotted tube,
and a spring e normally acting to force the carrying tube outward over the plunger,

page_text: but permitting the latter to be positively advanced to eject the lead crayon
or other similar article from the holding and carrying tube, by the action of
the spirally slotted tube on the guide-pin of said plunger, when the advance
movement of the carrying tube is arrested, said spring also acting to retract the
plunger within the carrying tube when the rotary movement of the spirally slotted
tube is arrested, substantially as described.
4. A lead or crayon bolder consisting of a barrel having a point provided
interiorly with an annular tubular extension, and a longitudinally movable lead
or crayon carrier having a grip at its outer end adapted to release the lead,
crayon or other similar article by engaging said tubular extension, substantially as
described.
5. The combination of the point having the interior annular extension, with the
lead or crayon carrier having laterally yielding spring fingers at its forward end,
substantially as described.
6. The combination of the point having the interior annular extension with the
barrel, the spirally slotted tube, the longitudinally slotted tube and the carrior
having the guide stud and the grip, substantially as described.
7. The combination of the point having the interior annular extension tapered
on its outside, with the longitudinally movable carrier having a grip for holding
the pencil, crayon or other similar article and adapted to be released by engaging
the tapered outside of the annular extension, substantially as described.
8. A lead pencil or crayon holder composed substantially of the barrel 24, with
a spirally slotted tube concentrically secured therein, with the swivelled head 22
secured to the straight slotted tube 20, which is revolved by the swivelled head to
move the carrier and lead or crayon plunger working therein for ejecting and
adjusting the lead, crayon or other similar article, substantially as described.
9. In combination with the straight slotted tube concentrically journalled
within a spirally slotted tube, the spirally slotted lead or crayon carrier working
within a straight slotted tube, and operating a plunger, by means of the pin &
for adjusting and ejecting the lead, crayon or other similar article, substantially as
described.
10. In combination with the spirally slotted tube 20, the tubular head .29,
plug 30 provided with the pencil or crayon sharpener 31, and eraser 32,
substantially as described.
11. In a load pencil or crayon holder provided with a spirally slotted tube, and
a straight slotted tube, within which is located a reciprocating lead or crayon
carrier and plunger, making the forward end of the straight slotted tube milled or
contracted so as to arrest the forward movement of the lead or crayon carrier,
substantially as described.