CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN PENS, PENHOLDERS, AND PENCIL CASES, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1843

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOSIAH
LONGMORE, of Regent Street, Kennington, in the County of Surrey, Silver-
smith, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at West-
minster, the Fourth day of May, in the sixth year of Her reign, did, for
Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Josiah
Longmore, my exors, adiñors, and assigns, Her especial licence, full power,
sole privilege and authority, that I, the said Josiah Longmore, my exors,
admors, and assigns, and such others as I, the said Josiah Longmore, my
exors, admors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times thereafter during the term of years therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
that part of Her Majesty's United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
called England, Her Dominion of Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-
Tweed, my Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN PENS, PENHOLDERS, AND
PENCIL CASES, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER USEFUL
PURPOSES;" in which said Letters Patent there is contained a proviso, that I,
the said Josiah Longmore, shall cause a particular description of the nature
of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
under my hand and seal, to be inrolled in Her Majesty's High Court or
Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after the date

page_text: of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference
being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Josiah Longmore, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described
and ascertained in and by the following Specification thereof, reference being
had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the figures and letters marked
thereon, that is to say:-
First, my improvements in pens relates to a method of giving additional
elasticity to metallic pens, by increasing the virtual length of metal in that
portion of the pen which lies between the point of the nibs and the shoulders.
This object I accomplish in various different ways, as herein-after described
and shewn.
Figure 1 represents a steel pen made according to one of my improved
methods, the two nibs between the points a and the shoulders 6 being cut into
a curvilinear ribband, forming a series of loops, which by their length increase
the play or elasticity of the pen. Figure 2 represents a steel pen made
according to another of my improved methods, and Figure 3 is a side section
of the same. In first cutting out of the blank for this pen, I make that part
of the pen which forms the nibs, and lies between the point a and the shoulders
6, much longer than usual; this part I afterwards crimp or crease up, as shewn
in Figures 2 and 3; or I bend up the extra length of nib into one or more
loops on the back of the pen, as shewn in Figure 4. Figures 5 and 6 shew
another form of pen made according to my improved method; Figure 5 is a
back view of the pen, and Figure 6 a side section of the same. To make this
pen, the nibs are cut out long with an aperture between them; the nibs, being
previously slit, are bent back under and up through this opening, forming a
circular or elliptical spring at c, the play of which gives great elasticity to
the pen.
My second improvement in pens, has for its object to give increased dura-
bility to the nibs of metallic pens, by means of an extended bearing surface at
the point, which retards or prevents the formation of a chisel edge, and the
cutting or digging into the paper in writing upstrokes, consequent thereon.
Figure 7 shews one method in which this improvement is effected. It consists
in bending back a portion of the extremity of the nibs d to an angle of from
foryt-five to ninety degrees, or they may be bent quite flat down upon the
back of the pen.
In either case, the increased bearing surface which is pre-
sented to the paper in writing adds greatly to the durability of the pen. The
same object may be effected by cutting the pens out of steel of greater

page_text: thickness at the point than elsewhere, so as to form the points of greater
thickness backwards, in lieu of bending back the points, as before described.
Figures 8, 9, and 10 shew another method by which I obtain increased
durability. Figure 8 is the steel blank cut out, pierced, and marked for the
slit. When in this state I press the flat under side of the two nibs together,
and make what was the outer edge of the nibs the bearing surface. Figure 9.
is a side view of the pen with the nibs turned round at right angles and pressed
close together, and Figure 10 is the hollow or under side of the same.
My third improvement in pens consists in the introduction of a tongue on
the under side of the nibs, to prevent their bending under and spirting or
sputtering the ink. This tongue may be cut out from between the nibs, as
shewn in Figure 11, which is a blank for making such a pen as herein-before
described, and shewn in Figures 2, 3, and 4; e is the tongue; or the tongue
may be cut out of the back of the pen and bent down under the nibs, as shewn
in Figure 12; e, as before, is the tongue, and f the place from which it has
been cut out.
The improvements in pens which I claim as new and of my Invention are,
firstly, the mode of increasing the elasticity of metallic pens by means of an
increased length of metal brought within the ordinary space between the point
of the pen and its shoulders, as herein-before described, and shewn in Figures
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. I do not, however, confine myself to these particular forms,
but claim generally the method of obtaining additional elasticity, by increasing
the virtual length of metal accumulated between the point of the pen and its
shoulders, in whatever form or positions such increased length of metal may be
arranged.
Secondly, I claim the turning up or bending back the nibs of pens, so as
to present an extended surface for use, and thereby afford greater dura-
bility, as herein-before described, and shewn in Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10. I
likewise claim the making of metallic pens with metal of increased thicknes
at the point, as herein-before described.
Thirdly, I claim the use of a tongue on the under side of the nibs of metallic
pens, in the manner and for the purpose herein-before described, and shewn
in Figures 11 and 12.
My first improvement in penholders is shewn in Figures 13 and 14;
Figure 13 being an external view, and Figure 14 a section of the same. 9 is
the external holder tube, of silver or other metal, mounted on a handle h, of
ebony or other suitable material; i is a small sphere or ball of metal, mounted
upon a strong spring wire stem k, which is fastened into the inside of the metal
piece l. A pen m being pushed up between the ball i and the external holder

page_text: 9,
tube is securely held in its place by the pressure of the spring k upon the
ball i, while at the same time the pen, whatever may be its curvature or
thickness, is inserted or withdrawn from the holder with great facility.
My second improvement in penholders is shewn in Figures 15 and 16;
The
Figure 15 being an external view, and Figure 16 a section of the same.
external holder tube n is mounted on an ebony or other handle, as before. o is
a ball, mounted on a stem or lever p, which passes through and is fastened to
a larger ball q; this ball q is attached to the under side of the holder tube n
by a loose joint at r. The farther extremity of the lever p is flattened and
formed into an inclined plane, which rises partly through a slot & in the upper
part of the tube n, but cannot pass quite out in consequence of a step t at its
extremity. A ring v, which slides externally upon the tube n, being drawn
back over the slot s, slides upon and forces down the end of the lever p, which
causes the ball o to press tightly against the pen w and hold it firmly in its
place. On sliding the ring towards the point of the holder, the lever p
pen
is released.
rises through the slot and the
8,
What I claim as new and of my Invention in the foregoing improvements
in penholders is, the method of holding pens, by means of a spherical or hemi-
spherical surface pressing the pen against the interior of the holder tube, whether
such pressure be given by a spring, as herein-before described, and shewn in
Figures 13 and 14, or by means of an inclined plane, as herein-before
described, and shewn in Figures 15 and 16.
My third improvement in penholders consists in a new mode of constructing
elastic penholders, by which the spring motion is brought into or over the
middle of the pen, and the quantity of elasticity is capable of being increased
or diminished at pleasure. Figure 17 is an external view, Figure 18 a plan,
and Figure 19 a section, of a penholder made agreeably to my improvements;
the same letters of reference apply to each. Figure 20 is a plan of the spring
and holding part as first cut out of steel or other metal preparatory to bending
up; the form of this part may be varied at pleasure, so that it is left sufficiently
elastic and unencumbered with metal at the spring part x.
The end y being
struck up into a hollow hemisphere or half ball, the broad part is bent half
round to fit the curve of a pen, the end y is then turned back into the hollow
of z, and made to press firmly against it, so as to hold a pen when it is pushed
up between them; the spring part is next bent round at x till the holder part z
lays nearly parallel with the stem . This stem is pinned or otherwise attached
to the metal a', which is inserted in the holder tube 61; on the under side of
the tube b¹ there is a slot c¹, through which a pin attached to the metal a
projects. By sliding this pin backward or forward in the slit c¹ the holder is

page_text: protruded from or drawn into the external tube, and the elasticity of the spring
a increased or diminished accordingly.
What I claim as new and of my Invention is, the form of penholders herein-
before described, and shewn in Figures 17, 18, 19, and 20, having the central
motion of the spring over or near to the middle of the pen, and furnished with
the means of increasing or diminishing the elasticity of the spring at pleasure.
My first improvement in pencil cases consists in a new arrangement of that
part of ever-pointed pencils designated by manufacturers thereof the "motion."
Figure 21 is an enlarged external view, and Figure 22 a section (about twice
the actual size), of an ever-pointed pencil motion, made agreeably to my
patented improvement. A is the lower part of the tail, soldered into the
socket a, a semi-diameter of the upper part being cut away from 6 to c; Disa
rack carrying the propelling wire, which rack is made half round, so as to
supply the place of the semi-diameter of the socket tail which has been cut
away, making together with the socket tail a cylinder, which exactly fills the
tube e; this tube is tapped internally with a screw corresponding with the
thread upon the edge of the rack D. The shoulder of the socket tail fis
turned of a conical concave or convex form, and the lower end of the tapped
tube e is turned to fit. On the upper end of the socket tail there is a spiral
spring g, secured thereon by a pin or otherwise, which spring presses the tapped
tube down upon the shoulder f with sufficient force to keep it in firm and
pleasant contact, at the same time allowing it to revolve freely. By this
arrangement a greater steadiness in the motion is obtained, and the liability to
become deranged or injured by wear, or to get out of order, is prevented.
What I claim as new and of my Invention is, the improved form of motion for
ever-pointed pencil cases, as herein-before described, and shewn in Figures 21
and 22.
My second improvement in pencil cases consists in a contrivance for pro-
jecting the pencil motion out of the case, and at the same time elongating the
case itself. The manner in which I accomplish this is shewn in Figures 23
and 24, the former being an external view of the elongated case with the
pencil protruded; and Figure 24, a section of the same, with the pencil with-
drawn into the case, both being about twice the actual size. H is the pencil
motion, to which a semi-cylindrical rack J is soldered or otherwise attached; K
is another similar rack attached to the reserve tube L; M is a pinion turning
freely on a pin which passes through and is secured to the external case of the
pencil. The external case, which may be of gold, silver, or other metal, is
made in two parts, an upper tube N and a lower one O. The upper case N
is connected with the reserve tube L and its rack K by a pin m, which passes

page_text: under a projecting rim n, and forms a swivel joint, upon which the upper
tube N is free to revolve. On drawing the upper and lower cases asunder
the rack K gives motion to the pinion M, which taking into the rack J
depresses it, and causes the pencil point to be projected beyond the case, the
case itself being at the same time lengthened to the extent which the one
case moves upon the other. In order to prevent the pencil from being pro-
truded too far, the last tooth in each of the racks J and K is left much broader
than the others; when these teeth arrive at the pinion, therefore, they cannot
pass, and consequently the further progress of the pencil is prevented. The
before-mentioned contrivance may be used to project a common pencil, a pen-
holder, or other useful instrument from a case or sheath; and a similar com-
bination of racks and pinions may be advantageously used for lengthening and
shortening at pleasure the bandles of various articles in common use, as hearth
brushes, toasting forks, and the like.
What I claim as new and of my Invention is, the combination of racks and
a pinion, as herein-before described, and shewn in Figures 23 and 24, for pro-
jecting pencils, penholders, and the like from cases; and also the application of
the same to the lengthening and shortening the handles of hearth brushes,
toasting forks, and other articles.
66
My third improvement in pencil cases consists of a pencil case adapted for
pencils to be used with that description of prepared paper books well known as
Hall's patent metallic memorandum books." The pencils heretofore used with
these books have consisted of a conical point of lead alloyed with tin and
bismuth, fixed on the end of a wooden stick or holder.
My improvement consists in forming the usual alloy of lead into a wire and
projecting it from the point of a pencil case by means of a screw motion, similar
to that of the ever-pointed pencil. Figure 25 is an external view (full size),
and Figure 26 a section, of my improved metallic pencil case. Q is an external
tube of brass or other metal, tapped with a screw thread part of the way up
from its lower end; p, is a tube, fitting loosely within the former, and ter-
minating in a point or socket r; s is a carrier to which the metallic wire is
affixed, one edge of the carrier s projects through a slot extending nearly from
top to bottom of the tube p; on the projecting edge of the carriers a screw thread
is cut, corresponding with that in the tube Q; a metal head t is soldered or other-
wise fastened in the top of the tubes; around this head a deep groove is cut, in
which a pin v passing through the tube Q works, and prevents this tube from
coming off, at the same time allowing it to revolve with freedom. On holding
the point fast and turning the tube Q, the carrier and its wire are moved
up or down, according to the direction in which the tube is turned. In

page_text: this
way the pencil wire is protruded or withdrawn at pleasure, and a fine point
continually presented for use without scraping or cutting.
What I claim as new and of my Invention is, the application of a ductile
metallic alloy in the form of a wire projected from a pencil case in the
manner and for the purpose herein-before described.
I also claim generally the use of ductile wire pencils for metallic memo-
randum books, whether such wire pencils are applied as herein-before
described, and shewn in Figures 25 and 26, or in any other manner.
In witness whereof, I, the said Josiah Longmore, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Second day of November, One thousand eight
hundred and forty-three.
JOSIAH (L.S.)
(L.s.) LONGMORE.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Second day of November, in
the year of our Lord 1843, the aforesaid Josiah Longmore came before our
said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form
above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according
to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.