IMPROVEMENTS IN PENCIL CASES AND HOLDERS FOR CRAYONS AND OTHER ARTICLES
Year: 1885

page_text: I, ERNST HEINRICH SCHMIDT of N° 12 Moorfields in the City of London, Agent
do hereby declare the nature of the said invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PENCIL
CASES AND HOLDERS FOR CRAYONS AND OTHER ARTICLES "
to be as follows: —
This invention relates to further improvements on the invention for which
I applied for Letters Patent on the 10th April 1884 N° 6237 the object of the
present improvements being to so arrange or construct the racks and other parts of
the cases or holders that the propelling of the lead and the opening of the case
shall be effected in a better manner.
In carrying out my present improvements I construct the pencil case or holder
with an outer tube having a collar or nozzle formed or fixed thereon, a lead carrier,
the end of which is provided with pins or projections which engage with the teeth
of the spring racks which may be of a semi circular form in cross section or of
other suitable shape and with a lead propelling pin working in the lead carrier, all
of the said parts being similar to those described in the specification of my said
former application for Letters Patent, the end of the said propelling pin is formed
of a conical shape and is provided with pins or projections similar to those on the
end of the lead carrier; the ends of the pins or projections on the lead carrier and
propelling pin move in slots in an inner or guide tube, which slot serves to limit
the outward motion of the lead carrier and the inward motion of the lead pro-
peller; at the inner end of the pencil case I provide a pair of springs of such a
shape that their outer ends can operate upon a conical end of the propelling pin so
as to propel the same when the pencil case is closed as hereinafter described; a push
piece is provided having a conical shaped end which when pushed inwards operates
first upon inward projections on the springs and then upon inward projections on
the racks. By this construction the pencil case being closed, in order to open the
same it is simply necessary to hold the pencil with its point downwards and then
by pressing on the push piece the springs will be opened outwards first and then
as the push piece is continued to be pressed inwards it will force open the spring
racks which will then release the projections or pins of the lead carrier and pro-
pelling pin respectively when these latter will fall so as to protrude from the pencil
case; pressure on the push piece being then removed the racks will close over the

page_text: pins and the lead carrier and propelling pin will be held firmly in position for usc.
To close the pencil case its position is reversed and the push piece is again pressed
inwards so as to release the pins as hereinbefore described when the lead carrier
and propelling pin will fall back within the pencil case; pressure being now removed
from the push piece, the projections on the spring racks in assuming their normal
or closed position will by bearing upon the conical end of the push piece force the
latter outwards; the teeth of the spring racks will close over the projections or pins
on the end of the lead carrier whereby the lead carrier will be firmly held in
position whilst the ends of the springs in closing will press upon the conical end of
the propelling pin, so as to propel the lead a predetermined distance.
The pencil case hereinbefore described may if required be provided with an
elongating tube similar to those described in the specification of my said former
application to which the push piece is attached and in this case it is preferable to
arrange and so form the push piece spring racks and springs that the push piece in
opening the racks and springs shall pass the projections on the said springs and
racks.
Instead of making the springs as hereinbefore described I may employ any other
suitable shape or form of springs and I sometimes make the slots for longitudinally
guiding the lead carrier and lead propeller in the spring racks in which case the
guide tube can be dispensed with but a second set of pins would be required on the
lead carrier and lead propeller.
If the case be required for holding a knife blade (or other article) the springs are
dispensed with and the spring racks are provided with notches or recesses which
receive pins or projections on the knife blade so as to fix the latter in its open or
closed positions; the said pins work in slots in the guide tube. The operation is
substantially the same as that herein before described and therefore needs no further
description. Or the spring racks may be arranged to be opened by means of push
pieces working through the sides of the case, between conical projections or lips on
the racks and the guide slot for guiding the pins on the knife blade or the like is
formed in the racks themselves. In an arrangement of case or holder which I have
found suitable for containing and operating two articles such as a knife blade and
a pen holder the spring racks are provided with two sets of notches, recesses or
teeth, and spiral springs are provided near each end of a guide tube which has a
longitudinal movement within the outer case; each end of the said guide tube bears
upon a flange or shoulder on the push pieces and the spiral springs are contained
between the said flanges or shoulders and the collars; the inward projections or
recesses in the spring racks receive corresponding projections on the guide tube to
allow of the outward movement or opening of the racks; springs are forined on or
fixed to the racks (similarly to the springs on the racks described in the Specifica-
tion of my said former application) at each end thereof which springs bear upon
collars fixed to the outer tube by means of pins (or otherwise) which pins pass
through slots and serve to prevent the rotation of the guide tube, the springs on
the racks serve to press the racks outwards when the pressure of the guide tube
thereon is released by one set of the projections of the guide tube entering the
corresponding recesses in the spring racks. In order to protrude the knife blade
-for example, the case is held with the end carrying the knife blade downward, the
push piece at the opposite end of the case is pressed inwards and the guide tube
will be thereby noved longitudinally until one set of its projections enter the
recesses in one end of the racks when the latter will be forced open by their springs
(which when not compressed are of a smaller diameter than the collars upon the
outer tube) acting on the collar and the knife blade will be released and will fall
out of the case; pressure on the push piece being then removed the spiral spring
which is at present compressed will force the guide tube to slide into its normal
position whereby the projections on the guide tube will come out of their recesses
and the racks will be thereby pressed together so as to close the recesses or teeth
thereof over the pins or projections on the inner end of the knife blade and the
latter will be held firmly in position for use. To protrude the pen holder it is

page_text: simply necessary to operate the push piece at the other end of the case when a
movement of the parts operating the pen holder similar to that hereinbefore
described for the knife blade will take place. The springs which serve to press the
racks outwards may be of any other suitable construction than that described.
Instead of the lead being propelled by means of the springs described in the first
mentioned arrangement I sometimes dispense with the said springs and the lead in
that case is propelled by means of the spring rack; the conical end of the lead pro-
peller, is formed in two parts, and is cut away so as to form only a portion of a
cone, one part of the conical end, is fixed on the end of the lead propeller, and
the other part slides on the lead propeller and can pass over or enclose the fixed
part a spring being placed between the two parts and serving to separate
them; a stop is provided on the lead propeller for limiting the movement
of the sliding part; the rack is formed with a slot, having a series of
triangular teeth which teeth operate upon the cone, when the rack is
closed, so as to move the cones forward in order to propel the lead as herein-
after described; the sliding part of the cones is formed with pins moving in
the said slot in the racks and serving to guide the cone and its longitudinal move-
ment; a projection or tooth is provided on the outer end of one of the racks which
tooth closes over the end of the lead carrier when the pencil case is closed so as to
limit the distance to which the lead shall be propelled; the pins on the lead carrier
move in slots in the guile tube, whereby the inward movement of the lead carrier
is limited; the inward projections on the racks are not of corresponding shape nor
do they coincide in position but are so arranged that when the push piece is pressed
inwards in order to open the racks, the conical end thereof comes first against the
projection on the rack which is not provided with the front tooth and thereby
opens the said rack; when this rack is opened sufficiently the sliding part of the
cone which abuts against the edge forming the base of the particular triangle of
the slot in which it is situated will be released from contact with the said slot and
be pressed by its spring against the stop on the lead propeller, as the push piece is
continued to be pressed inwards it comes against the projection on the other rack
and opens the same, when by holding the pencil case with its point downwards the
lead carrier will fall out of the case; by then removing pressure from the push
piece the racks will successively return to their closed position and hold the lead
carrier and propeller in position for use as herein before described; When the
pencil case is inverted and the push piece is pressed inwards the racks will open as
bereinbefore described and the lead carrier with the lead propeller will fall within
the case as far as the slot in the guide tube will allow its pins to pass; pressure
being removed from the push picce the rack having the front tooth will first close
and the projection or tooth will be brought over the point of the lead, and the lead
carrier will be held in position by the teeth of this rack the other rack then closing,
the apex of a triangle of the slot therein will thereby be brought to bear upon the
sliding part of the cone, which will be moved forward until it abuts against the base
of the triangle thereby slightly propelling the lead in the lead carrier; as the
rack continues to move inwards in closing, the slot will bear upon the fixed part of
the cone, and force it towards and into the other part, thereby propelling the lead
a short distance further and compressing the spring of the cone; upon again
opening the case the sliding part of the cone will as herein before described be
forced forward by its spring thereby automatically placing this part of the cone in
a position to enter the next tooth of the slot in the rack when the racks are again
closed in closing the pencil case.
The inner part of the cone of the lead propeller may consist of a pair of springs
and the racks can be provided with teeth or projections instead of the herein before
described slot. I can also employ an arrangement of springs for limiting the
propelling of the lead; the said springs are opened when required to open the
pencil case by means of a tube having a conicil end and operated by the push
piece to which it is attached; the guide tube is also formed with a slot working
over a pin connecting the push piece with the conically ended tube and serving to

page_text: rotate the guide tube and push piece and allow of them being moved longitudinally
as therein-after described; bayonet slots are formed in the conically ended tube;
the said slots serve to receive the pins of the lead carrier and hold it in position.
In this arrangement the pencil case being closed and held point downwards when
the push piece is pressed inwards the pin which connects the push piece with the
guide tube in moving in its slot will allow the push picce to move forward a
sufficient distance to open the spring racks and then by passing through an inclined
part of the slot will cause the push piece and conically ended tube to rotate so as
to release the pins on the lead carrier from the short part of the bayonet slot in the
guide tube and on the said pin reaching a straight part of the slot the push piece
and tube will again move longitudinally forward in the case and the conical end of
the tube will come against the springs which limit the movement of the lead and
will separate them and allow the lead carrier to protrude from the case; pressure
being removed from the push piece the spiral retracting spring will carry back the
push piece and tube and allow the limiting springs to embrace the lead carrier; as
the push piece continues to move back to its normal position it will be rotated
together with the conically ended tube by the pin which connects the guide tube
and the push piece again passing through the inclined part of the slot so as to lock
the pins of the lead carriers in the bayonet slots; as the pin on the push piece
passes through the inner longitudinal part of the slot the conical end of the push
piece will be brought out of contact with the projections of the spring racks when
the racks will close over the pins of the lead carrier and lead propeller as in the
arrangement first herein before described.
To close the pencil case it is inverted and the push piece being operated the parts
will be opened in the manner before described for opening the case and the lead
carrier will fall into the case as far as the slot in the guide tube will allow the pins
of the lead carrier to travel; the push piece being released the conically ended tube
by the recoil of the retracting spring, will be withdrawn from contact with the
limiting springs which will then close and a rotating movement will be given to
the tube and push piece so as to bring the bayonet slot into position to lock the
pins of the lead carrier; as the push piece continues to move outwards it will be
removed from contact with the racks which will then close over the pins of the lead
.carrier and propeller and the racks in closing will bring their inward projections at
first against the cone on the lead propeller thereby pressing it slightly forward so
as to slightly propel the lead; the said projections will then bear upon the springs
of the cone and compress them, at the same time forcing them into the cone and
the lead will be further propelled; when the racks are opened to open the pencil
case the springs of the coue will expand and force the cone forwards into its normal
position whereby a similar result is produced to that herein before described when
referring to the former arrangement of cone..
For the purpose of stopping the forward movement of the lead as it is propelled
any other suitable means than the herein-before described springs can be used.
When the pencil case or holder is constructed so as to be self feeding, self
propelling and self pointing the lead carrier is provided with a prolongation or tube
which is terminated by a funuel shaped end and having spring clips which pass into
the tube of the lead carrier so as to press on the lead when required as herein-after
described; the lead carrier is also provided with a pair of spring cones or clips passing
through and into the tube thereof and which can slide to a small extent on the said
tube and which are brought back into their normal position on the tube by a
spiral spring bearing upon the inner end of the lead carrier; the said spring cones
or clips serve to grip the lead and propel it when acted upon by the inward
projections on the spring racks; the push piece is made tubular or hollow and
serves to contain a supply of leads which are fed automatically into the tube of
the lead carrier by gravity as the lead in the tube is consumed; the tubular push
piece is formed conical at its inner end for the purpose of operating the spring
racks by bearing upon the inward projections thereof when pushed forward to
open or close the case; the tube of the lead carrier is partly contained and slides

page_text: within the push piece; the limiting springs conically ended tube and guide tube
are similar to those herein before described except that the bayonet slots are formed
in the guide tube and the longitudinal guide slots in the conically ended tube instead
of vice versa and the limiting springs are serrated or otherwise suitably formed so
as to point the lead as it is pressed against them. The operation is as follows.
The parts being in the closed position on pressing the tubular push piece the pin
will move along the inner longitudinal part of the slot and the coned end of the
push piece will come against the inward projections on the racks whereby they
will be opened out and pressure on the spring cones being thereby relieved they
will automatically open and be brought into their normal position by the spring;
as the pin passes through the inclined part of the slot the push piece and conically
ended tube will be rotated and the pins of the lead carrier will be released in a
similar manner to that hereinbefore described; as the pin passes through the outer
longitudinal part of the slot the conically ended tube will open the springs and if
the pencil case be now held point downwards the lead carrier with its tube will
fall and the lead carrier will be protruded; as the tube of the lead carrier moves
out of the tubular push piece its spring clips are compressed by the contracted or
conical end of the push piece so as to lightly press on the lead in order to prevent
the lead from falling out of the tube when the pencil case is inverted. Upon
pressure being removed from the push piece it, together with the conically ended
tube will be carried back by its spiral spring locking the pins on the lead carrier
in the slot as hereinafter described; the limiting springs will then close upon the
lead carrier and the outer ends of the racks will press upon the spring cones or
clips, so as to hold the lead firmly in position while the pencil case is being used.
To close the pencil case which is held point upwards for this purpose the push
piece being pressed inwards the parts will operate as herein-before described when
opening the pencil case and the lead carrier and tube will fall into the case. Upon
removing pressure from the push piece the conically ended tube in moving back
allows the limiting springs to close and the pin having then passed into the inclined
part of the slot the conically ended tube will be rotated so as to lock the pins
on the lead carrier in the bayonet slot; as the push piece and conically ended tube
continue to move back the racks will close and the projections thereon will press
upon the spring cones or clips so as to cause them to grip the lead and then to
slide forward thereby propelling the lead; as the end of the lead is pressed against
the roughened surfaces of the limiting springs it will become automatically pointed.
It will be obvious that when the end of the uppermost lead in the tube has passed
the ends of the clips as the lead is consumed, another length of lead will, when
the pencil case is being opened, fall into the lead receiving tube and between the
clips.
In a modification the pencil case is constructed in a somewhat similar manner
to that herein before described, but the rack teeth are formed in a cylindrical tube
which is in two parts the said parts being connected together by means of a
T shaped slot on one part which receives a correspondingly shaped projection on
the other part the said projection fitting loosely in the slot so as to allow of one
part being moved longitudinally for a short distance independently of the other
part, the push piece is attached to one part in any suitable manner and has a slot
for allowing the rack tube and push piece to be rotated and moved longitudinally;
the teeth of one rack are formed semicircular in shape and those of the other rack
are triangular the said teeth being formed on opposite sides of the tube and on
opposite sides of the slots.
To open a pencil case of this construction, as the push piece is pressed inwards.
it will move forward in a straight line a short distance equal to the length of the
short side of the slot thereby bringing one part of the rack tube in close contact
with the other part; at the same time the pins of the lead propellor being engaged
with one of the teeth of one of the parts of the rack the lead propellor will be
carried forward a like distance (whereby the pins of the lead propellor will be
brought in such a position as to enter the next tooth when the pencil case is

page_text: closed) and will propel the lead; the pin then passing along the inclined part of
the slot the rack tube will be caused to rotate and disengage the pins on the lead
carrier and propeller respectively from the teeth of the racks, the pin then passes
into the inclined part of the slot and the rack tube will move forward and open
the springs and the pencil case being held point downwards the lead carrier will
be protruded.
On pressure being removed from the push piece the retracting spring will carry
it back and will carry with it the rack tube thereby allowing the limiting springs
to embrace the lead carrier; and the pin working on the inclined part of the slot
will cause the push piece and rack tube, to rotate and cause the semi circular teeth
of the rack tube to close over the pins of the lead carrier and propeller respectively
thereby holding them firmly in position while the pencil case is being used. To
close the pencil case it is held point upwards and the push piece being pressed
inwards the operation of the parts will be similar to that herein before described
when explaining the manner in which the pencil case is opened; the lead carrier
having fallen within the pencil case as far as the slot, in the guide tube, will allow,
the pins of the lead carrier and the pins of the lead propeller will be caused (by
the action of the pin on the push piece in passing through the slot) to enter the
teeth of the rack tubes; the lowermost of the semi circular teeth of one of the
rack tubes, will hold the lead carrier firmly in position whilst the inclined edges of
one of the teeth of the other rack tube pressing upon the pins of the lead propeller
will force the latter forward until it abuts against the base of the said tooth, and
the lead propeller at the same time slightly propels the lead; the lead is
automatically pointed in a similar manner to that herein before described.
Pencil cases of the class known as ever pointed or "Artists" pencil cases are
provided, with a single rack tube, having one series of teeth similar in shape to
those of the spring racks of the first herein described arrangement; the rack tube
is provided with a pin which passes through and works in the inclined slot in the
push piece or tube whereby the rack tube can be rotated; the part of the push
piece or tube in which the slot is formed fitting friction wise over the end of the
rack tube; the lead receiving tube is fixed at one end to the nozzle, and is
provided at its other end with a flange or collar fitting into the push piece or tube
and serving as a stop to the inward longitudinal movement of the rack tube and
against the other side of which bears the spiral retracting spring in the push piece
or tube ; the other end of the spring bears against the closed end of the push piece
or tube and in this manner tends to keep the rack tube in its normal position;
the lead fits frictionwise in the nozzle and lead tube which is provided with a slot
through which passes the pin of the lead propeller and serves to guide the saine,
the outer case of the pencil case or holder is arranged to slide for a certain distance
over the inner part thereof so as to encloze the nozzle when the pencil case is not
required for use and thereby forming a protection for the point of the lead.
In order to open the pencil case or holder pressure being applied to the push
piece or tube, it will carry with it the rack tube, and lead propeller until the outer
end of the rack tube comes against the nozzle and the lead will have been propelled
a distance equal to the said longitudinal movement; as the pressure is continued
the pin on the rack tube working in the slot causes the rack tube to rotate thereby
disengaging the pin on the lead propeller; the pressure will then be directly upon
the lead receiving tube and nozzle whereby they will be forced along the outer case
so as to protrude the nozzle; pressure being removed the recoil of the retracting
spring will cause the push piece or tube to carry back the rack tube, longitudinally
until the latter reaches the flange or collár on the lead receiving tube, and the slot
on the push piece will then cause the rack tube to rotate and again engage the pin,
in one of the teeth and the pencil case will be ready for use. If it is required to
further propel the lead it is simply necessary to apply pressure to the push piece or
tube when the rack tube will operate on the pin of the lead propeller as herein-
before described. When required to sheath or protect the point or nozzle it is only
necessary to-pull back the push piece, the push piece is formed hexagonal in cross

page_text: section and slides in a correspondingly shaped flange or collar on the end of the
outer case for the purpose of preventing the rotation of the push piece, or any
other suitable means may be employed for this purpose.
It will be obvious that a pointing or sharpening device similar to that herein-
before described can be applied to the form of pencil last hereinbefore described
and if found desirable the rack tube can be formed with two series of teeth formed
on opposite edges of their respective slots as herein before described; the teeth in
the rack tube may be formed in the opposite direction in which case one of the
teeth of the rack tube would move forward the pin of the lead propeller when a
rotatory motion is given to the said rack tube.
.
An arrangement for propelling the lead similar to that hereinbefore described
may be adapted for use with an "everpointed" or "Artists" pencil case.
For this purpose the slots in the spring racks are formed with rectangular shaped
teeth or projections and the lead propeller is provided with a pair of spring cones
which are operated by the said teeth in the slot, in the following manner :-The
push piece being pressed the racks and spring cones will open, and on pressure being
removed the racks will close and first compress the spring, cones, and then by
pressing on the inclined surfaces thereof will propel the lead propeller and the lead
a predetermined distance.
When the racks are opened the spring cones in expanding will bring their outer
edges slightly forward so as to be in a position to enter the next tooth and so on;
the pins or projections on the lead propeller move in the slots in the guide tube
and serve to guide the lead propeller longitudinally.
The arrangement of parts for propelling the lead and providing an automatic
constant feed can be adapted for use with an "ever pointed" or "Artist's" pencil
case.
In such arrangement the spring cones or clips are formed or fixed on the lead
tube, and are made sufficiently elastic to allow of a longitudinal compression of the
same; the spring clips on the lead tube are dispensed with and instead of the
funnel shaped end of the said tube the conical or contracted end of the hollow push
piece serves to guide the leads into the lead tube.
The action is as follows-pressure being applied to the push piece the racks will
open and the spring cones or jaws will then open away from the lead and will
expand longitudinally; upon releasing the push piece the spring racks in closing
will force back the push piece and the recesses or teeth will bear upon the cones,
and will first cause them to grip the lead and then will compress them longi-
tudinally so as to cause the lead to be carried forward or propelled; it will be
obvious that as the lead in the tube is consumed the leads in the supply push tube
will be fed into the tube and I may employ the herein before described arrangement
of Spring cones or clips.
I sometimes employ spring racks similar to those first herein described but so
arranged as to allow of their being moved longitudinally the said movement being
limited by projections on a collar working in slots in the guide tube or in any
other suitable manner; the inner end of the push piece fits friction wise between
the racks and collar so as to carry the racks a certain distance longitudinally with
it. To propel the lead the pencil case is held point downwards, pressure is applied
to the push piece and the racks will be thereby moved forward as far as the slots
will allow the projection in the collar to move; the lead propeller the pins of
which are engaged with the teeth of the racks will be thereby moved forward the
saine distance and pressure being continued the push piece will open the racks and
disengage their teeth from the pins Upon pressure being removed the push piece
and the racks will be carried back together by the retracting spring until the collar
abuts against the inner part of the guide tube when the retracting spring in
continuing to expand will draw back the push piece out of contact with the
projections of the racks which will then close over the pius and the lead propeller
and lead will be held firmly in position for use.

page_text: I sometimes provide this form of pencil case with a suitable arrangement (such
as that herein before described) for withdrawing the nozzle within the case in order
to protect the point of the lead when not in use in which case the nozzle would be
fixed to the lead receiving tube as described in the said figures and other suitable
means than those shewn and described may be employed for effecting the longi-
tudinal and lateral movement of the spring racks.
Instead of employing a push piece or. pieces as hereinbefore described I can use
any other suitable means for operating the racks.
I do not confine myself to the exact shape or form of the slots or projections for
operating the cone as a similar result might be effected with other forms as will be
well understood, neither do I limit myself to the particular form of spring cones on
the lead propeller as I may use any form of cone or cones which will automatically
reassume their normal position for the purpose described.
The form of the rotating slots as also the slots which are arranged in combination
therewith can be varied if found desirable and may be otherwise suitably combined
to effect similar purposes to those herein described or other suitable means may be
used for effecting the longitudinal and rotating movement of the rack tube.
Although I have described the device for pointing the lead as consisting of
springs any other suitable arrangement may be employed for this purpose.

page_text: Improvements in Pencil Cases and Holders for Crayons and
other Articles.
I ERNST HEINRICH SCHMIDT of N° 12 Moorfields in the city of London, Agent
do hereby declare the nature of the said invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PENCIL,
CASES AND HOLDERS FOR CRAYONS AND OTHER ARTICLES," and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
This invention relates to further improvements on the invention for which
Letters Patent were granted to me dated the 10th April 1884 N° 6,237 the object
of the present improvements being to so arrange or construct the racks and other
parts of the cases or holders that the propelling of the lead and the opening of the.
case shall be effected in a better manner.
In order to enable my invention to be fully understood I will describe the same
by reference to the accompanying drawing in which figures 1 and 2, are longi-
tudinal sections of a pencil case constructed according to the present improvements
and in which the lead is automatically propelled by the act of closing the pencil
case, the pencil case being shewn closed; figure 3, is a similar view to figure 1, but
shewing the parts of the pencil case in their open position; figure 4 is a transverse
section on line A, B of figure 1; figure 5, is a similar view to figure 1, but shewing.
the pencil case provided with an elongating tube, figure 6, is a longitudinal section
of part of the pencil case shewn in figure 5; figures 7 and 8 are longitudinal
sections shewing a double case or holder for a knife and a pen holder, figure 7
shewing the pen holder within and the knife protruded from the case and the
racks in their open position at the knife end and figure 8, shewing both the knife
and penholder within the case and the racks closed; figure 9, is a plan view partly
in section of figure 8; figure 10, is a transverse section on line E, F, of figure 7;
figures 11 and 12 are longitudinal sections of a pencil case in which the lead is
propelled as it is consumed by means of one of the spring racks acting on the
end of the lead propeller by the act of closing the case the pencil case being shewn
closed; figure 13 is a similar view to figure 11, but shewing the parts of the pencil
case in their open position; figure 14 is a detached elevation of the propelling
rack; figures 15 and 16 are similar views to figures 11 and 12, but shewing an
arrangement in which the lead is propelled by both the racks acting on the end
of the lead propeller; figure 17 is a longitudinal section of one of the parts of the
pencil case; figure 18, is a longitudinal section of a self feeding, self propelling and
self pointing pencil case or holder, the racks being shewn in their open position
and the lead carrier within the case; figure 19 is a similar view to figure 18 but
shewing the racks closed; figure 20 is a horizontal section of figure 19; figure 21
is a longitudinal section of a pencil case or holder in which a rotating and longi-
tudinal movement is communicated to the racks to open the pencil case and propel
the lead the pencil case being shewn closed; figure 22 is a horizontal section of
figure 21; figure 23 is a similar view to figure 21, but shewing the lead carrier
protruded; figures 24 and 25, are a detached longitudinal elevation and section
..

page_text: respectively of the racks; figure 26 is a longitudinal section of a pencil case or
holder of a similar construction to that shewn in figures 21 to 25 except that the
nozzle of the pencil case is fixed and is arranged to slide in an outer or protecting
case the rack being shewn partly in elevation and the nozzle within the outer case;
figure 27, is a similar view to figure 26, but shewing the rack in elevation and the 5
nozzle of the pencil case protruded; figure 28, is a horizontal section of figure 26;
figure 29 is a section on the line I, J, of figure 26, figure 30 is a detached elevation
of the rack. Figure 31, is a longitudinal section partly in elevation of a pencil
case similar in construction to that shewn in figures 26 to 30 with the exception
that the rack tube and other parts are arranged so that the former does not rotate; 1
figure 32 is a horizontal section of figure 31; figure 33 is a detached elevation of
part of the pencil case; figure 34 is a longitudinal section of a pencil case with a
fixed nozzle in which the lead is propelled by means of spring racks working over
a cone on the lead propeller the racks being shewn closed; figure 35 is a similar
view to figure 34, but shewing the racks open; figure 30, is a horizontal section of
figure 34, shewing the racks in plan view; figure 37, is a longitudinal section of a
pencil case or holder with fixed nozzle and provided with an arrangement for self
feeding and self propelling the leads the racks being closed; figure 38, is a similar
view to figure 37, but shewing the racks open; figure 39 is a longitudinal section
of a pencil case or holder with fixed nozzle and in which the lead is propelled by
spring racks closing over a pin in the lead propeller and moving longitudinally;
figure 40 is a transverse section on line G, H, of figure 39.
Similar letters in all the figures represent similar or corresponding parts.
Referring to figures 1 to 4, a, is the outer tube of the pencil case or holder
having a collar or nozzle 6, formed or fixed thereon; c, is the lead carrier, the end,
of which is provided with pins or projections d, d, which engage with the teeth of
the spring racks e, which are shewn of a semi-circular form in the figures but
which may be of other suitable shape; fis the lead propelling pin working in the
lead carrier c, all of the said parts being similar to those described in the specifica-
tion of my said former Letters Patent; the end g, of the said propelling pin is
formed of a conical shape as shewn and provided with pins or projections h, h,
similar to those on the end of the lead carrier c, the ends of the pins or projections d,
and h, move in slots i, in an inner or guide tube j, which slot serves to limit the
outward motion of the lead carrier c, and the inward motion of the lead propeller f;
at the inner end of the pencil case I provide a pair of springs k, of such a shape
that their outer ends operate upon the conical end g, of the propelling pin f, so as
to propel the same, when the pencil case is closed as hereinafter described; 7, is a
push piece having a conical shaped end which when pushed inwards operates first
upon inward projections m, on the springs k, and then upon inward projections n,
on the racks e. By this construction the pencil case being closed as shewn in
figures 1 and 2, in order to open the same it is simply necessary to hold the pencil
with its point downwards and then by pressing on the push piece l, the springs k,
will be opened outwards first and then as the push piece is continued to be pressed
inwards it will force open the spring racks e, which will then release the projections
or pins d, and h, of the lead carrier and propelling pin respectively when these
latter will fall so as to protrude from the pencil case; pressure on the push piece Ɩ,
being then removed the racks e, will close over the pins d, and h, and the lead
carrier and propelling pin will be held firmly in position for use.
To close the
pencil case its position is reversed and the push piece l, is again pressed inwards. 80
as to release the pins d and h, as herein before described when the lead carrier and
propelling pin will fall back within the pencil case; pressure being now removed
from the push piece l, the projections n, on the spring racks e, in assuming their
normal or closed position will by bearing upon the conical end of the push piece 7,
. force the latter outwards; the teeth of the spring racks will close over the pro-
jections or pins d, whereby, the lead carrier will be firmly held in position whilst
the ends of the springs.,, in closing will press upon the conical end g, of the pro-
pelling pin, so as to propel the lead a predetermined' distance,

page_text: The construction and operation of the pencil case shewn in figures 5 and 6, is
similar to that herein before described and shewn in figures 1 to 4 with the exception
that it is provided with an elongating tube o, similar to those described in the
specification of my said former patent to which the push piece l, is attached and in
this case it is preferable to arrange and so form the push piece l, spring racks e,
and springs k, that the push piece in opening the racks and springs shall pass the
projections n and m, as shewn in the drawing.
Instead of making the springs, figures 1 to 6, as shewn in the drawing I may
employ any other suitable shape or form of springs and I sometimes make the
slots i, for longitudinally guiding the lead carrier and lead propeller in the spring
racks 6, in which case the guide tube j, can be dispensed with but a second set of
pins would be required on the lead carrier and lead propeller.
The arrangement of case or holder shewn in figures 7 to 10 is that which I have
found suitable for containing and operating two articles such as a knife blade c
and a pen holder c¹. In this arrangement the spring racks e, are provided with
two set of notches, recesses or teeth p, and pl, and spiral springs q, and q', are
provided near each end of a guide tube j, which has a longitudinal movement
within the outer case a; each end of the said tube j, bears upon a flange or
shoulder and on the push pieces, and the springs q, and q¹, are contained
between the flanges or shoulders r and r¹, and the collars b and b¹; n and n¹ are
the inward projections or recesses in the spring racks e, which receive corresponding
projections 8 and 8¹, on the guide tubo j, to allow of the outward movement or
opening of the racks e, t, t, are springs formed on or fixed to the racks e, (similarly
to the springs on the racks described in the specification of my said former Letters
Patent) at each end thereof which springs, bear upon collars u, and u¹ fixed to the
tube a, by means of pins v (or otherwise) which pins pass through slots i, and servo
to prevent the rotation of the guide tube j; the springs t, serve to press the racks e,
outwards when the pressure of the guide tube thereon is released by the projec-
tions 8 or 81, entering the recesses n, or n'. In order to protrude the knife blade c,
for example, the parts being in the position shown in figure 8, the case is held
with the end carrying the knife blade downward the push piece U, is pressed
inwards and the guide tube j, will be thereby moved longitudinally until its pro-
jections 8, enter the recesses n in the racks e, when the latter will be forced open
by their springs t, (which when not compressed are of a smaller diameter than the
collars u and u,) acting on the collar u, and the knife blade c will be released and
will fall out of the case into the position shewn in figure 7; pressure on the push
piece, being then removed the spring q, which is at present compressed will force
the guide tube j, to slide into its normal position whereby the projections 8, will
come out of the recesses n, and the racks e, will be thereby pressed together so as
to close the recesses p, thereof over the pins or projections d, on the inner end of
the knife blade c, and the latter will be held firmly in position for use. To protrude
the pen holder c¹, it is simply necessary to operate the push piece l, at the other end
of the case when a movement of the parts operating the pen holder similar to that
herein before described for the knife blade will take place. The springs t, t, may be
of any other suitable construction than that shewn.
The pencil case shewn in figures 11 to 14 is similar to that shewn in figures 1, 2
and 3, with the exception that instead of the lead being propelled by means of the
springs, these springs are dispensed with and the lead is propelled by means of
the spring rack e¹, the conical end of the lead propeller f is formed in two parts g,
and g¹, and is cut away so as to form only a portion of a cone of the shape shewn
in the drawing: the part g, is fixed on the end of the lead propeller f, and the
part gl slides on the lead propeller and can pass over or enclose the part g, a
spring w, being placed between the two parts and serving to separate them; x, is
a stop on the lead propeller for limiting the sliding movement of the part g¹, the
rack e', is formed with a slot y, having a series of triangular teeth as shewn which
teeth operate upon the cones g and g¹, when the rack el, is closed so as to move the
cones g, and g', forward in order to propel the lead as hereinafter described'; h¹, are

page_text: pins moving in the slots y, and z, in the racks e and e¹, respectively and serving to
guide the cones g and gl in their longitudinal movement; a², is a projection or tooth
on the outer end of the rack e, which closes over the end of the lead carrier c;
when the pencil case is closed as shewn in figures 11 and 12 so as to limit the
distance to which the lead shall be propelled; the pins d, on the lead carrier c,
move in slots i, in the guide tube j, whereby the inward movement of the lead
carrier is limited; the projections n and n', on the racks e, and e¹, respectively are
not of corresponding shape nor do they coincide in position but are so arranged
that (the parts being in the position shewn in figures 11 and 12) when the push
piece 7, is pressed inwards in order to open the racks, the conical end thereof comes
first against the projection n¹, and thereby opens the rack e¹; when the rack e¹, is
opened sufficiently the cone g¹, which abuts against the edge forming the base of
the particular triangle of the slot y, in which it is situated will be released from
contact with the said slot and be pressed by its spring against the stop x, on the
lead propeller f; as the push piece is continued to be pressed inwards it comes
against the projection n, and opens the rack e, when by holding the pencil case
with its point downwards the lead carrier will fall out of the case as shewn in
figure 13; by then removing pressure from the push piece 7, the racks e, and e¹, will
successively return to their closed position and hold the lead carrier c, and propeller f
in position for use as hereinbefore described; when the pencil case is inverted and
the push piece 7, is pressed inwards the racks will open as herein before described
and the lead carrier c, with the lead propeller f, will fall within the case as far as
the slot i in the guide tube j, will allow its pins to pass; pressure being removed
from the push piece l, the rack e, will first close and the projection or tooth a¹, will
be brought over the point of the lead, and the lead carrier will be held in position by
the teeth of the rack e, the rack e¹, then closing the apex of a triangle of the sloty,
will thereby be brought to bear upon the cone g¹, and the cone will be moved
forward until it abuts against the base of the triangle thereby slightly propelling
the lead in the lead carrier; as the rack e¹, eontinues to move inwards in closing,
the slot will bear upon the cone g, and force it towards and into the cone g¹,
thereby propelling the lead a short distance further and compressing the spring w;
upon again opening the case the cone g', will as hereinbefore described be forced
forward by the spring w, thereby automatically placing the cone in a position to
enter the next tooth of the slot y, when the racks are again closed in closing the
pencil case.
In figures 15, 16 and 17 the inner part of the cone of the lead propeller f
consists of a pair of springs g, and I have shewn the racks e, provided with teeth
or projections instead of the slot y, shewn in figure 14. In this pencil case I have
also shewn an arrangement of springs a¹, for limiting the propelling of the lead;
the springs a¹, are opened when required to open the pencil case by means of a
tube j, having a conical end and operated by the push piece 7, to which it is
attached; the guide tube j, is also formed with a slot f¹, working over a pin a²,
connecting the push piece l, with the tube j¹, and serving to rotate the tube j', and
push piece l, and allow of them being moved longitudinally as hereinafter described;
bayonet slots k, k, are formed in the tube j¹, as shewn in figure 17 which is a
longitudinal section of this tube; the said slots k', serve to receive the pins d, of
the lead carrier and hold it in position. In this arrangement the pencil case being
closed as shewn in figure 15, and held point downwards when the push piece, is
pressed inwards the pin a², in moving in the slot f¹, will allow the push piece to
move forward a sufficient distance to open the spring racks e, and then by passing
through the inclined part of the slot f¹ will cause the push piece 1, and tube ₁₁,
to rotate so as to release the pins d, on the lead carrier c, from the short part of the
bayonet slot k¹, and on the pin a², reaching the straight part of the slot f', the
push piece l, and tube j¹, will again move longitudinally forward in the case and
the conical end of the tube 1, will come against the springs a', and will separate
them and allow the lead carrier to protrude from the case a, as shewn in figure 16;
pressure being removed from the push piece 7, the spring 9, will carry back the

page_text: push piece l, and tube j³, and allow the springs a¹, to embrace the lead carrier c; as
the push piece l, continues to move back to its normal position it will be rotated
together with the tube j, by the pin a², again passing through the inclined part of
the slot f¹, so as to lock the pins d, of the lead carrier in the bayonet slots k¹; as
the pin a³, passes through the inner longitudinal part of the slot f¹, the conical end
of the push piece 7, will be brought out of contact with the projections n, of the
spring racks e, when the racks will close over the pins of the lead carrier e, and
lead propeller f, as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 4.
To close the pencil case it is inverted and the push piece l, being operated the
parts will be opened in the manner before described for opening the case and the
lead carrier c, will fall into the case as far as the slot in the guide tube j, will allow
the pins d, of the lead carrier c, to travel; the push piece 7, being released the
tube, by the recoil of the spring q, will be withdrawn from contact with the
springs a¹, which will then close and a rotating movement will be given to the tube j',
and push piece, so as to bring the bayonet slot k¹, into position to lock the pins d,
of the lead carrier c; as the push piece continues to move outwards it will be
removed from contact with the racks e, into the position shewn in figure 15, and
the racks will then close over the pins of the lead carrier and propeller and the
racks in closing will bring the inward projections y, at first against the cone g¹, on
the lead propeller thereby pressing it slightly forward so as to slightly propel the
lead; the projections y, will then bear upon the springs g, and compress them at
the same time forcing them into the cone g¹, as in figure 15, and the lead will be
further propelled; when the racks are opened to open the pencil case the springs g,
will expand and force the cone g³, forward into its normal position as shewn in
figure 16 whereby a similar result is produced to that herein before described when
referring to the cone g, gl, in figures 11 to 14.
For the purpose of stopping the forward movement of the lead as it is propelled,
any other suitable means than the spring a', can be used.
In the self feeding, self propelling, and self pointing pencil case or holder shewn
in figures 18, 19 and 20, the lead carrier c, is provided with a prolongation or
tube 62, which is terminated by a funnel shaped end c³, and having spring clips d²,
which pass into the tube b, so as to press on the lead e², when required as herein-
after described; the lead carrier c is also provided with a pair of spring cones or
clips g, passing through and into the tube b, and which can slide to a small extent
on the tube 63, of the lead carrier and which are brought back into their normal
position on the tube bs, by a spiral spring w, bearing upon the inner end of the
lead carrier c; the said spring cones or clips g, serve to grip the lead and propel it
when acted upon by the inward projections y, on the spring racks e; the push
piece l, is made tubular or hollow as shewn and serves to contain a supply of leads
which are fed automatically into the tube 62, by gravity as the lead in the tube b²,
is consumed; the tubular push piece l, is formed conical at its inner end for the
purpose of operating the spring racks e, by bearing upon the projections n, when
pushed forward to open or close the case; the tube 2, is partly contained and slides
within the push piece or tube l, the springs a', tube j', and guide tube j, are similar
to those shewn in figures 15, 16, and 17, except that the bayonet slots k¹, are
formed in the guide tube j; and the longitudinal guide slots i, in the tube j¹, instead
of vicê versâ and the springs a¹, are serrated or otherwise suitably formed so as to
point the lead as it is pressed against them. The operation is as follows: The parts
being in the closed position as shewn in figures 19 and 20, on pressing the tubular
push piece 7, the pin a², will move along the inner longitudinal part of the slot f¹,
and the coned end of the push piece l, will come against the inward projections n, on
the racks e, whereby they will be opened out and pressure on the spring cones g,
being thereby relieved they will automatically open and be brought into their
normal position by the spring w; as the pin a², passes through the inclined part of
the slot f', the push piece l, and tube j, will be rotated and the pins d, of the lead
carrier c, will be released in a similar manner to that described when referring to
figures 15, 16 and 17; as the pin a², passes through the outer longitudinal part of

page_text: the slot f¹, the tube j¹, will open the springs a¹, and if the pencil case be now held
point downwards the lead carrier c, with its tube 62, will fall and the lead carrier
will be protruded, the parts being in the position shewn in figure 18; as the tube b²,
of the lead carrier moves out of the tubular push piece , its spring clips d², are
compressed by the contracted or conical end of the push piece l, so as to lightly
press on the lead e², in order to prevent the lead from falling out of the tube b³,
when the pencil case is inverted. Upon pressure being removed from the push
piece, it together with the tube j', will be carried back by its spiral spring q
locking the pins d, on the lead carrier c, in the slot k', as hereinafter described;
the springs a', will then close upon the lead carrier c, and the outer ends of the
racks e, will press upon the spring cones or clips g, so as to hold the lead e², firmly
in position while the pencil case is being used. To close the pencil case which is
held point upwards for this purpose the push piece being pressed inwards the parts
will operate as herein-before described when opening the pencil case and the lead
carrier c, and tube 62, will fall into the case. Upon removing pressure from the
push piece, the tube j¹, in moving back allows the springs a¹, to close and the
pin a², baving then passed into the inclined part of the slot f¹, the tube j', will be
rotated so as to lock the pins d, on the lead carrier in the bayonet slot k¹; as the
tubes and j¹, continue to move back, the racks e, will close and the projections y,
thereon will press upon the spring cones or clips g, so as to cause them to grip the
lead e, and then to slide forward thereby propelling the lead; as the end of the
lead is pressed against the roughened surfaces of the springs a¹, it will become
automatically pointed. It will be obvious that when the end of the upperinost
lead in the tube b, has passed the ends of the clips d', as the lead is consumed,
another length of lead will when the pencil case is being opened fall into the tube b³,
and between the clips d².
The pencil case shewn in figures 21 to 25 is constructed in a somewhat similar
manner to that hereinbefore described when referring to figures 15, 16 and 17 but
the rack teeth are formed in a cylindrical tube which is in two parts e, and e¹, as
shewn in figures 24 and 25, the said parts being connected together in the manner
shewn by means of a T shaped slot f2, in the part e, which receives a Corre-
spondingly shaped projection g', on the part e', the said projection g², fitting loosely
in the slot f, so as to allow of the part e¹, being moved longitudinally for a short
distance independently of the part e; the push piece l, is attached to the part e¹, in
any suitable manner and has a slot f¹ for allowing the rack tube e, e', and push
piece, to be rotated and moved longitudinally; the teeth of the rack e, are
formed semi-circular in shape and those of the rack el, are triangular the said teeth
being formed on opposite sides of the tube and on opposite sides of the slots as
shewn in figures 23 and 25 respectively.
To open a pencil case of this construction the parts being in the position shewn
in figures 21 and 22 as the push piece l, is pressed inwards it will move forward in
a straight line a short distance equal to the length of the short side h2, of the
slot, thereby bringing the part el, of the rack tube in close contact with the
part e; at the same time the pins h, of the lead propeller f, being engaged with one
of the teeth of the part e¹, the lead propeller will be carried forward a like
distance (whereby the pins h, of the lead propeller f, will be brought in such a
position as to enter the next tooth of the part e¹, when the pencil case is closed)
and will propel the lead; the pin a², then passing along the inclined part of the
slot f, the rack tube e, e¹ will be caused to rotate and disengage the pins d, and h,
on the lead carrier and propeller respectively from the teeth of the racks; the
pin a², then passes into the part 2, of the slot f¹, and the rack tube will move
forward and open the springs a¹, and the pencil case being held point downwards
the lead carrier will be protruded as shewn in figure 23. On pressure being
removed from the push piece 7, the spring q, will carry it back and will carry with
it the rack tube e, e¹, thereby allowing the springs a', to embrace the lead carrier c,
and the pin a², working on the inclined part 12, of the slot, will cause the push
piece l, and rack tube e, e¹, to rotate and cause the semi-circular teeth of the rack

page_text: tube e, to close over the pins d, and h, of the lead carrier and propeller respectively
thereby holding them firmly in position while the pencil case is being used.
To close the pencil case it is held point upwards and the push piece l, being
pressed inwards the operation of the parts will be similar to that hereinbefore
described when explaining the manner in which the pencil case is opened; the
lead carrier having fallen within the pencil case as far as the slot i, in the guide
tube j, will allow, the pins d, of the lead carrier and the pins h, of the lead
propeller will be caused (by the action of the pin a, in passing through the
slot 1) to enter the teeth of the rack tubes e, and el, respectively; the lowermost
of the semi-circular teeth of the rack tube e, will hold the lead carrier c, firmly in
position whilst the inclined edges of one of the teeth of the rack tube c¹, pressing
upon the pins h, of the lead propeller f, will force the latter forward until it abuts
against the base of the said tooth, and the lead propeller f, at the same time slightly
propels the lead; the lead is automatically pointed in a similar manner to that
described when referring to figures 18 and 20.
The pencil case shewn in figures 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, which is of that class
known as ever pointed or "Artists" pencil cases is provided with a single rack
tube e, having one series of teeth similar in shape to those of the spring racks
shewn in figure 3; the rack tube e, is provided with a pin a², which passes through
and works in the inclined slot f¹, in the push piece or tube 7, whereby the rack
tube can be rotated; the part of the push piece or tube 7, in which the slot f¹, is
formed fitting friction wise over the end of the rack tube e; the lead receiving
tube 62, is fixed at one end to the nozzle b, and is provided at its other end with a
flange or collar ja, fitting into the push piece or tube l, and serving as a stop to the
inward longitudinal movement of the rack tube e, and against the other side of
which bears the spiral spring q, in the push piece or tube ; the other end of the
spring q, bears against the closed end of the push piece or tube 1, and in this
manner tends to keep the rack tube e, in its normal position as shewn in figures 26
and 28, the lead e, fits frictionwise in the nozzle b, and lead tube 62, which is
provided with a slot i, through which passes the pink, of the lead propeller f,
and serves to guide the same; the outer case a, of the pencil case or holder is
arranged to slide for a certain distance over the inner part thereof so as to enclose
the nozzle b, when the pencil case is not required for use and thereby forming a
protection for the point of the lead.
In order to open the pencil case or holder the parts being in the position shewn
in figure 26, pressure being applied to the push piece or tube l, it will carry with
it the rack tube e, and lead propeller f, until the outer end m², of the rack tube e,
comes against the nozzle b, and the lead will have been propelled a distance equal
to the said longitudinal movement; as the pressure is continued the pin a², on the
rack tube e, working in the slot f¹, causes the rack tube c, to rotate thereby
disengaging the pin h, on the lead propeller f, the pressure will then be directly
upon the lead receiving tube 62, and nozzle b, whereby they will be forced along
the outer case a, so as to protrude the nozzle b, as shewn in figure 27; pressure
being removed the recoil of the spring q, will cause the push piece or tube l, to
carry back the rack tube e, longitudinally until the latter reaches the flange or
collar j, on the lead receiving tube 62, and the slot f¹, on the push piece 7, will
then cause the rack tube e, to rotate and again engage the pin h, in one of the
teeth and the pencil case will be ready for use. If it is required to further propel
the lead it is simply necessary to apply pressure to the push piece or tube l, when
the rack tube e, will operate on the pin h, of the lead propeller as herein before
described. When required to sheath or protect the point or nozzle it is only
necessary to pull back the push piece l, into the position shewn in figures 26
and 28; the push piece is formed hexagonal in cross section and slides in a
similarly shaped flange or collar on the end of the outer case a, as shewn in figure 29
for the purpose of preventing the rotation of the push piece or any other suitable
means may be employed for this purpose.

page_text: It will be obvious that a pointing or sharpening device similar to that shewn in
figures 21 and 23 can be applied to the form of pencil case last herein before
described and if found desirable the rack tube e, can be formed with two series of
teeth formed on opposite edges of their respective slots as herein before described
and shewn in figures 21 to 25; the teeth in the rack tube e, may be formed in the
opposite direction to that shewn in figure 30 in which case one of the teeth of the
rack tube e, would move forward the pin h, of the lead propeller when a rotatory
motion is given to the said rack tube.
It will be well understood that in some cases I can forin the rack tube and push
piece in one piece and in this case an inclined slot or slots would be provided
therein which would allow of a slight longitudinal movement of the rack tube
independently of that produced when the same is rotating; the teeth of the rack
moreover are preferably formed in the opposite direction to that shewn in figures 26
to 30.
Instead of the lead receiving tube being fixed and the rack tube sliding longi-
tudinally as described and shewn in figures 26 to 30 I sometimes arrange the lead
receiving tube so that it shall have a longitudinal movement whilst the rack tube
has only a rotating movement.
For this purpose the rack tube is provided with slots having an inclined and two
straight portions similar to the slots shewn at f¹ in figure 19; the lead receiving
tube has a straight slot on one side of nearly the same length as the hereinbefore
described slot in the rack tube; through the said slots passes a pin on the push
piece; the spring in the push piece bears agaiust one end of the rack tube and the
other end of the rack tube abuts against a stop in the collar of the pencil case.
In this case when the push piece is pressed the pin thereof will rotate the rack
tube and on abutting against one end of the short straight slot in the lead receiving
tube the said pin will push forward the lead receiving tube as far as it can move
in one of the straight parts of the slots in the rack tube whereby the pin of the
lead propeller will be moved forward the distance of one tooth; on pressure being
removed the rack tube will be rotated in the reverse direction and the pin of the
lead propeller will become fixed in the rack; the pin of the push piece will then
press against the other end of the slot in the lead receiving tube and will pull the
latter back the distance of the other straight parts of the slots in the rack tube
thereby uncovering or protruding a predetermined length of lead. In order to
prevent the rotation of the push piece it is made polygonal as hereinbefore described
and shewn in figure 29 or a guide tube can be provided for this purpose.
Or instead of the rack tube being free to rotate it can be fixed to the collar or
outer case and in this case the lead receiving tube has a longitudinal as well as a
rotating movement and the inclined slots and the short straight slot are in the
push piece. This arrangement is shewn at figures 31 and 32.
f, is the straight slot and f¹, f', are the two inclined slots in the push piece;
the spring g abuts against the rack tube e; the guide pin a³, passes right through
the end of the rack tube e, into the inclined slots f¹.
The lead receiving tube i, may fit loosely so as to fall by gravity or it may fit
frictionwise.
For convenience of description I have shewn the said tube i, fitting friction wise.
The rack tube e, is fixed to the collar b and case a, and cannot therefore rotate,
whilst the lead tube i, is as herein before described so arranged as to allow of a
longitudinal and rotating movement.
On pressure being brought to bear on the push piece it will be caused to first
move a short distance forward longitudinally until the guide pin a², comes against
the diagonal part of the slots f, when the push piece will be rotated thereby
rotating the pin a¹, in the slot f, which will cause the lead receiving tube i, to
rotate until the pin h, on the lead propeller f, is brought out of engagement with
the teeth of the rack tube e; the upper or outer end of the slot f³, then comes
against the pin a', whilst the push piece will move longitudinally the distance of

page_text: one tooth from another; the lead tube i, will be pushed forward the same distance
and the pin h, of the propeller placed before another tooth.
On pressure being removed the push piece l, in rotating in its backward move-
ment will rotate the lead tube i and bring the pin h, into one of the teeth of the
racks; as the lower or inner end of the straight slot f2 now bears against the
guide pin al, and the push piece has still to recoil the distance of the straight part
of the slot f¹, it follows that the lead receiving tube will be withdrawn exactly the
samo distance and the pin h, of the lead propeller being fixed will uncover a
corresponding length of lead.
Where the lead tube i is made so as to fall by gravity a pin is provided which
regulates the extent to which it can fall and in this case the pencil case must be
held point downwards when pressure is applied to the push piece.
In figures 34, 35 and 36 I have shewn an arrangement for propelling the lead
similar to that hereinbefore described and shewn in figures 11 to 14, the said
arrangement being modified to adapt it for use with an "everpointed" or "Artist's ".
pencil case.
In this arrangement the slots y, in the spring racks e, are formed with
rectangular shaped teeth or projections as shewn in figure 36 and the lead:
propeller f, is provided with a pair of spring cones g, which are operated by the
said teeth in the slot y, in the following manner :-The parts being in the position
shewn in figure 34, and the push piece l, being pressed, the racks e, and spring
cones g, will open as shewn in figure 35, and on pressure being removed the
racks e, will close and first compress the spring cones g, and then by pressing on
the inclined surfaces thereof will propel the lead propeller f, and the lead a pre-
determined distance. When the racks e, are opened the spring cones g, in
expanding will bring their outer edges slightly forward so as to be in a position to
enter the next tooth and so on, the pins or projections h, on the lead propeller
move in the slots i, in the guide tube j, and serve to guide the lead propeller
longitudinally.
Figures 37 and 38 represent a similar arrangement of parts for propelling the;
lead and providing an automatic constant feed to that shewn in figures 18 to 20
but adapted for use with an "everpointed or "Artists' " pencil case.
In this arrangement the spring cones or clips g, are formed or fixed on the lead.
tube 62, and are made sufficiently elastic to allow of a longitudinal compression of
the same; the spring clips d', on the tube 62, are dispensed with and instead of
the funnel shaped end c³, of the said tube the conical or contracted end of the:
hollow push piece l, serves to guide the leads into the tube b*.
The action is as follows:-the parts being in the position shewn in figure 37
and pressure being applied to the push piece l, the racks will open and the spring
cones or jaws g, will then open away from the lead and will expand longitudinally
as shewn in figure 38; upon releasing the push piece 7, the spring racks e, in
closing will force back the push piece and the recesses or teeth y, will bear upon.
the cones g, and will first cause them to grip the lead e², and then will compress
them longitudinally so as to cause the lead e, to be carried forward or propelled ;
it will be obvious that as the lead in the tube 6, is consumed the leads in the
supply push tube l, will be fed into the tube 62 in a similar manner to that
described when referring to figures 18 to 20, and I may employ the same arrange-
ment of spring cones or clips as shewn in figures 18 to 20.
In the pencil case shewn in figures 39 and 40 I employ spring racks e, similar to
those shewn in figures 1, 2 and 3 but so arranged as to allow of their being moved
longitudinally the said movement being limited by projections a², on the collar u,
working in slots f1, in the guide tube j, or in any other suitable manner; the inner
end of the push piece 7, fits friction-wise between the racks e, and collar u, so as to
carry the racks a certain distance longitudinally with it.
The parts being in position as shewn in figure 39 to propel the lead the pencil
case is held point downwards, pressure is applied to the push piece and the racks
will be thereby moved forward as far as the slots ƒ¹, will allow the projection a²;

page_text: in the collar u to move; the lead propeller f, the pins h, of which are engaged
with the teeth of the racks e, will be thereby moved forward the same distance and
pressure being continued the push piece L, will open the racks e, and disengage
their teeth from the pins h. Upon pressure being removed the push piece 7, and
the racks e, will be carried back together by the spring q, until the collar u, abuts
against the part j³, of the guide tube j, when the spring q in continuing to expand
will draw back the push piece l, out of contact with the projections n, of the
racks e, which will then close over the pins h, and the lead propeller and lead will
be held firmly in position for use.
I sometimes provide this form of pencil case with a suitable arrangement (such as
that. hereinbefore described and shewn in figures 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30) for with-
drawing the nozzle within the case in order to protect the point of the lead when
not in use in which case the nozzle would be fixed to the lead receiving tube as
described in the said figures and other suitable means than those shewn and
described may be employed for effecting the longitudinal and lateral movement of
the spring racks e.
Instead of employing a push piece or pieces 7, as herein before described and
shewn in the various figures of the drawing. I can use any other suitable means for
operating the racks e.
I do not confine myself to the exact shape or form of the slots or projections y,
shewn in figures 11 to 20 and 34 to 38 as a similar result might be effected with
other forms as will be well understood; neither do I limit myself to the particular
form of spring cones on the lead propeller as shewn in figures 11 to 20, and 34
to 38, as may use any form of cone or cones which will automatically reassume
their normal position for the purpose described.
The form of the slots f¹, as also the slots which are arranged in combination
therewith and shewn in figures. 15 to 28 and in figure 39, can be varied if found
desirable and may be otherwise suitably combined to effect similar purposes to
those herein described or other suitable means may be used for effecting the longi-
tudinal and rotating movement of the rack tube e.
Although I have described the device for pointing the lead as consisting of
springs a, as shewn in figures 18 to 25 any other suitable arrangement may be
employed for this purpose.
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. In a pencil case or holder the herein described combination of spring racks
with a lead carrier, lead propeller, lead propelling springs, push piece, guide tube or
its equivalent and outer tube or case when arranged and operating substantially as
herein before described and illustrated in figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying
drawings.
2. In a pencil case or holder the combination of spring racks, lead carrier, lead
propeller, lead propelling springs, push piece, elongating tube, guide tube or its
equivalent and outer tube or ease when arranged and operating substantially as
hereinbefore described and illustrated in figures 5, and 6, of the accompanying
drawings.
3. In a pencil case or holder the combination of propelling springs constructed
as described and shewn with a conical lead propeller as and for the purposes
herein before described and represented in figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying
drawings.
4. The case or holder for containing and operating two articles such as a knife
blade and a pen holder substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in
figures 7 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.
5. In an automatic case or holder for containing and operating two articles such
as a knife blade and a pen holder the use of hollow push pieces open at both ends
substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.

page_text: 6. In a pencil case or holder the combination of spring racks, lead carrier, lead
propeller, having a spring cone, push piece, guide tubo and outer tube or case
arranged and operating substantially as described and represented in figures 11
to 14 of the accompanying drawings.
7. In a pencil case or holder the employment of a spring cone or cones operating
substantially as and for the purposes described.
8. In a pencil case or holder the combination of spring racks, lead carrier, lead
propeller having a spring cone, combined push piece and push tube, springs for
limiting the extent to which the lead is propelled, guide tube and outer tube or
case and retracting spring the whole arranged and operating substantially as
hereinbefore described and illustrated in figures 15, 16, and 17 of the accom-
panying drawings.
9. In a pencil case or holder the combination of spring racks, lead carrier and
lead receiving tube, having a funnel shaped end, with spring clips for preventing
the lead from falling back into the case, spring cones or clips for gripping and
propelling the lead, combined hollow push piece and push tube (with or without
springs for pointing and limiting the movement of the lead) guide tube and outer
tube or case and retracting spring the whole arranged and operating substantially
as and for the purposes hereinbefore described and illustrated in figures 18 to 20 of
the accompanying drawings.
10. A pencil case or holder provided with a device for automatically pointing or
sharpening the lead substantially as hereinbefore described.
11. The described device for automatically pointing or sharpening the lead in a
pencil case or holder as hereinbefore described and illustrated in figures 18 to 20
and in figures 21 to 25 of the accompanying drawings.
12. In a pencil case or holder the combination of a divided rack tube and push
piece, lead carrier, lead propeller, springs for pointing or sharpening and limiting
the movement of the lead, a guide tube and outer tube or case and retracting spring
arranged substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described and illus-
trated in figures 21 to 25 of the accompanying drawings.
13. In a pencil case or holder the employment of a rack tube loosely jointed or
divided so that one part thereof can partly move longitudinally independently of
the other part substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described and
illustrated in figures 21 to 25 of the accompanying drawings.
14. A pencil case or holder having a rack tube so constructed that the lead shall be
automatically propelled by the rotation of the said rack tube substantially as herein-
before described and illustrated in figures 21 to 25 of the accompanying drawings.
15. In a pencil case or holder the combination of a rack tube, a lead receiving
tube with nozzle fixed or formed thereon, a lead propeller, a push piece or tube, a
retracting spring and a sliding (or fixed) outer case or tube arranged and operating
substantially as and for the purposes herein before described and illustrated in
figures 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 of the accompanying drawings.
16. In a pencil case or holder the use of a rack tube such as that shewn and
described which by moving or sliding longitudinally or partly by rotating and
partly by moving longitudinally effects the propelling of the lead substantially as
herein before described and illustrated in figures 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 of the
accompanying drawings.
17. A pencil case or holder having the parts arranged in such a manner as to
have a double longitudinal movement, one of which movements serves to effect the
automatic propelling of the lead and the other to protrude the nozzle from or draw
it within the outer case substantially as herein before described.
18. In a pencil case or holder the combination of an outer case, collar, lead tube,
rotating rack tube having partly inclined and partly straight slots, lead propeller
with pin, a pressure cap and recoiling spring with or without a guide tube the
whole operating substantially as and for the purposes herein before described.
19. In a pencil case or holder the combination of the case a, collar b, rack tube e,
rotating and longitudinally moveable lead tube i, with pin a¹, lead propeller with

page_text: pin h, pressure cap l, having slots f¹, and f (or other suitable slots) and a spring q,
the whole operating substantially as and for the purposes herein before described
and represented in figures 31, 32 and 33 of the accompanying drawings.
20. In a pencil case or holder the combination of spring racks, a lead propeller
having spring cones, a push piece, guide tube and outer tube or case with fixed
nozzle substantially as herein before, described and illustrated in figures 34 to 36 of
the accompanying drawings.
21. In a pencil case or bolder, the combination of spring racks, a lead receiving
tube, spring cones or clips and hollow push piece with funnel-shaped end for
automatically supplying leads to the said tube, an outer case or tube with fixed
nozzle substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in figures 37 and 38
of the accompanying drawings.
'
22. In a pencil case or holder the combination of spring racks having a longi-
tudinal and a lateral movement, a lead propeller, a push piece or tube, guide tube
retracting spring and an outer case or tube fixed to (or, sliding over) the nozzle
(with or without a lead receiving tube) substantially as herein before described and
represented in figures 39 and 40 of the accompanying drawings.
23. Providing the spring racks with projections or with slots y, having teeth
substantially, as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
24. The improved pencil cases or holders for crayons and other articles herein;
before described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
コンプ
G. F. REDFERN,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London,
Agent for the Applicant..
2