IMPROVEMENTS IN LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47; Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS." A communication from abroad by Joseph
Reckendorfer, of New York, in the County and State of New York, United
States of America.
Sealed the 10th June 1879, and dated the 9th April 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th April 1879.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS." A communication
from abroad by Joseph Reckendorfer, of New York, in the County and State of
New York, United States of America.
This Invention relates to holders for pencil leads or crayons, and is characterized
by the combination with a lead receiving tube, provided at its front end with spring
jaws, of an enclosing sleeve or sheath, the one part being longitudinally movable
with respect to the other without rotation for the purpose of clamping and releasing
the lead or crayon inserted in such tube and between the said jaws.
In carrying out this Invention the tubular sheath is made of metal or other
suitable material, with a contracted front end to admit the passage of the jaws or
lead, or both. Within the sheath is the metallic lead-receiving tube, the front end
of which is tapered or drawn in and split longitudinally into a number of spring
jaws intended to grasp the lead or crayon. On the rear of the tube is a strap which
encircles an eccentric, the axis or shaft of which has its bearings in the case, the
ends of the said shaft being united with or continued into a loop or handle. When
the parts are in the position, with the tube and spring jaws retracted, the latter are
spread apart sufficiently wide to permit the introduction of the lead. When the
lead has been adjusted it is secured by turning the handle in a suitable direction,
such movement having the effect of rotating the eccentric so as to push forward the
receiving tube, forcing its tapering jaws into the contracted front end of the sheath,
and so causing them to contract and firmly clamp to the lead.
In this holder the clamping action takes place when the jaws move forward, but

page_text: the converse of this arrangement may be adopted, the clamping jaws protruding
from the sheath being in that case formed with a reverse incline or taper, which is
acted on by the sheath when the tube is drawn back in such a manner as to cause
the jaws to close on the lead. This arrangement of the jaws is advantageous, as
pressure on the point of the pencil tends to tighten the hold of the jaws on the
lead.
Holders having the arrangement of jaws last described may be provided with a
spring for producing the backward movement of the jaws. In this case the sheath
may consist of a wooden or rubber body having a tapering or metal sleeve on its
front end. Within the sheath is the longitudinally movable lead receiving tube,
provided at its front end with spring clamping jaws having a reverse taper. To
the rear end of the lead receiving tube is attached a cap, which fits in and protrudes
from a sleeve on the rear end of the sheath. Between the cap and a shoulder on
the sheath is confined a spiral spring, which encircles the said tube, and retracts it
with sufficient force to draw the incline or reverse taper against the contracted
front end of the sleeve, and so close the jaws on the lead. In order to release the
lead it is simply required to press on the cap so as to push the tube forward against
the stress of the spring. A cross pin in the sheath extending through a longitudinal.
slot in the tube limits the movement of the latter; or any other suitable device
may be employed for a like purpose.
According to a modification of the spring arrangement the lead receiving tube is
fixed immovably in the body of the sheath, and the front sleeve of the sheath is
made movable. Between the front end of the body and a shoulder on the sleeve
is confined a spiral spring, which acts to push forward the contracted front end of
the sleeve upon the reverse incline or taper of the jaws, and so close the latter upon
the lead. The lead is released by drawing back the sleeve against the stress of the
spring. An annular rib on the body, which lies in an annular recess in the sleeve,
serves to hold the sleeve and the body piece together, the length of the recess
determining the range of movement of the sleeve.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 6th
October 1879.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS." A communication
from abroad by Joseph Reckendorfer, of New York, in the County and State of
New York, United States of America.
The said Invention relates to holders for pencil leads or crayons, and is charac-
terized by the combination with a lead receiving tube provided at its front end with
spring jaws of an enclosing sleeve or sheath, the one part being longitudinally
movable with respect to the other, without rotation, for the purpose of clamping
and releasing the lead or crayon inserted in such tube and between the said jaws.
And in order that the Invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to the
several Figures on the annexed Sheet of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the corresponding Figures.
Figures 1 to 3 inclusive of the Drawings represents one form of holder made in
accordance with the said Invention, Figure 1 being a longitudinal central section of
the holder with the jaws open; Figure 2, a like section of the same with the jaws
closed; and Figure 3, a perspective view of the holder. Figure 4 is a longitudinal
section illustrating a modification of the holder shewn in Figures 1, 2, and 3.
Figures 5 to 8 inclusive represent another modification, Figure 5 being a perspective
view of the holder, Figures 6 and 7 longitudinal sections of the same with the jaws
in different positions, and Figure 8 an elevation of the lead containing tube and its
spring jaws detached. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate in longitudinal section a further
modification, the jaws being shewn in two different positions in the two respective
Figures.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, A is the tubular sheath made of metal or other
suitable material, with a contracted front end e to admit of the passage of the jaws
or lead, or both. Within the sheath is the metallic lead receiving tube B, the front
end of which is tapered or drawn in and split longitudinally into a number of spring
jaws a intended to grasp the lead or crayon d. On the rear of the tube is a strap
which encircles an eccentric c, the axis or shaft of which has its bearings in the
case A, the ends of the said shaft being united with or continued into a loop or
handle C. When the parts are in the position shown in Figure 1 the tube and
spring jaws are retracted, and the latter consequently are spread apart sufficiently
wide to permit the introduction of the lead d. When the lead has been adjusted it
is secured by turning the handle C to the position shown in Figure 2, such move-
ment having the effect of rotating the eccentric so as to push forward the receiving
tube, forcing its tapering jaws into the contracted front end e of the sheath, and so
causing them to contract and firmly clamp the lead.
In this holder the clamping action takes place when the jaws move forward, but
this can readily be reversed, as shown in Figure 4, where the clamping jaws, pro-
truding from the sheath, have a reverse incline or taper f, which is acted on by the
sheath when the tube is drawn back in such a manner as to cause the jaws to close
on the lead.
The arrangement of the jaws shewn in Figure 4 is advantageous, as pressure on
the point of the pencil tends to tighten the hold of the jaws on the lead.
In Figures 5 to 8 is represented a holder which has the arrangement of jaws last
described, but is provided with a spring for producing the backward movement of
the jaws.
In this holder the sheath A consists of a wooden or rubber body g and a tapering
metal sleeve h on its front end. Within the sheath is the longitudinally movable
lead receiving tube B, provided at its front end with spring clamping jaws a having

page_text: a reverse taper as indicated at f. To the rear end of the lead receiving tube is
attached a cap D which fits in and protrudes from a sleeve d' on the rear end of the
sheath. Between the cap and a shoulder on the sheath is confined a spiral spring &,
which encircles the tube B and retracts it with sufficient force to draw the incline or
reverse taper f against the contracted front end e of the sleeve h, and so close the
jaws on the lead d as indicated in Figures 5 and 7. In order to release the lead it
is simply required to press on the cap D so as to push the tube B forward against
the stress of the spring i. A cross pin k in the sheath extending through a longi-
tudinal slot in the tubes limits the movement of the latter. In lieu of the pin and
slot connection any other suitable device for the purpose may be employed.
In Figures 9 and 10 is illustrated a modification of the spring arrangement, in
which the tube B is fixed immovably in the body of the sheath A, and the front
sleeve h of the sheath is made movable. Between the front end of the part!g and a
shoulder on the sleeve h is confined a spiral spring, which acts to push forward
the contracted front end e of the sleeve upon the reverse incline or taper f of the
jaws a, and so close the latter upon the lead. The lead is released by drawing back
the sleeve against the stress of the spring. The body g is provided with an annular
rib n which fits in an annular recess o in the sleeve, and serves to hold the sleeve
and the body piece together, the length of the recess determining the range of move-
ment of the sleeve.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. In a lead or crayon holder the combination with an enclosing case or sheath
of a longitudinally movable lead containing tube or receiver terminating at its front
end in clamping jaws acted on by the said sheath, to clamp or release the lead, sub-
stantially as hereinbefore described.
Second. In a lead or crayon holder the combination substantially as herein set
forth of a lead receiver terminating at its front end in clamping jaws, an enclosing
case or sheath, and an eccentric or its equivalent operated from the exterior of the
holder to produce longitudinal movement of the one part with respect to the
other.
Third. In a lead or crayon holder the combination of the clamping case or sleeve,
the expanding jaws acted on by the said case, the lead containing tube carrying the
said jaws and longitudinally movable with respect to the said case or sleeve, and
the spring, substantially as herein before described.
Fourth. The combination of the case, the expanding jaws, the longitudinally
movable lead receiver carrying the said jaws and provided with a head or cap
projecting beyond the rear of the case, and the retracting spring, substantially as
hereinbefore described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my Specifi
cation set my hand and seal, this Sixth day of October, One thousand eight
hundred and seventy nine.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 10th day of August 1886, amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS." A communication from abroad by Joseph
Reckendorfer, of New York, in the County and State of New York, United
States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th April 1879.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS," A communication
to me from abroad by Joseph Reckendorfer of New York in the County and State
of New York United States of America.
This Invention relates to holders for pencil leads or crayons and is characterized
by the combination with a lead receiving tube provided at its front end with spring
jaws of an enclosing sleeve or sheath, the one part being longitudinally movable
with respect to the other, without rotation, for the purpose of clamping and releasing
the lead or crayon inserted in such tube and between the said jaws.
In carrying out this Invention the tubular sheath is made of metal or other
suitable material with a contracted front end to admit the passage of the jaws or
lend or both. Within the sheath is the metallic lead-receiving tube the front end
of which is tapered or drawn in and split longitudinally into a number of spring
jaws intended to grasp the lead or crayon. On the rear of the tube is a strap which
encircles an eccentric the axis or shaft of which has its bearings in the case the
ends of the said shaft being united with or continued into a loop or handle. When
the parts are in the position with the tube and spring jaws retracted the latter are
spread apart sufficiently wide to permit the introduction of the lead. When the
lead has been adjusted it is secured by turning the handle in a suitable direction
such movement having the effect of rotating the eccentric so as to push forward the
receiving tube forcing its tapering jaws into the contracted front end of the sheath
and so causing them to contract and firmly clamp to the lead.
In this holder the clamping action takes place when the jaws move forward but

page_text: the converse of this arrangement may be adopted the clamping jaws protruding
from the sheath being in that case formed with a reverse incline or taper which is
acted on by the sheath, when the tube is drawn back in such a manner as to cause
the jaws to close on the lead. This arrangement of the jawa is advantageous as
pressure on the point of the pencil tends to tighten the hold of the jaws on the
lead.
Holders having the arrangement of jaws last described may be provided with a
spring for producing the backward movement of the jaws. In this case the sheath
may consist of a wooden or rubber body having a tapering or metal sleeve on its
front end. Within the sheath is the longitudinally movable lead receiving tube
provided at its front end with spring clamping jaws, having a reverse taper. To
the rear end of the lead receiving tube is attached a cap which fits in and protrudes
from a sleeve on the rear end of the sheath. Between the cap and a shoulder on
the sheath is confined a spiral spring which encircles the said tube and retracts it
with sufficient force to draw the incline or reverse taper against the contracted
front end of the sleeve and so close the jaws on the lead. In order to release the
lead it is simply required to press on the cap so as to push the tube, forward against
the stress of the spring. A cross pin in the sheath extending through a longitudinal
slot in the tube limits the movement of the latter, or any other suitable device
may be employed for a like purpose.
According to a modification of the spring arrangement the lead receiving tube is
fixed immovably in the body of the sheath and the front sleeve of the sheath is
made movable. Between the front end of the body and a shoulder on the sleeve
is confined a spiral spring which acts to push forward the contracted front end of
the sleeve upon the reverse incline or taper of the jaws and so close the latter upon
the lead. The lead is released by drawing back the sleeve against the stress of the
spring. An annular rib on the body which lies in an annular recess in the sleeve
serves to hold the sleeve and the body piece together the length of the recess
determining the range of movement of the sleeve.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 6th
October 1879.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS." A communication
to me from abroad by Joseph Reckendorfer of New York in the County and State
of New York United States of America.
The said Invention relates to holders for pencil leads or crayons and is charac-
terized by the combination with a lead receiving tube provided at its front end with
spring jaws of an enclosing sleeve or sheath the one part being longitudinally
moveable with respect to the other without rotation for the purpose of clamping
and releasing the lead or crayon inserted in such tube and between the said jaws.
And in order that the Invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
more particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to the
several Figures on the annexed Sheet of Drawings the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the corresponding Figures.
Figures 1 to 3 inclusive of the Drawings represents one form of holder made in
accordance with the said Invention Figure 1 being a longitudinal central section of
the holder with the jaws open Figure 2 a like section of the same with the jaws
closed and Figure 3 a perspective view of the holder. Figure 4 is a longitudinal
section illustrating a modification of the holder shewn in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
Figures 5 to 8 inclusive represent another modification Figure 5 being a perspective
view of the holder Figures 6 and 7 longitudinal sections of the same with the jaws
in different positions and Figure 8 an elevation of the lead containing tube and its
spring jaws detached. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate in longitudinal section a further
modification the jaws being shewn in two different positions in the two respective
Figures.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 A is the tobular sheath made of metal or other
suitable material with a contracted front end e to admit of the passage of the jaws
or lead or both. Within the sheath is the metallic lead receiving tube B the front
end of which is tapered or drawn in and split longitudinally into a number of spring
jaws a intended to grasp the lead or crayon d. On the rear of the tube is a strap b
which encircles an eccentric o the axis or shaft of which has its bearings in the
case A, the ends of the said shaft being united with or continued into a loop or
handle C. When the parts are in the position shown in Figure 1 the tube and
spring jaws are contracted and the latter consequently are spread apart sufficiently
wide to permit the introduction of the lead d. When the lead has been adjusted it
is secured by turning the handle C to the position shown in Figure 2 such inove-
ment having the effect of rotating the eccentric so as to push forward the receiving
tube forcing its tapering jaws into the contracted front end e of the sheath and so
causing them to contract and firmly clamp the lead.
In this holder the clamping action takes place when the jaws move forward but
this can readily be reversed as shown in Figure 4 where the clamping. jaws pro-
truding from the sheath have a reverse incline or taper f which is acted on by the
sheath when the tube is drawn back in such a manner as to cause the jaws to close
on the lead,
The arrangement of the jaws shewn in Figure 4 is advantageous as pressure on
the point of the pencil tends to tighten the hold of the laws on the lead.

page_text: In Figures 5 to 8 is represented a holder which has the arrangement of jaws last
described but is provided with a spring for producing the backward movement of
the jaws.
In this holder the sheath A consists of a wooden or rubber body g and a tapering
metal sleeve h on its front end. Within the sheath is the longitudinally movable
lead-receiving tube B provided at its front end with spring clamping jaws a having
a reverse taper as indicated at f. To the rear end of the lead receiving.tube is
attached a cap D which fits in and protrudes from a sleeve d¹ on the rear end of the
sheath. Between the cap and a shoulder on the sheath, is confined a spiral spring i
which encircles the tube B and retracts it with sufficient force to draw the incline or
reverse taper f against the contracted front end e of the sleeve h and so close the
jaws of the lead das indicated in Figures 5 and 7. In order to release the lead it
is simply required to press on the cap D so as to push the tube B forward against
the stress of the spring i-A cross pin k in the sheath extending through a longi
tudinal slot in the tube limits the movement of the latter. . In liew of the pin and
slot connection any other suitable device for the purpose may be employed.
In Figures 9 and 10 is illustrated a modification of the spring arrangement in
which the tube B is fixed immovably in the body of the sheath A and the front
sleeve h of the sheath is made moveable. Between the front end of the part g and a
shoulder on the sleeve his confined a spiral spring which acts to push forward
the contracted front end e of the sleeve upon the reverse incline or taper f of the
jaws a and so close the latter upon the lead. The lead is released by drawing back
the sleeve against the stress of the spring. The body g is provided with an annular
rib n which fits in an annular recess o in the sleeve and serves to hold the sleeve
and the body piece together the length of the recess determining the range of move-
ment of the sleeve.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereéiubefore in part
récited Letters Patent is
First In-a-lead or crayon holder the combination with an enclosing oase or
cheath-of-a-longitudinally moveable lead containing tube or receiver-terminating-at
its front-end in clamping jaws acted on by the said sheath to clamp-or-release-the
lead-substantially as hereinbefore-described.
Second First In a lead or crayon holder the combination substantially as
herein set forth of a lead receiver terminating at its front end in clamping jaws,
an enclosing case or sheath and an eccentric or its equivalent operated from the
exterior of the holder to produce longitudinal movement of the one part with
respect to the other.
Third. Second In a lead or crayon holder the combination of the clamping case
or sleeve the expanding jaws acted on by the said case the lead containing tube
carrying the said jaws and longitudinally movable with respect to the said case or
sleeve and the spring substantially as hereinbefore described.
Fourth. Third The combination of the case the expanding jaws the longitudinally
movable lead receiver carrying the said jaws and provided with a head or cap
projecting beyond the rear of the case and the retracting spring substantially as
herein before described.
In witness whereof I the said John Henry Johnson have to this my Specifi-
cation set my hand and seal this Sixth day of October One thousand eight
hundred and seventy nine.
.