IMPROVEMENTS IN CASES OR HOLDERS FOR LEAD PENCILS AND CRAYONS
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN CASES OR HOLDERS FOR LEAD PENCILS AND CRAYONS."
A communication from abroad by Charles W. Livermore, of Providence,
Rhode Island, United States of America.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th September 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CASES OR HOLDERS FOR
LEAD PENCILS AND CRAYONS." A communication from abroad by Charles W.
Livermore, of Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America.
My Invention relates to improvements in the construction of pencil cases or
crayon holders. In the construction of such cases or holders according to this
Invention the following principal or fundamental parts are required, that is to say,
first, a lead receiving or holding tube provided at its lower or forward end with
spring-jaws which are capable of being closed upon a projecting portion of the lead
or crayon so as to hold the same firmnly; secondly, a clamping sleeve or device
applied to or acting upon the said jaws so that the same may be caused to grasp
or release the lead as desired; and, thirdly, an outer tube or case capable of
longitudinal movement with respect to the said lead-receiving tube, whereby the
projecting end or point of the lead may be covered and protected when the pencil
is not in use, that is to say, the pencil case is telescopic and the lead or crayon is
located in the inner tube and projects sufficiently from the forward end of the
same for writing purposes, and by the telescopic action the projecting lead point is
advanced beyond the forward end of the outer case for use, and in turn is
withdrawn within the same for protection.
My Invention consists principally in certain combinations of the aforesaid
fundamental parts of a pencil case or crayon holder to produce a convenient and
..

page_text: useful instrument, aided by additional devices, all of which are hereinafter fully
explained and illustrated in the accompanying Drawing. The chief object of the
said Invention is to provide apt and convenient means for setting forward the lead
from time to time as its projecting end or point is worn away by use, and also
means for limiting the sliding motion of the outer and inner tubes to the extent of
play necessary to cover and uncover the lead or crayon point.
In the accompanying Drawing
and
Figure 1 is an exterior side view of my improved pencil case or crayon holder,
Figure 2 is a longitudinal central section of the outer case, the inner tube
containing the lead or crayon and other internal parts being shewn in elevation.
In this Figure the said inner tube is shewn drawn back to its full extent, and the
lead point is wholly within and covered by the contracted end of the outer case."
The outer case is in this instance formed in two parts or portions, the upper
portion being of somewhat larger diameter and overlapping the lower portion,
which is retained sufficiently in the said upper portion by friction.
Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, with the exception that the crayon tube
is shewn partly in longitudinal central section, and is pushed forward to its
advanced or forward position so as to cause the lead or crayon point to extend
beyond the end of the case.
Figure 4 is an exterior view partly in longitudinal central section of a pencil
case or crayon holder in which the outer case is considerably shortened, and
Figure 5 is a longitudinal central section of the lower portion of the same.
Figure 6 is an exterior view of the lead or crayon tube having its jaws formed
by a slot and provided with a screw thread, by which the clamping sleeve is held
and moved to close and release the jaws.
Figure 7 is an exterior view of the clamping-sleeve, whose forward end is
intended to reach beyond the jaws, and is contracted, so that when screwed up
against the said jaws they are forced inward and closed upon the lead or crayon.
The remaining Figures are hereinafter described.
The clamping-sleeve S is screwed upon the lower end of the lead or crayon
holding tube C and is intended to be moved forward and back thereon by means of
the screw e. Slots are cut in the forward end of the said crayon tube so as to
form yielding jaws; which are closed upon the lead or crayon by the contracted
end-h of the clamping-sleeve. The said jaws have sufficient elasticity to ensure
their return to their original position when released from the pressure of the
contracted end of the said clamping sleeve. By turning the crayon tube within
the said sleeve in one direction the latter is caused to move up and close the jaws
upon the lead, and by turning the said tube in the opposite direction the said jaws
are released and free the lead.
The case A near its lower end is formed with several plane faces d, Figure 1, so
that this end is preferably of hexagonal form. The exterior of the clamping sleeve
or a raised portion thereof presents similar faces (Figures 2 and 4) which
correspond with and fit those of the said case. The purpose of this construction is
to prevent the rotation of the clamping sleeve within the case, and at the same
time allow of its longitudinal movement, some portion of the plane surfaces being
always in contact. This arrangement enables the crayon tube to be turned in the
clamping sleeve by holding the outer case in one hand and the upper projecting
end of the crayon tube in the other to open and close the jaws in setting the lead
forward to compensate for wear, and it at the same time allows the crayon tube to
be slipped or moved forward and backward in the case A carrying the clamping
sleeve with it to cover and uncover the lead point as convenience may require.
The necessary friction to retain the sliding parts in any given position may be
secured by fitting them snugly over some portion of their respective surfaces, or
some special device may be used. In Figures 2, 3, and 6, I have shewn curved
spring fingers attached to a ferrule mounted on the crayon tube, and in
Figures 4, 5, and 8, a slightly different device ¹ for this purpose.

page_text: It is desirable to limit the longitudinal play of the crayon holding tube in order
that it may not become displaced, and by properly locating stops for this purpose
the crayon point may be thrown forward for writing and retracted within the case
without attention to the adjustment.
In Figures 2 and 3 the stop for limiting the rearward travel of the crayon tube
is shewn as formed by a ring or ferrule 2 on the inside of the case A, against
which ring the fingers g strike and the interior shoulders of the said case is
opposed to the shoulder s¹ on the clamping sleeve so as to arrest the advance of the
said crayon tube. Similar stops are also provided in the other constructions of cases
or holders hereinafter described.
An important advantage is derived from the employment of the said stop, which
arrests the rearward travel of the crayon tube, that is to say, this stop should be so
placed as to bring the point of the crayon, having a proper degree of projection
from the jaws, just even with the end of the case, or in other words, when the
crayon tube is drawn back to the stop the distance from the end of the said jaws
to the end of the case should be just equal to the length of the lead projecting from
these jaws, for the reason that when the lead is to be set forward to compensate for
wear the tube has only to be drawn back to the stop, and the pencil placed
vertically upon a plane surface, when upon releasing the lead from the jaws in the
manner already described it drops to the proper distance, and that only, and is
again secured by a reverse turn of the tube. A measure or gauge is thus afforded
to regulate the amount of projection of the lead, and it is set forward from time to
time the exact distance required by the mere turning of a screw without delay or
attention to adjustment.
Figure 2 shews the crayon tube drawn back until the fingers g are in contact
with the aforesaid ring 73, and the crayon point is, brought even with the forward
end of the case A. If now the projecting end of the lead were nearly worn off its
point would be farther within the case, and by placing the pencil in a vertical
position upon a plane surface with the point downward, and turning the crayon
tube, as already explained, the lead will fall or drop forward or downward to the
end of the case, as shown.
In Figure 9, which is a longitudinal central section of one of my improved cases
or holders with the crayon tube in elevation, I have shewn a modified arrangement
of the crayon tube C, the case A, and clamping sleeve S. This sleeve is con-
siderably elongated to contain the extension tube E, which is introduced simply
for convenience in extending and diminishing the length of the instrument. It has
no other effect in the practical operation of the parts.
The action of the clamping sleeve upon the jaws in this arrangement is governed
by a spring instead of by a screw, as above described, that is to say, the enlarged
jaws are held against the end of the clamping sleeve by the spring c, and the
said jaws are located outside of the clamping portion of the sleeve, and are drawn
back against it instead of being pushed forward into it, as in the cases or holders
hereinbefore described. The crayon-tube passes through a disc k, which is
supported by the walls of the clamping sleeve S, and a collar f is attached to the
crayon-tube; hence the expansive force of the said spring placed between them
serves to keep the jaws closed firmly upon the lead. The stops that limit the
forward and backward play of the crayon-tube C in covering and uncovering the
lead point result from the construction or arrangement of the parts shown. The
shoulders 8, 81, arrest the forward movement of the said tube, and an interior
shoulder 8 on the case A and shoulder 83 on the sleeve arrest the said tube in the
opposite direction.
To release the lead and set it forward the crayon-tube C is pressed forward in
the clamping sleeve S, compressing the spring, and thereby releasing the jaws.
The same advantage as above described of gauging the advance of the lead when
released from the jaws to be set forward is also here afforded by first retracting the
crayon-tube C to its limit or stop.
Figure 10 represents in perspective a slot in the upper end of case A, which

page_text: slot affords the requisite amount of spring or elasticity to enable it to slide
easily.
In Figure 11 the case A is shewn in longitudinal central section as formed in
two parts for convenience merely, and with the friction device 1, Figure 8, applied
thereto. This construction of the case or holder operates in a similar manner to
that shewn in Figure 9.
In Figure 12, which is a longitudinal central section, the detachable clamping
sleeve S₁ is held upon the tapering jaws j² of the crayon-tube C by friction.
The
upper end of the clamping sleeve S₁ is expanded and provided with the friction-
fingers (Figure 13), and its forward or clamping end is funnel shaped to present
considerable surface for contact with the exterior of jaws 2 which are forced into
it. The friction of the fingers g of the clamping sleeve S₁ against the interior of
the case A is less than that of the jaws in the conical end of the sleeve.
quently, as the crayon tube C is drawn back the clamping sleeve moves with it in
the same manner as when the clamping sleeve is screwed thereon until it is
necessary to disengage it to free the lead. The rear stop is formed by the shoulder &*
which opposes itself to the ends of the fingers g. The corresponding stop is the
shoulders in conjunction with the shoulder s' hereinbefore referred to.
Conse-
To release the lead the jaws are simply pulled out of the clamping end of the
sleeve while the fingers g are resting against the rear stop 8*. The lead is then
allowed to fall forward till it projects from the end of the case, where it is held in
the desired position by the hand or otherwise; the tube is pushed forward,
carrying the clamping sleeve to its advanced position against the shoulder or
stop 8, and the jaws are again pressed firmly into the conical end of the clamping
sleeve.
Figure 14 represents in longitudinal section another arrangement of an elongated
clamping sleeve. The jaws are closed upon the lead by pressing them into the
conical end of the sleeve, as in Figure 12, and are released by withdrawing them
therefrom.
The sleeve S and crayon-tube C move together in covering and uncovering the
lead point, being held by the friction of the jaws in the conical end of the sleeve.
A pin i upon the clamping sleeve extends through a slot t in the case A, the ends
of the said slot in conjunction with the pin i constituting the stops or limits of
play within the case.
It is evident-that-the-stops in the various constructions of pencil cases shewn
may be obtained in a multitude of ways, and that such stops are merely examples
of those which may be used, as my Invention in this respect is not limited to those
above described, but is intended to include any form of stops which will perform
the same functions.
It will be seen from the examples of cases or holders above given that many
varieties of construction may be obtained from the three principal parts first
explained, but all operating in substantially the same manner, and each performing
substantially the same functions.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the saine, I wish it understood
that I claim,
First. A pencil-case composed of a lead containing tube provided with grasping
jaws, a clamping device adapted to act upon the said jaws so as to grasp and
release the lead as desired, and an outer case or sheath adapted to slide longi-
tudinally, and cover and uncover the lead or crayon point as it is held in the jaws,
as above set forth.
Second. In a pencil case the combination of the lead containing tube provided
with the jaws, the clamping tube S connected to the said tube by the screw e, and
the outer case capable of a reciprocating longitudinal motion limited by stops
to cover and uncover the lead point, and provided with plane surfaces d arranged
to fit the corresponding faces d' upon the clamping sleeve, as above set forth.
Third. The combination of the lead or crayon holding tube provided with.
3.

page_text: enlarged jaws j¹, the spring c, the clamping sleeve, and the outer case arranged to
slide between stops, as above set forth.
Fourth. The combination of the crayon tube provided with the tapering jaws
the detachable frictional clamping sleeve S', and the case A, governed by stops as
above set forth.
Fifth. The combination of the crayon tube provided with the tapering jaws ³,
the clamping sleeve having the conical clamping end, and the sliding case provided
with the slot t and pin i to limit its play as above set forth.
Sixth. In a pencil case or lead and crayon holder the sliding sheath or case A
adapted to slide between stops to cover and uncover the lead or crayon point as
above set forth.
Seventh. A pencil case consisting of the combination of a lead containing tube, a
clamping sleeve operated by the screw e or the spring c, or by friction, as described
with reference to Figures 12 and 14, and an outer sliding case moving between
stops as above set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fourteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
Oue thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
WM. ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.)