Cap for writing tool

• US 5,911,534 A
• Filed: 11/18/1996
• Issued: 06/15/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Zebra Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Zebra Company Limited
• Inventors: Toyama, Matsuhei
• Primary Examiner(s): Bratlie, Steven A.
• Application Number:
  US08/751,716
• Time in Patent Office: 939 Days
• Field of Search: 401/6, 401/202, 401/213, 401/243
• US Class Current: 401/213
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/008 Holders comprising finger grips B43K23/004, B43K23/012 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/12 for pens caps co-operating with retractable nibs B43K5/165
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/124 comprising an air passage
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/126 with clips

Abstract

A cap, for a writing tool having on the outside of a cylindrical shell an elastic member made of a material different from that of the cap, including a plurality of longitudinal ribs formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cap in such a manner as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical shell. The end portions of the plurality of the longitudinal ribs on the opening edge side of the cap are each formed in the shape of an arch.

Claims

1. A writing tool comprising:

a cylindrical shell having a pen point side and a grippable portion which is gripped by the user of said tool for writing therewith;

a cap which is removably fitted on said pen point side of said cylindrical shell, said cap having a plurality of longitudinal ribs disposed on its inner peripheral surface, wherein said cap is made from a hard resin; and

an elastic member, having a uniform lengthwise diameter, wherein said elastic member is disposed on said grippable portion, and wherein said elastic member is capable of contacting said ribs when said cap is mounted or removed, thereby reducing the contact area and hence the contact force between said cap and said elastic member.

2. A writing tool according to claim 1, wherein each of said ribs further comprises an end portion disposed at the open side of said cap, wherein said end portion is cut in the form of an arch.

3. A writing tool according to claim 2, wherein said cap further comprises a ring like projection disposed on the inner end side of said longitudinal ribs, wherein said cylindrical shell further comprises a ring like projection which closely engages said ring like projection on said cap.

4. A writing tool according to claim 3, wherein a virtual diameter connecting the apexes of said ribs is larger than the outside diameter of said elastic member.

5. A writing tool according to claim 2, wherein a virtual diameter connecting the apexes of said ribs is larger than the outside diameter of said elastic member.

6. A writing tool according to claim 1, wherein said cap further comprises a ring like projection disposed on the inner end side of said longitudinal ribs, wherein said cylindrical shell further comprises a ring like projection which closely engages said ring like projection on said cap.

7. A writing tool according to claim 6, wherein a virtual diameter connecting the apexes of said ribs is larger than the outside diameter of said elastic member.

8. A writing tool according to claim 1, wherein a virtual diameter connecting the apexes of said ribs is larger than the outside diameter of said elastic member.