Writing stylus

• US 7,567,242 B2
• Filed: 05/23/2007
• Issued: 07/28/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/09/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (VTech Holdings Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (VTech Holdings Ltd.)
• Inventors: Voskuil, Kim, Milford, Peter Nevil, Kuei Yao Willey, Julie Wu, Lynch, Larry, Perkins, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Liang; Regina
• Application Number:
  US11/752,863
• Publication Number:
  US 20080043001A1
• Time in Patent Office: 797 Days
• Field of Search: 345173-179, 178/18.01, 178/19.01, 401 33- 52
• US Class Current: 345/179
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 21/033 with automatic feed by pressure during use of pencil
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 21/22 Writing-cores gripping means, e.g. chucks
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/008 Holders comprising finger grips B43K23/004, B43K23/012 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 24/06 operated by turning means
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 25/00 Attaching writing implements to wearing apparel or objects involving constructional changes of the implements protecting means, e.g. caps B43K23/08; garment-holding devices A44B99/00; fastening articles to wearing apparel A45F5/02
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/00 Combinations of writing implements with other articles
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 31/00 Writing implement receptacles functioning as, or combined with, writing implements other writing implement receptacles A45C11/34, A45C11/36
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/046 by electromagnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/025 with electrically operated apparatus or devices

Abstract

A stylus for an electrographic position location apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stylus includes a writing element that is retractable. The stylus may have a proximal end and a distal end. A conductive annular structure may be at the proximal end of the stylus.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

writing on a sheet using an electronic stylus including a retractable writing element, wherein the writing element is in an extended position;

receiving a first audio output after writing on the sheet;

retracting the writing element into the stylus;

selecting a print element on the sheet or another sheet using the stylus; and

receiving a second audio output after selecting the print element.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the sheet is in a book.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the writing element is a lead pencil including an automatic lead feeding mechanism.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the writing element comprises ink.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the sheet is a print medium that is adapted to teach math.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the writing element is in an extended position when the print element is selected.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the sheet is adapted to teach writing, math or reading.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the electronic stylus includes a wire operatively coupled to a controller.

9. An assembly comprising:

an electronic stylus comprising a distal end region, a proximal end region, and a retractable writing element having a first end portion and a second end portion; and

an audio output device,

wherein the audio output device provides a first audio output when the writing element is used to write on a sheet and is in an extended position and wherein the audio output device provides a second audio output when the writing element is used to select a print element on the sheet or another sheet.

10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the retractable writing element comprises lead.

11. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the retractable writing element comprises ink.

12. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the sheet is adapted to teach math or reading.

13. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the audio output device is a speaker.

14. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the sheet is part of a book.

15. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the first and second audio outputs provide feedback to a user in response to writing on the sheet or selecting the print element.

16. A system comprising:

the assembly of claim 9; and

the sheet.

17. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the electronic stylus includes a wire operatively coupled to a controller.

18. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the writing element is in an extended position when the stylus is used to select the print element.