Retractable instrument having a two stage protraction/retraction sequence
First Claim
1. A cap-less retractable writing instrument comprising:
- a writing nib extending from a reservoir holder;
a valve and a lid selectively sealing the writing nib, the valve and the lid being disposed on one end of the reservoir holder; and
a closure assembly comprising;
a closure ring;
a retention ring spaced apart from the closure ring;
at least one closure arm connecting the closure ring and the retention ring;
a curved cam surface on an inner surface of the at least one closure arm, the curved cam surface interacting with the lid during protraction of the lid to open the lid prior to the nib contacting the lid; and
at least one tab on the lid, the at least one tab riding on the cam surface during protraction of the nib,wherein the closure assembly retains the valve, the closure assembly being secured to the reservoir holder by a retention stop disposed on the reservoir holder, the retention stop being integral with the reservoir holder.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A retractable instrument in accordance with the disclosure advantageously has a simple construction and fewer pieces or sub-assemblies than known retractable instruments. The retractable instrument includes a barrel that encloses a tool holder. The tool holder has an extension, and a tool extending from the distal end of the extension. A valve selectively covers the tool to protect the tool from environmental conditions. A biasing element is disposed between the valve and the tool holder, the biasing element biases the valve away from the tool holder. A movable closure assembly retains the valve on the extension and selectively allows the lid to open and close. The closure assembly includes a closure ring and a retention ring connected by one or more closure arms. The retention ring is disposed on the tool holder and the retention ring is prevented from sliding off of the tool holder by a retention stop.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A cap-less retractable writing instrument comprising:
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a writing nib extending from a reservoir holder; a valve and a lid selectively sealing the writing nib, the valve and the lid being disposed on one end of the reservoir holder; and a closure assembly comprising; a closure ring; a retention ring spaced apart from the closure ring; at least one closure arm connecting the closure ring and the retention ring; a curved cam surface on an inner surface of the at least one closure arm, the curved cam surface interacting with the lid during protraction of the lid to open the lid prior to the nib contacting the lid; and at least one tab on the lid, the at least one tab riding on the cam surface during protraction of the nib, wherein the closure assembly retains the valve, the closure assembly being secured to the reservoir holder by a retention stop disposed on the reservoir holder, the retention stop being integral with the reservoir holder. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification