BACKGROUND

A commercially available marking implement typically includes an elongated implement body which includes a reservoir of ink and terminates in a writing tip. Such a marking implement also typically includes a removable cap for capping the writing tip when not in use, which prevents both the tip’s drying out and inadvertent marking on objects such as furniture, documents, and clothing. Use of the marking implement first requires locating the marking implement, and it is well known that such marking implements are frequently mislaid absent mindedly or obscured by other items on a table or desk, or in a pocket or drawer, for example.

Once the marking implement is located, it must be prepared for use by removing the cap, an operation that most frequently requires two hands or, when the user does not have two available hands, one hand and the user’s teeth, for example. The cap must then be held or laid aside while the marking implement is in use. Sometimes the cap is fitted for the back end of the marking implement opposite the writing tip, but frequently users do no go through the effort, assuming they’ll just pick the cap up from wherever they laid it. Cap removal also requires a certain positioning of the hands which, in the case of the hand holding the implement body, is inconsistent with the positioning required to write. Accordingly, the implement body of the marking implement must be repositioned within a user’s writing hand once the cap has been removed.

There are numerous settings in which frequent writing in temporarily separated intervals is required. For instance, metal shops, wood shops, and construction sites require frequent measuring and marking. Furthermore, these settings are such that a worker has only one hand available to reach for a marker and make appropriate markings.

Additional settings in which frequent marking is required include pharmacies and laboratories. When a bottle containing a stock of a certain pharmaceutical or chemical is initially opened, it must be immediately marked in permanent ink with various data such as, most importantly, the date the bottle was opened. The opening data of such containers is critical to subsequent determinations of the remaining shelf life of the contents. In various settings, additional data may also be required by licensing boards, such as a pharmacy licensing board. For these and other reasons, a need exists for a marking implement holder that can serve the function of capping the writing tip of the marking implement and be selectively retained in a semipermanent location within a work or home setting in a manner the facilitates ready locating and removal of the marking implement from the holder with one hand.

SUMMARY

Each of various embodiments of the present invention is configured for selectively receiving, capping, and storing a marking implement as generally described presently in the summary and later in the detailed description. The marking implement includes an elongated implement body extending longitudinally along an implement axis between implement first and second ends and having an implement-body exterior surface with an implement-body exterior diameter that may be alternatively referred to as a“body first diameter.” The marking implement terminates at the implement first end in a writing tip that protrudes from a tip barrel. The tip barrel includes a barrel outer surface having a tip- barrel outer diameter smaller than the implement-body exterior diameter. The tip-barrel outer diameter may be alternatively referred to as a“second diameter.”

In a first illustrative embodiment, a holder for receiving, capping, and storing the marking implement includes a base defining a base plane. The base has mutually opposed base upper and lower surfaces, each of which base upper and lower surfaces extends along the base plane in two dimensions.

Extending upwardly from the base upper surface along a central receptacle axis is an outer implement receptacle which, in each of various embodiments, is integrally formed with the base. Moreover, in various versions, the central receptacle axis extends perpendicularly to the base plane. Although the holder can be used in various orientations, a typical use will find the holder oriented“upright” on a substantially planar horizontal surface such as desk top or table top. In such a case, the two dimensions along which the base upper and lower surfaces extend are horizontal dimensions, while the central receptacle axis would extend vertically.

Although, in the absence of explicit definition, terms such as“vertical” and“horizontal” can be regarded as arbitrary, such terms are defined herein relative to Earth’s gravitational field, as well as generally understood convention relative to what is anticipated to be the most common operational orientation of the holder. For instance, terms such as“upward,”“downward,”“vertical,” and“horizontal” all have generally understood meanings with reference to gravity. Accordingly, while any one of the disclosed holders can certainly be set on its side or inverted, references to“upward,”“downward,” and the like are made under the assumption that the holder is oriented for use as most commonly intended: with the base set on a horizontal surface and the implement receptacle extending upwardly therefrom, and that convention is maintained regardless of whether the holder is deployed in some alternative orientation.

The outer implement receptacle is defined by an outer-receptacle wall including outer- receptacle-wall exterior and interior surfaces that extend along the central receptacle axis between an outer-receptacle lower end at the base and an open outer-receptacle upper end. The outer-receptacle- wall interior surface defines an axially extending implement-storage channel communicating with, and accessible through, the open outer-receptacle upper end. The implement-storage channel is configured for selectively receiving and retaining for storage the implement first end, writing tip, and a portion of the implement body through the open outer-receptacle upper end.

Disposed within the outer implement receptacle is an inner writing-tip receptacle. The writing-tip receptacle is defined by a tip-receptacle wall having tip-receptacle-wall outer and inner surfaces. The tip-receptacle wall extends along the central receptacle axis upwardly from a closed tip-receptacle bottom end toward an open tip-receptacle top end that includes and defines a tip opening.

Defined by the tip-receptacle-wall inner surface is an axially extending tip-storage channel that communicates with, and is accessible through, the open tip-receptacle top end. The tip-storage channel is configured for selectively insertably receiving and retaining for storage the writing tip through the tip opening of the writing-tip receptacle. The tip-receptacle-wall inner surface is dimensionally configured to sealably engage peripherally with the barrel outer surface of the marking implement in order to prevent premature dry out of the writing tip.

The writing-tip receptacle is coaxial - along the central receptacle axis - with the outer implement receptacle. Moreover, the tip-receptacle top end is lower (i.e., closer to the base) than is the outer-receptacle upper end. Accordingly, as the implement first end is axially inserted (along the central receptacle axis) into the outer implement receptacle, the engagement of the implement-body exterior surface with the outer-receptacle-wall interior surface guides the writing tip into the tip opening of the writing-tip receptacle. In each of various embodiments, when the marking implement is thusly inserted into the holder, the outer-receptacle-wall interior surface is dimensionally configured to sealably engage peripherally with the implement-body exterior surface, thereby minimizing entry of fresh air into the implement-storage channel. This later sealable engagement provides an additional barrier against premature dry out of the writing tip.

The inner writing-tip receptacle is not only in concentric (or coaxial) disposition with respect to the outer implement receptacle, but it is also at least partially axially coextensive with the outer implement receptacle. That is, at least a portion of the length of the writing-tip receptacle extends along a common (or shared) portion of the central receptacle axis with a portion of the length of the outer implement receptacle. By this configuration, at least a portion of the tip-storage channel is at least partially axially coextensive with the implement-storage channel. More specifically, the writing-tip receptacle, and the implement-storage channel defined thereby, is not disposed entirely below the outer implement receptacle and the implement-storage channel defined thereby. Moreover, in each of various embodiments, the writing-tip receptacle is shorter in length than the implement receptacle, with both the outer-receptacle lower end and tip-receptacle bottom end being closed off at the base.

In order to add clarity to what is meant by“at least a portion of the tip-storage channel is at least partially axially coextensive with the implement-storage channel” and, relatedly,“the inner writing- tip receptacle is at least partially axially coextensive with the outer implement receptacle,” it may be useful to understand an example of what this does not include. Such an example appears in US Patent No. 6,257,539 in which there are defined upper and lower cavities 42 and 44, and a“slanted portion 43,” that connects the upper and lower cavities 42 and 44. The upper cavity 42 engages with the pen body, while the smaller-diameter lower cavity 44 retains the marker pen tip. The lower cavity 44 is clearly below and explicitly not“at least partially axially coextensive with” the upper cavity 42; although the cavities 42 and 44 are mutually coaxial / concentrically disposed, they extend along distinct portions of a central axis. This configuration is clearly described at col. 2, lines 5-14 with conjunctive reference to FIG. 2 of Patent 6,257,539.

In each of various configurations of the present invention, the outer-receptacle-wall interior surface defines an implement-storage channel that is circular in cross section as viewed into a cross- sectional plane oriented orthogonally to the central receptacle axis. In one case, the defined implement-storage channel is substantially cylindrical (i.e. cylindrical or nearly cylindrical). Moreover, the tip-receptacle wall, which is at least partially axially coextensive with the implement-storage channel, is also substantially cylindrical and identifiable as a distinct structure residing within the implement-storage channel. In such a case, there is defined between the tip-receptacle-wall outer surface and the outer-receptacle-wall interior surface an intermediate void that is substantially cylindrical or annular. In short, in one representative embodiment, the writing-tip receptacle is configured substantially as a distinct cylinder concentrically disposed within, and at least partially coaxially extensive with, an outer cylinder defined by the outer-receptacle-wall interior surface.

As seen in several of the drawings discussed in the detailed description, the implement-storage channel in each of several embodiments is not truly cylindrical because the outer-receptacle wall is thicker near the base in order to enhance structural integrity of the holder. The tapering thickness in this regard is gradual enough that the implement-storage channel can be fairly regarded as “substantially cylindrical.” In any event, absent express claim limitations to the contrary, embodiments wherein the implement-storage channel and outer-receptacle wall are not cylindrical or substantially cylindrical are well within the scope of the of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

It is envisioned that each of variously embodied holders fabricated in accordance with the present invention will be formed as a unitary structure fabricated from a durable material such as rubber or a polymeric material, for example. The chosen material of at least one embodiment is sufficiently rigid to maintain a self-supporting pre-defined shape, while exhibiting some ability to flex or distort minimally under applied force, and return to its pre-defined shape when said applied force is removed. Accordingly, injection molding is regarded as a preferred, though not exclusive, method of fabrication. Less preferred, but still very much within the scope and contemplation of the invention is 3D printing. In the final analysis, it is the resultant structure and its functionality relative to a marking implement that is of central importance, the method of fabrication being a secondary consideration presented herein only as illustrative and suggestive.

Representative embodiments are more completely described and depicted in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a translucently-embodied holder for a marking implement;

FIG. 2 depicts a marking implement non-limitingly illustrative of a type with which the holder of FIG. 1 can be used;

FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away view of a marking-implement holder of the same general type shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3A shows the partially cutaway holder of FIG. 3 rotated 90 degrees with a marking implement retained for capping and storage thereby;

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of a marking-implement holder showing a peel-away backing covering a pressure-sensitive adhesive; and

FIG. 4B shows the bottom view of FIG. 4A subsequent to the removal of the peel-away backing to expose the underlying pressure-sensitive adhesive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of variously configured holders for marking implements is demonstrative in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or its application of uses. Accordingly, the various implementations, aspects, versions and embodiments described in the summary and detailed description are in the nature of non-limiting examples falling within the scope of the appended claims and do not serve to restrict the maximum scope of the claims.

Shown in the included drawings are various views and illustrative versions of holders for marking implements. While the holders disclosed and described may be implemented to cap and store marking implements of various types and sizes, the holders are described and depicted principally in association with markers having tips made of porous, pressed fibers such as felt. Non-limitingly illustrative of such markers are waterproof, dry-erase, wet-erase (e.g. transparency markers), highlighters, and permanent markers. For purposes of clarity and brevity, all such markers may be selectively and collectively referred to as“felt-tip markers.”

A basic first embodiment is described with general reference to FIGS. 1 - 4B. Additionally, throughout the specification and drawings, like elements across alternative views and embodiments are referenced by similar or identical numeric and/or alphanumeric reference characters.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , there is shown a holder 100 configured for selectively receiving, capping, and storing a marking implement 200, such as the marking implement 200 shown in FIG. 2. The marking implement 200 includes an elongated implement body 210 and a marker cap 211 , the marker cap 211 depicted being illustrative of marker caps included with capped marking implements at the time of manufacture and retail sale. For purposes of the present description, a cap such as marker cap 211 may be referred to as the “original marker cap 211 ,” in order to distinguish it from an embodiment of the present invention functioning as a marker cap.

The implement body 210 has an implement-body exterior surface 212 with an implement-body exterior diameter DIBE. The implement body 210 extends longitudinally along an implement axis Ai between implement first and second ends 220 and 240. The marking implement 200 terminates at the implement first end 220 in a writing tip 222 that protrudes from a tip barrel 230. The tip barrel 230 includes a barrel outer surface 232 having a tip-barrel outer diameter DTBO smaller than the implement- body exterior diameter DIBE. Situated between the tip-barrel 230 and the portion of the implement-body exterior diameter DIBE is a body transition region 235 along which the diameter of the marking implement transitions between the tip-barrel outer diameter DTBO and the implement-body exterior diameter DIBE. Typically embodied, this transition region 235 has a transition-region diameter DTR that varies as a function of displacement along the implement axis Ai. That is, the transition region 235 does not typically represent an abrupt change in overall implement diameter, but a somewhat gradual slope that is either flat and pitched relative to the implement axis Ai or curved as viewed from the side. As implied, the transition-region diameter DTR will typically be larger than the tip-barrel outer diameter DTBO and smaller than the implement-body exterior diameter DIBE.

Although the marking implement 200 will typically be of circular cross-section as viewed into a cross-sectional plane (not shown because readily envisioned) taken orthogonally to the implement axis Ai, it is to be understood that the configuration of the implement body 210 may be other than circular in cross section. Accordingly, so that it is equally applicable to various alternatively-configured implement bodies 210, it is important that the term “diameter” not be implicitly restrictive of implement-body configuration to one of circular cross-section. More specifically, although “diameter” is frequently thought of narrowly as the longest chord that can be fitted within the curve defining a circle, the more technical mathematical definition of that term is applicable to this description and the appended claims. For instance, chords within squares, rectangles, hexagons, and even irregular shapes are also diameters. Accordingly, nothing in the preceding explanation, the detailed description, the appended claims or the drawings should be construed to attribute to the term“diameter” a meaning more narrow than common usage and technical mathematical usage would attribute to them.

In addition to the possibility that an implement body 210 may have an other-than-circular cross- section, it is should also be understood that, even when the body configuration is circular when viewed into a cross-sectional plane extending orthogonally to the implement axis Ai, this fact does not necessarily define the configuration of the implement body 210 as cylindrical. That is, as viewed into disparate cross- sectional planes taken at different locations along the length of the implement body 210, and orthogonally to the implement axis Ai, the implement-body exterior diameter DIBE could vary.

The aforesaid observations that apply vis-a-vis the implement-body exterior diameter DIBE apply equally to the tip-barrel outer diameter DTBO. However, whereas implement bodies 210 of circular cross-section - whether of cylindrical or non-cylindrical configuration -- are very common, cylindrically configured tip barrels 230 are even more ubiquitous, and such a configuration provides clear advantages in capping and storing the writing tip 222 to prevent dry out, particularly when the marking implement 200 is a felt-tip marker.

Illustrative examples of marking implements 200 with which the holder 100 can be used having been described, illustrative embodiments of the holder 100 itself are now described. In various views, the holder 100 is shown as translucent and/or in cross section, so that the interior elements are visible.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a holder 100 includes a base 110 defining a base plane PB and including mutually opposed base upper and lower surfaces 112 and 114. Each of the base upper and lower surfaces 112 and 114 extends along the base plane PB in two dimensions.

Extending upwardly from the base upper surface 112 along a central receptacle axis ACR is an outer implement receptacle 120. In each of various embodiments, the outer implement receptacle 120 is integrally formed with the base 110. Moreover, in various versions, the central receptacle axis ACR extends orthogonally to the base plane PB.

The outer implement receptacle 120 is defined by an outer-receptacle wall 130 including outer- receptacle-wall exterior and interior surfaces 132 and 134 extending along the central receptacle axis ACR between an outer-receptacle lower end 136 at the base 110 and an outer-receptacle upper end 138. The outer-receptacle upper end 138 is open by virtue of its defining an opening 139. The outer- receptacle-wall interior surface 134 defines an axially extending implement-storage channel 150 communicating with, and accessible through, the opening 139 at the outer-receptacle upper end 138. The implement-storage channel 150 is configured for selectively receiving and retaining for storage the implement first end 220 and writing tip 222 through the opening 139.

For purposes of describing elements to the interior of the outer-receptacle wall 130, reference is now made to the intact translucent embodiment of FIG. 1 , as well as the cross-sectional cutaway views of FIGS. 3 and 3A, in which latter two views half of the outer-receptacle wall 130 has been cut away along a vertical plane inclusive of the central receptacle axis ACR. Disposed within the outer implement receptacle 120 is an inner writing-tip receptacle 170. The writing-tip receptacle 170 is defined by a tip-receptacle wall 180 including tip-receptacle-wall outer and inner surfaces 182 and 184. The tip-receptacle wall 180 extends along the central receptacle axis ACR upwardly from a closed tip- receptacle bottom end 186 toward a tip-receptacle top end 188 that includes and defines a tip opening

189. Disposed about and defining the tip opening 189 at the tip-receptacle top end 188 is a top-end surface 187 that extends radially between and connects the tip-receptacle-wall outer and inner surfaces 182 and 184. For reasons explained later in the present description, in each of various versions, including the ones depicted in FIGS. 1 , 3, and 3A, top-end surface 187 is beveled such that it slopes downwardly toward the base 110 as a function of inward radial displacement from the tip-receptacle- wall outer surface 182 toward the tip-receptacle-wall inner surface 184.

The tip-receptacle-wall inner surface 184 defines an axially extending tip-storage channel 190 communicating with, and accessible through, the tip opening 189 defined at the tip-receptacle top end 188. As shown in FIG. 3A, the tip-storage channel 190 is configured for selectively insertably receiving and retaining for storage the writing tip 222 through the tip opening 189. Moreover, the tip-receptacle- wall inner surface 184 is dimensionally configured to sealably engage peripherally with a portion of the barrel outer surface 232, thereby minimizing, and preferably excluding, exposure of the stored writing tip 222 to fresh air in order to prevent premature dry out of the writing tip 222.

Appreciable from various drawings is the fact that the inner writing-tip receptacle 170 is in concentric - or coaxial - disposition with respect to the outer implement receptacle 120. Moreover, the tip-receptacle top end 188 is lower (i.e., closer to the base 110) than is the outer-receptacle upper end 138. It will be appreciated that, by this configuration, as the implement first end 220 is axially inserted (along the central receptacle axis ACR) into the outer implement receptacle 120, the engagement of the implement-body exterior surface 212 with the outer-receptacle-wall interior surface 134 guides the writing tip 222 into the tip opening 189 of the writing-tip receptacle 170.

When the writing tip 222 and a sufficient portion of the length of the tip barrel 230 have been sealably seated within the tip-storage channel 190, the implement axis Ai is aligned with the central receptacle axis ACR. Moreover, in various embodiments, when the marking implement 200 is thusly inserted into the holder 100, the outer-receptacle-wall interior surface 134 is dimensionally configured to sealably engage peripherally with the implement-body exterior surface 212, thereby minimizing, and preferably excluding, entry of fresh air into the implement-storage channel 150. This later sealable engagement provides an additional barrier - in addition to the sealable engagement between the tip barrel 230 and the writing-tip receptacle 170 - that prevents air from the exterior of the holder 100 reaching and drying out of the writing tip 222.

Previously described were the transition region 235 along the implement body 210 of a marking implement 200 and the top-end surface 187 that extends radially between the tip-receptacle-wall outer and inner surfaces 182 and 184. With reference to FIG. 3A, a third additional or alternative region of sealable engagement to protect against dry out of the writing tip 222 is shown. More specifically, in each of various versions when the marking implement 200 is inserted into the holder 100, top-end surface 187 is contoured and dimensionally configured to sealably engage peripherally with the transition region 235. Beveling the annular top-end surface 187 as described not only facilitates sealable engagement with the transition region 235, but a beveled top-end surface 187 also guides insertion of the writing tip 222 into the writing-tip receptacle 170.

As shown in FIGS. 1 , 3, and 3A, the inner writing-tip receptacle 170 is not only in concentric (or coaxial) disposition with respect to the outer implement receptacle 120, but it is also at least partially axially coextensive with implement receptacle 120. That is, at least a portion of the length of the writing-tip receptacle 170 extends along a common (or shared) portion of the central receptacle axis ACR with a portion of the length of the outer implement receptacle 120. By this configuration, at least a portion of the tip-storage channel 190 is at least partially axially coextensive with the implement-storage channel 150. Moreover, in the particular embodiments shown, the writing-tip receptacle 170 is shorter in length than the implement receptacle 120, with both the outer-receptacle lower end 136 and tip- receptacle bottom end 186 being closed off at the base 110.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 , 3, and 3A, the writing-tip receptacle 170 is clearly identifiable as a distinct structure disposed within the implement-storage channel 150 defined within the implement receptacle 120. Accordingly, there is defined between the tip-receptacle-wall outer surface 182 and the outer-receptacle-wall interior surface 134 an intermediate void Vi. Variously configured, the intermediate void Vi completely surrounds the tip-receptacle-wall outer surface 182. According to at least one configuration, the inclusion of the intermediate void Vi to the outside of the tip-receptacle-wall outer surface 182 -- combined with additional parameters such as the material from which the holder 100 is fabricated and/or the thickness of the tip-receptacle wall 180 -- allows a certain degree of flex in the tip-receptacle wall 180. By configuring into the tip-receptacle wall 180 an ability to flex and stretch, even imperceptibly to a human eye, the sealable engagement between the tip-receptacle-wall inner surface 184 and the tip barrel 230 of the marking implement 200 may be improved.

It is envisioned that variously embodied marker holders 100 will simply replace the original marker cap 211 provided by the manufacturer of a marking implement 200. Two principal purposes of the holder 100 are (i) obviating the issue of mislaid original marker caps 211 and (ii) providing a predictable, semi-permanent location for “docking” the marking implement 200 on a desk, shelf, counter, or table, for example. While the holder 100 includes a base 110 that renders the holder 100 stable while holding a marking implement 200, the marking implement 200 and holder 100 combination can still be knocked over, mislaid, and unpredictably relocated, particularly if multiple people work in the environment in which the holder 100 and marking implement 200 are used, such as an office, a workshop, or pharmacy, for example.

In order to retain the holder 100 in a predictable, semi-permanent location, each of various versions of the holder 100 is provided with a base 110 that carries a retaining element 115. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in one version, the base lower surface 114 has applied thereto, and serving as the retaining element 115, a pressure-sensitive adhesive 115PSA. Until a location is chosen, and the base 110 is to be set, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 115PSA is covered by a peel-away backing 116, as shown in FIG. 4A. When the peel-away backing is removed, as shown in FIG. 4B, the pressure- sensitive adhesive 115PSA is exposed so that the holder 100 can be pressed onto the surface of the desired location, and retained in place.

Additionally or alternatively to pressure-sensitive adhesive 115PSA acting as a “retaining element 115,” the base 110 of the holder 100 may include a magnetic element 115M. A magnetic element 115M would serve as a retaining element 115 relative to surfaces to which it is magnetically attracted such as, by way of example, a metal filing cabinet, table, desk, or workbench in a shop or garage. A still additional or alternative retaining element 115 involves the use of hook-and-loop fasteners, such as those hook-and-loop fasteners commonly marketed under the trademark/brand name“Velcro®.” It will be readily appreciated that any retaining element 115 should function such that the axial outward force (e.g., upward) required to remove the marking implement 200 from the holder 100 is lower in magnitude than the force retaining the holder 100 to a selected surface. Observation of these parameters will facilitate one-handed removal of the marking implement 200 from the holder 100.

The foregoing is considered to be illustrative of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since modifications and changes to various aspects and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, it is to be understood that the foregoing does not limit the invention as expressed in the appended claims to the exact constructions, implementations and versions shown and described.