Pen supports, holders or retainers are known devices which are generally found secured to counters and desk tops. Some have a pen attached by a cord, wire or chain. These pen holders do not return the pen to the holder and are invariably left untidily laying on the desk un-returned. The tether also gets in the way of the writing operation. Also known are pen retainers whose pen is fixed by a flexible cord to a traction unit mounted in the base. These retainers utilise a spring driven unit to retract the pen after extension by the user. The disadvantages of these units are that the spring retractor by its nature increases the traction on the pen the further the pen is withdrawn from the unit when the starting traction on extension must be sufficient to"dock"the pen onto the base unit, this increasing"pull"on the pen makes writing difficult, and also the cord or line is prone to twisting, and tangling.

An object of this invention is to provide a dedicated pen and support assembly where the traction applied to the pen is reduced as it is moved from the support to the writing position and also the tether is presented from twisting thereby alleviating the above mentioned disadvantages of known sets.

According to the present invention there is provided a pen assembly comprising a variable slope support for a retraction mechanism which reduces traction force applied to a pen as it is moved from the support to a writing position.

The support comprises a base unit mountable to a counter, desk, table, work surface or stand, with a formed head which will automatically seat the dedicated pen assembly in a vertical orientation when it is returned from use by

the retracting mechanism. This formed head is attached to the varied slope stem of the support. The pen, when connected to the pen holder by a locating and locking mechanism, forms the dedicated pen assembly. This dedicated pen assembly is connected by an attached tether, to a sliding gravity weight mechanism inside the varied slope stem of the base unit, which will return the dedicated pen assembly to rest in a vertical orientation on the formed end of the base unit irrespective of how it is released, or where it is released from, by the user. This mechanism is so designed to reduce the traction on the dedicated pen assembly as it is removed from the support unit to the writing position, whilst retaining enough traction near to the support unit, to lift and"dock"the dedicated pen assembly onto the formed end of the holder. The tether is attached at all points within the dedicated pen assembly and support by swivels which prevent the tether twisting and the mechanism jamming.

Typically, the variable slope support will comprise a tube within which the retraction mechanism slides. Alternatively, the variable slope support comprises a rail which is associated with the traction mechanism whereby that retraction mechanism can slide along and/or about the variable slope support.

Generally, the retraction mechanism incorporates means to vary the weight of that retraction mechanism. Thus, the retraction mechanism may be formed from a metal such as lead or comprise a plastic component with a cavity to accommodate a high density material to facilitate slide and retraction by the retraction mechanism. Furthermore, the retraction mechanism may incorporate magnetic means in order to facilitate traction force variation. Typically, the magnetic means may comprise a magnet secured at the bottom of the support and/or to the retraction mechanism whereby through interaction variation a retraction force is provided. Possibly, the magnetic means comprises a permanent magnet in one or both of the support and/or the retraction mechanism.

Furthermore, the magnetic means may be an electro-magnetic arrangement.

Advantageously, with an electromagnetic arrangement, the pen assembly may

allow locking of the pen in a fully retracted position by excessive attraction between the electro-magnetic means and the retraction mechanism.

The present invention also incorporates a pen assembly comprising a guide support and weighted retraction mechanism, the guide support comprising variable retraction means and the weighted retraction mechanism in use acting in association with the guide support to present variable forced retraction by movement along the guide support for a pen secured to the retraction mechanism.

Additionally, the present invention comprises a pen assembly comprising variable retraction means associated in use with a pen holder, the variable retraction means forming a guide support for a retraction mechanism whereby retraction force reduces with greater displacement of the pen holder from the assembly.

Generally, the guide support comprises a tube or rail in the form of a stem.

Typically, this stem incorporates at least two slopes of differing angle in order to provide variable retraction means. Alternatively, the guide support incorporates at least two portions of different attractiveness to the retraction mechanism. This attractiveness may be magnetic. Generally, the pen assembly incorporates a tether between a pen and the retraction mechanism whereby through a plurality of pulleys provided between opposed swivels greater retraction length is provided. Normally, there is shape reciprocity between the pen or pen holder and a mounting part of the pen assembly.

Also according to the present invention there is provided a tethered pen attachment arrangement whereby a tether termination block, permanently attached to a tether, preferably by a swivel mechanism, is attached to a replaceable pen by the insertion of the tether termination block into a replaceable

pen locating slot, compressing a sprung blade integral to the replaceable pen until it locates and locks the replaceable pen to the tether termination block.

The tethered pen attachment arrangement by which the replaceable pen is attached to the tether termination block by the insertion of an upper end of the tether termination block into an upper end of the location slot in the replaceable pen. A lower end of the tether termination block is then pushed into a lower end of the replaceable pen locating slot, the pressure applied deflecting a formed spring blade (integral to the replaceable pen) until it locates into a matching cut out in the tether termination block. The blade is formed in such a way that once located it cannot be normally removed without the pen being broken at a position predetermined by a weakening notch in the replaceable pen. This arrangement also adds safety by preventing the stand or desk to which the pen is tethered being pulled over by a user pulling on the pen as the pen is designed to break under such abuse.

A pen attachment arrangement comprising a tether attachment member and a pen with a latch blade, the tether attachment member entering an aperture on the pen whereby a latch end of the attachment member engages the latch blade to provide robust coupling between the tether attachment member and the pen.

Typically, the latch blade in sprung for displacement as the latch end enters the aperture but returns for engagement with that latch end upon completed entry.

Typically, the latch end and the latch blade have engagement portions which overlap for engagement. Normally, these engagement portions are angled relative to each other for greater resistance to removal of the tether attachment member from the aperture. Typically, the latch blade is angled relative to the

plane of the part of the pen to which it is attached. Normally, the latch end forms a groove or cut into which a portion of the latch blade enters for engagement.

Generally, the attachment member pivots about one end of the aperture for entry to the aperture and to facilitate appropriate association between the latch end and the latch blade.

Normally, the attachment member when located within the aperture presents an outer surface flush with the pen about that aperture.

Typically, the pen incorporates a fracture portion arranged to fracture under excessive force to remove the attachment member from the pen.

Normally, the fracture portion is a notch. Typically, the notch is above the latch blade to allow dis-engagement between the latch blade and the latch end.

Generally, the tether attachment member includes a passage orifice for a tether. Normally, the passage orifice is of sufficient length to inhibit twisting of the tether. Generally the tether is anchored with a bead or collar or washer and an end stop formed by a knot or glued nipple.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a pen and support assembly, Fig. 2 is a section of the assembly in Fig. 1 showing a pen"docked"on its formed holder head, Fig. 3 is a section of the assembly in Fig. 1 showing a pen just prior to lift towards its seat,

Fig. 4 is a section of a pen and pen holder assembly, Fig. 5 is a drawing of a pen joiner, Fig. 6 shows an alternative holder with curved stem, Fig. 7 shows a side mounting holder with a varied slope stem, Fig. 8 is a side cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the present invention: and Fig. 9 is a cross-section of a pen attachment arrangement.

A support and pen assembly is illustrated in Fig. 1, and comprises a base 1 formed from plastic, nylon, wood or composite material, with a flat horizontal base on which it stands when fixed to a counter, desk, table, bench, work top or unit by means of gluing, screwing or bolting. A base may also be used which affixes the pen and holder assembly to the side of a counter, desk, table, bench, work top or unit. Such an arrangement is depicted in Fig. 7. In accordance with the present invention a varied slope support 2 is fitted into the base 1. This support 2 is formed from plastic, nylon, composite material or metal, and is hollow to house the retracting mechanism. In the preferred example shown in Fig. 1 it is circular in section but could also be square, rectangular, oval or elliptical in section. It may also be an open rail with the retraction mechanism associated with it. The overall dimensions of the varied slope stem support 2 are not critical with the exception of the lower steeper angled section which must be of adequate length to allow the pen assembly to be picked up and docked onto the formed mounting head 3. The example shown is designed to effect this operation in an adequate fashion.

The formed head 3 in Fig. 1 is manufactured in a fashion such that all surfaces are convex, and in particular the area 23, underneath the tether 10 entry point into the formed head 3. This convex shaping prevents the dedicated pen assembly from jamming (irrespective of how it is released or where it is released from), as it abuts the formed head 3 when pulled towards its seat on the formed head 3 by the traction applied by the sliding gravity weight 6 via the tether 10 shown in Fig. 2 as the retraction mechanism. The exception to this are the concave shaping of the top and bottom semi circular grooves into which a pen holder 4 locates in a vertical orientation when pulled fully home onto the formed head 3 by the tether 10. A circular orifice 14 shown in Fig. 2, via which the tether 10 passes through the formed head 3 and provides for the smooth running of the tether 10 on extension and retraction. This formed head 3 is an interference fit inside the varied slope stem 2 and can be secured to the varied slope stem 2 by a small screw or allen screw. The formed head 3 when removed takes the complete sliding gravity weight 6 and operating mechanism with it from inside of the variable slope stem support 2 for ease of maintenance and/or replacement.

The pen holder 4 (Fig. 4) is formed from plastic nylon, or composite material and has a fixed tip 21 which has a domed top to prevent jamming when the dedicated pen assembly abuts the formed head 3 as it is retracting towards the"docked"position, as shown in Fig. 1. The pen holder 4 is connected to the pen 5 by a cylindrical joiner 11 which fits exactly to the inside of pen 5 and is resiliently fixed internally to the pen 5. This joiner 11 forms an abutment against which an ink tube 13 rests. The cylindrical joiner 11 projects internally into the pen holder 4 within which it is an interference fit. The joiner 11 has a sprung spigot 15 to which is fixed or formed a male locking peg 12 which locates exactly in a female orifice 17 in the pen holder 4, this aligns and locks the pen to the pen holder 4, forming the pen assembly, and preventing the pen being removed. The pen 5 can only be separated from the pen holder 4 by depressing the male locking peg 12 through the female orifice 17 with a tool provided with the assembly. Usually this tool is eccentric in order to inhibit unauthorised removal.

Alternatively, a pin may be provided which incorporates a pen holder position for docking with a formed head mounting and to which the tether is directly secured.

To join the pen 5 to the pen holder 4 first the sprung spigot 15 is entered into the open end of the pen holder 4 at a slight angle forcing the sprung spigot 15 to deflect. The pen 5 is then pushed towards the pen holder 5 until the joiner 11 enters the pen holder 4. The pen 5 is then pushed fully home into the pen holder 4, the joiner 11 aligning exactly the pen 5 and pen holder 4 due to the interference fit of the joiner 11 with pen holder 4. The pen 5 is then rotated whilst holding steady the pen holder 4 until the male locking peg 12 aligns with and is forced into the matching female orifice in the wall of pen holder 4 by the action of the deflected sprung spigot 15, thus aligning, locking and forming the dedicated pen assembly. Thus, only the pen 5 needs to be replaced when the ink runs out rather than the whole pen assembly as described in the alternative above.

The connected pen 5 and pen holder 4 as an assembly are fixed to the retracting tether 10, (Fig. 2), this tether 10 is preferably manufactured from a strong abrasion resistant nylon or Kevlar braid with high torsional resistance, but could also be manufactured from monofilament nylon, Kevlar, composite material, wire or chain. This attachment is by permanent fixing of tether 10 to swivel 9 which is fitted or glued internally to the pen holder 4 shown in Fig. 4.

The tether 10 shown in Fig. 2 enters the varied slope stem 2 via the orifice 14 in the head 3 (Fig. 2). This orifice 14 is shaped in a convex fashion similar to a venturi to smoothly guide the tether 10. The tether 10 threads via the inside of the varied slope stem 2 through the ring in the weight swivel 7 which is internally attached to the sliding gravity weight 6. This gravity weight 6 may also be in the form of a roller or wheel or may be wheeled to roll down the varied slope system 2.

In the example shown and for the purpose of this description the preferred gravity weight is sliding. This sliding gravity weight 6 is manufactured from metal

to maximise density i. e. weight to size ratio but other materials may be used.

This sliding gravity weight 6 may also be manufactured utilising a hollow container holding liquid or solid infill. The tether 10 then passes via the inside of the varied slope stem 2 to the head swivel 8 where it is permanently secured.

The combination of swivels 7,8 and 9 are necessary to prevent tether twist which would result in tangling and/or jamming of the mechanism. In the shown, preferred example, (Fig. 2) the combination of the tether 10 passing from the pen holder swivel 9 via the weight swivel 7 to the head swivel 8 increases the effective operating length of the tether 10 by a factor of two over a single pull tether attached directly between pen holder 4 and sliding gravity weight 6.

Although a single pull arrangement may be used the operating range of the dedicated pen assembly could be restrictive. With the addition of a further swivel to the sliding gravity weight 6 and threading the tether 10 through the loop in the head swivel 8 from the weight swivel 7 and returning it to attach it to an extra swivel fixed to the sliding gravity weight 6 a"treble"pull can also be arranged giving extended range of the pen. The weight of the sliding gravity weight 6 would need to be increased by a minimum factor of 50% over the shown arrangement in order to operate in the same fashion as the shown example.

Furthermore, with the addition of another swivel to the head assembly 3 and further re-routing of the tether 10 a"quadruple"pull can be arranged, again a further corresponding increase in the weight of sliding gravity weight 6 would need to be made, this would further extend the pens operating range. In fact, the number of pulley lengths is determined by the desired draw length for the pen pull in use in comparison with the package length of the guide support 2 and/or possible weight 6 values.

The lower section of the varied slope stem support 2 (Fig. 2) has a steeper angle compared to the top section of the varied slope stem 2 and is designed in conjunction with the sliding gravity weight 6, tether 10 and swivels 7,8 and 9 to provide sufficient traction to lift and"dock"the dedicated pen assembly onto the

formed head 3 mounting. The base of sliding weight 6 is noted to be a small distance from the lower end 2a of the guide stem 2 when the pen is fully retracted as shown in Fig. 2 in order that the dedicated pen assembly is retained on the head 3 when not in use. Suspension of the weight ensures the tether is in tension and so a positive traction force is maintained to provide good dock mounting to the head 3 by the pen assembly. On extension of the dedicated pen assembly by the user to the writing position, the sliding gravity weight 6 slides up the steeper angle of the lower section 2a of the varied slope guide stem support 2 until it reaches the transition to the less acute angled top section 2b of the varied slope guide stem support 2. The user will use the pen 5 with the sliding weight 6 under the influence of the lower angle of the top section 2b of the stem 2. The benefit of the lower angle of the top section 2b of stem 2 is reduced traction on the pen 5 facilitating easier writing, however the tether 10 is still held under traction, clear of the writing surface. Thus, if and when the pen 5 is released it will be returned for docking with the head assembly 3.

When the user has finished writing the traction force provided by the combination of the lower angle of the top section 2b of the varied slope guide stem 2 and the sliding weight 6 and tether assembly is sufficient to drag the dedicated pen assembly 5 across a surface of a desk, table, bench, work top or unit, but is insufficient to lift and"dock"the dedicated pen assembly, it will however deliver the dedicated pen assembly to a point on the counter, desk, table, bench, work top or unit (Fig. 3), where it is influenced by the increased traction applied via the tether 10 from the sliding gravity weight 6 as this weight enters the steeper angle of the lower section 2a of the varied slope guide stem 2 (see Fig. 3), where traction is increased to a sufficient level to lift and"dock"the dedicated pen assembly onto the formed head 3.

Fig. 8 is a cross-section of a pen assembly 100 in which a variable slope support 109 is secured to a base 107 in order to present a pen 102 to a mounting end 110 of the support 109. The pen 102 is secured through a tether 103 to a

retraction mechanism incorporating a weighted element 104 to which a magnetic end component 105 is secured. At the bottom of the support 109 a further magnet end 106 is located such that there is an attraction between the ends 105 and 106. The tether 103 acts in a similar fashion to that described above with regard to a variable slope support 2 such that the retraction mechanism comprising the tether 103 and weighted elements 104 is arranged such that there is a variable traction force placed upon the pen 102 dependent upon position.

The tether 103 extends over a swivel 108 such that in an initial portion 109a of the support 109 there is a relatively strong traction force presented through the tether 103 to the pen 102 to ensure good location and docking of the pen 102 in the holder or mounting end 110. However, in a second portion 109b of the support 109 the weighted element 104 is supported to a greater extent and therefore the traction force presented through the tether 103 is reduced to allow easier manoeuvrability with the pen 102. As with previous embodiments described above, the tether 103 may be formed with a number of swivel ends in order to create pulleys between the swivels for greater tether 103 extension or pull lengths.

In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 8 the magnetic ends or elements 105, 106 provide greater retraction force to cause more significant docking and location forces with the mounting end 110 in comparison with the weight of the element 104 alone. Typically, the ends 105,106 will be permanent magnets but it will be appreciated that electro-magnets may be used, such that when switched on a significant over magnetic attraction may be provided between the ends 105, 106 to prevent movement of the pen 102 from its docked position on the end 110 and effectively lock the pen assembly down.

The embodiment depicted in Fig. 8 uses magnetism is order to accentuate the variable traction force features of variable slope support 109. Thus, it may be easier to provide a pen assembly in accordance with the present invention by combining the effects of weight in the element 104 and the magnetic ends 105,

106 within appropriate dimensions in comparison with pure dependence upon gravitational pull as described in the previous embodiments depicted in Figs. 1 to 7 where greater weight values are required for greater pull lengths through multiple pulley arrangements. It will also be understood that by choice of appropriate materials it may be possible to utilise a substantially vertical support in which a first portion has a significant magnetic attraction whilst an upper portion has a much lower magnetic attraction. In such circumstances, a relatively light weight retraction bob or weighted element may be used such that in the upper/lower magnetic attraction region a pen secured through a tether to that bob can be readily manipulated whilst when the magnetic bob enters the higher magnetic attraction portion of the support, greater attraction pull and force is provided in order to dock the pen with a mounting part of the pen assembly.

In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 8 it will be understood that the magnetic ends 105,106 may both be magnetic or one or the other made from a material attracted by magnetism, such as steel with the other a permanent magnet. The attraction between the magnetic ends 105,106 will generally be to provide a final over or supplemental attraction force to create good docking of the pen 102 into the mounting end 110.

Where utilising electro-magnetic means for attraction between the ends 105,106 or otherwise within the support 109, it will be appreciated that a progressive withdrawal of the pen 102 could be created by creation of a plurality of electro-magnetic elements in the support 109 with the weighted bob 104 progressively passed by these magnetic elements along the length of the support 109 in order to"reel in"the pen 102. Clearly, such an approach requires sequential operation of the electro-magnetic elements and would add significantly to cost. Nevertheless, the pen 102 could be reeled in or in reverse reeled out by sequential operation of the electro-magnetic elements.

Numerous modifications of the present invention are possible without significantly altering the general tenor of the invention. Thus, for example instead of use of a Kevlar tether, a pen and retraction mechanism in accordance with the present invention could be coupled through a suitably flexible wire or chain.

Furthermore, rather than providing simply two variable slopes in the support in accordance with the present invention, it will be understood that more angular lengths of support could be provided to give more than two variations in the traction force applied to the pen dependent upon distance from the support.

Rather than using a closed tube, it will be understood that an open rail or channel could be provided within which a weighted element in accordance with the present invention moves. Thus, the weighted element would be captured within the channel or retained upon the rail in order to slide up and down upon the variable slopes of the support in order to create the various traction forces dependent upon pen position. In order to prevent over extraction of the pen from the pen assembly, the weight within the support may be shaped or the support itself shaped in order to create a constriction towards the furthest extremities of pen extraction to provide an indication or inhibit further pen extraction.

A pen attachment arrangement is illustrated in Fig 1. This arrangement comprises a pen 201 attached to a tether termination block or attachment member 202. An upper end 210 of the member 202 engages an upper end of a location orifice or aperture 220 in the pen 201. An end 210 of the member 202 is pushed into engagement within a lower end of the orifice aperture 220 and pressure applied to deflect a formed spring latch blade 206. This blade is typically formed integrally with the pen 202. A portion 208 of the latch blade 206 locates into a matching groove 223 in a latch end 207 of the member 202. The arrangement is formed in such a way that the angle of a top end 211 of the latch end 207 of the member 202 contrives under pressure to deflect the latch blade 206 until the portion 208 of the latch blade 206 locates in the corresponding groove 223 in the latch end 207 of the member 202. The angle of engagement for the latch end 207 ensures that the member 202 will engage tighter with a

similar engagement part of portion 208 of the latch blade 206 if traction force is applied to remove the tether 203.

The member 202 is located securely in the pen 201 by an abutment 215 of the member 202 against an inner surface of the pen 201. Once located within the pen 201 the member 202 cannot be removed without the pen 201 being broken at a position predetermined by a fracture or weakening notch 209 in the pen 201. An ink container 212 is located by the abutment 213 of member 202 against the casing of the pen 201.

To cause entry of the member 202 into the aperture 208 generally the member 202 is first positioned with a ledge 221 against an upper edge 220a of the aperture. Thus, the member 202 swivels or rotates about the lever pivot of that upper edge 220a and the end 211 of the latch end 207 forces displacement of the spring latch blade 206 in the direction of arrow head 222 until the portion 208 enters the groove 223 formed in the latch end 206. In such circumstances, the latch blade 206 and latch end 207 engage to retain a robust coupling between the member 202a and the pen 201. As shown the portion 208 is generally reciprocally shaped to the groove 223 for good engagement with limited possibility of wobble.

The latch blade 206 is angled relative to a wall portion 224 of the pen 201 to facilitate displacement of the blade 206 upon entry of the member 202 into the aperture 220 and the portion 211 forces such displacement.

The latch blade 206 also provides an upward bias force in the direction of arrowhead 225 ensuring good robust engagement between the latch 221 and the upper part 220a of the aperture.

The arrangement can also be manufactured with the member turned through 180 degrees and the corresponding replaceable pen fittings moved accordingly.

The tether 203 is attached to the attachment member 202 by insertion through a orifice passage 214 in the member 202, inserted through a bead collar or washer 2X4 and secured by knot or glued nipple 205. This arrangement forms a swivel assembly which prevents the assembled pen from twisting the tether 203 during constant use.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.