U.S. patent application number 11/339038 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for balancing holder for writing instrument.
Invention is credited to Kristina Pitaniello.
Application Number | 20060226324 11/339038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37082319 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060226324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pitaniello; Kristina |
October 12, 2006 |
Balancing holder for writing instrument
Abstract
A balancing holder or stand for a pen or other writing
instrument includes a parabolic, paraboloid, or substantially
parabolic bottom surface, an outer ring, an upper surface, and,
optionally, an upper element extending from the upper surface and a
top surface. A writing instrument may be inserted into the stand
through an opening to a chamber or reservoir, which in various
embodiments can be flat or slanted and may extend straight downward
or at an angle downward. In various embodiments, surfaces of the
upper surface, upper element, and top surface can be flat, angled,
curved, or a combination thereof.
Inventors: |
Pitaniello; Kristina;
(Boston, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILMER CUTLER PICKERING HALE AND DORR LLP
60 STATE STREET
BOSTON
MA
02109
US
|
Family ID: |
37082319 |
Appl. No.: |
11/339038 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29218314 |
Nov 30, 2004 |
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11339038 |
Jan 25, 2006 |
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60648376 |
Jan 28, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/311.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B43K 23/04 20130101;
B43M 99/003 20130101; B43K 23/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/311.2 |
International
Class: |
A47K 1/08 20060101
A47K001/08 |
Claims
1. A holder for a writing instrument, comprising an upper portion
and a bottom portion, the bottom portion including a bottom
surface, and the upper portion including an upper surface extending
from an outer ring, the outer ring defining a junction between the
bottom portion and the upper portion; the upper portion defining an
opening of a chamber; the chamber extending downward from the
opening into the holder; a vertical cross-section of the upper
portion and the bottom portion from the bottom point of the bottom
surface through the center point of the outer ring having
approximately a point at the junction of the upper portion and the
bottom portion; and a vertical cross-section of the bottom surface
from the bottom point of the bottom surface to an outer diameter of
the outer ring being continuous and substantially parabolic.
2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface is a
paraboloid.
3. The holder of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface is a curve
bounded by y=x.sup.2/a, where a is approximately 58 mm.
4. The holder of claim 1, wherein the upper surface is curved.
5. The holder of claim 4, wherein the upper surface curves upward
in a convex curve beginning at the outer ring.
6. The holder of claim 4, wherein the curved upper surface flattens
at the top.
7. The holder of claim 1, wherein the upper surface is slanted.
8. The holder of claim 1, wherein the upper surface changes
shape.
9. The holder of claim 1, wherein an inner edge of the upper
surface defines an inner ring, wherein the inner ring defines an
upper boundary of a surface curved toward the bottom surface.
10. The holder of claim 1, further comprising an upper element, the
upper element extending upward from the upper surface.
11. The holder of claim 10, wherein the upper element is
approximately in the shape of the frustum of a cone.
12. The holder of claim 10, wherein the upper element is
approximately in the shape of a section of a sphere bounded by two
parallel planes.
13. The holder of claim 10, wherein the upper element has a top
surface and a base, the top surface being at an angle with respect
to a plane through the base of the upper element.
14. The holder of claim 10, wherein the upper element meets the
upper surface at an upper junction, and wherein the upper junction
is curved.
15. The holder of claim 10, wherein the upper element is not
centered on the upper surface.
16. The holder of claim 10, wherein the chamber extends downward
from the opening into the upper element.
17. The holder of claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes a top
surface, the top surface being the surface furthest above the
bottom surface.
18. The holder of claim 17, wherein the top surface is slanted.
19. The holder of claim 17, wherein the top surface defines the
opening of the chamber.
20. The holder of claim 19, wherein the opening of the chamber is
slanted.
21. The holder of claim 17, wherein the top surface is curved.
22. The holder of claim 17, wherein the top surface is continuous
with the structure below it.
23. The holder of claim 1, wherein the opening is slanted.
24. The holder of claim 1, wherein the holder is partially
hollow.
25. The holder of claim 1, wherein the chamber extends at an angle
downward.
26. The holder of claim 1, wherein the upper surface and the bottom
surface have substantially the same degree of curvature.
27. A kit, comprising a writing instrument and a holder, the holder
comprising an upper portion and a bottom portion, the bottom
portion including a bottom surface, and the upper portion including
an upper surface extending from an outer ring, the outer ring
defining a junction between the bottom portion and the upper
portion; the upper portion defining an opening of a chamber; the
chamber extending downward from the opening into the holder; a
vertical cross-section of the upper portion and the bottom portion
from the bottom point of the bottom surface through the center
point of the outer ring having approximately a point at the
junction of the upper portion and the bottom portion; and a
vertical cross-section of the bottom surface from the bottom point
of the bottom surface to an outermost diameter of the outer ring
being continuous and substantially parabolic, and a writing
instrument sized so that a portion of the instrument is removably
insertable into the opening of the chamber.
28. The kit of claim 27, wherein the holder is formed integrally
with a cap for the writing instrument.
29. The kit of claim 27, wherein the writing instrument is
substantially vertical when inserted into the opening of the
chamber and the bottom surface of the holder is placed on a
horizontal supporting surface.
30. The kit of claim 27, wherein the holder further comprises an
upper element.
31. A holder for a writing instrument, comprising a bottom surface,
an upper surface, an outer ring, an upper element, and a top
surface, the outer ring defining a junction between the bottom
surface and the upper surface; the upper surface being a continuous
curve ending at an upper junction between the upper surface and the
upper element; the upper element extending upward from the upper
junction ending at a junction with the top surface, the top surface
defining an opening of a chamber for a writing instrument, the
chamber extending downward from the opening in the top surface into
the holder; and a vertical cross-section of the bottom surface from
the bottom point of the bottom surface to an outer diameter of the
outer ring being substantially parabolic.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 60/648,376, filed Jan. 28, 2005, and claims
priority to U.S. design patent application No. 29/218,314, filed
Nov. 30, 2004, the entire contents of each of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to holders, such as, for
example, stands, for pens and other writing instruments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A typical pen has a barrel that surrounds an ink cartridge
and a cap that covers the point of the pen. When closed, the pen
often has an approximately cylindrical shape.
[0004] When a user finishes with the pen, it may be placed in a
desk drawer or, commonly, tossed onto the top of a desk. While
various stands and holders exist for pens, those tend to be large
and to be pre-positioned on one part of a desk. Although movable,
they are not always conveniently located when a user is finished
using the pen.
[0005] When placed on a desk, a pen has little height and is easily
lost among the papers and files already on the desk.
[0006] This application contains subject matter related to U.S.
Pat. No. 6,200,052. However, among other differences between U.S.
Pat. No. 6,200,052 and various embodiments of the instant
application, the embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,052
do not show that the shape of a vertical cross-section of the
bottom surface from the bottom point of the bottom surface to an
outer diameter of the outer ring of the holder is a parabola,
paraboloid, or substantially parabolic. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No.
6,200,052 does not show either that a vertical cross-section of the
upper portion and the bottom portion from the bottom point of the
bottom surface through the center point of the outer ring has
approximately a point at the junction of the upper portion and the
bottom portion or that a vertical cross-section of the bottom
surface from the bottom point of the bottom surface to an outermost
diameter of the outer ring is continuous and substantially
parabolic.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to certain aspects of the invention, a pen or
other writing instrument is provided with a holder, such as, for
example, a stand, that is designed with a continuous curve that is
approximately parabolic as the bottom surface. When placed or
tossed onto a desk or table, the stand causes the writing
instrument to remain standing, where it is easily located, for
example, due to motion and height. The pen stand may remain on the
desk while the pen is used.
[0008] The holder may be formed integrally with a pen cap or as a
separate piece. When formed with a pen cap, the holder can be sold
with the pen, in place of a conventional cap, or as a replacement
cap for a pen. In some cases, a pen may not have a cap, such as,
for example, a pen with a retractable nib or tip. Thus, the holder
can also be sold with such a pen or separately to hold such a pen
without a cap.
[0009] While not intending to be limited by theory, in at least
some embodiments the stand does not rely on weight dispersion to
keep the pen in a vertical position on a surface. It can be
constructed from a variety of materials, such as, for example,
plastic, resin, acrylic, hard rubber, or metal. Examples of
suitable metal stands include aluminum and metal alloys, such as,
for example, bronze or brass. Additionally, the stand can be
designed to accommodate different sizes and shapes of pens.
[0010] In various aspects, the present invention relates to a
holder for a writing instrument, the holder defining an upper
portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion defining a bottom
surface, and the upper portion defining an upper surface extending
from and sometimes above an outer ring. In various embodiments, the
bottom surface is a parabola, paraboloid, or substantially
parabolic, and the upper portion has an opening for a pen and can
take on various curved and angled shapes, or combinations of curves
and angles that may or may not be symmetric to each other and/or to
one or more surfaces of the bottom portion of the holder.
[0011] In various embodiments of the invention, the opening may be
flat or slanted and may extend straight downward or at an angle
downward. Likewise, the holder may be hollow, partially hollow, or
solid.
[0012] In some embodiments of the invention, the holder has
additional elements, such as an upper element, on the upper
surface.
[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following more particular
description of various embodiments of the invention, as illustrated
in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to
scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a writing instrument
stand according to an embodiment of the present invention with a
pen.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the writing instrument stand shown
in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the writing instrument
stand shown in FIG. 1 with a pen removed from the stand.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a partially cross-sectional side view of the
writing instrument stand shown in FIG. 1 with a pen removed from
the stand.
[0018] FIG. 5A is a perspective side view of a writing instrument
stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5B is a side view of the writing instrument stand shown
in FIG. 5A.
[0020] FIG. 5C is a view from line A-A of FIG. 5B.
[0021] FIG. 6A is a perspective side view of a writing instrument
stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6B is a side view of the writing instrument stand shown
in FIG. 6A.
[0023] FIG. 6C is a view from line A-A of FIG. 6B.
[0024] FIG. 7A is a perspective side view of a writing instrument
stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7B is a side view of the writing instrument stand shown
in FIG. 7A.
[0026] FIG. 7C is a view from line B-B of FIG. 7B.
[0027] FIG. 8A is a perspective side view of a writing instrument
stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 8B is a side view of the writing instrument stand shown
in FIG. 8A.
[0029] FIG. 8C is a view from line A-A of FIG. 8B.
[0030] FIG. 9A is a perspective side view of a writing instrument
stand with a slanted top surface according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 9B is a side view of a writing instrument stand with a
slanted top surface according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 9C is a view from line A-A of FIG. 9B.
[0033] FIG. 10A is a perspective side view of a writing instrument
stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 10B is a side view of the writing instrument stand
shown in FIG. 10A.
[0035] FIG. 10C is a view from line A-A of FIG. 10B.
[0036] FIG. 11A is a perspective side view of a writing instrument
stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 11B is a side view of the writing instrument stand
shown in FIG. 11A.
[0038] FIG. 11C is a view from line A-A of FIG. 11B.
[0039] FIG. 12A is a perspective side view of a writing instrument
stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 12B is a side view of the writing instrument stand
shown in FIG. 12A.
[0041] FIG. 12C is a view from line C-C of FIG. 12B.
[0042] FIG. 13A is a perspective side view of a writing instrument
stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 13B is a side view of the writing instrument stand
shown in FIG. 13A.
[0044] FIG. 13C is a top view of the writing instrument stand shown
in FIG. 13A.
[0045] FIG. 14 is a side view of a writing instrument stand
according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] This application contains subject matter related to U.S.
Pat. No. 6,200,052, issued Mar. 13, 2001, U.S. provisional
application No. 60/648,376, filed Jan. 28, 2005, and U.S. design
patent application No. 29/218,314, filed Nov. 30, 2004, the entire
contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0047] As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, stand 10
rests on bottom portion 23, which defines bottom surface 11 ending
in outer ring 12. Bottom portion 23 is the combination of all
components and surfaces beginning at outer ring 12 and extending
downward. Outer ring 12 is the junction between bottom portion 23
and upper portion 22. In various embodiments, a vertical
cross-section of the upper portion and the bottom portion from the
bottom point of the bottom surface through the center point of the
outer ring has approximately a point at the junction of the upper
portion and the bottom portion. In some embodiments, this location
is a point of discontinuity. Upper portion 22 is the combination of
all components and surfaces beginning at outer ring 12 and
extending upward. In various embodiments, upper portion 22 includes
one or more of an upper surface, an upper junction, an upper
element, a top surface, an opening of a chamber, any additional
components above the outer ring, and various combinations thereof.
In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-4, outer ring 12 is the
junction between bottom surface 11 and upper surface 13. Upper
surface 13 extends from outer ring 12 to upper junction 14, which
is the junction of upper surface 13 and upper element 15. In
various embodiments, upper surface 13 curves upward in a convex
curve beginning at the outer ring. In additional embodiments, the
curve flattens at the top. In further embodiments, the upper
surface is slanted. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, upper
element 15 is approximately conical in shape. Upper element 15
extends upward to top surface 16. Writing instrument 17 is inserted
into stand 10 through opening 18, such as, for example, a chamber
or reservoir, in top surface 16 that extends downward into stand
10. In some such embodiments, the base of upper element 15 at upper
junction 14 will be above outer ring 12 when the stand is placed on
a horizontal surface, which is shown in, for example, FIG. 2. (For
clarity, numbers are not always repeated or provided in all figures
to indicate all elements that are present in each figure.)
[0048] In some embodiments of the invention, a vertical
cross-section of the bottom section of the stand across the
diameter of outer ring 12 is a parabola or approximately a parabola
or substantially parabolic, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. Such
a cross-section can be described as a vertical cross-section of the
bottom surface from bottom point 21 of bottom surface 11 to an
outermost diameter of the outer ring or as a vertical cross-section
of the bottom surface across a diameter of the outer ring. In
various embodiments this vertical cross-section is continuous and
substantially parabolic. This parabola is scalable so that for a
given diameter of outer ring 12 the arc covered by bottom surface
11 may be more or less than that depicted in FIGS. 1-4. In one
embodiment the bottom surface is a paraboloid. In some embodiments,
the vertical cross-section of the bottom surface from the bottom
point of the bottom surface to an outer diameter of the outer ring
is a parabola defined by the equation y=x.sup.2/a, where a is not
equal to zero or infinity, and where x represents the distance from
center or bottom point 21 of bottom surface 11 and y represents the
height along the outer edge of bottom surface 11 above its bottom.
In one embodiment a is approximately 58 mm. In additional
embodiments, a ranges from about 39 mm to about 246 mm. In further
embodiments, a ranges from about 45 mm to about 150 mm. In
additional embodiments, a ranges from about 50 to about 100 mm. In
some embodiments the height of the outer ring above the bottom of
the stand varies. The possible ranges of this height depend on the
other dimensions of the stand such that the stand remains
substantially vertical when placed on a horizontal supporting
surface. In other embodiments, bottom surface 11 may be more
circular in shape, shaped in the form of a bulb, or take the form
of a different curve or a set of curves. In some embodiments of the
invention, bottom surface 11 is a single curve to the widest part
of stand 10 at outer ring 12. In some embodiments, the outer ring
can be non-regular, such as, for example, wavy. In various
embodiments of the invention, the bottom surface is not a
hemisphere or substantially hemispherical.
[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the stand
is placed on a surface so that it is nearly horizontal, the curve
of the bottom surface will cause the stand and pen to revert to an
upright (vertical) or approximately upright position. In various
embodiments, the holder reverts to a position in which the upper
surface is above or substantially above the bottom surface when the
bottom surface of the holder is placed on a horizontal supporting
surface. With some embodiments, it is believed that the stand may
be placed at an angle of up to 80 degrees from vertical and still
return to an upright position. In some embodiments the stand or the
stand and pen may move, such as, for example, wobbling or moving in
a back and forth, circular, or elliptical motion, before coming to
rest in an upright or approximately upright position. The stand may
be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to
plastic, resin, acrylic, hard rubber, or metal. Examples of
suitable metal stands include aluminum and metal alloys, such as,
for example, bronze or brass. The stand also may be made from a
combination of materials, may be completely or partially solid or
hollow, may be filled with a different material than its outer
surfaces, or may be a combination thereof. In some embodiments the
stand is transparent or substantially transparent. In addition, the
shape and dimensions above the outer ring can vary greatly, with
some examples described herein.
[0050] The stand may be made by various methods known in the art.
For example, the stand can be made on a CNC lathe or can be cast
from a mold. In some embodiments the original stand may be made by
a lathe, and in some embodiments, copies of the original may be
cast from a mold. According to some embodiments of the invention,
when making the bottom surface extending to the outer ring on a CNC
lathe, the CNC lathe uses a radius to produce a specific curve.
According to some embodiments of the invention, this radius could
range from a measurement of about 0.9 inches to 13 inches. In some
embodiments, the radius could range from about 1.00 inch to about 5
inches. In some embodiments, the radius could range from about 1.00
inch to about 1.99 inches. In additional embodiments, the radius
could range from about 1.00 inch to about 1.50 inches. In one
embodiment this radius is 1.37 inches.
[0051] In some embodiments of the invention, the junction between
the upper portion and the bottom portion is a point or
approximately a point, such as, for example, in FIGS. 1-4, and in
additional embodiments it is a curve. In some embodiments of the
invention the outer ring is the widest part of the stand (such as,
for example, in FIGS. 1-4).
[0052] In one embodiment, the invention is a holder for a writing
instrument, the holder defining a bottom surface, an upper surface,
an outer ring, an upper element, and a top surface. The outer ring
defines a junction between the bottom surface and the upper
surface, and the upper surface is a continuous curve ending at an
upper junction between the upper surface and the upper element. The
upper element extends upward from the upper junction ending at a
junction with the top surface, the top surface defines an opening
of a chamber for a writing instrument, and the chamber extends
downward from the opening in the top surface into the holder. A
vertical cross-section of the bottom surface from the bottom point
of the bottom surface to an outer diameter of the outer ring is
substantially parabolic. In some embodiments, a writing instrument
fits into the opening of the chamber.
[0053] In various embodiments, the upper surface can be curved
(such as, for example, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6A), straight (such as,
for example, in FIG. 5A and FIG. 10A), angled, or change in shape.
In some embodiments the upper surface can be inset from the widest
perimeter of the outer ring, such as, for example, element 115 in
FIG. 11A and element 124 in FIG. 12A. (However, the embodiment in
FIG. 11A could also be described as having flat upper surface 113
and an upper element with curved top surface 115; the embodiment in
FIG. 12A could similarly be described as having curved upper
surface 121 and an upper element with curved top surface 124.) In
additional embodiments, the upper surface may be entirely flat
(such as, for example, in FIG. 10A).
[0054] In various embodiments the upper element extends upward from
the upper surface when the bottom surface of the holder is placed
on a horizontal supporting surface. In additional embodiments, the
upper element may take on a variety of shapes. For example, the
upper element may be approximately cylindrical, conical (such as,
for example, in FIG. 10A), spherical, pyramidal or other
three-dimensional polygonal shape. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, the upper element curves upward toward the opening,
and in further embodiments, the curve flattens at the top near the
opening. In some embodiments, the upper element has a top surface
and a base, and the top surface is flat or at an angle with respect
to a plane through the base of the upper element. In addition, in
various embodiments, the upper junction where the upper element
meets with the upper surface may be angular (such as, for example,
in FIG. 1) or curved (such as, for example, in FIG. 14).
Additionally, in some embodiments, the upper element may not be
present. In some embodiments, the upper element is not centered on
the upper surface of the stand. It should be understood that in
this and other embodiments with all of these shapes, the top
portion of the shape may be cut off before the top, such as, for
example, to create the frustum of a cone, the frustum of a pyramid,
a section of a sphere bounded by two parallel planes, or a section
of a hemisphere bounded by either the planar surface of the
hemisphere and one plane parallel thereto or a spherical segment
bounded by two planes parallel to the planar surface of the
hemisphere. The top surface thus created may be, for example, flat,
curved, angled or wavy.
[0055] In various embodiments the top surface can take on a variety
of shapes. For example, the top surface can be flat (such as, for
example, in FIG. 5A), curved (such as, for example, in FIG. 11A),
angled (such as, for example, in FIG. 9A) or wavy. In some
embodiments the top surface can be a defined surface (such as, for
example, in FIG. 5A) and in other embodiments the top surface can
be continuous with the structure below it (such as, for example,
the upper surface in FIG. 6A). In various embodiments, the top
surface is the surface furthest above the bottom surface when the
bottom surface of the holder is placed on a horizontal supporting
surface. Thus, in some embodiments, the top surface is the upper
surface.
[0056] In various embodiments the top surface defines an opening,
such as, for example, for receiving a pen or other writing
instrument. The shape of the opening can vary to accommodate the
writing instrument. In addition, the opening may be flat (such as,
for example, in FIG. 5A) or slanted (such as, for example, in FIG.
7A and FIG. 9A) in different embodiments. According to various
embodiments, a chamber extends downward from the opening into the
stand. In some embodiments, the opening is in the top surface of
the upper element, and in some such embodiments, the chamber
extends downward from the opening into the upper element. In
additional embodiments, the chamber extends downward from the
opening into the bottom portion of the stand. The opening may
extend substantially straight downward into the stand (such as, for
example, in FIG. 4) or at an angle downward into the stand, such
that the chamber extends straight downward or at an angle downward
into the stand. In some embodiments, a writing instrument inserted,
for example, into a chamber that extends at an angle downward into
the stand, will not be substantially vertical, but may instead be
at an angle, when the stand is placed on a horizontal supporting
surface. In further embodiments, the stand remains substantially
vertical, despite the fact that a writing instrument inserted into
the stand is not substantially vertical, when the stand is placed
on a horizontal supporting surface. In additional embodiments, the
walls of the chamber are angled such that the chamber is not of
uniform diameter.
[0057] In various embodiments, in addition to the first chamber, as
described above, the holder includes one or more additional
chambers. In additional embodiments, the stand can be used with a
variety of writing instruments, such as, for example, pens,
pencils, fountain pens, markers, crayons, brushes, and chalk. In
some embodiments, the writing instrument can be placed into the
stand with the writing portion entering the chamber in the stand.
In other embodiments and with other writing instruments, such as,
for example, those that may not have a tip or nib, the writing
instrument can be placed in the stand with either end in the
chamber in the stand. In some embodiments the writing instrument
extends for approximately the full length of the chamber. In other
embodiments the writing instrument only extends into the stand for
a portion of the chamber. In some embodiments, the writing
instrument fits snugly into the chamber of the stand. Also, in
various embodiments, the stand can be used with other objects that
would otherwise lie relatively flat. In general, the opening can be
sized and shaped to accommodate various sizes and shapes of writing
instruments.
[0058] In various embodiments of the invention, the holder or stand
holds two or more writing instruments. In some embodiments, such
writing instruments could all be held simultaneously by the holder
or removed simultaneously or sequentially such that the holder has
the capacity to hold multiple writing instruments but may only be
filled to part of its capacity. As a result, in such embodiments
the holder may have multiple chambers, some or all of which may
have a writing instrument removably inserted into the chamber at a
given point in time. In some embodiments the multiple chambers may
be located centrally on the holder; however, in other embodiments,
the multiple chambers may be spaced over the various surfaces (for
example, upper and/or top surfaces) of the upper portion of the
holder. In such embodiments, the number and location of the filled
chambers may affect the degree to which the holder maintains the
writing instruments in a substantially vertical position when
placed on a horizontal surface. For example, removal or insertion
of an additional writing instrument into a specific chamber may
cause the center of balance of the holder to change.
[0059] In some embodiments, the holder is formed integrally with a
pen cap. In additional embodiments, the holder is a pen cap. In
some embodiments, the writing instrument does not have a cap, such
as, for example, a pen with a retractable nib or tip. In further
embodiments, the writing instrument has a removable cap. Thus, in
additional embodiments, the holder is separate from but can be used
with a writing instrument without a cap.
[0060] As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, stand 10
rests on bottom surface 11. In this embodiment upper surface 13
curves upward toward upper junction 14.
[0061] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 shows writing instrument
17 removed from stand 10. This figure shows opening 18 in top
surface 16 of upper element 15.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
invention in which writing instrument 17, not shown in
cross-section, is removed from stand 10. In this embodiment, stand
10 rests on bottom surface 11 ending in outer ring 12. Outer ring
12 is the junction between bottom surface 11 and upper surface 13,
which in this embodiment is curved. Upper surface 13 extends from
outer ring 12 to upper junction 14 with upper element 15, which in
this embodiment is approximately conical. Upper element 15 extends
upward ending at top surface 16. Chamber 19 extends from top
surface 16 downward into stand 10.
[0063] In this embodiment of the invention, upper surface 13, which
may be curved, is encircled by outer ring 12. In this embodiment,
outer ring 12 joins to bottom surface 11, which may also be curved.
In some embodiments, upper surface 13 and bottom surface 11 have
the same curve or the same degree of curvature. In some
embodiments, stand 10 is solid and formed from a single piece of
aluminum. In various embodiments, the holder is at least partly
aluminum. In other embodiments the center of the stand may be
completely hollow or may be hollow in part. In various embodiments,
the outer ring defines a plane, with the bottom portion (including
at least the bottom surface) below the plane and the upper portion
(including at least the upper surface) above the plane such that a
portion of the holder is below the plane, and the portion of the
holder below the plane is a single piece of substantially uniform
material. In some embodiments the portion of the holder below the
plane that is a single piece of substantially uniform material is
solid. In additional embodiments, the stand is formed from one or
more separate pieces.
[0064] One exemplary embodiment has the following dimensions and
shapes. Stand 10 has a height of about 40.5 mm, and outer ring 12
has a diameter of 54.8 mm. Above outer ring 12, upper surface 13
has a diameter at upper junction 14 of approximately 35 mm. From
upper junction 14, upper element 15 extends upward to top surface
16 in an approximately conical shape, such as, for example, the
frustum of a cone. The diameter at top surface 16 is approximately
21.5 mm, and the distance from upper junction 14 to top surface 16
of upper element 15 is about 18.5 mm. (Although top surface 16 is
flat in this embodiment, the portion of upper surface 13 above
outer ring 12 could define a continuous curve with top surface 16.
In some embodiments, the continuous curve can bend to form a series
of curves, such as, for example, a wavy surface.) In this
embodiment, outer ring 12 is about 13 mm above the bottom of bottom
surface 11. In various embodiments, the diameter of the outer ring
ranges from about 45 mm to about 113 mm.
[0065] In this exemplary embodiment, into top surface 16 of upper
element 15 is drilled chamber 19, for receiving tip or nib 20 of
writing instrument 17. Although in this embodiment, chamber 19 is
drilled vertically into upper element 15, chamber 19 could,
alternatively, extend at an angle into upper element 15.
[0066] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5A, upper surface 52 of
stand 50 is flat or straight between outer ring 51 and upper
junction 53. Additionally in this embodiment, the size of top
surface 54 between upper edge 57 of upper element 58 and a
corresponding point on edge 55 of opening 56 is increased, relative
to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. This dimension is also larger
than the width of upper surface 52 between outer ring 51 and a
corresponding point on the side of upper junction 53 on the outer
ring. Thus, in this embodiment, the distance from outer ring 5 1 to
a similarly measured corresponding point on upper junction 53 is
smaller than the distance from edge 55 of opening 56 to a similarly
measured corresponding point on an outer edge (such as upper edge
57) of top surface 54. FIG. 5B shows a side view of such an
embodiment.
[0067] FIG. 5C shows a view along line A-A of FIG. 5B, which shows
that the width of upper surface 52 from outer ring 51 to a
corresponding point on the side of upper junction 53 is smaller
than the width of top surface 54 from upper edge 57 to a similarly
measured corresponding point on edge 55 of opening 56 in this
embodiment.
[0068] FIG. 6A shows an embodiment in which upper surface 61 of
stand 60 curves upward from outer ring 62 toward opening 63. This
curve may be continuous or may flatten at the top near the opening.
In some embodiments this curve is symmetrical or approximately
symmetrical with the parabolic or approximately parabolic curve of
bottom surface 64. Thus, for example, the upper surface may have
substantially the same degree of curvature as the bottom surface.
FIG. 6B shows a side view of such an embodiment of the invention.
In this embodiment there is no distinct upper element of stand 60.
FIG. 6C shows a view along line A-A of FIG. 6B.
[0069] FIG. 7A shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS.
6A-C; however, in this embodiment, upper element 71 of stand 70 has
been added on top of the curved upper surface. Additionally, in the
embodiment depicted in this figure, top surface 72 of upper element
71 is at an angle with respect to a plane through the base of upper
element 71. Thus, in this embodiment the height of upper element 71
will vary around the sides of upper element 71. FIG. 7B shows a
side view of such an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7C shows a
view along line B-B of FIG. 7B.
[0070] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, shows stand 80 in which
upper surface 83 extends from outer ring 82 to inner ring 84. Inner
ring 84 defines the upper, outer boundary of hollow 85. In this
embodiment, upper surface 83 defines inner ring 84, inner ring 84
being an inner edge of upper surface 83, and the inner ring defines
an upper boundary of a surface curved toward bottom surface 81.
FIG. 8B shows a side view of such an embodiment. Although in this
embodiment the surface curves toward bottom surface 81, in
additional embodiments, the surface could be, for example, angled
or a combination of curved and angled toward bottom surface 81.
[0071] FIG. 8C shows a view along line A-A of FIG. 8B, in which
chamber 86 is open at inner surface 88 of curved body structure 87.
Curved body structure 87 defines inner hollow 85 of this embodiment
of stand 80.
[0072] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 9A shows stand 90 in which
upper surface 91 is slanted along top surface 92 to form an
asymmetrical stand. The edge of slanted top surface 92 may or may
not end on one side at outer ring 94. As a result of this slanted
top surface, opening 93 of the chamber at top surface 92 is also
along a slant. FIG. 9B shows an embodiment in which one side of the
slanted edge of top surface 92 ends at outer ring 94. FIG. 9C shows
a view along line A-A of FIG. 9B.
[0073] FIG. 10A depicts an embodiment in which upper surface 101 of
stand 100 is flat between outer ring 102 and upper junction 103. In
addition, in this embodiment, the length of the side of upper
element 104 is increased in relation to the depth of the bottom
portion of the stand (between the plane of flat upper surface 101
and the bottom of bottom surface 105) as compared to some
previously described embodiments. FIG. 10B shows a side view of
such an embodiment. FIG. 10C shows a view along line A-A of FIG.
10B.
[0074] FIG. 11A depicts an embodiment in which upper surface 113 is
flat between outer ring 112 and upper junction 114. In addition, in
this embodiment, upper element 115 is not conical, but instead is
curved from upper junction 114 upward toward opening 116 at the top
of stand 110. This curve may be continuous or may flatten at the
top near the opening. In some embodiments this curve is symmetrical
or approximately symmetrical with the parabolic or approximately
parabolic curve of the bottom surface. Thus, for example, the upper
element may have substantially the same degree of curvature as the
bottom surface.
[0075] This embodiment could alternatively be described as a stand
in which the upper element is missing but in which the diameter of
the widest portion of the upper surface is smaller than that of the
bottom surface, such that the upper surface is inset from the
widest perimeter of the outer ring, thus creating a ring encircling
the bottom of the upper surface. The surface of this ring may be
flat or curved. (FIG. 11B shows that in this embodiment, the
surface of this ring is flat.)
[0076] FIG. 11B shows a side view of such an embodiment. FIG. 11C
shows a view along line A-A of FIG. 11B.
[0077] FIG. 12A depicts an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG.
11A, except that upper surface 121 is curved between outer ring 122
and upper junction 123. Alternatively, this embodiment could be
described as one in which the upper element is missing but in which
the diameter of the widest portion of the upper surface is smaller
than that of the bottom surface, thus creating a ring encircling
the bottom of the upper surface, and the surface of this ring is
curved. FIG. 12B depicts such an embodiment and illustrates that in
such an embodiment the base of upper element 124 at upper junction
123 will be above outer ring 122 when the stand is placed on a
horizontal supporting surface and that, in this embodiment, the
surface between outer ring 122 and upper junction 124 is curved.
FIG. 12C shows a view along line C-C of FIG. 12B.
[0078] FIGS. 13A-C depict an embodiment of the invention that is
another version similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 13A is a
perspective side view of a writing instrument stand according to an
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, bottom
surface 130 curves upward toward outer ring 131, and upper element
132 extends upward from upper surface 134. In this embodiment, top
surface 137 of the holder defines opening 133 of a chamber to hold
a writing instrument. FIG. 13B is a side view of the writing
instrument stand shown in FIG. 13A. The embodiment depicted in this
figure shows bottom surface 130 curving upward to outer ring 131;
upper surface 134 curves upward from outer ring 131 to upper
junction 136 with upper element 132, which ends at top surface 135.
FIG. 13C is a top view of the writing instrument stand shown in
FIG. 13A. The embodiment depicted in this figure shows outer ring
131, upper junction 136, top surface 137, and opening 133.
[0079] FIG. 14 depicts a side view of a writing instrument stand
according to one embodiment of the invention. The embodiment
depicted in this figure shows outer ring 141, curved upper junction
142, and upper element 143. In this embodiment, the junction
between upper element 143 and top surface 144 is also curved.
[0080] In other aspects, the invention includes a kit having a
writing instrument and a holder. In various embodiments, the
writing instrument is sized so that a portion of the instrument is
removably insertable into the opening of the chamber. In some
embodiments, the holder is formed integrally with a cap for the
writing instrument. In further embodiments, the holder is a cap for
the writing instrument. In some embodiments, the holder is separate
from a cap for the writing instrument, such that in various
embodiments the writing instrument has a cap and the writing
instrument can be removably inserted into the opening of the
chamber with the cap or without the cap. In some embodiments the
writing instrument is a pen, and in further embodiments the writing
instrument is a pen with a removable cap. In some embodiments, the
writing portion of the instrument is removably insertable into the
opening in the chamber. The writing instrument may extend into the
chamber for the full length of the chamber or just for a portion of
the chamber. In additional embodiments, the writing instrument is
substantially vertical when inserted into the opening of the
chamber and the bottom surface of the holder is placed on a
horizontal supporting surface. In various embodiments, the holder
and writing instrument can include any of the embodiments disclosed
herein alone or in combination. For example, in some embodiments,
the holder in the kit further comprises an upper element.
[0081] In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the
principles of the present invention can be applied, it should be
understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and
should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *