Universal refill mechanism and method

Abstract

An automatically-adjusting seat mechanism is disclosed for automatically adjusting the chamber length in a writing instrument to accommodate refills of different lengths. The mechanism comprises a first element and a second element operably engaged with the first element. When contacted by a refill, the second element automatically moves from a first position associated with a first chamber length to a second position associated with a second chamber length. The mechanism may have a biasing member to releasably hold the second element in the first position. Other embodiments include a third element and a third chamber length. A method of using the automatically-adjusting refill seat mechanism is also disclosed.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to writing instruments, and more particularly, to a writing instrument having a base that automatically adjusts to accept refills of different lengths. Background technique [0002] It is not uncommon for pen manufacturers to make refill cartridges that differ in diameter and length from their competitors' pens. Manufacturers each typically make the elongated inner cavity of the pen case enclosing the refill cartridge a unique length to match the length of their own brand of refills. Therefore, the base of the reloading cartridge barrel against which the non-writing end of the refilling refill abuts is in a fixed position relative to the pen shell, thereby determining the length of the refilling refill chamber. This practice often prevents consumers from using one manufacturer's refill cartridges in other manufacturer's pens because the writing tip of the refill cartridge (which delivers ink) does not protrude f...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The collection chucks are also somewhat mechanically complex and expensive to manufacture

[0006] In conclusion, past design methods

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