Refillable free-ink writing instruments, kits including such writing instruments, and methods thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refillable free-ink writing instrument (10) comprising: a body (12) having a rear end (12A), a front end (12B) and an ink reservoir (13) disposed between the rear end (12A) and the front end (12B); a writing tip (14) mounted on the front end (12B); and a stopper (16) mounted on the rear end (12B), wherein the stopper (16) is configured to close an opening (15) in fluid communication with the ink reservoir (13), and the stopper (16) is configured to be removable from the rear end (12A) to refill the ink reservoir (13) with water and concentrated ink refill (50).

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of European patent application EP20305962.1, filed on August 31, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to refillable free ink writing instruments, kits including refillable free ink writing instruments, and methods for refilling refillable free ink writing instruments.

[0003] A "free-ink writing instrument" or "writing instrument with a free-ink reservoir" is a writing instrument in which ink flows freely within the reservoir. In other words, ink flows immediately to one side or the other side of the reservoir, for example, due to gravity. Specifically, it should be understood that ink can flow when the writing instrument is handled or moved. Downstream of the reservoir, ink can be supplied to any type of device or writing tip, such as writing tips including fiber bundles, capillaries, felt tubes / felt tips, etc. Background Technology

[0004] Traditional writing instruments have a limited lifespan; for example, the ink reservoir empties as the ink runs out. Therefore, some writing instruments may be refillable. However, refilling can be difficult and messy. Therefore, there is a need for a writing instrument that offers extended lifespan and is user-friendly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, the refillable free-ink writing instrument includes: a body having a rear end, a front end, and an ink reservoir disposed between the rear end and the front end; a writing tip mounted on the front end; and a stopper mounted on the rear end, wherein the stopper is configured to close an opening in fluid communication with the ink reservoir, the stopper being configured to be removable from the rear end to refill the ink reservoir with water and concentrated ink refill material.

[0006] Writing instruments can be fountain pens, markers, writing felt pens, ballpoint pens, technical pens, colored felt pens, permanent markers, dry erasing markers, etc.

[0007] The writing tip can be made of felt (such as acrylic derivatives, nylon, polyester with resin, etc.), foam, sintered materials such as plastics, or plastic with a metal tip used in ballpoint pens or technical pens. The writing tip is supplied directly or indirectly (i.e., through a pipe) from a reservoir.

[0008] The opening can lead directly to the reservoir or to an intermediate pipe that connects the fluid through the opening to the reservoir.

[0009] Concentrated ink refills can be liquids or solids (such as powders, granules, fine particles, or spheres).

[0010] When the stopper is removed, the reservoir can be refilled directly through the opening by supplying water and concentrated ink refill material. Therefore, free-ink writing instruments (hereinafter referred to as "writing instruments" unless otherwise stated) can be easily refilled, thus extending their lifespan. Additionally, refilling the writing instrument via the opening located at the rear end is also easy. For example, concentrated ink can be supplied on one side and water on the other in any order, allowing for simple, convenient, and clean refilling.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plug can be installed onto the rear end via a threaded, bayonet, or snap-fit ​​system.

[0012] In one embodiment, the stopper may be equipped with a locking system. Such a locking system can prevent unintentional removal of the stopper. In other words, such a locking system can prevent accidental actuation of the stopper.

[0013] For example, threaded, bayonet, or snap-fit ​​systems can be equipped with a check system that allows for easy assembly but requires relatively high force to disassemble. This relatively high force may be higher than the force required for installation. For example, plugs can be designed with specific shapes or recesses, such as screw heads, to allow for disassembly (or removal / reassembly) only with the aid of specific tools such as screwdrivers.

[0014] In this embodiment, the rear end and / or the stopper may be provided with a seal. Such a seal prevents ink leakage from the ink reservoir. For example, a snap-fit ​​system may include annular ribs that form the seal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the stopper may include a portion configured to fluidly contact the ink reservoir, the portion including concentrated ink refill.

[0016] In one embodiment, the portion may include a cavity configured to store concentrated ink refill.

[0017] In an embodiment, the concentrated ink refill may include one or more solid particles or fine particles, and the cavity may be closed by a grid.

[0018] For example, the grid can be permanent and immovable. The grid is configured to block particles or fine particles from entering the cavity when they are not dissolved (i.e., configured to close the cavity for one or more concentrated ink solid particles or fine particles), but allows fluid to pass through it to dissolve the concentrated ink particles or fine particles. For example, the cavity can be defined by a cage.

[0019] If the user forgets to refill with water, the stopper can be removed without any problems (the concentrated ink remains in the cavity) and water can be refilled.

[0020] In the embodiments, the concentrated ink refill may include powder and / or one or more solid particles or fine particles, and the cavity may be sealed by a water-soluble membrane sealant.

[0021] If the user forgets to refill with water, the stopper can be removed without any problems (the concentrated ink remains in the cavity) and water can be refilled.

[0022] In an embodiment, the concentrated ink refill may include liquid, powder and / or one or more solid particles or fine particles, and the cavity may be sealed by a fragile membrane seal.

[0023] In one embodiment, the body may include one or more sharp elements configured to cut the fragile membrane seal to open the cavity when the plug is installed on the rear end.

[0024] "Fragile" should be understood as "can be broken with a force less than required to break the rest of the stopper." Fragile membrane seals can be made of paper, plastic, metal, or a combination of several materials (i.e., composite materials). For example, a fragile membrane seal can be made of several layers of different materials. Fragile membrane seals can be configured to prevent air contamination and / or moisture from seeping into the cavity. Fragile membrane seals can prevent users from touching the concentrated ink refill.

[0025] For example, a fragile membrane seal or a water-soluble membrane seal is configured to open the cavity when the stopper is installed on the rear end. In other words, when the stopper is never installed on the rear end, the cavity is closed by the fragile membrane seal or the water-soluble membrane seal, and when the stopper is installed on the rear end, the cavity is open (i.e., the fragile membrane seal is at least partially broken or the water-soluble membrane seal is at least partially dissolved).

[0026] In an embodiment, the concentrated ink refill may include liquid, powder and / or one or more solid particles or fine particles, and the cavity may be closed by a movable cover.

[0027] In one embodiment, the body may include one or more movable elements configured to move the cover to open the cavity when the plug is installed on the rear end.

[0028] For example, the movable cover may have at least: a first configuration, such as when the plug is not installed on the rear end, in which the cavity is completely closed; and a second configuration, in which the cavity is at least partially open when the plug is installed on the rear end. For example, the cover may be movable when the plug is installed on the rear end. For example, the cover may be a sacrificial part that is damaged, cut, or removed when the plug is first installed. In examples, the cover may have a slidable or rotatable portion that opens / closes the orifice when the plug is assembled to / removed from the rear end. For example, the cover may be a plate with at least one through-hole, such as a rotatable disc, or it may be a piston.

[0029] For example, when the cover is a sacrificial part, the moving element can be configured to break / cut / pull out / remove / loosen / tilt the sacrificial part, etc. For example, when the cover is a rotatable disc, the moving element can be a protrusion configured to prevent the rotatable disc from rotating relative to the body when the plug is installed. For example, when the cover is a piston, the moving element can be an abutment configured to block the piston relative to the body along the axis of the body when the cover is installed.

[0030] For example, the cavity may be defined by one or more non-porous walls and may have a single opening. The single opening may be closed by a grid, a fragile membrane seal, a water-soluble membrane seal, or a movable cover. In one variation, the single opening may be closed by a grid, while at least another wall in fluid contact with the reservoir may include another grid. For example, the cavity may be formed by the internal space of a cage.

[0031] In one embodiment, the opening may be provided with a sealing membrane having one or more slits, and the sealing membrane may be configured to prevent ink from flowing out of the ink reservoir and allow water and concentrated ink refill to be introduced into the ink reservoir.

[0032] For example, when a predetermined pressure is applied to the sealing membrane, one or more slits allow for elastic deformation of the sealing membrane, thereby creating an open channel during the working state or open position. The membrane is thus configured to take on two states: a working state or open position in which water and concentrated ink refill are allowed to be introduced into the reservoir, and a resting state or static position in which the membrane seals the opening. Such membranes are known to those skilled in the art.

[0033] In one embodiment, the stopper includes a push portion configured to push solid concentrate refill material through the membrane when the stopper is installed on the rear end.

[0034] For example, the pushing part can be a protrusion or adjacent part that acts as a pusher, which pushes the refill material through the cut of the sealing membrane when the plug is installed on the rear end.

[0035] In one embodiment, the opening may include a cartridge receiving portion with an open portion, and the stopper may include a pushing portion configured to move toward the open portion of the cartridge receiving portion when the stopper is installed on the rear end. Thus, when concentrated ink refill is required, the pushing portion is configured to push the cartridge containing the ink refill toward the open portion of the cartridge receiving portion when the stopper is installed on the rear end, thereby breaking a portion of the cartridge and releasing the concentrated ink refill into the ink reservoir.

[0036] For example, the ink cartridge may include concentrated ink refill. The opening can be configured to open the ink cartridge when it is pushed against the opening.

[0037] In one embodiment, the kit includes: a refillable free-ink writing instrument comprising a body having a rear end, a front end, and an ink reservoir disposed between the rear end and the front end; a writing tip mounted on the front end; and a stopper mounted on the rear end, wherein the stopper is configured to close an opening in fluid communication with the ink reservoir, the stopper being configured to be removable from the rear end to refill the ink reservoir with water and concentrated ink refill; and one or more concentrated ink refills, each of the one or more concentrated ink refills being packaged in one of a water-soluble pouch, a porous pouch, a mesh pouch, a cage, or a capsule, the capsule forming a cavity closed by a grid, a fragile membrane seal, a water-soluble membrane seal, or a removable cover.

[0038] In one embodiment, each of one or more concentrated ink refills may be packaged in a capsule configured to be mounted on a portion of the stopper configured to be in fluid contact with the ink reservoir.

[0039] In one embodiment, each of one or more refills may be packaged in a capsule having the shape of a funnel for refilling water into a reservoir.

[0040] For example, the capsule may have an annular shape that defines an annular cavity configured to store concentrated ink, and a central hole having a funnel shape.

[0041] In an embodiment, the kit includes: a refillable free-ink writing instrument according to any embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a body having a rear end, a front end, and an ink reservoir disposed between the rear end and the front end; a writing tip mounted on the front end; and a stopper (i.e., a first stopper) mounted on the rear end, wherein the stopper is configured to close an opening in fluid communication with the ink reservoir, the stopper being configured to be removable from the rear end to refill the ink reservoir with water and concentrated ink refill, wherein the stopper includes a portion configured to be in fluid contact with the ink reservoir, the portion including a cavity configured to store concentrated ink refill; and one or more additional stoppers similar to the (first) stopper, wherein each of the one or more additional stoppers is packaged in an airtight pouch.

[0042] In an embodiment, the kit includes: a refillable free-ink writing instrument according to any embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a body having a rear end, a front end, and an ink reservoir disposed between the rear end and the front end; a writing tip mounted on the front end; and a stopper mounted on the rear end, wherein the stopper is configured to close an opening in fluid communication with the ink reservoir, the stopper being configured to be removable from the rear end to refill the ink reservoir with water and concentrated ink refill, wherein the opening is provided with a sealing membrane having one or more slits, and the sealing membrane is configured to prevent ink from flowing out of the ink reservoir and to allow the refill to be introduced into the ink reservoir; and one or more concentrated ink refills, each of the one or more concentrated ink refills being packaged in one of a water-soluble pouch, a porous pouch, a mesh pouch, a cage, or a capsule, the capsule forming a cavity sealed by a grid or water-soluble membrane seal.

[0043] In an embodiment, the kit includes: a refillable free-ink writing instrument according to any embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a body having a rear end, a front end, and an ink reservoir disposed between the rear end and the front end; a writing tip mounted on the front end; and a stopper mounted on the rear end, wherein the stopper is configured to close an opening in fluid communication with the ink reservoir, the stopper being configured to be removable from the rear end to refill the ink reservoir with water and concentrated ink refill, wherein the opening is provided with a cartridge receiving portion and the stopper includes a pushing portion configured to push the cartridge toward the opening portion of the cartridge receiving portion when the stopper is installed on the rear end, so as to break a portion of the cartridge and release the refill into the ink reservoir; and one or more refillable cartridges filled with concentrated ink refill.

[0044] In an embodiment, a method for refilling a refillable free-ink writing instrument includes: providing a refillable free-ink writing instrument according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure; removing a stopper; refilling the reservoir with water; refilling the reservoir with concentrated ink; and installing a stopper or a new stopper on the rear end.

[0045] Refilling with water can be done before or after refilling with concentrated ink. If the concentrated ink refill is included in part of the stopper, the refilling is done simultaneously with the installation of a new stopper (either a stopper no longer containing concentrated ink or the original stopper). If the concentrated ink refill is not included in part of the stopper, the stopper can be reused (i.e., the original stopper can be retained and reused).

[0046] Such refillable free-ink writing instruments / kits including such refillable free-ink writing instruments / methods for refilling such refillable free-ink writing instruments can offer extended lifespan and a user-friendly approach, particularly simple and clean refilling (thus avoiding the risk of smudges or messes). This avoids any safety risks by preventing any contact between the skin and the concentrated ink. Attached Figure Description

[0047] This disclosure can be better understood by reading the detailed descriptions of various embodiments given as non-limiting examples. This specification refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] - Figure 1 A first embodiment of a refillable free-ink writing instrument is shown.

[0049] - Figures 2A to 2C A first embodiment of a method for refilling a refillable free-ink writing instrument is shown.

[0050] - Figures 3A to 3E Different packaging options for concentrated ink refills are shown.

[0051] - Figures 4A to 4C A first variation of a first embodiment of a refillable free ink tool is shown.

[0052] - Figure 5A and 5B A second variation of the first embodiment of the refillable free ink tool is shown.

[0053] - Figure 6 A third variation of the first embodiment of the refillable free ink tool is shown.

[0054] - Figure 7A and 7B A second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool is shown.

[0055] - Figures 8A to 8C The method for refilling a second embodiment of a refillable free-ink writing instrument is shown in the first part.

[0056] Two embodiments

[0057] - Figures 9A to 9D Four different variations of the second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool are shown.

[0058] - Figures 10A to 10E A fifth variation of the second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool is shown.

[0059] - Figure 11A and 11B A sixth variant of the second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool is shown, and

[0060] - Figures 12A to 12D A seventh variation of the second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Figure 1 Kit 100 is shown, which includes a refillable free ink writing instrument 10 according to the first embodiment and a set of 20 concentrated ink refills 50.

[0062] Each refill 50 can be prepared in an airtight pouch 51. The airtight pouches 51 can be fully attached and pre-cut for easy separation from each other. For example, the pouches 51 can be made of plastic, aluminum, etc., and can include a membrane seal or any other device that facilitates their opening. In this example, the group 20 includes two refills 50. However, only one refill or more than two refills may be provided. Each refill 50 may include a specific dose of concentrated ink corresponding to the volume of the reservoir 13. Figures 1 to 3D In 4B, for ease of drawing, the refill 50 is represented as a cylinder, but it can have any shape (specifically if the refill is not a single particle or fine grain).

[0063] The writing instrument 10 includes a body 12 having a rear end 12A, a front end 12B, and an ink reservoir 13 disposed between the rear end 12A and the front end 12B. A writing tip 14 is mounted on the front end 12B. A stopper 16 is mounted on the rear end 12A. The stopper 16 closes an opening 15 in fluid communication with the ink reservoir 13. The stopper 16 is removable from the rear end 12A for refilling. The stopper 16 may include indentations 17, four in this example, to allow opening / closing with the aid of a special tool (not shown). More or fewer than four indentations may be provided. Indentations of any other shape are possible. The stopper 16 may be assembled to the rear end 12A via a threaded, bayonet, or snap-fit ​​system. A threaded system is shown in the following examples and embodiments, but any other system may be used.

[0064] Figures 2A to 2CA method for refilling a refillable free-ink writing instrument 10 according to a first embodiment is shown. Figure 2A First, stopper 16 is removed. Reservoir 13 can be refilled first with water, and then with concentrated ink refill 50. In a variation, reservoir 13 can be refilled first with concentrated ink refill 50, and then with water. In this example, concentrated ink refill 50 is inserted directly into reservoir 13 through opening 15. In this example, the remainder of the previous refill 50 can be removed before refilling. Then, stopper 16 (i.e., the same stopper 16 initially removed) is installed on rear end 12A (see [link to product]). Figure 2B When refill 50 is mixed with water, refill 50 is diluted (e.g.) Figure 2B (as shown), and then ink is formed to be ready to be supplied to the writing tip 14 (see...) Figure 2C ).

[0065] Figures 3A to 3E Different examples of refilled packaging are shown in the figure.

[0066] exist Figure 3A In this process, the refill 50 can be packaged in a water-soluble pouch 50A (which is different from the airtight pouch 51). The refill 50 and the water-soluble pouch 50A can form a unit that can be used directly when refilling the writing instrument 10 with concentrated ink (i.e., the unit can be placed directly into the reservoir 13). With such packaging, the concentrated ink refill 50 can be a powder and / or one or more solid particles or granules.

[0067] exist Figure 3B In this process, the refill 50 can be packaged in a porous pouch 50B (which is different from the airtight pouch 51). The porous pouch 50B may include two layers of solder paper 50B1. The refill 50 and the porous pouch 50B can form a unit that can be used directly when refilling the writing instrument 10 with concentrated ink (i.e., the unit can be placed directly into the reservoir 13). With such packaging, the concentrated ink refill 50 can be a powder and / or one or more solid particles or granules.

[0068] exist Figure 3C In this process, the refill 50 can be packaged in a mesh pouch 50C (which is different from the airtight pouch 51). The refill 50 and the mesh pouch 50B can form a unit that can be used directly when refilling the writing instrument 10 with concentrated ink (i.e., the unit can be placed directly into the reservoir 13). With such packaging, the concentrated ink 50 can be one or more solid particles or fine particles.

[0069] exist Figure 3CIn this process, the refill 50 can be packaged in a mesh pouch 50C (which is different from the airtight pouch 51). The refill 50 and the mesh pouch 50B can form a unit that can be used directly when refilling the writing instrument 10 with concentrated ink (i.e., the unit can be placed directly into the reservoir 13). With such packaging, the concentrated ink refill 50 can be one or more solid particles or granules.

[0070] exist Figure 3D In this process, the refill 50 can be packaged in a cage 50D (which is different from the airtight pouch 51). For example, the cage 50D can be made of plastic. The refill 50 and the cage 50D can form a unit that can be used directly when refilling the writing instrument 10 with concentrated ink (i.e., the unit can be placed directly into the reservoir 13). With such packaging, the concentrated ink 50 can be one or more solid particles or granules.

[0071] exist Figure 3E In this process, the refill 50 can be packaged in a capsule 54 (which is different from the airtight pouch 51). The refill 50 and the capsule 54 can form a unit that can be used directly when refilling the writing instrument 10 with concentrated ink. The capsule 54 can form a cavity 57 that can be closed by an element 56, which can be a grid, a fragile film seal, a water-soluble film seal, or a removable cover. The capsule 54, closed by a grid or a water-soluble film seal, can be used directly when refilling the writing instrument 10 with concentrated ink (i.e., the capsule 54 can be placed directly into the reservoir 13). When closed with a grid, the concentrated ink refill 50 can be one or more solid particles or granules. When closed with a water-soluble film seal, the concentrated ink refill 50 can be powder and / or one or more solid particles or granules. Figure 3E An example of powdered concentrated ink is shown. The capsule 54, sealed by a fragile membrane seal, can be similar to that described below. Figure 7A and 7B Examples of its use. The capsule 54, enclosed by a movable cover, can resemble the one described below. Figures 10A to 12D Examples of its use. In the latter two cases, the concentrated ink refill 50 can be a liquid or a powder.

[0072] Figures 4A to 4CA first variant 10-1 of a first embodiment of a refillable free-ink tool 10 is shown. In the first variant 10, 10-1, the opening 15 (or the rear end 12A or the body 12) may be provided with a sealing membrane 18 having one or more cuts 18A (four radial cuts 18A in this example). In any configuration, more or fewer than four cuts may be provided. The sealing membrane 18 is configured to prevent ink from flowing out of the ink reservoir 13 and to allow refill material to be introduced into the ink reservoir 13. The stopper 16 may include a push portion 16A, in this example a protrusion extending along the axis X of the writing tool 10 toward the ink reservoir 13. The push portion 16A is configured to push solid concentrate refill material through the membrane 18 when the stopper 16 is mounted on the rear end 12A. For example, the solid concentrate refill material may be solid particles or fine particles of one or more concentrates, or as... Figures 3A to 3E Any refill material 50 in the packaging shown in the above examples.

[0073] To refill the first variant 10, 10-1, after the stopper 16 has been removed, the solid concentrate ink is placed on the membrane 18 and pushed through the membrane 18 into the reservoir 13, for example by hand or by means of the stopper 16 and its pushing member 16A. Figure 4B As shown (see arrow A). To refill with water, a funnel 40 can be used, such as... Figure 4C As shown, the output end 40C of the funnel 40 extends through the membrane 18 and directly into the reservoir 13. The membrane 18 prevents leakage from the reservoir 13 when the plug 16 is accidentally removed during refilling.

[0074] Figure 5A and 5B A second variant 10-2 of the first embodiment of the refillable free ink tool 10 is shown. In the second variant 10, 10-2, the opening 15 (or rear end 12A, or body 12) may be provided with a capsule receiving portion 22, which is configured to receive a capsule 54' having a funnel shape for refilling water into a reservoir 13. The capsule receiving portion may include a shoulder 22. The capsule 54' may have an annular shape and a central axial through-hole 54'a having a funnel shape, the central axial through-hole having a funnel shape configured to lead to the reservoir 13. The capsule 54' may have an annular cavity 54'b configured to store concentrated ink. Similar to the capsule 54, the cavity of the capsule 54' may be closed by an element 56', which may be a grid, a fragile membrane seal, a water-soluble membrane seal, or a movable cover. Figure 5A and 5B In the example shown, element 56' is a water-soluble membrane seal. With such a capsule 54', the user can refill it with water before or after placing the capsule 54' into the receiving portion 22. Figure 5A An example of powder concentrate ink refill 50 is shown. A seal 19 may be arranged on the stopper 16 to prevent any leakage between the stopper 16 and the body 12 when the stopper 16 is installed on the rear end 12A.

[0075] To refill the second variant 10, 10-2, after removing the stopper 16, first remove the previous capsule 54', provide a new capsule 54' and place it in the capsule receiving section 22 (thus refilling the reservoir 13 with concentrated ink), as follows Figure 5B As shown, capsule 54' serves as a funnel for refilling reservoir 13 with water. In this example, reservoir 13 can be refilled with water first, after which a new capsule 54' can be provided. In this example, after a new capsule 54' is provided, the water level entering reservoir 13 can be adjusted (i.e., water is added). Then, stopper 16 (i.e., the same stopper initially removed for refilling) is installed on rear end 12A. The water-soluble sealing membrane 56' dissolves at least partially upon contact with water, thereby releasing concentrated ink refill 50 into reservoir 13.

[0076] Figure 6 A third variation 10-3 of the first embodiment of the refillable free ink tool 10 is shown. In this third variation, the opening 15 (or the rear end 12A or the body 12) may be provided with a cartridge receiving portion 24 including an opening portion 24A. The stopper 16 includes a pushing portion 16B configured to move toward the opening portion 24A of the cartridge receiving portion 24 when the stopper 16 is installed on the rear end 12A. Thus, when the cartridge 55 is replaced, the pushing portion 16B is configured to push the cartridge 55 toward the opening portion 24A of the cartridge receiving portion 24A when the stopper 16 is installed on the rear end 12A, thereby breaking a portion 55A (the breakable portion) of the cartridge 55 and releasing refill 50 (in this example, concentrated ink refill 50) into the ink reservoir 13. In this example, the cartridge receiving portion 24 may be configured to cooperate with the cartridge 55 (e.g., the front end portion of the cartridge 55) in a form-fitting manner. In this example, the opening can be a sharp protrusion 24A, such as a needle or thorn. The pushing portion 16B can be configured to cooperate with the ink cartridge 55 (e.g., the rear end of the ink cartridge 55) in a form-fitting manner. For example, in Figure 1 In the frame of the kit 100 shown, the ink cartridge 55 may not be housed in a separate airtight pouch 51. For example, all ink cartridges 55 may be housed together in a single box or package. With such ink cartridges 55, the concentrated ink refill 50 can be either liquid or powder (the powder is in...) Figure 6 (as shown in the image).

[0077] To refill the third variant 10, 10-3, after the stopper 16 has been removed, the previous (empty) ink cartridge 55 is first removed. The reservoir 13 is then refilled with water. A new ink cartridge 55 is then provided and placed in the cartridge receiving portion 24 (thus refilling the reservoir 13 with concentrated ink), and the stopper 16 (i.e., the same stopper initially removed for refilling) is then installed on the rear end 12A, thereby pushing the ink cartridge 55 toward the opening portion 24A (see...). Figure 6 Arrow B) and destroy part 55A and release concentrated ink refill 50 into reservoir 13.

[0078] In this example, when installed on the writing instrument 10, the ink cartridge 55 can protrude axially from the edge 12C of the body 12 by, for example, a predetermined distance D. This allows the user to easily grip the cartridge 55 when removing it. The cartridge receiving portion 24 may include a first portion 24B configured to cooperate with the front end of the cartridge 55 and a sealing ring 24C configured to cooperate with the body of the cartridge 55. This provides airtightness and watertightness to the mating surface of the cartridge 55. There must be no leakage of water or ink between the cartridge 55 and the cartridge receiving portion 24. When refilling, the empty cartridge 55 can be disposed of without the fingers touching the ink.

[0079] Figure 7A and 7B A refillable free ink tool 10' according to a second embodiment is shown. The main difference between the refillable free ink tool 10 according to the first embodiment and the refillable free ink tool 10' according to the second embodiment is that the stopper 16' of the ink tool 10' is provided with a portion 16C configured to fluidly contact the ink reservoir 13, said portion 16C including a cavity 25 configured to store concentrated ink refill 50. Common elements between the first embodiment 10 and the second embodiment 10' have the same reference numerals and are not described (or shown) again.

[0080] In the second embodiment 10', the concentrated ink refill 50 may include liquid, powder and / or one or more solid particles or fine particles (powder in... Figure 7A and 7B(As shown in the diagram), and the cavity 25 is sealed by a fracturing membrane seal 26. The body 12 (or opening 15 or rear end 12A) may include a single sharp element 28 configured to cut the fracturing membrane seal 26 to open the cavity 25 when the stopper 16' is installed on the rear end 12A, thereby releasing the concentrated ink refill 50 into the reservoir 13. In this example, the body 12 may include a single blade 28 configured to cut the fracturing membrane seal 26 when the stopper 16' is installed. A seal 19' may be arranged on the body 12 to prevent any leakage between the stopper 16' and the body 12' when the stopper 16' is installed on the rear end 12A'.

[0081] Figures 8A to 8C A method for refilling a refillable free ink writing instrument 10' according to a second embodiment is shown. Figure 8A A kit 200 is shown that includes a refillable free-ink writing instrument 10', wherein each concentrated ink refill 50 is packaged in a replacement stopper 16' (or an additional stopper 16') similar to a stopper 16', while the replacement stopper 16' can be... Figure 1 Each of the items shown is packaged in an airtight pouch 51 in the same manner.

[0082] exist Figure 8A First, remove the used stopper 16'. The reservoir 13 can then be refilled with water. Next, install the replacement stopper 16' (i.e., a new stopper 16' that is not the one initially removed) onto the rear end 12A (see [link]). Figure 8B This allows the refill 50 of concentrated ink to be provided when the sharp element 28 cuts the fragile membrane seal 26 and releases the concentrated ink refill 50 into the reservoir 13. The refill 50 and water are thus mixed, forming ink ready to be supplied to the writing tip 14 (see [link]). Figure 8C ).

[0083] Figure 9A A first variant 10'-1 of a second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool 10' is shown, in which a single sharp element 28 is replaced by a plurality of sharp elements 28'. For example, each sharp element 28' could be a sharp barb. This could potentially create better interaction between the concentrated ink refill 50 and water, resulting in faster mixing. The refilling method is referenced in the [reference]. Figures 8A to 8C The same as what has been publicly disclosed.

[0084] Figure 9B A second variant 10'-2 of a second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool 10' is shown, which has no sharp elements and the cavity 25 can be closed by a water-soluble membrane seal 26'. The concentrated ink refill 50 may include powder and / or one or more solid particles or fine particles (powder in...) Figure 9B (As shown in the image). The method and reference for refilling. Figures 8A to 8C The same as disclosed, except that instead of damaging / cutting the membrane seal, the water-soluble membrane seal 26' dissolves at least partially upon contact with water refilled into the reservoir 13, thereby releasing the concentrated ink refill 50 into the reservoir 13.

[0085] Figure 9C A third variant 10-3 of the second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool 10' is shown, which has no sharp elements and the cavity 25 can be closed by the grid 26"'. The concentrated ink refill 50 may include one or more solid particles or fine particles (multiple particles in) Figure 9C (As shown in the image). The method and reference for refilling. Figures 8A to 8C The same as disclosed, except that instead of damaging / cutting the membrane seal, the grid 26”’ allows contact between the water refilled into the reservoir 13 and the concentrated ink refill 50, thereby mixing the ink refill 50 and the water and forming ink ready to be supplied to the writing tip 14.

[0086] Figure 9D A fourth variant 10', 10'-4, of the second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool 10' is shown, which has no sharp elements and the cavity 25 can be closed by a grid 26". The grid 26"" can be part of a cage received into the cavity 25. The concentrated ink refill 50 can include one or more solid particles or fine particles. Figure 9D In the examples shown, the concentrated ink comprises individual particles or fine particles (or spheres). Refilling methods and references are available. Figures 8A to 8C The same as disclosed, except that instead of damaging / cutting the membrane seal, the grid 26”” allows contact between the water refilled into the reservoir 13 and the concentrated ink refill 50, thereby mixing the ink refill 50 and the water and forming ink ready to be supplied to the writing tip 14.

[0087] Figure 10A and 10B A fifth variant 10'-5 of a second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool 10' is shown, which has no sharp elements and the cavity 25 can be closed by a movable cover 30. The body 12 (or opening 15 or rear end 12A) may include one or more moving elements 32, in this example a single moving element 32, which is configured to move the movable cover 30 when the stopper 16' is installed on the rear end 12A to open the cavity 25. The concentrated ink refill 50 may include liquid, powder and / or one or more solid particles or fine particles (powder in... Figures 10A to 10E (as shown in the image).

[0088] The movable cover 30 can be made of plastic or elastomeric material and can provide airtightness due to, for example, the sealing ring 30A. In this example, the moving element 32 is configured to push the sealing ring 30A in a manner that tilts the sealing ring when the plug 16' is mounted on the rear end 12A (see [link]). Figure 10B For example, the movable element 32 may include a single axial protrusion 32A, which may be radially as far away as possible from the axis X of the body 12 to increase the torque arm when cooperating with the movable cover 30. Figures 10C to 10E As shown, the movable cover 30 may be provided with fragile and / or flexible radial tongues 30B, which can help keep the movable cover 30 stable during transport and initial assembly in the factory. These radial tongues 30B may be thin and may be damaged or bent when the plug 16' is mounted on the rear end 12A due to the action of the moving element 32.

[0089] Methods and references for refilling Figures 8A to 8C The same as disclosed, except that instead of damaging / cutting the membrane seal, the movable cover 30 tilts via the moving element 32 when the plug 16' is installed, thereby releasing the concentrated ink refill 50 into the reservoir 13 (see...). Figure 10B Or 10E).

[0090] Figure 11A and 11B A sixth variant 10'-6 of the second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool 10' is shown. In the same manner as the fifth variants 10', 10'-5, the sixth variants 10', 10'-6 lack sharp elements, and the cavity 25 can be closed by a movable cover 30'. The concentrated ink refill 50 may include liquid, powder, and / or one or more solid particles or fine particles (powder in...) Figure 11A and 11B (as shown in the image).

[0091] In this example, the movable member 30' can be a piston of a valve 31 with a closed passage 30'a. In the rest position, the valve 31 closes the passage 30'a. The valve 31 can be a diaphragm. This assembly can be airtight. The movable element 32' can be configured to push the piston 30' rearward when the plug 16' is installed. For example, the movable element can include an annular protrusion 32' configured to axially cooperate with (or push the skirt 30' of the piston 30') so as to move the piston 30' rearward.

[0092] Methods and references for refilling Figures 8A to 8CThe same as disclosed, except that instead of damaging / cutting the membrane seal, the movable cover 30' is pushed back by the moving element 32' when the plug 16' is installed (see...). Figure 11B When the stopper 16' is installed on the rear end 12A, (arrow C) the movable cover 304 moves rearward (arrow C2) and the pressure in the cavity 25 increases, thereby opening the valve 31 and releasing the concentrated ink refill 50 into the reservoir 13 via the channel 30'a (arrow C3). To prevent leakage, the stopper 16' and the movable member 30' are configured such that when the stopper 16' is installed on the rear end 12A, the valve 31 remains closed and the concentrated ink refill 50 has been released into the reservoir.

[0093] Figure 12A and 12C A seventh variant 10'-7 of the second embodiment of the refillable free ink tool 10' is shown. In the same manner as the fifth variants 10', 10'-5 and the sixth variants 10', 10'-6, the seventh variant 10', 10'-7 lacks sharp elements, and the cavity 25 can be closed by a movable cover 30". The concentrated ink refill 50 may include liquid, powder, and / or one or more solid particles or fine particles (powder in...) Figure 12A and 12B (as shown in the image).

[0094] The movable cover 30” can be a rotatable disk having a single through-hole 30”a. In a variation, the rotatable disk 30” can have more than one through-hole. The rotatable disk 30” can be rotatably mounted on a fixed plate 33 enclosing the cavity 25. The fixed plate 33 can be fixed relative to the remainder of the plug 16’. The fixed plate 33 can have a single through-hole 33a. In a variation, the fixed plate 33 can have more than one through-hole. Depending on the relative position between the rotatable disk 30” and the fixed plate 33, the through-hole 30”a and the through-hole 33a can be axially aligned (see [reference]). Figure 12B and 12D ) or not axially aligned (see Figure 12A and 12C In other words, depending on the relative position between the rotatable disk 30' and the fixed plate 33, the cavity 25 can be opened or closed. The rotatable disk 30' may include any connecting element configured to rotatably connect the rotatable disk 30' to the body 12 (or the rear end 12A) when the plug 16' is installed on / removed from the rear end 12A. For example, the rotatable disk 30' may include an abutment 30'b configured in the circumferential direction (around the axis X of the body, see...). Figure 12C and 12DArrows I and II) abut against complementary adjacent portions 32”, thereby forming a movable element. When the plug 16’ is not installed on the body 12, the through holes 30”a and 33a are misaligned.

[0095] Methods and references for refilling Figures 8A to 8C The same as disclosed, except that instead of damaging / cutting the membrane seal, for example, when installed via a threaded system, the movable cover 30” rotates relative to the rest of the plug 16’ by rotating the plug 16’ relative to the body 12. The adjacent portions 30”b and 32” thus cooperate to align the through holes 30”a and 33a (see...). Figure 12C Arrow I), thereby aligning through holes 30”a and 33a (see arrow I). Figure 12B and 12D (Configuration) and implement concentrated ink refill 50 into the reservoir and / or allow water to seep into the reservoir, thereby mixing the concentrated ink refill 50 with water to form ink ready to be supplied to the writing tip 14. When the stopper 16' is removed, the adjacent portions 30”b and 32” cooperate (see...) Figure 12D Arrow II) misaligns the through holes 30”a and 33a, thereby sealing the cavity 25. This prevents confusion: when the user removes the stopper 16’, the remaining ink droplets are captured and do not fall, and if the user forgets to empty the reservoir and simply reopens the end stopper without emptying the reservoir, the remaining concentrated ink will not fall and come into contact with the user's skin.

[0096] In a variant not shown, cavity 25 may be configured to store references in this disclosure. Figure 3E Any capsule disclosed. In this case, cavity 25 is configured to store concentrated ink via capsule 54. Thus, in the example above, a new capsule is provided instead of a new stopper, and the method includes removing the previous (used) capsule from cavity 25 and providing a replacement (new) capsule into cavity 25. The remainder of the method may be similar.

[0097] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be apparent that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of this disclosure. Specifically, features of the various embodiments shown and / or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0098] For example, any feature disclosed regarding the capsule of the first embodiment can be applied to the stopper of the second embodiment, and any feature disclosed regarding the stopper of the second embodiment can be applied to the capsule of the first embodiment.

[0099] Furthermore, all publicly disclosed features of the device can be converted into a method individually or in combination, and vice versa.

Claims

1. A refillable free-ink writing instrument, comprising: A main body having a rear end, a front end, and an ink reservoir disposed between the rear end and the front end; A writing tip, which is mounted on the front end; A first stopper, mounted on the rear end, wherein the first stopper is configured to close an opening in fluid communication with the ink reservoir, and the first stopper is configured to be removable from the rear end to refill the ink reservoir with water and concentrated ink refill material. The opening is provided with a sealing membrane having one or more slits, the slits being configured to allow elastic deformation of the sealing membrane when a predetermined pressure is applied to the sealing membrane, and the sealing membrane being configured to be in a state of engagement, i.e., a static state in which the sealing membrane prevents ink from flowing out of the ink reservoir and an operational state in which the sealing membrane allows water and the concentrate ink refill to be introduced into the ink reservoir.

2. The refillable free-ink writing instrument of claim 1, wherein the first stopper includes a portion configured to fluidly contact the ink reservoir, the portion including a cavity configured to store the concentrated ink refill.

3. The refillable free-ink writing instrument of claim 2, wherein the concentrated ink refill comprises one or more solid particles or fine particles, and the cavity is closed by a grid.

4. The refillable free-ink writing instrument according to claim 2, wherein the concentrated ink refill comprises powder and / or one or more solid particles or fine particles, and the cavity is sealed by a water-soluble membrane sealant.

5. The refillable free-ink writing instrument according to claim 2, wherein the concentrated ink refill comprises liquid, powder, or one and / or more solid particles or fine particles, and the cavity is sealed by a fragile membrane seal.

6. The refillable free-ink writing instrument of claim 2, wherein the concentrated ink refill comprises liquid, powder and / or one or more solid particles or fine particles, and the cavity is closed by a movable cover.

7. The refillable free-ink writing instrument of claim 1, wherein the first stopper includes a push portion configured to push solid concentrate refill through the sealing membrane when the first stopper is mounted on the rear end.

8. The refillable free-ink writing instrument of claim 1, wherein the opening is provided with an ink cartridge receiving portion, the ink cartridge receiving portion including an opening portion and the first stopper including a pushing portion configured to move toward the opening portion of the ink cartridge receiving portion when the first stopper is installed on the rear end.

9. The refillable free-ink writing instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more cuts are radial cuts.

10. A kit comprising a refillable free-ink writing instrument according to claim 1 and one or more concentrated ink refills, each of the one or more concentrated ink refills being packaged in one of a water-soluble pouch, a porous pouch, a mesh pouch, a cage, or a capsule, the capsule forming a first cavity closed by a grid, a fragile membrane seal, a water-soluble membrane seal, or a removable cover.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more concentrated ink refills is packaged in a capsule having a funnel shape for refilling water into the ink reservoir.

12. A kit comprising a refillable free-ink writing instrument according to any one of claims 2 to 6 and one or more second stoppers, wherein each of the one or more second stoppers is packaged in an airtight pouch.

13. A kit comprising a refillable free-ink writing instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and one or more refillable ink cartridges filled with concentrated ink refill.

14. A method for refilling a refillable free-ink writing instrument, comprising: - Provides a refillable free-ink writing instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 9. - Remove the first plug. - Refill the ink reservoir with water. - Refill the ink reservoir with concentrated ink, and - Install the first or third plug on the rear end.

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