An integrated pen nib

Abstract

Fountain pens typically comprise a metal nib, fitted over a feed containing one or more narrow passages through which the ink is drawn from the reservoir to the nib. The shape of a metal nib is limite

Description

The present invention relates generally to an integrated pen nib and a method of producing the same and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in the design and manufacture of fountain pens. Fountain pens are a type of writing implement, characterised by an internal ink reservoir from which liquid ink can flow directly onto paper via a nib. They are viewed by many to be luxury goods and / or collectors’ items. They are also commonly used in calligraphy and some art forms. Conventional fountain pens use a metal nib, fitted over a feed. The feed has one end in contact with the ink in the reservoir and contains one or more narrow passages through which the ink is drawn, predominantly by capillary action. At the same time as ink is drawn through the feed, air is allowed in to the reservoir at a controlled rate to replace the ink and allow a continuous, steady flow of ink through the feed to the nib. The nib comprises two or more tines with a slit or slits between them, through which the ink can flow to the page. Most writing nibs have two tines and a single slit, leading to a pointed tip. Pens used for calligraphy, musical score writing or artistic purposes may have more tines and, correspondingly, more slits so that ink can be laid down on the paper at multiple points simultaneously. This results in an effective nib surface that is spread along a line rather than being a single point. However, more complex nib surfaces cannot readily be achieved using conventional nibs; the ink can only be laid down on the paper at discrete points, defined by the ends of the slits. Consequently, multiple pens are required if a number of different writing or drawing effects are desired, such as different line widths. Alternatively, it may be possible to use different nibs with a single pen, but the process of changing between nibs is time consuming and comes with an increased risk of damage to the nib or the feed. Furthermore, the shape of a conventional nib is limited by the requirement that it is capable of facilitating ink flow through the slit(s) to a single tip. Intricately shaped nibs, which may have value as novelty and / or collector’s items, do not lend themselves to tins. In a first aspect, the present invention provides an integrated pen nib configured for use with a pen of the type having an internal ink reservoir, the integrated pen nib formed as a unitary component from a porous material, the integrated pen nib comprising a nib surface at a first end, the nib surface configured to deposit ink therefrom onto a writing surface; and a feed section extending from the nib surface to a second end, opposing the first end, the feed section configured to enable ink to be drawn through pores within the material from an ink reservoir to the nib surface. The integrated pen nib is produced using a polymer powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process, comprising the steps of selectively applying a fusing agent to a region within a layer of powder, the fusing agent configured to encourage fusion of powder upon heating; selectively applying a detailing agent around a boundary of the region, the detailing agent configured to inhibit fusion of powder upon heating; and heating the layer of powder. In this way, ink can be laid down from all or any part of the nib surface, which may be any shape, rather than being limited to a point at the end of a slit. Consequently, the integrated nib may allow for drawing or writing styles not easy to produce using a conventional fountain pen. Furthermore, the integrated nib removes the need for an interface between a feed and a nib and so continuity of ink flow between the feed and the nib presents less of a problem than in conventional fountain pens. Pens of the type having an internal ink reservoir may comprise fountain pens, felt tip pens, fibre tip pens and / or brush tip pens. The internal ink reservoir may comprise a cavity within the barrel of the pen in which ink may be stored or, alternatively, may comprise a removable cartridge configured to store ink therein, the cartridge being enclosed, in use, within the barrel of the pen. As a further alternative, the internal ink reservoir may comprise a block of absorbent fabric having the ability to absorb ink and store it therein. The absorbent material may, for example, be cotton. The block of absorbent material may be sealed within the barrel of the pen or may be removably inserted thereinto. The ink may be a liquid at room temperature. The ink may be a water-based ink. The integrated pen nib may be a single item comprising a nib and a nib feed. The unitary nature of the integrated pen nib may mean that the nib and the nib feed are integrally formed. The porous material may be composed of polyamides. In particular the material may be a nylon. More particularly, the material may be PA 12 (also known as Nylon 12). The porous nature of the material may mean that it has a porosity greater than 0%, greater than 2% or greater than 4%. The material may have a maximum porosity of 20%, a maximum porosity of 15% or a maximum porosity of 10%. A nib surface may comprise any surface of the integrated nib that, in use, may be brought into contact with a substantially planar writing surface and may, on being brought into contact with the writing surface, deposit ink thereon. The writing surface may be a sheet of paper, card, parchment or any other surface susceptible to having ink deposited thereon. The nib surface may comprise a planar, convex and / or concave surface. The nib surface may be multi-faceted. That is, it may comprise multiple nib surface portions. The nib surface may comprise edges and / or corners where two or more nib surface portions meet. The integrated pen may additionally comprise at least one further nib surface distinct from the nib surface. In this way, ink may be laid down on the writing surface via either or both of the nib surface and the at least one further nib surface. The further nib surface may be shaped differently to the nib surface, thereby enabling a user to make marks on the writing surface having different qualities by using either the nib surface or the further nib surface, without the need to either change the nib or have a second pen. Alternatively, the nib surface and the further nib surface may be used simultaneously to produce compound lines. The further nib surface being distinct from the nib surface may comprise the further nib surface being separated from the nib surface by a surface of the integrated nib that cannot be brought into contact, in use, with a substantially planar writing surface and / or, on being brought into contact with a writing surface, cannot deposit ink thereon. For example, the further nib surface may be separated from the nib surface by a groove or depression, the surface of which is prevented from contacting the writing surface by protruding portions of the nib surface and the further nib surface. The at least one further nib surface may be configured to deposit ink therefrom onto a writing surface at the same time as die nib surface is depositing ink therefrom onto the writing surface. In this way, the nib surface and the at least one further nib surface may both lay down ink simultaneously, allowing the user to produce compound lines. That is, a single pen stroke may be used to draw multiple lines. The nib surface may be shaped differendy from the further nib surface. In this way, the user can make marks on the writing surface using the nib surface that are different to the marks they can make on the writing surface using the further nib surface. For example, the marks may be lines and the lines made using the nib surface may have a different width to the lines made using the further nib surface. The nib surface alone or in combination with the further nib surface may define a boundary of a distinctive shape or logo. In this way, the integrated nib may be used in novelty or collector’s pens. For example, a set of pens may be marketed as collector’s items, each having an integrated nib in a different shape. In one example, the different shapes are the shapes of different animals. Alternatively, a nib could be personalised so that it has a shape that in some way associates it with its owner. Equally, a nib could be shaped in such a way that associates it with a certain brand for use in promotional products. The feed section may comprise any part of the integrated nib that isn’t a nib surface and through which ink may be transported from the reservoir to the nib surface. The second end of the feed section may be configured for insertion into the internal ink reservoir. A portion of the feed section towards the second end may be shaped in such a way that facilitates its insertion into and engagement with a pen barrel. The feed section may comprise two or more fins toward the second end configured to regulate ink flow to the nib surface by trapping excess ink therebetween. The fins may be shaped so as to grip the inside of a pen barrel when the second end of the integrated nib is inserted thereinto. A polymer powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process may comprise a process in which a product is built up from layers of powder. The powder may comprise polymer beads. The process may involve spreading powder in a layer. The process may involve selectively fusing the powder in one or more regions of the layer to form one or more solid structures. The steps of spreading the powder in a layer and selectively fusing the powder in one or more regions of the layer may be repeated. The steps may be repeated in such a way that each subsequent layer of powder is spread on top of the preceding layer. The region or regions of a subsequent layer in which the powder is fused may be selected so that the solid structure or structures formed by fusing the powder in the subsequent layer are formed on top of, and fused to, a solid structure or solid structures in the preceding layer. The process may involve subsequently removing any unfused powder. Heating the powder may comprise exposing the powder to a heat lamp, which may be an infrared heat lamp. The process of heating the powder may involve raising the temperature of the powder to a temperature below the temperature at which untreated polymer beads fuse or coalesce. By untreated polymer beads, it is meant any polymer beads that have not had a fusing agent or a detailing agent applied to them. The fusing agent may comprise a chemical that, when applied to a powder of polymer beads, enhances the powder’s ability to absorb thermal energy from an external heat source. For example, the fusing agent may enable the polymer beads to which it is applied to absorb sufficient thermal energy to fuse or coalesce when exposed to a heat source, the effect of which on untreated polymer beads would be to raise the temperature of said untreated polymer beads to a temperature below the temperature at which they fuse or coalesce. The fusing agent may contain a chemical configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation in the infrared. For example, the fusing agent may contain carbon black. The detailing agent may comprise a chemical that, when applied to a powder of polymer beads, reduces the powder’s ability to absorb heat from an external heat source. For example, the detailing agent may be configured to absorb thermal energy and undergo a phase change, thereby reducing the amount of thermal energy absorbed by the powder. In particular, the detailing agent may be configured to vaporise when exposed to a heat source, the effect of which on untreated polymer beads would be to raise the temperature of said untreated polymer beads to a temperature below the temperature at which they fuse or coalesce, but the effect of which on polymer beads to which the fusing agent has been applied would be to cause the polymer beads to which the fusing agent has been applied to fuse or coalesce. The integrated pen nib may be produced using multi jet fusion. In this way, integrated pen nibs with the desired material properties may be produced rapidly and in large volumes using readily available technology. For example, the integrated nibs may be produced using HP Multi Jet Fusion (RTM). In a second aspect, the invention provides a pen comprising a barrel; an internal ink reservoir within the barrel; and the integrated pen nib according to the first aspect of the invention, the integrated pen nib being removably attachable to the barrel in an arrangement such that the second end of the integrated pen nib is adjacent the ink reservoir. The barrel may comprise a main body and a feed housing, removably attachable thereto, the feed housing configured to receive the second end of the integrated pen nib therein. The feed housing may be removably attachable to the main body by means of a screw thread. In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an integrated pen nib using a polymer powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process, comprising the steps of selectively applying a fusing agent to a region within a layer of powder, the fusing agent configured to encourage fusion of powder upon heating; selectively applying a detailing agent around a boundary of the region, the detailing agent configured to inhibit fusion of powder upon heating; and heating the layer of powder. The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a plan view of the interior of a conventional fountain pen. Figure 2 is cross section taken along line AA in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross section taken along line BB in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of an integrated pen nib according to the invention. Figure 5 is a cross section taken along line CC in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross section taken along line DD in Figure 4. The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of tlae invention. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that die terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence. Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in die description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein. It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “connected”, used in the description, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device A connected to a device B” should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects. Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value. The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances. The use of the term “any” may mean “all” and / or “each” in certain circumstances. The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims. Figure 1 is a plan view of an interior of a conventional fountain pen, in which a nib 2 is mounted on a first end of a feed 1, and an ink reservoir 3 is connected to a second end 16 of the feed 1. The feed I comprises a central core 10 that is substantially cylindrical in shape, surrounded by a plurality of fins 12. The fins 12 are substantially cylindrical in shape and share a common axis of rotational symmetry, which may not be coincident with the axis of rotational symmetry of the core 10. An air channel 14 is cut through the fins 12 and the core 10 parallel to the axis of rotational symmetry of the core 10. Three ink channels (not shown in Figure 1) run underneath the air channel. A post 18, disposed on the second end 16 of the feed 1, protrudes into the ink reservoir 3, such that ink can pass from the ink reservoir 3 into the ink channels and be drawn toward the nib 2. The nib 2 sits on top of a portion of the feed 1 at the first end of the feed 1. The nib comprises two tines 20 which define a slit 22 therebetween. The tines 20 terminate at a tip 24 at a first end of the slit 22 and a second end of the slit 22 is defined by a breather hole 26. The breather hole 26 is in fluid communication with the air channel 14 and the three ink channels. In use, when the tip 24 is brought into contact with a writing surface, ink is drawn from the reservoir 3, though the ink channels, and delivered to the slit 22, predominantly by capillary action. The ink then flows along the slit 22 and is deposited on the writing surface. As the ink leaves the reservoir 3, air is drawn in through the breather hole 26 and into the reservoir 3, via the air channel 14, to replace the ink. If an excess amount of ink is drawn out of the reservoir 3, the excess ink may flow into the gaps between the fins 12 rather than being delivered to the slit 22 and deposited onto the writing surface. Figure 2 is cross section taken along line AA in Figure 1. The air channel 14 and one of the ink channels 15 are shown passing through the feed 1 from the reservoir 3 to the breather hole 26 of the nib 2. A lower portion of the feed core 10a and lower portions of the fins 12a are viewed in cross section. An upper portion of the feed core 10b and upper portions of the fins 12b are seen behind the air channel 14 and ink channel 15. Figure 3 is a cross section taken along line BB in Figure 1. The nib 2 forms a curved sheet of metal sitting on top of the feed 1. The air channel 14 is shown in fluid communication with the exterior of the pen via the breather hole 26. Three ink channels 15 are shown underneath the air channel 14. Figure 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of an integrated pen nib 4 according to the invention. A portion 5 towards a first end of the integrated pen nib 4 is formed in the shape of a cat. Extending from the cat shaped portion 5 to a second end 46 of the integrated pen nib 4 is a substantially cylindrical feed core 40, surrounded by a plurality of fins 42. The fins 42 are substantially cylindrical in shape and share a common axis of rotational symmetry, which may not be coincident with the axis of rotational symmetry of the feed core 40. An air channel 44 is cut through the fins 42 and the feed core 40 parallel to the axis of rotational symmetry of the feed core 40. Protruding from the second end 46 of the integrated pen nib 4 is a post 48 configured to be inserted into an ink reservoir (not shown, but in a similar manner as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2). Unlike the conventional fountain pen feed 1 shown in Figure 1, the integrated pen nib 4 does not have ink channels running through the feed core 40 underneath the air channel. Rather, the integrated pen nib 4 is made of material that is sufficiently porous for the ink to flow through the pores within the material. While the portion 5 of the integrated pen nib 4 is shown to have the shape of a cat, it is to be appreciated that many different shapes are possible, and a shape may be chosen as required for functional, aesthetic and / or commercial purposes. The cat shaped portion 5 comprises a number of nib surfaces from which ink may be deposited onto a writing surface. For example, a nib surface 50 and a further nib surface 52 are indicated. In use, the nib surface 50 and the further nib surface 52 may deposit ink onto a writing surface at the same time or, alternatively, only one of the nib surface 50 or the further nib surface 52 may be used to deposit ink onto the writing surface. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may comprise only a single nib surface. Alternatively, embodiments of the invention may comprise two, three, four or more further nib surfaces. The further nib surfaces may be configured to be able to deposit ink onto a writing surface at the same time as the nib surface and / or each other. Alternatively, the further nib surfaces may be configured so that only the nib surface, certain further nib surfaces or combinations thereof can be used at any one time, to deposit ink onto the writing surface. In use, when the nib surface 50 and / or the further nib surface 52 is brought into contact with a writing surface, ink is drawn from the reservoir to the nib surface 50 and or further nib surface 52 via internal pores within the integrated pen nib 4. If an excess amount of ink is drawn from the reservoir, the excess ink may flow into gaps between the fins 42. Figure 5 is a cross section taken along line CC in Figure 4. The air channel 44 is shown passing through part of the integrated pen nib from the reservoir to an air hole 43 at the foot of the cat shaped portion 5. A lower portion of the feed core 40a and lower portions of the fins 42a are viewed in cross section. An upper portion of the feed core 40b and upper portions of the fins 42b are seen behind the air channel 44. It is to be appreciated that the air hole 43 at the end of the air channel 44 may be located at any point on the surface of the integrated pen nib that, in use, forms part of the exterior surface of a pen. That is, the air hole may not be located on a part of the integrated pen nib 4 that, in use, is inside the pen. As illustrated in Figure 5, the integrated pen nib 4 is formed as a single piece. That is, the cat shaped portion is formed integrally with the feed core 40 and the fins 42. Figure 6 is a cross section taken along line DD in Figure 34. Rather than containing a built-in ink channel, the ink is conveyed to the nib surface 50 and further nib surface 52 through the pores 400 within the material from which the integrated pen nib is formed. Although the above-described integrated pen nib 4 is intended for use with a conventional fountain pen body, it is to be appreciated that and integrated pen nib for use with a felt tip pen, or other type of pen, could be created, for example by replacing the portion of the integrated pen nib 4 behind portion 5 with a shape used in conventional pens of various types.

Claims

1. An integrated pen nib configured for use with a pen of the type having an internal ink reservoir, the integrated pen nib formed as a unitary component from a porous material, the integrated pen nib comprising:a nib surface at a first end, the nib surface configured to deposit ink therefrom onto a writing surface; anda feed section extending from the nib surface to a second end, opposing the first end, the feed section configured to enable ink to be drawn through pores within the material from an ink reservoir to the nib surface,wherein the integrated pen nib is produced using a polymer powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process, comprising the steps of:selectively applying a fusing agent to a region within a layer of powder, the fusing agent configured to encourage fusion of powder upon heating;selectively applying a detailing agent around a boundary of the region, the detailing agent configured to inhibit fusion of powder upon heating; andheating the layer of powder.

2. The integrated pen nib according to claim 1, further comprising at least one further nib surface distinct from the nib surface.

3. The integrated pen nib according to claim 2, wherein the at least one further nib surface is configured to deposit ink therefrom onto a writing surface at the same time as the nib surface is depositing ink therefrom onto the writing surface.

4. The integrated pen nib according to claim 2, wherein the nib surface is shaped differently from the further nib surface.

5. The integrated pen nib according to any preceding claim, wherein the nib surface defines a boundary of a distinctive shape or logo.

6. The integrated pen nib according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the nib surface in combination with the at least one further nib surface defines a boundary of a distinctive shape or logo.

7. The integrated pen nib according to any preceding claim, wherein the integrated pen nib is produced using multi jet fusion.

8. A pen comprising:a barrel;an internal ink reservoir within the barrel; andthe integrated pen nib according to any preceding claim, the integrated pen nib being removably attachable to the barrel in an arrangement such that the second end is adjacent the ink reservoir.

9. A method of manufacturing an integrated pen nib using a polymer powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process, comprising the steps of:selectively applying a fusing agent to a region within a layer of powder, the fusing agent configured to encourage fusion of powder upon heating;selectively applying a detailing agent around a boundary of the region, the detailing agent configured to inhibit fusion of powder upon heating; andheating the layer of powder.

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