Biodegradable marker pen

Abstract

To provide a biodegradable marker pen having excellent sealing force.SOLUTION: A biodegradable marker pen comprises a barrel, a cap, and an ink storage tube. The barrel has a columnar hollow structure and is used for accommodating the ink storage tube. The cap is detachably and airtightly connected to the barrel. The barrel, the cap, and the ink storage tube each contain 2 to 10 mass% of a biodegradable auxiliary agent. The biodegradable auxiliary agent contains a monovalent unsaturated carboxylic acid having 10 to 30 carbon atoms or a polyunsaturated carboxylic acid having 10 to 30 carbon atoms, and preferably contains a transition-metal compound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a writing instrument or a drawing instrument, particularly a biodegradable writing instrument or a drawing instrument.

Background Art

[0002] Marker pens are multifunctional writing and drawing instruments that are widely used in various fields due to their ease of use, portability, and vivid ink colors. However, although marker pens are powerful and multifunctional writing and drawing instruments, the ink in marker pens is volatile, so the sealing performance of marker pens is very important. The ink of marker pens has good color development and quick-drying properties, which is very convenient for creation. However, if the adhesion is insufficient, the ink may easily volatilize or dry.

[0003] Marker pens are known for their multifunctionality and effectiveness as writing and drawing instruments. However, due to the volatility of the ink, the importance of the pen's sealing ability is emphasized. The vivid and quick-drying characteristics of the ink of marker pens are optimal for creative use. However, if the pen is not well-sealed, the ink may easily volatilize or dry.

[0004] In order to maintain the vivid color of the ink and ensure that the ink can be used at any time without drying immediately, many marker pens use a highly airtight package design and sealing materials. However, marker pens usually use plastic or metal members to achieve an effective seal, and the selection of these materials raises some concerns about potential environmental problems. The manufacturing and disposal of plastic and metal parts of marker pens may cause environmental problems such as environmental pollution, resource depletion, and difficulty in recycling. These materials remain in the environment for a long time after being discarded, thus having a long-term impact.

[0005] Marker pens often use various airtight packages and sealing materials. However, to effectively seal marker pens, plastic and metal components are often used, unfortunately causing certain environmental concerns. The manufacturing and disposal of plastic and metal parts of marker pens can cause environmental problems such as pollution, resource depletion, and difficulty in recycling. Since these materials exist in the environment, their impact can be long-term.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the development of a biodegradable marker pen with excellent sealing performance has become an urgent development goal in the related field.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the environmental problems caused by marker pens, the present invention provides a biodegradable marker pen including a barrel, a cap, and an ink storage tube, wherein the barrel has a columnar hollow structure and is used to accommodate the ink storage tube, the cap is detachably and airtightly joined to the barrel, and the barrel, the cap, and the ink storage tube each contain 2 to 10% by mass of a biodegradable auxiliary agent.

[0008] In the biodegradable marker pen of the present invention, the biodegradable auxiliary agent includes a monounsaturated carboxylic acid having 10 to 30 carbon atoms or a polyunsaturated carboxylic acid having 10 to 30 carbon atoms, and also includes a transition metal compound.

[0009] In the biodegradable marker pen of the present invention, the biodegradable auxiliary agent includes oleic acid.

[0010] In the biodegradable marker pen of the present invention, the transition metal compound includes a compound having iron, cobalt, titanium, manganese, copper, zinc, or a combination thereof.

[0011] In the biodegradable marker pen of the present invention, the components of the biodegradable marker pen include 60 to 98% of polypropylene, 0 to 10% of polyethylene, 5 to 35% of polyester, and 2 to 10% of the biodegradable aid, by mass%.

[0012] In the biodegradable marker pen of the present invention, the barrel is an open tube, and the biodegradable marker pen further includes a pen back cover that is fitted seamlessly into the barrel and airtightly seals one end of the barrel.

[0013] In the biodegradable marker pen of the present invention, the biodegradable marker pen includes a pen core holder, and the pen core holder is disposed within the barrel and fixes the ink storage tube.

[0014] In the biodegradable marker pen of the present invention, a cover film covers the outer periphery of the ink storage tube so as to maintain the shape of the ink storage tube, and the components of the ink storage tube and the cover film include 90% to 98% of plastic and 2% to 10% of the biodegradable aid, by weight%. The plastic includes polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, or a combination of the above substances.

[0015] In the biodegradable marker pen of the present invention, the magnitude of the force used to separate the barrel and the cap is 2.0 to 13.0 kgf.

[0016] In the biodegradable marker pen of the present invention, the density of the ink storage tube is 0.13 to 0.24 grams per cubic centimeter.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] From the above description, it can be seen that the present invention achieves the following effects. The biodegradable marker pen of the present invention has great advantages in environmental protection and sustainability. Different from the conventional marker pens that cause plastic pollution, all components of the innovative biodegradable marker pen of the present invention are made of biodegradable materials, minimizing the environmental impact of the biodegradable marker pen from production to disposal without affecting the quality of the biodegradable marker pen, and having extremely excellent sealing performance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] To more clearly explain the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for the description of each embodiment are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only examples or embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can also apply the present invention to other similar scenarios according to these drawings without creative work. Unless otherwise clear from the context or otherwise stated, the same reference numerals in the figures represent the same structure or operation.

[0020] As shown in the present invention and the claims, unless the context clearly indicates an exception, words such as "a", "one", "a kind", or "the" do not particularly refer to the singular and may include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate that they include clearly identified steps and elements, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or device may also include other steps or elements.

[0021] Figures 1 to 3 show a first preferred embodiment of the biodegradable marker pen 10 of the present invention. The biodegradable marker pen 10 includes a cap 11, an ink storage tube 14, and a barrel 15.

[0022] Here, the barrel 15 has a columnar hollow structure, and the barrel 15 is used to accommodate the ink storage tube 14. The barrel 15 may be an open tube or a semi-closed tube. In this embodiment, the barrel 15 is an open tube, and the pen back cover 12 is firmly fixed to the first end of the barrel 15. The pen back cover 12 is fitted seamlessly into the barrel 15 to airtight seal the first end of the barrel 15 to achieve a sealed mutual connection.

[0023] Here, the ink storage tube 14 is disposed within the barrel 15. In this embodiment, the ink storage tube 14 includes a pen tip 142 disposed at the second end, and a cover film 141 covers the outer periphery of the ink storage tube 14 to maintain the shape of the ink storage tube 14. Further, a pen core holder 13 is disposed within the barrel 15, and the pen core holder 13 positions and stabilizes the ink storage tube 14 and is used to prevent unnecessary movement or displacement of the ink storage tube 14 within the barrel 15.

[0024] Figures 4 to 6 show a second preferred embodiment of the biodegradable marker pen 10A of the present invention. The biodegradable marker pen 10A includes a cap 11A, an ink storage tube 14A, and a barrel 15A.

[0025] Here, the barrel 15A has a columnar hollow structure and is used to accommodate the ink storage tube 14A. The barrel 15A may be an open tube or a semi-closed tube. In this embodiment, the barrel 15A is an open tube, and the pen back cover A12 is firmly fixed to the first end of the barrel 15A. The pen back cover 12A is fitted seamlessly into the barrel 15A to airtightly seal the first end of the barrel 15A and achieve a sealed joint.

[0026] Here, the ink storage tube 14A is disposed within the barrel 15A. In this embodiment, the ink storage tube 14A includes a pen tip 142A disposed at the second end, and a cover film 141A covers the outer periphery of the ink storage tube 14A to maintain the shape of the ink storage tube 14A. In this embodiment, the second end of the barrel 15A opposite to the first end is tapered to accommodate and fix the pen tip 142A of the ink storage tube 14A. The diameter of the second end of the barrel 15A gradually decreases to maintain the position of the ink storage tube 14A within the barrel 15A and prevent unnecessary movement or displacement of the ink storage tube 14A within the barrel 15A.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6 together, in the first preferred embodiment and the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the biodegradable marker pens 10, 10A are in a closed state, the caps 11, 11A are firmly attached to the barrels 15, 15A via a locking mechanism to create a sealed environment and prevent the volatilization or leakage of ink. The locking mechanism includes an interlocking mechanism, a screw mechanism, a snap mechanism, etc. Preferably, the locking mechanism is the snap mechanism.

[0028] When the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A are in a closed state, force needs to be applied to remove the caps 11 and 11A from the barrels 15 and 15A. Preferably, the force required to separate the caps 11 and 11A from the barrels 15 and 15A is 2.0 to 13.0 kgf (kilogram - force). More preferably, the force is 3.0 to 10.0 kgf (kilogram - force). In a preferred embodiment, the magnitude of the force is 4.5 kgf.

[0029] The components of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A include 88 to 98% plastic and 2 to 10% biodegradable auxiliary agent by mass percentage. Preferably, the plastic includes polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or a combination of the above substances.

[0030] All members of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A contain the biodegradable auxiliary agent. In the first preferred embodiment or the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, 2% by mass of the biodegradable auxiliary agent is uniformly and homogeneously distributed in all members of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A.

[0031] Preferably, the components of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A include 60 to 98% polypropylene, 0 to 10% polyethylene, 5 to 35% polyester, and 2 to 10% of the biodegradable auxiliary agent by mass percentage.

[0032] In some preferred embodiments, the components of the caps 11 and 11A include 90 to 98% polypropylene and 2 to 10% of the biodegradable auxiliary agent by mass percentage.

[0033] In some preferred embodiments, the components of the pen back covers 12 and 12A include 90 to 98% polypropylene and 2 to 10% of the biodegradable auxiliary agent by mass percentage.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments, the components of the barrels 15, 15A include 90-98% by mass of polypropylene and 2-10% of the biodegradable aid.

[0035] In some preferred embodiments, the ink storage tubes 14, 14A and the pen tips 142, 142A are made of polyester fibers, and the components of the ink storage tubes 14, 14A and the pen tips 142, 142A include 90-98% by mass of polyester and 2-10% of the biodegradable aid. Ink is added after the ink storage tubes 14, 14A and the pen tips 142, 142A are manufactured. Preferably, the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate. Preferably, the density of the ink storage tubes 14, 14A is 0.13-0.24 grams per cubic centimeter. More preferably, the density of the ink storage tubes 14, 14A is 0.17-0.21 grams per cubic centimeter.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, the components of the cover films 141, 141A include 90-98% by mass of polyethylene and 2-10% of the biodegradable aid. Preferably, the polyethylene is low-density polyethylene.

[0037] The biodegradable aid includes a monounsaturated carboxylic acid having 10-30 carbon atoms or a polyunsaturated carboxylic acid having 10-30 carbon atoms, and also includes a transition metal compound.

[0038] Preferably, the unsaturated carboxylic acid in the biodegradable aid is oleic acid. Preferably, the transition metal compound includes a compound of iron, cobalt, titanium, manganese, copper, zinc, or a combination thereof.

[0039] Preferably, the biodegradable aid includes two or more of the transition metal compounds. In one embodiment, the biodegradable aid includes the transition metal compound including iron and manganese.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the caps 11, 11A, the pen back covers 12, 12A, the pen core holders 13 and the barrels 15, 15A are manufactured using an injection molding machine. First, a plurality of polypropylene particles and a plurality of particles of the biodegradable auxiliary agent are uniformly mixed at a ratio of 90 to 98% by mass of polypropylene and 2 to 10% of the biodegradable auxiliary agent, and melted to form a molten mixture. The injection molding machine injects the molten mixture into a mold to manufacture the caps 11, 11A, the pen back covers 12, 12A, the pen core holders 13 and the barrels 15, 15A respectively.

[0041] In the manufacturing process of the ink storage tubes 14, 14A, first, a plurality of polyester particles and a plurality of particles of the biodegradable auxiliary agent are uniformly mixed and dissolved at a ratio of 90 to 98% by mass of polyester and 2 to 10% of the biodegradable auxiliary agent, and extruded through a plurality of spinnerets to form a plurality of threads. The threads are cooled, rolled together, knitted or compressed to form the ink storage tubes 14, 14A. Preferably, the ink storage tubes 14, 14A are covered with the cover films 141, 141A to maintain the shape of the ink storage tubes 14, 14A and have better ink storage characteristics.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the barrel 15 of the biodegradable marker pen 10 is manufactured by extrusion molding. First, a plurality of polypropylene particles and a plurality of particles of the biodegradable auxiliary agent are uniformly mixed at a ratio of 90 to 98% by mass of polypropylene and 2 to 10% by mass of the biodegradable auxiliary agent, and melted to form a molten mixture. Next, the molten mixture is extruded in a mold, quenched and solidified, and then cut into the barrel 15.

[0043] Preferably, the manufacturing process of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A can be integrated into the manufacturing process of conventional marker pens by making some modifications to the manufacturing process of conventional marker pens. The present invention changes the blending of the composition components of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A, mixes 2 to 10% of the biodegradable auxiliary agent by mass in the raw material composition, and realizes the completely biodegradable effect for all members of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A from the barrels 15 and 15A to the pen back covers 12 and 12A.

[0044] Measurement of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A of the present invention The accuracy of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A of the present invention is tested. Using the same mold and manufacturing process, several comparative examples of marker pens without adding a biodegradable auxiliary agent are compared with several examples of the preferred embodiments of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A of the present invention.

[0045] In Table 1, the specific diameter length of the cap 11A of the biodegradable marker pen 10A in Example 1 is compared with the corresponding diameter length of the cap of the marker pen in Comparative Example 1. Both are made from the same mold using an injection molding process.

[0046]

Table 1

[0047] In Table 2, the specific diameter length of the barrel 15A of the biodegradable marker pen 10A in Example 2 is compared with the corresponding diameter length of the barrel of the marker pen in Comparative Example 2. Both are made from the same mold using an injection molding process.

[0048]

Table 2

[0049] In Table 3, the specific diameter length of the pen back cover 12A of the biodegradable marker pen 10A in Example 3 is compared with the corresponding diameter length of the pen back cover of the marker pen in Comparative Example 3. Both are made from the same mold using an injection molding process.

[0050]

Table 3

[0051] In Table 4, the specific diameter length of the cap 11 of the biodegradable marker pen 10 in Example 4 is compared with the corresponding diameter length of the cap of the marker pen in Comparative Example 4. Both are made from the same mold using an injection molding process.

[0052]

Table 4

[0053] In Table 5, the specific diameter length of the pen core holder 13 of the biodegradable marker pen 10 in Example 5 is compared with the corresponding diameter length of the pen core holder of the marker pen in Comparative Example 5. Both are made from the same mold using an injection molding process.

[0054]

Table 5

[0055] In Table 6, the specific diameter length of the barrel 15 of the biodegradable marker pen 10 in Example 6 is compared with the corresponding diameter length of the barrel of the marker pen in Comparative Example 6. Both are made from the same mold using an injection molding process.

[0056]

Table 6

[0057] Table 7 compares the specific diameter lengths of the pen back cover 12 of the biodegradable marker pen 10 in Example 7 with the corresponding diameter lengths of the pen back cover of the marker pen in Comparative Example 7. Both are made from the same mold using an injection molding process.

[0058]

Table 7

[0059] From Tables 1 to 7, it can be seen that multiple examples of the preferred embodiments of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A of the present invention show extremely high precision. These examples indicate that each component of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A can achieve a high degree of consistency and accuracy.

[0060] Also, the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A of the present invention comply with the standards established by EN13432, ASTM D6400, AS5810, NFT51-800, OECD 208, and PAS 9017:2020. The biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A meet the conditions such as a decomposition rate of 90% within 180 days, a disintegration degree of 90% within 84 days, the compost having no phytotoxicity, not containing heavy metals, and the seedlings being able to germinate. They pass the seedling germination and seedling growth tests, daphnia reproduction test, earthworm reproduction test, and soil biodegradation test conducted in accordance with the standards of OECD 208, 222, and 211 and the ecotoxicity requirements of PAS 9017:2020.

[0061] At the same time, the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A of the present invention maintain excellent sealing ability and the durability of the material and structure during the use process. The biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A passed a strict airtightness test and showed no leakage even when a pressure of 0.5 kg per square centimeter was applied for 30 seconds. In a preferred embodiment, when the ink storage tubes 14 and 14A of the biodegradable marker pens 10 and 10A contain 1.2 grams of ink, there is no ink leakage even when the pen tips 142 and 142A are placed downward for 24 hours, passing the ink leakage inspection.

[0062] From the above description, it can be seen that the present invention achieves the following effects. The biodegradable marker pens 10, 10A of the present invention have great advantages in environmental protection and sustainability. Different from the conventional marker pens that cause plastic pollution, all components of the innovative biodegradable marker pens 10, 10A of the present invention are made of biodegradable materials, minimizing the environmental impact of the biodegradable marker pens 10, 10A from production to disposal, and having extremely excellent sealing performance without affecting the quality of the biodegradable marker pens 10, 10A.

[0063] In addition, the manufacturing process of the biodegradable marker pens 10, 10A of the present invention can be seamlessly integrated into the conventional marker pen manufacturing process standard, requiring only minor modifications. This compatibility greatly reduces the barriers for manufacturers to switch to the production of environmentally friendly alternatives and promotes a cost-effective transition.

[0064] It should be noted that based on the above description and detailed description of the specification, those skilled in the art can also make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and described above, and some equivalent modifications and changes to the present disclosure should also be within the protection scope of the claims of the present disclosure. In addition, although a series of specific terms are used in this specification, these terms are only for the convenience of description and do not limit the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0065] 10 Biodegradable marker pen 10A Biodegradable marker pen 11 Cap 11A Cap 12 Back cover of pen 12A Back cover of pen 13 Pen core holder 13A Pen core holder 14 Ink storage tube 14A Ink storage tube 141 Cover film 141A Cover film 142 Pen tip 142A Pen tip 15 Barrel 15A Barrel

Claims

1. A biodegradable marker pen comprising a barrel, a cap and an ink storage tube, wherein the barrel has a columnar hollow structure and is used to accommodate the ink storage tube, and the cap is detachably and airtightly joined to the barrel, wherein the barrel, the cap and the ink storage tube each contain 2 to 10% by mass of a biodegradable aid and 88 to 98% by mass of a plastic, and the total mass of each component contained in the barrel, the cap and the ink storage tube is 100% by mass respectively, wherein the plastic includes polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer or a combination of the above substances, wherein the biodegradable aid includes a monounsaturated carboxylic acid having 10 to 30 carbon atoms or a polyunsaturated carboxylic acid having 10 to 30 carbon atoms, and a transition metal compound, and is a biodegradable marker pen.

2. The biodegradable marker pen according to claim 1, wherein the biodegradable aid contains oleic acid.

3. The biodegradable marker pen according to claim 1, wherein the transition metal compound includes a compound having iron, cobalt, titanium, manganese, copper, zinc, or a combination thereof.

4. The biodegradable marker pen according to claim 1, wherein the barrel is an open tube, and the biodegradable marker pen further includes a pen back cover that is seamlessly fitted into the barrel and airtightly seals one end of the barrel.

5. The biodegradable marker pen according to claim 1, wherein the biodegradable marker pen includes a pen core holder, and the pen core holder is disposed within the barrel and fixes the ink storage tube.

6. A cover film covers the outer periphery of the ink storage tube so as to maintain the shape of the ink storage tube, and the components of the ink storage tube and the cover film include 90% to 98% of plastic and 2% to 10% of the biodegradable aid by weight%, and the plastic includes polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer or a combination of the above substances. The biodegradable marker pen according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The biodegradable marker pen according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnitude of the force used to separate the barrel and the cap is 2.0 to 13.0 kgf.

8. The density of the ink storage tube is 0.13 to 0.24 grams per cubic centimeter, and the biodegradable marker pen according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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