GB886445A - Retractable writing instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

886,445. Reservoir pens. OLSEN A.S., CHR. Dec. 14, 1959, No. 42494/59. Class 146(3) In a retractable writing instrument, e.g. a ball-point pen, the writing unit 1 or a component of the projecting mechanism co-operating therewith engages, through a transverse pin 14, a movable plate 15 which is placed behind a window 18 in one side of the instrument and extending over a substantial part of its length, the plate 15 bearing various designs, letters or numbers which will be located in different positions depending upon the position of the writing unit. The writing unit 1 is biased rearwards by a spring 3 and is secured at its rear end to a foot 6 on a plunger 4. The plunger 4 has the pin 14 fixed thereto and has another pin 8 slidable in a transverse hole therein. The pin 8 is biased outwards by a leaf spring 9 secured to the plunger and when the writing unit is in its projected position the pin engages a recess 11 in the barrel 2 to latch it in that position. A member 12 is pivotally mounted at 13 in the recess 11 and is pressed inwards to disengage the pin 8 from the recess and allow the writing unit to be retracted by the spring 3. Interposed between the plate 15 and the window 18 is a mask 17 formed with openings 16. The pin 14 engages a hole in the plate 15 which bears letters on its outer surface, one set of letters being exposed in the openings 16 when the writing unit is in retracted position. When the unit 1 is projected the plate 15 is moved relatively to the mask 17 so that different letters appear at the openings. Diametrically opposite to the window 18 is a second window 19 behind which a stationary strip 20 bearing a picture or lettering is mounted. In a modification both sides of the instrument may have a movable plate such as 15. In instruments in which the actuating plunger merely projects the writing unit and does not move back with the writing unit in its movement from projected to retracted position the plate 15 may be caused to move with the writing unit 1, the pin 14 being mounted on the unit. Both the plate 15 and the mask 17 may be movable one being connected to the writing unit and the other to the plunger so that each follows the movements of its associated part. The pin 14 may be secured to the plate 15 and engage a hole in the plunger 4.