US4116569A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ball holder for a ball-point pen
Assignee: Gillette Co LLC
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Filing: 1977-02-14
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Granted: 1978-09-26
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Expires: 1997-02-14
Abstract
Abstract A ball holder for a ball-point pen is arranged to have a ball socket with a ball seat having a plurality of convex surfaces formed on concave shoulder surfaces. A writing ball inserted in the ball socket is supported by a single ball contact point on each of the ball seat convex surfaces. Concavities are provided between adjacent convex surfaces and shoulder surfaces for collecting and supplying ink to a surface of the writing ball.
Inventors
- 👤 Meuriel Francis Reed
- 👤 Curtis Lawrence Malm
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:35
CPC Classifications
B; B43; B43K; B43K1/00; B43K1/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
In a ball holder for a ball-point pen of the type having a tubular ball holder body and a ball socket with a cylindrical wall on an end of said body for rotatable retention of a writing ball, an ink reservoir extending into said body and an ink reservoir seat port extending from said ball socket to said reservoir, the improvement comprising: a ball seat at a bottom of said ball socket, said ball seat having a plurality of convex surfaces formed on concave shoulder surfaces to provide a single ball contact point on each of said convex surfaces; concavities between said convex surfaces adjacent to said shoulder surfaces for collecting and supplying ink to a surface of said writing ball; and linearly tapered capillary channels providing a first gap separating said adjacent shoulder portions bordering said ink seat port and a second smaller gap separating said adjacent shoulder portions at said ball socket wall.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
In a ball holder for a ball-point pen of the type having a tubular ball holder body and a ball socket with a cylindrical wall on an end of said body for rotatable retention of a writing ball, an ink reservoir extending into said body and an ink reservoir seat port extending from said ball socket to said reservoir, the improvement comprising: a ball seat at a bottom of said ball socket, said ball seat having a plurality of convex surfaces formed on concave shoulder surfaces to provide a single ball contact point on each of said convex surfaces; concavities between said convex surfaces adjacent to said shoulder surfaces for collecting and supplying ink to a surface of said writing ball; and linearly tapered capillary channels providing a first gap separating said adjacent shoulder portions bordering said ink seat port and a second smaller gap separating said adjacent shoulder portions at said ball socket wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A ball holder according to claim 1, wherein said convex surfaces are cylindrical sections extending from said ball socket wall to said ink feed port.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ball holder according to claim 1, wherein said convex surfaces and said shoulder surfaces are inclined to slope inwardly toward said reservoir from said ball socket wall to said ink feed port.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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US2627247A
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Cited
US3781123A
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DE2059259A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-09-25 | 1982-03-27 | 1982-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-09-25 | 1986-03-27 | 1986-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-09-25 | 1990-03-27 | 1990-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |