Holder for a number of writing implements

Claim 1

A holder for a plurality of writing implements comprising: (a) a shaped body member having a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves formed therein, said grooves being bordered by longitudinally extending dividing walls, (b) said grooves together with said dividing walls providing force-fit accomodation for proximal end portions of the writing implements, (c) said dividing walls having top edges, (d) a sheet member overlying a substantial portion of said shaped body member and secured to said body member at said top edges of said dividing walls, (e) said sheet member having a leading edge portion extending transversely across said shaped body member, (f) said shaped body member and said sheet member forming substantially enclosed compartments in which to house in parallel manner the proximal end portions of the writing implements, the distal end portions of the writing implements extending beyond the confines of said substantially enclosed compartments and being free and unobstructed for the purpose of withdrawal, (g) said shaped body member including a transversely extending ridge portion for engaging and slightly elevating the distal end portions of the writing implements forcing intermediate portions defined between the proximal and the distal end portions of the writing implements into abutting contact with said leading edge portion of said sheet member, thereby maintaining the proximal end portions of the writing implements securely situated within said grooves regardless of the inclination of said body member, and (h) a reusable close-up holder for containing said shaped body member.