US5442380A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Marking and counting implement
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1994-06-27
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Granted: 1995-08-15
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Expires: 2014-06-27
Abstract
Abstract A marking and counting implement comprises a tubular housing for holding a marking implement, such as a highlighter. One end of the tubular housing has an aperture through which the marking end of the marking implement extends. The other end of the housing is closed and has a switch which is activated by the marking implement when a certain activating pressure is applied to the switch by the marking implement. Typically, a resilient means, such as a spring, keeps the marking implement from activating the switch until the activating pressure is applied to the switch by pressing the marking end of the marking implement against a surface. The switch is connected to a counter whereby, when sufficient pressure is exerted on the switch by the marking implement to activate the switch, a count is recorded. Thus, the marking and counting implement can be used for both marking and counting.
Inventors
- 👤 Erik J. McCormick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 08:42
CPC Classifications
B; B43; B43K; B43K29/00; B43K29/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
221 words
A marking and counting implement comprising: a tubular housing for holding a marking means having a marking end and an opposite end; said tubular housing having a first end with an aperture therein; said tubular housing having a second end closed by a removable end cap having a switch means therein; a marking means for marking a surface when pressed against the surface with a first pressure; said marking means being slidably contained within said tubular housing and having a marking end extending through said aperture in said tubular housing and an opposite end in contact with said switch means; said switch means having a spring means for preventing said switch means from being actuated by said marking means when said marking means is pressed against said surface with a pressure at or below said first pressure, for permitting actuation of said switch means by movement of said marking means when said marking means is pressed against the surface with a pressure above said first pressure, and for returning said marking means to an extended position when said marking means is not being pressed against the surface; said spring means engaging said opposite end of said marking means; and said switch means being part of an electrical circuit comprising a counter for registering a count when said switch means is actuated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
221 words
A marking and counting implement comprising: a tubular housing for holding a marking means having a marking end and an opposite end; said tubular housing having a first end with an aperture therein; said tubular housing having a second end closed by a removable end cap having a switch means therein; a marking means for marking a surface when pressed against the surface with a first pressure; said marking means being slidably contained within said tubular housing and having a marking end extending through said aperture in said tubular housing and an opposite end in contact with said switch means; said switch means having a spring means for preventing said switch means from being actuated by said marking means when said marking means is pressed against said surface with a pressure at or below said first pressure, for permitting actuation of said switch means by movement of said marking means when said marking means is pressed against the surface with a pressure above said first pressure, and for returning said marking means to an extended position when said marking means is not being pressed against the surface; said spring means engaging said opposite end of said marking means; and said switch means being part of an electrical circuit comprising a counter for registering a count when said switch means is actuated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The marking and counting implement of claim 1, wherein: said counter is a computer electrically connected to said switch means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The marking and counting implement of claim 1, wherein: said counter is integral with the marking and counting implement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The marking and counting implement of claim 3, wherein: said counter has a plurality of counting channels whereby more than one set of items can be counted and recorded.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The marking and counting implement of claim 1, wherein: said switch means includes an electrical connection for connecting the marking and counting implement to a computer input.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The marking and counting implement of claim 1, wherein: said tubular housing accommodates a highlighter marking implement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The marking and counting implement of claim 6, wherein: said second, closed end of said housing with said switch means is mounted on the tubular housing by a quick release means to permit the highlighter marking implement to readily replaced.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The marking and counting implement of claim 1, wherein: said counter is integral with the marking and counting implement; said counter is battery powered; and said counter has a plurality of counting channels whereby more than one set of items can be counted and recorded.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4768040A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-08-14 | 1999-02-13 | 1999-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-08-14 | 2003-02-13 | 2003-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-08-14 | 2007-02-13 | 2007-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |