Universal marking instrument apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for facilitating the manufacture of various different configurations of marking instruments which utilizes a uniquely configured nib holder which includes a media transfer channel therethrough along with a nib mounting ring and securement prong or finger apparatus for facilitating the mounting and retaining of a marking nib therewithin. A conventional marker barrel being generally tubular with end openings is included which can be used for forming either single or double ended marking pens which share a common marking media reservoir or have different media used therewith. The nib mounting ring of the nib holder is designed to orient the nib centrally within the media transfer channel at the nib holder and the securement prongs are adapted to abut and grip the nib holder for retaining in position therethrough and preferably in abutment with respect to a conventional generally fibrous marking media reservoir. With the apparatus of this invention the same barrel and nib holder configuration can be utilized to form conventional single ended markers with stamping nibs or marking nibs as well as double ended markers with any combination of stamping and/or marking nibs for use therewith. In this manner, numerous different configurations of marker apparatus can be manufactured utilizing the same basic configuration for the barrel nib holder, nib and cap used therewith.