The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 25, 1999
Filed:
Oct. 22, 1996
Russell McCulloch, Simpsonville, SC (US);
Frank Hart, Jonesville, SC (US);
Ronald Rukan, Simpsonville, SC (US);
Barry W Chadwick, Simpsonville, SC (US);
BIC Corporation, Milford, CT (US);
Abstract
A writing instrument is disclosed having a barrel defining an internal passage including an ink reservoir. A venting mechanism is positioned at least partially within the internal passage of the barrel adjacent an anterior end portion thereof. The venting mechanism includes an elongated body defining an axial bore therethrough in communication with the ink reservoir, and a plurality of spaced apart fins peripherally surrounding the elongated body and defining a plurality of annular channels between the fins. Each of the fins defines a groove thereon to interconnect the annular channels. The writing instrument further includes a point support member supporting a writing point and positioned adjacent an anterior end portion of the venting mechanism and defining an axial bore aligned with the axial bore of the venting mechanism. A first ink supply rod is disposed within the axial bore of the venting mechanism and has a posterior end portion in communication with the ink reservoir to convey ink from the ink reservoir to an anterior portion of the venting mechanism. A second supply rod conveys ink from a posterior end portion disposed within the bore in the venting mechanism and contacting the first supply rod to an anterior end portion disposed within the bore of the point support member, to the writing point. A circuitous air path is provided to vent the ink reservoir at the posterior end portion to the writing tip portion.