Ball-point pen-light

3,045,111

July 17, 1962

S. J. HOENIG

BALL-POINT PEN-LIGHT

Filed March 13, 1958

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United States Patent Office

3,045,111

Patented July 17, 1962

3,045,111

BALL-POINT PEN-LIGHT

Sidney J. Hoenig, 9389 Dorrington Place, Pacoima, Calif. Filed Mar. 13, 1958, Ser. No. 721,213

Claims. (Cl. 240—6.46)

This invention relates to a pen construction and particularly to a ball-point pen construction, having selfcontained electrical illuminating means, and means whereby, when the tip of the ball-point pen is extended into writing position, beams of light are directed onto a writing surface and concentrated in an area around the tip of the pen onto the writing surface so that the user may write with this pen in the dark without disturbing persons who may be in an area adjacent to the user of the pen.

On occasion, it is found necessary to write or take notes when sufficient light is not available to see the » paper and the writing thereon. In some occupations,

-i writing in the dark is necessary in connection with the ( work. In connection -with demonstrations or lectures ) by means of slides or motion pictures, such as in particular, medical lectures, the room is completely darkened, and if it is desired that the hearer take notes, there would be a great advantage in having a pen which would light up the immediate area around the pen but not throw a beam of light which would disturb other persons during the showing of the slides or films. There are many other occasions when it would -be helpful to have available such a pen containing as an integral part thereof, illuminating means. On such occasions, the use of a separate flashlight is cumbersome. I am aware that in the past various efforts have been made to provide illuminated writing instruments, but due to their complicated construction and difficulty in use, they have not become commercially successful.

The general object of this invention is to provide a compact and simple pen construction having a minimum of parts which can -be used in the same manner as an ordinary ball-point pen and wherein the writing end is illuminated in order to facilitate writing in the dark by directing the light rays onto the paper in an area concentrated around the writing end of the pen.

A further object of this invention is to provide a pen including a light-transmitting tip member having disposed therethrough the ball-point writing cartridge, and means whereby said writing cartridge may be retained in retracted non-writing position or extended to remain in . writing position and at the same time, making electrical ? contact to actuate the light source.

|| It is a further object of the invention to provide a ball’ point pen including a hollow tubular casing having an -* illuminating source therein, a light-transmitting tip member and a light-transmitting bulb lens receiving connector disposed between the light source and the tip member, said light-transmitting connector being removably secured to the non-writing end of a -writing cartridge, said writing cartridge, being disposed through the light-transmitting tip member.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a ball-point pen construction in which there is a hollow tubular casing containing a light source and a source of current for the light, the light source being automatically energized upon extension of the ball-point writing cartridge tip from the casing by manually depressing a button and to provide means -for minimizing the spread of rays of light laterally of the casing but directing light parallel to the center line of the casing to illuminate the region immediately surrounding the -ball-point tip to facilitate writing in darkness.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a pen wherein an electric light is arranged internally thereof so that on extension of the ball-point tip the pen can be used in the dark, the pen being serviceable to persons who are required to write in darkness, the extension of the -ball-point tip and the closing of the light circuit being accomplished by depressing a -manually controlled button ⁵ on the rear of the pen.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a pen of this character which is small in size, simple in construction, thoroughly reliable and efficient in operation, strong, durable and inexpensive to manufacture, ¹⁰ and which uses a standard small size battery, a standard miniature bulb, and in which the writing cartridge is replaceable.

In the accompanying drawings, I have illustrated by way of example, -but not by way of limitation, a specific ¹⁵ embodiment of my invention. In such drawings,

FIG. 1 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view with the writing cartridge in retracted or non-writing position, with the central electrode of the battery and the center contact of the bulb out of engagement;

²⁰ FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view with the writing cartridge in extended or writing position, ready for use and the center electrode of the battery and the center contact of the -bulb in contact so that illumination is provided;

²⁵ FIG. 3 is a substantially enlarged -fragmentary view partly in cross-section along the direction of the arrows in -FIG. 2, showing a portion of the hollow tubular casing, a portion of the lamp, particularly the lens portion, and the light-transmitting connector member between ³⁰ the lamp and the writing cartridge; and

FIG. 4 is a greatly enlarged sectional profile of -the lighttransmitting, tip of the pen, showing the circular grooves. Referring more particularly to the drawings, in which similar reference characters identify -similar parts in the ³⁰ several views, the pen comprises a hollow tubular casing 5, which is open at both ends. The casing 5 is formed of suitable materials, such as -aluminum or other metals, or plastic. I have found that the casing 5 may be made of a size which may. be conveniently carried in the pocket, fits ⁴⁰ comfortably in the hand for use as a writing instrument -and which will take a standard size small battery. Thus, I may form the casing of -aluminum, for example, with a length of 3% and an outside diameter of %e· Using a casing 5 -of -the size described, the casing may take a ⁴³ standard #912 “Eveready” battery, which is % in diameter, and 1%. in length. The casing 5 has internal, threads 6 formed in the top section thereof to receive a cap or closure, generally designated as 7. The casing 5 has internal threads 8 formed in the lower section thereof ⁰⁰ to receive a light-transmitting frusto-conical tip member, generally designated as 9. It will be seen that the casing 5, -cap 7 and tip member 9 together form a barrel. The light-transmitting tip member 9 may be constructed of _r any transparent or translucent light-transmitting material.

I prefer to use a transparent plastic, -such as “Lucite”, but any other suitable light-transmitting material may be used. .

The upper portion of the light-transmitting tip member 9 is provided with external threads 10- in a reduced portion of -the upper section thereof. The light-transmitting tip member 9 is threadedly connected to the casing 5 by means of its threads 10 engaging the threads 8 of the casing 5 -as illustrated in -FIGS. 1 and 2. The tip mem₆₅ her 9 has an axial bore 11 -through which -the ball-point writing cartridge 12 may -be extended or withdrawn through the tip member 9. The tip member 9 is counterbored to form an upper cylindrical recess 13 within the tip member 9 to receive the writing cartridge 12 and the 70 coil spring 14, the -coil spring 14 being a conventional part of a -ball-point pen assembly.

' An -axial bore 15 of reduced size is provided in the front

3,045,111 section of the light-transmitting tip member 9 to receive the cylindrical shaft 10 containing the ball-point tip of the writing cartridge 12. Annular grooves 17 are formed or cut into the light-transmitting tip member 9 as will be explained below, to direct the rays of the light source 5 downwardly onto the writing surface. A ferrule 18 is disposed between the casing 5 and the shoulder 19 formed by the reduced section in the upper portion of the lighttransmitting tip member 9. For ornamental purposes, the ferrule 18 may be provided with threads, as shown, io

The ball-point writing cartridge, generally designated as 12, is slidable axially within the axial bore 11 of the light-transmitting tip member 9. The writing cartridge is of conventional construction and includes a tip portion 16 containing the ball-point. The cylindrical shaft 16 of 15 the tip portion of the writing cartridge 12 has an annular flange 20 which limits the outward movement of the writing cartridge 12 from the tip member 9 by contact of the annular flange 20 with .the shoulder 21 at the bottom portion of the axial bore 11. The ball-point cartridge 20 12 has the conventional crimp 22 formed therein.

The conventional coil spring 14, part of a conventional ball-point assembly, is positioned between the crimp 22 of the writing cartridge 12, the lower portion of the spring 14 resting within the upper cylindrical recess 13 of the 25 tip member 9. As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, the ballpoint writing cartridge 12 has an upper tubular opening 23 adapted to receive the downwardly depending tip portion ‘24 of the light-transmitting connector member 25. The light-transmitting connector member, generally des- 30 ignated as 25, may be constructed of transparent or translucent light-transmitting material, such as for example, a transparent plastic, such as “Lucite” or other suitable lighttransmitting material.

The downwardly depending tip member 24 of the con- 35 nector member 25 is adapted to slidably fit into the opening 23 in the writing cartridge 12. Thus, the connector member 25 may be removed when the writing cartridge 12 has had its ink supply exhausted and a new writing cartridge 12 may be inserted into the pen assembly and 40 the connector member 25 inserted into the opening 23 of the new writing cartridge 12. The connector member 25 has a cup-shaped recess 26 adapted to receive the lens portion or tip 27 of the lamp bulb 28.

Annular grooves 29 are formed or cut into the light- 45 transmitting connector 25 to direct ithe rays of the light source downwardly towards the writing surface. When the lamp 28 is illuminated, rays from the bulb 28 will be directed through the circular grooves 29 in the connector member 25 and also through the circular grooves 17 in 50 the light-transmitting tip, member 9 to the surface of the paper. The lamp bulb 28 positioned within the casing 5 may be a standard #112 size “General Electric” miniature bulb or any standard small bulb of suitable size. As noted above, the front lens portion 27 of the bulb 28 is 55 adapted to fit into the cup-shaped depression 26 of the light-transmitting connector member 25. Thus, the lamp 28 is detachably engageable within the cup 26 of connector 25, which connector 25 in turn is removably attached to the writing cartridge 12. 60

The lamp bulb 28 has a conventional base 30 adapted to be contacted by the coil spring 31. The bulb 28 has an upwardly presented center electrical terminal contact 32. The coil spring 31 within the casing 5 is positioned between the battery 33 and the bulb 28 and bears against 65 the battery 33, normally urging the battery 33 upwards, the spring 31 being in electrical contact with the downwardly presented cylindrical pole 34 of the battery 33. Thus, I may have my casing 5 be of plastic, rather than a conducting material such as metal. It is understood, of 70 course, that I could complete the circuit from the cylindrical pole 34 of the battery 32 to the lamp base 30 in other ways rather than having the spring 31 contact the cylindrical pole 34 of the battery 32.

The battery 33 which is mounted in the casing 5, is 75 a standard type miniature dry cell providing an electrical source of current for the bulb 28. I have found that I may use a standard #912 “Eveready” battery which is % in diameter and 1% in length. Such a standard battery is also manufactured by other dry cell battery manufacturers under different numbers and trade names. The battery 33 has a downwardly presented center electrical contact or electrode 35 which constitutes a pole adapted for electrical connection with the conventional central contact 32 carried by the lamp 28. As noted above, the second electrical contact for the battery is the cylindrical contact or electrode 34. The battery 33 has a reai face 36 adapted to be contacted by the button 37, which button 37 is slidably positioned within the cap 7.

The cap 7 has external threads 38 formed on the lower portion thereof, which threads 38 are adapted to threadedly engage the internal threads 6 at the top of the tubular casing 5. The cap 7 is provided with an axial bore 39 which is adapted to slidably receive the button 37. The cap 7 is provided with an internal annular shoulder portion 40 which is adapted to retain the button 37 in fixed position when the button 37 is manually depressed and moved laterally. The button 37 is provided with an an- £ nular groove 41 which is adapted to fit into the shoulder 'j 40 of the cap 7 when the button 37 is depressed manually .¹and moved over slightly in a lateral direction by the finger until the groove 41 fits into the shoulder 40, as shown in FIG. 2, locking the button 37 in the downward position.

The button 37 is provided with a transverse portion or flange 42 which is adapted to contact the rear face 36 of the battery 33. It will be apparent that under the action of the ball-point coil spring 14 moving normally to urge the connector member 25 upwardly by its action against the crimp 22 and the action of the coil spring 31 acting against the battery 33, that, as shown in FIG. 1, the button 37 is normally in the position shown in FIG. 1, the ball-point tip 16 is in retracted non-writing position and the center contact 32 of the bulb 28 is out of electrical connection with the center contact 35 of the battery 33. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the ball-point is retracted and the light is not on. However, as shown in FIG. 2, when the button 37 is depressed, the ball-point tip 16 is extended and contact is made between the center electrical contact 32 of the bulb 28 and the center electrical contact of the battery 33, lighting the bulb 28.

A clip 43 is provided so the pen may be carried in the pocket. The clip 43 includes a circular band 44 adapted to fit over a reduced section of the cap 7 and above the upper extremity of the hollow tubular casing 5. There are other constructions which may be used in providing the pen with a clip for carrying the pen in the pocket f without departing from the spirit of my invention. a

Although, if desired, I may provide that the light * source may be energized by a suitable switch (not (, shown), as for example, in the case of a non-retractable ball-point pen, a particular feature of the embodiment of my invention illustrated resides in the provision of circuit closing means operable automatically upon extension of the ball-point writing cartridge 12. To accomplish this, the battery 33 is slidably mounted within the casing 5 so that it is carried into circuit closing position with respect to the bulb 28 by the downward motion of the button 37 by the action of the transverse flange 42 acting against the rear face 36 of the battery 33 when the button 37 is manually depressed to extend the writing cartridge 12. The outward movement of the writing cartridge 12 is limited by the contact of the annular flange 20 of the tip member 16 of the writing cartridge 12 which engages the shoulder 21 in the axial bore 11 of the tip member 9. The base 30 of the bulb 28 is slidably positioned within the casing 5 and contacts one end of the coil spring 31, the coil spring 31 being interposed between the bulb 28 and the front face of the battery 33, thus normally spacing the contacts 32 and 35 of the bulb

3,045,111 and the battery respectively out of electrical· contact. As shown in FIG. 2, these contacts 32 and 35 are closed upon downward movement of the button 37 and the bulb 28 is lit.

In the construction illustrated, the circuit is closed when the center electrode 35 touches the center electrical contact 32 of the bulb 28. If desired, I may use a metal casing 5, which is conductive, and the circuit may thus include the button 37 bearing against the rear face 36 of the battery 33 thus contacting the cylindrical electrode 34 and the cap 7 which contacts the casing 5, with the spring 31 also contacting the casing 5. Thus, in such construction, when contacts 32 of the bulb 28 and contact 35 of the battery 33 are brought into contact the circuit is closed through the spring 31 to the casing 5 and through the casing 5 to the button 37 and through the transverse flange 42 of the button 37 to the second pole 34 of the battery 33. There are other constructions which may be used to provide a circuit for lighting the illuminating means without departing from the spirit of my invention.

* The length and strength of the springs 14 and 31 are so selected that together they will operate in the manner (' described herein. The spring 31 serves several purposes. In the non-writing, retracted position, as shown in FIG. 1, the spring 31 normally separates the center electrical contact 32 of the bulb 28 from the center electrode 35 of the battery 33 by normally urging the battery 33 upwardly and at the same time the spring 31 provides contact between the base 30 of the bulb 28 and the tubular electrode 34 constituted by the outer cylindrical shell of the battery 33. The spring 14, in the non-writing, retracted position, as shown in FIG. 1, is extended and serves to retain the writing cartridge 12 in retracted position by action against the crimp 22. The action of the spring 14 upwardly and the spring 31 downwardly serves to retain the connector member 25 and the lens portion 27 at all times in close fitting relationship. The button 37, under tension from the springs 14 and 31 remains in the up position normally, as shown in FIG. 1.

When the button 37 is manually depressed and the button 37 is moved slightly sideways, or laterally, the groove 41 fits into the annular shoulder 40 of the cap 7. As the button 37 is manually depressed, the transverse flange 42 pushes the battery 33 downwards, compressing the spring 31, closing the gap between the battery 33 and the bulb 28, lighting the bulb 28. At the same time the bulb 28 moves downwards with its lens portion 27 pushing the connector member 25 downwards. Since the tip portion 24 of the connector member 25 is embedded in the writing cartridge 12, the writing cartridge 12 moves ' downwards, the crimp 22 bearing against the spring coil. i 14 and compressing the spring coil 14, the tip 16 of the f writing cartridge 12 being extended through the tip member 9 into writing position, as shown in FIG. 2. The spring 14, thus being under compression, acts to maintain the center contact 32 of the bulb 28 and the center electrode 35 of the battery 33 in electrical connection overcoming the opposite tension of the spring 31.

When the button 37, which has been moved to the locking position, is moved slightly sideways or laterally towards its center position, the groove 41 is disengaged from the annular shoulder 40 of the cap 7 and the parts assume the position shown in FIG. 1, under action of the springs 14 and 31, the circuit becomes broken and the light goes out.

I have discovered that a· ball-point pen constructed in accordance with my invention will throw a beam of light which is concentrated in the area around the point of contact of the pen with the writing surface and does not disturb other persons seated in an area adjacent to the user within a completely dark room. The annular grooves 29 in the connector member 25 present a series of lens faces which accept the light source and in the manner of a lens action direct the rays of light in a concentrated area. The annular grooves 17 of the tip member also present a series of lens faces which accept these directed light rays, as well as any other random beams of light not passing through the connector member 25 and also in the manner of a lens action direct the rays of light so that the beam of light is concentrated in an area adjacent to the tip member 16 of the writing cartridge 12. A mild diffused light (consisting of non-directed beams) passes through the side walls of the tip member 9, which light is not of sufficient intensity to disturb other persons in a darkened room. The angle of the lens faces of the annular grooves 29 and 17, respectively, may be varied relative to the center line of the pen in order to expand or contract the area in which the beam of light is concentrated. I prefer, however, to have the annular grooves 29 in the connector member 25 to be substantially L-shaped and thus present a series of lens faces substantially perpendicular to the center line of the pen. I also prefer that the annular grooves 17 of the tip member 9 have faces which are at a small angle away from the perpendicular to the center line, as shown in FIG. 4 so that the rays of light take the direction indicated by the arrows in such figure.

As is well known in the art, the writing cartridge 12 is provided with an air vent (not shown) to enable the ink to feed to the ball of the ball-point. I may provide air means (not shown) leading to the writing cartridge 12 by providing a suitable air passage, or groove, in the tip 24 of connector member 25.

While I have disclosed a particular construction for the extension and retraction of the writing cartridge 12 consisting of a button mechanism, it is apparent that other means for extending or withdrawing the writing cartridge 12 may be used without departing from the spirit of my invention.

A pen constructed in accordance with my invention is easy to manufacture and assemble, simple to operate, efficient and particularly compact and convenient for use. The bulb 28 and the battery 33 are of standard sizes and may be readily replaced if worn out. If the ball-point cartridge 12 becomes dry it is easy to replace the cartridge 12 by merely removing the same and replacing it with a new cartridge 12, i.e., the connector member 25 is slid out from the opening 23 of the used up cartridge 12 and reinserted into the new cartridge and replaced within the pen assembly.

While I have described a particular embodiment of my inventive structure, it is obvious that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention.