GB2541670A

GB2541670A - Elongate article with rigid and flexible configurations

Info

Publication number: GB2541670A
Application number: GB1515069.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Modley Richard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-25
Filing date: 2015-08-25
Publication date: 2017-03-01
Also published as: GB201515069D0

Abstract

An elongate article, such as a pen, with rigid and flexible configurations includes longitudinally-arranged body sections 10 disposed between a pair of end sections. Each pair of adjacent sections 10 is provided with a spigot-like projection 14 on one section which can be inserted into a socket-like receptacle 15 of the other section to rigidly join the sections together. Each pair of adjacent sections are additionally linked together by a flexible connection 19 such that the sections remain flexibly joined together when the rigid connections are released. Each flexible connection includes a plurality of rigid members 20 linked by joints which are articulated for angular movement and telescopic for longitudinal movement between members. The angular movement may be through 360 degrees relative to an axis of alignment between members. The members may each have a shaft 21 rigidly joined to a hollow body 22, and the shaft may be received in an aperture 24 in the hollow body 22 of an adjacent rigid member. Each shaft 21 may have a head 23 which is retained within the adjacent members hollow body 22.

Description

ELONGATE ARTICLE WITH RIGID AND FLEXIBLE CONFIGURATIONS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an elongate article with rigid and flexible configurations such as a writing instrument which can be worn as a bracelet.

BACKGROUND GB 2 505 172 A discloses a wearable writing instrument which can readily be converted between a rigid writing configuration and a flexible bracelet configuration. In the writing configuration the sections are rigidly joined together by spigot and socket connections. When the connections are released an elastic strand provides a simple and inexpensive flexible connection between the rigid sections. The strand draws the sections together which makes it considerably easier to assemble the sections into the rigid configuration. This earlier application also suggests that the flexible connection between the rigid sections may take other forms such as an extensible metal spring, a length or cord or a flexible metal strand with additional means of pulling the sections together.

When the sections are joined together by the spigot and socket connections the eiastic strand becomes axiaiiy compressed into cavities within the rigid sections. It has been found that aithough the eiastic strand wiii assist the user during the eariy stages of conversion to the rigid configuration the strand may sometimes impede the finai connection.

The present invention resuits from a desire to find a simple and effective way of fiexibiy joining the rigid sections which is at least equal to an elastic strand with regard to ease of assembly but which is iess iikeiy to interfere with the final stages of connection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention proposes an eiongate articie with rigid and fiexibie configurations which inciudes a piuraiity of iongitudinaiiy-arranged sections inciuding a piuraiity of body sections disposed between a pair of end sections, wherein each pair of adjacent sections is provided with rigid connection eiements in the form of a spigot-iike projection on one section which can be inserted into a socket-iike receptacie of the other section to join the sections together in rigid aiignment, and each pair of adjacent sections are additionaiiy iinked together by a fiexibie connection such that the sections remain fiexibiy joined together when the rigid connection eiements are reieased, characterised in that each of said flexible connections comprises a plurality of rigid members which are linked together by a plurality of joints, and each of said joints incorporates an articulated connection for angular movement between the rigid members and a telescopic connection for relative longitudinal movement between the rigid members.

It has been found that using rigid members with a plurality of articulated connections the flexibility of the article is maintained while the telescopic connections provide smooth unimpeded assembly into the rigid configuration.

Preferably the articulated connection allows angular movement between the rigid members throughout 360 degrees relative to an axis of alignment.

The invention also provides an elongate article with rigid and flexible configurations in which a pair of adjacent sections are linked together by a flexible connection formed of rigid members which each include a shaft rigidly joined to a hollow body.

The invention also provides an elongate article with rigid and flexible configurations in which a pair of adjacent sections are linked together by a flexible connection formed of rigid members which each include a shaft rigidly joined to a hollow body and the shaft of one rigid member is received in an aperture in the hollow body of an adjacent rigid member.

The invention also provides an elongate article with rigid and flexible configurations in which a pair of adjacent sections are linked together by a flexible connection formed of rigid members which each include a shaft rigidly joined to a hollow body and the shaft of one rigid member is received in an aperture in the hollow body such that the shaft can slide longitudinally within the aperture.

The invention also provides an elongate article with rigid and flexible configurations in which a pair of adjacent sections are linked together by a flexible connection formed of rigid members which each include a shaft rigidly joined to a hollow body and the shaft of one rigid member is received in an aperture in the hollow body and the shaft has a head which is retained within the hollow body.

The invention also provides an elongate article with rigid and flexible configurations in which a pair of adjacent sections each have an internal cavity which incorporates a socket like receptacle and the internal cavity exits through an axial hole in a spigot-like projection, the pair of adjacent sections are linked together by a flexible connection formed of rigid members which each include a shaft rigidly joined to a hollow body, and the axial hole in the spigot-like projection receives the shaft of a rigid member.

The invention also provides an elongate article with rigid and flexible configurations in which pair of a pair of adjacent sections each have an internal cavity which incorporates a socket like receptacle and the internal cavity exits through an axial hole in a spigot-like projection, the pair of adjacent sections are linked together by a flexible connection formed of rigid members which each include a shaft rigidly joined to a hollow body, the axial hole in the spigot-like projection receives the shaft of a rigid member, and hollow bodies on opposite sides of the axial hole in the spigot-like projection are provided with stops which prevent the hollow bodies from passing through the axial hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description and the accompanying drawings referred to therein are included by way of non-limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practice. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a general view of a wearable writing instrument in accordance with the invention, shown in a rigid configuration;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section through two adjacent body sections of the wearable writing instrument shown in a flexible configuration;

Figure 3 is another sectional view of the adjacent body sections in the flexible configuration;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the adjacent body sections in the rigid configuration;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a writing section of the wearable writing instrument;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of an end section of the wearable writing instrument; and

Figure 7 is a general view of the wearable writing instrument in a flexible configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring firstly to Fig. 1, the writing instrument is shown in its rigid configuration and comprises a body portion 1 formed from a number of substantially identical bullet-like body sections 10 with a writing section 2 at one end and an end section 3 at the other. When held in the hand the instrument is of a comfortable and convenient length similar to a conventional pen. In this example the end section 3 incorporates a soft cap 29 suitable for operating a touch screen of a tablet computer, mobile phone or similar device. This allows opposite ends of the instrument to be used with different media, but the end section 3 could take other forms.

As shown in Fig. 2, each body section 10 is of generally cylindrical shape and may be formed of plastic, metal etc. The body section has a central longitudinal axis with a projecting cylindrical spigot 14 at one end and a complimentary socket 15 at the opposite end. The spigot 14 has a generally annular end wall 16 at its free end which may be domed, part-conical etc. for ease of insertion into the corresponding socket 15 of an adjacent section. When the instrument is in its rigid configuration (shown in Fig. 4, described later) the spigots 14 are a close friction fit within the sockets 15 to form a rigid but releasable connection between adjacent sections. Frictional engagement between the sections may be enhanced by means of one or more resilient 0-rings 12 which are held in annular grooves 13 formed in the outer surface of the spigot 14. Positive rigid engagement may also be provided by other means such as ribs and grooves or other complimentary engagement means.

Each body section 10 contains an axial bore or cavity 17 which extends from the socket 15 into the spigot 14, ending in an axial hole 18 which is bounded by the annular end wall 16. Each pair of adjacent sections are linked together by a flexible element 20 which, to simplify assembly, may extend continuously through the cavities 17 of the sections 10. The sections remain flexibly joined together by the element 19 when the spigot and socket connections are released. The flexible element 19 comprises rigid members 20 each having a shaft 21 with a hollow body in the form of a hollow ball 22 at one end and a retaining head 23 at the opposite end. Each ball 22 has an aperture 24, diametrically opposite the shaft 21, which receives the shaft 21 of an adjacent rigid member which is retained within the ball by its head 23. The apertures 24 are slightly larger than the external diameter of the shafts 21 so that articulated connections are formed between the shafts and balls allowing the shafts to move angularly, as shown in Fig. 3. Such angular movement can take place throughout 360 degrees relative to a position in which the shafts 21 are in axial alignment as in Fig. 2. In addition to angular movement, each of the connections between the balls 22 and the shafts 21 of the adjacent rigid member also allows longitudinal telescopic movement. When the spigots 14 and sockets 15 are engaged to produce the rigid configuration the shafts 21 slide axially into the balls so that the rigid members automatically tend to move towards a linear configuration with little resistance to longitudinal movement. The flexible element thus assists assembly into the rigid configuration and allows unimpeded engagement of the spigots and sockets.

In order to provide uniform spacing between the body sections 10 when the writing instrument is in its flexible configuration it is preferable to secure the body sections to the flexible element at spaced intervals. This can be achieved in several ways. For example, in Fig.s 2 to 4 a collar 26 (Fig. 2) is secured about each of the balls 22 on opposite sides of the axial hole 18, thereby preventing the balls from passing through the hole. Another option would be to provide a radial hole in each spigot into which a grub screw or pin is inserted to impede axial movement of the flexible element.

Moving on to Fig. 5, the writing section 1 is of generally cylindrical shape with a central longitudinal axis, a projecting ribbed boss 34 at one end and a spigot 35 at the opposite end with similar structure and dimensions to the spigots 14. The boss 34 receives a push-fit writing head 36 such as a stylus tip, pencil or ball point ink cartridge. The spigot 35 is a push-fit in the socket 15 of an adjacent body section 10 to form a releasable rigid connection. The flexible element 20 passes into the spigot 35 where it is again secured by collars 26 secured about two adjacent balls 22.

Turning to Fig. 6, the end section 3 is generally cylindrical with a central longitudinal axis and a socket 44 at one end corresponding in shape and dimensions to the sockets 15. The opposite end is shaped and dimensioned to receive the cap 29. The end connector is secured onto the spigot 14 of an adjacent body section 10 using screw threads, gluing etc.

When the writing instrument is in its flexible configuration, as shown in Fig. 7, the writing section 2 and the end section 3 may be engaged with protective end caps 50 and 51. The end caps are both formed with rings 52 enabling them to be linked together by a short length of cord 53, thereby forming a closed bracelet which enables the instrument to be worn on the wrist. The cord provides an inexpensive and convenient way of adjusting the length of the bracelet to fit comfortably around wrists of different sizes.

Conversion back into the writing configuration is accomplished by separating the writing section 2 and end section 3 from the end caps 50 and 51. The sections 2, 10 and 3 are then pushed together, grasping the sections 2 and 3 to re-connect the sections into the rigid writing configuration.

Whilst the above description places emphasis on the areas which are believed to be new and addresses specific problems which have been identified, it is intended that the features disclosed herein may be used in any combination which is capable of providing a new and useful advance in the art.

Claims

1. An elongate article with rigid and flexible configurations which includes a plurality of longitudinally-arranged sections including a plurality of body sections disposed between a pair of end sections, wherein each pair of adjacent sections is provided with rigid connection elements in the form of a spigot-like projection on one section which can be inserted into a socket-like receptacle of the other section to join the sections together in rigid alignment, and each pair of adjacent sections are additionally linked together by a flexible connection such that the sections remain flexibly joined together when the rigid connection elements are released, characterised in that each of said flexible connections comprises a plurality of rigid members which are linked together by a plurality of joints, and each of said joints incorporates an articulated connection for angular movement between the rigid members and a telescopic connection for relative longitudinal movement between the rigid members.

2. An elongate article according to Claim 1 in which the articulated connection allows angular movement between the rigid members throughout 360 degrees relative to an axis of alignment.

3. An elongate article according to Claim 1 or 2 in which the rigid members each include a shaft rigidly joined to a hollow body.

4. An elongate article according to Claim 3 in which the shaft of one rigid member is received in an aperture in the hollow body of an adjacent rigid member.

5. An elongate article according to Claim 4 in which the shaft has a head which is retained within the hollow body.

6. An elongate article according to any preceding claim in which each adjacent pair of sections has an internal cavity which incorporates the socket like receptacle and the internal cavity exits through an axial hole in the spigot-like projection.

7. An elongate article according to Claims 2 and 6 in which the axial hole in the spigot-like projection receives the shaft of a rigid member.

8. An elongate article according to Claim 7 in which the hollow bodies on opposite sides of the axial hole in the spigot-like projection are provided with collars or other stops which prevent the hollow bodies from passing through the axial hole.

9. An elongate article with rigid and flexible configurations substantially as described with reference to the drawings.