GB328858A - Improvements in and relating to fountain pens - Google Patents

Abstract

328,858. Fritsch, R. A. July 3, 1929. Self-filling reservoir and stylograph pens; inksupply arrangements; nib-sections; nibs; caps.- In a self-filling reservoir or stylograph pen the piston is connected to the nib-section and a tube communicating with the reservoir near its inner end is provided, the arrangement being such that the communication between the ink-feeding duct and the lower end of the reservoir is cut off during the filling operation so that any air trapped in the barrel is expelled through the tube and does not force the ink out of the lower end of the reservoir. The piston 13, Fig. 1, which carries the nib 17 and feed-bar 16, is slidable in the lower end of the barrel 1, being normally held in the outward position by a spring 25 surrounding the tube 6. The nib is held in place by a downwardly-bent projection on the rear end engaging a groove in the feed-bar. The passage in the feed-bar is of zig-zag shape to prevent flooding, the duct actually feeding the nib being of capillary size and the other parts of the passage slightly larger. The inner end of the passage is tapered to facilitate entry of the tube 6 when the piston is moved; alternatively, the tube may be of such a length that it always enters the passage, communication being established between the passage and the lower end of the reservoir by means of apertures in the tube. The upper end of the tube is secured to the end of the barrel and is in communication with the interior of the reservoir. The spring 25 is secured to the reservoir and to the piston in such a way that a key 11 on the piston is normally out of register with a slot in the lower end of the barrel. The inner end of the piston is hollowed out so as to increase the capacity of the barrel and is formed on the outer surface with circumferential grooves adapted to contain ink and form fluid seals. A tapered section on the piston engages during writing with a corresponding part of the barrel to prevent relative movement. In filling, the key 11 is turned into the slot and the piston reciprocated by forcing the nib on to the bottom of the ink well, the enclosed air escaping through the tube 6 and ink duct, and the ink being drawn in along the same passages since the normal passage for ink to the nib is closed when the reciprocation of the piston commences. The inner part of the piston may be in the form of a cup leather 46, Fig. 5, secured to the outer part by a flanged ring 49 and expanded by a spring 51. The cap may be provided with an internal shoulder adapted to seat on the end of the barrel, one or other of these parts being grooved to prevent leakage of ink. In modifications, flooding may be prevented by the provision of a restricted orifice between two chambers in the piston, in which case an ordinary feed-bar with an inclined rear end to facilitate the feed of ink is employed. In other modifications, the spring surrounds a restricted part of the piston.