Retractable holder for writing, pointing instruments

{
  "publication_number": "US10086640B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Retractable holder for writing, pointing instruments",
  "abstract": "A utility retractor having a utility adaptor, and having a retractable tether comprised of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) material. The UHMWPE exhibits many important qualities suitable in a utility retractor, including abrasion resistance, the ability to be knotted without tangling, and it is very slippery to achieve a significant useful life. The retractor may also include an energy absorber disposed on the tether configured to prevent the danger of the utility adapter flailing indiscriminately during retraction. The energy absorber can be selectively positioned.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A retractable device for retaining a writing instrument, comprising: a retractor comprising a retractor body housing a cable, the cable having a first end positioned within the retractor body and a second end positioned outside the retractor body, wherein the cable is selectively extendable from the retractor body and retractable into the retractor body; a selectively detachable member comprising a pair of magnets disposed between the first end and the second end of the cable, or at the second end of the cable, configured to allow separation of the retractor body and the adapter; and an adapter coupled to the second end, the adapter having a recess configured to selectively and seemingly receive a writing instrument, wherein the cable comprises of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material.",
    "2. The retractable device as specified in claim 1 further comprising an energy absorbing member disposed between the first end and the second end of the cable, the energy absorbing member configured to restrict the adapter from striking the retractor body when retracted.",
    "3. The retractable device as specified claim 2 wherein the energy absorbing member is disposed proximate the second end of the cable.",
    "4. The retractable device as specified in claim 2 wherein the energy absorbing member comprises a resilient material.",
    "5. The retractable as specified its claim 4 wherein the energy absorbing member comprises an elongated member extending along a portion of the cable.",
    "6. The retractable device as specified in claim 5 wherein the elongated member comprises a sleeve.",
    "7. The retractable device as specified in claim 4 wherein the energy absorbing member is configured to compress when the adapter approaches the retractor body.",
    "8. The retractable device specified in claim 2 wherein the energy absorbing member is configured to be selectively positioned on the cable.",
    "9. The retractable device as specified in claim 1 wherein the cable has a protuberance at the second end, and the adapter is coupled to the protuberance.",
    "10. The retractable device as specified in claim 9 wherein the adapter has a bore, and the protuberance is secured through the bore in a friction fit arrangement.",
    "11. The retractable device as specified in claim 9 wherein the protuberance comprises a knot formed in the cable distal end.",
    "12. The retractable device as specified in claim 11 further comprising a cylindrical member disposed adjacent the knot, wherein the cylindrical member is also configured to be disposed through the bore in a friction fit arrangement."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent application U.S. Ser. No. 62/237,465 filed Oct. 5, 2015, entitled Retractable Holder for Writing, Pointing Instruments, the teachings of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.\n\nThis disclosure relates to the field of holding writing or pointing instruments, such as to tethering any number of items, including hand tools such as screwdrivers.\n\nMany people use writing, marking or pointing instruments, or small hand tools (hereinafter referred to generally as “instruments”), in their trade, hobby or leisure times. These instruments may be in the shape of a carpenter's pencil, felt tip marker, regular pencil, golf pencil, “clicker” or stick pen, stylus or a pointer or screwdriver or awl. In many situations the users of these instruments are moving from place to place as they perform their task. One of the more frustrating and time wasting aspects of these tasks is when they drop or misplace their instrument. In addition, having to use many tools to accomplish a task is always a challenge.\n\nOne of the drawbacks to existing products is the significant impact of the environment in which the holder is used. The tether is subjected to wear and tear due to the abrasion when it rubs on tools, clothing, tool pouches, and even the body of the retractable reel.\n\nWhat is needed is a different kind of tether material that has many different qualities, including being highly resistant to abrasion, tough to cut, able to be tied in a tight knot but not become easily tangled, and also that is very slippery.",
  "cpc": [
    "B43K 23/001",
    "B25B 29/00"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B43K 23/00",
    "B25B 29/00"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Louie Kish"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2016-10-05",
  "publication_date": "2018-10-02",
  "grant_date": "2018-10-02",
  "priority_date": "2015-10-05",
  "application_number": "US-201615286057-A",
  "family_id": "58447187",
  "cited_by_count": 5,
  "citations": [
    "US6591461B2",
    "US6854681B2",
    "US7270289B2",
    "US20150183262A1",
    "US20150274260A1"
  ]
}