The method and apparatus described herein allows for the automatic retraction and extension of the writing element of a bistable self-retaining writing instrument. The method and apparatus consists of a writing element that is joined to the end of a flexible tube or material. These are inserted through a longitudinal channel formed along the outer surface of the writing instrument and are anchored only at the end opposite the writing element. When the bistable self-retaining writing instrument transitions from a coiled to straight configuration the writing element is automatically exposed. Conversely, when pushed into its coiled configuration the writing element slides back into the channel and is thereby protected. The flexible tube or material may also act as a reservoir for a writing substrate such as ink.

The present disclosure relates to a grip positioning device that includes a tool receptacle that forms a loop, the loop delineating a tool opening through which a tool may be extended, and a plurality of digit receiving elements each forming a loop, the loops each delineating a finger opening through which a digit of a user may be extended, the digit receiving elements coupled to and positioned about the tool receptacle. The tool receptacle and the digit receiving elements may be constructed from a unitary piece of material and the grip positioning device may further include separators that partition the digit receiving elements from the tool receptacle.

A sports implement for obtaining autographs, having a core, a hole in the core having an open end and a closed bottom end, a housing disposed within the hole further comprising a latch, a spring, and a stop rim. The implement further includes a cap rotatably and slidably disposed within the housing comprising a first position wherein the cap compresses the spring toward the closed bottom end and a second position wherein the spring urges the cap against the stop rim, and a writing utensil removably coupled with the cap and rotationally coupled with the housing, further comprising a striker selectively interfacing with the latch.

A sports implement for obtaining autographs, having a core, a hole in the core having an open end and a closed bottom end, a housing disposed within the hole further comprising a latch, a spring, and a stop rim. The implement further includes a cap rotatably and slidably disposed within the housing comprising a first position wherein the cap compresses the spring toward the closed bottom end and a second position wherein the spring urges the cap against the stop rim, and a writing utensil removably coupled with the cap and rotationally coupled with the housing, further comprising a striker selectively interfacing with the latch.

A handheld topical applicator. The handheld topical applicator is preferably adapted to release a precise amount of liquid onto a surface and is preferably used for various applications such as marking a surface and/or providing a proper amount of dosage for medicinal applications. The handheld topical applicator may comprise a liquid delivery system for dispensing a precise amount of liquid onto various surfaces, a projecting/retracting mechanism, and an audible and/or tactile physical feedback mechanism. The projecting/retracting mechanism may controllably retract or protrude a nib into and out of the housing, and the audible/physical feedback mechanism may provide either a physical and/or audible click once a desired amount of liquid transfers onto the surface.

An automated writing instrument storage apparatus designed to receive, sanitize and dispense a writing instrument includes a housing member with a top face having a slot to permit the writing instrument to pass through, a support assembly disposed within the housing member and having a transparent tubular member generally aligned with the housing member slot to receive the writing instrument, an ultraviolet lamp disposed within the housing member and able to direct light generated by the lamp through the transparent tubular member to sanitize the writing instrument stored therein, and a motor assembly disposed within the housing member and operably connected to the support assembly. The motor assembly activates to permit the sanitized writing instrument to slide within the transparent tubular member and through the slot of the housing member, thereby dispensing the sanitized writing instrument to auser.

An automated writing instrument storage apparatus designed to receive, sanitize and dispense a writing instrument includes a housing member with a top face having a slot to permit the writing instrument to pass through, a support assembly disposed within the housing member and having a transparent tubular member generally aligned with the housing member slot to receive the writing instrument, an ultraviolet lamp disposed within the housing member and able to direct light generated by the lamp through the transparent tubular member to sanitize the writing instrument stored therein, and a motor assembly disposed within the housing member and operably connected to the support assembly. The motor assembly activates to permit the sanitized writing instrument to slide within the transparent tubular member and through the slot of the housing member, thereby dispensing the sanitized writing instrument to auser.

An apparatus for connecting a writing implement to a glassboard, whiteboard or the like that has a housing adapted to be connected to a writing implement. The housing has a side surface with an opening formed therein and a recess extending from the opening into the housing. A magnet is disposed in the recess and has a first pole at the opening. The magnet provides a magnetic field in a direction away from the side surface of the housing. The apparatus enables a side periphery of a writing implement coupled with the apparatus to magnetically couple with the glassboard, whiteboard or the like in a predetermined orientation regardless of the initial orientation of approach of the writing implement.

A pencil holder for storing a pencil includes a hollow basic body which has an elongated interior that opens out in an insertion opening for partially receiving the pencil. In the region of the insertion opening the basic body merges into a least one retaining tongue which juts out from the basic body in the longitudinal direction and which is set up for the purpose of holding the pencil on the basic body as a result of clamping.

A cover for a writing instrument having a body, a protrusion, and a decorative element. The body has a first end, a second end, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a space bounded by the inner surface. The space is operatively arranged to hold a writing instrument. The protrusion has a first end and a second end, where the first end is secured to and extends upwardly from the second end of the body. The decorative element has an extension member extending downwardly, where the extension member is secured to the second end of the protrusion. The body further includes at least one hinge means extending longitudinally about the body and at least one latch.