US2223541A - Fountain pen - Google Patents

Description

M. S. BAKER FOUNTAIN PEN Dec. 3, 1940.

Filed Jan. 6, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet l f WWW) www, @IWW @QN ffl wmllg. NW u 111.1 4| M\ //////////,/////////////m imm.rz:R.: A wll www. Nm mw. QM. f .7, YI l 253111 ll l 1f! U /u/ ////,/|///.///./////.////,//////J//: E== LV2 /f M. S. BAKER FOUNTAIN PEN Dec. 3, 1940.

Filed Jan. 6, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 6 Ziggy/imn INM.

M. s. BAKER 2,223,541

Dec. 3, 1940.

FOUNTAIN PEN Filed Jan. 6, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 4UHU" 75 522 I 50 J2 6g 55 J5 73 l? I %M/%/ Q@ Patented Dec. 3, 1940 romamm muasnanarmesvmewmwincrioo PnrkerleiiComm,Janesvil1e,Wisaoorpo ration of Wisconsin Application January s, 1939, sei-lai No. 249.611

37 Claims.

My invention relates to fountain pens and it has to do particularly with ink feed mechanism therefor.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an improved mechanism for a fountain pen for controlling the flow of ink from a reservoir to the writing end of a pen nib. which mechanism is of simple construction. is inexpensive to manufacture. is stronger and less apt to get out of adjustment than prior ink feed mechanisms. and is adapted to control the ow of ink in a more emcient manner than heretofore attained.

Another object is to provide an ink feed mechanism adapted to control the flow of ink in such a manner that a uniform and smooth writing performance is assured. tendency of ink to leak from the pen at any time is practically eliminated, and tendency for the writing end of the pen to dry out when exposed to the atmosphere is reduced to the minimum.

A further object is to provide a feed mechanism of the foregoing character embodying parts, including a pen nib. that may be readily and quickly assembled and disassembled without danger of inluring or distorting the several parts and. particularly. the pen nib which may be preformed for predetermined writing action.

Still another object is to provide an ink feed mechanism including an ink collector of large capacity for collecting ink discharged from the ink reservoir in excess of that required for writing purposes. which collector is so constructed that it may be made of a breakable material. with a minimum of loss due to breakage during manf ufacture and assembly.

Another object is to provide a novel feed unit embodying an ink collector enclosing and sup.- porting a feed bar and a pen nib, these parts being so constructed. arranged and assembled that they form improved capillary ink passages for controlling the flow of ink to the writing point of the pen nib and maintain the feed mechanism in a substantially constant wet condition due to capillary ink films whereby the pen is maintained at all times in readiness for instant writing.

A further object is to provide feed mechanism of the foregoing character wherein the ink collector. the pen nib and the feed bar are frictionally fitted together and constitute a selfcontained unit adapted to bc frictionally fitted in the forward end of a pen barrel in communication with an ink reservoir therein, the arrangement being such that the entire unit, except the extreme writing point end of the pen (Cl. 1z0-50) nib.iscoveredbyaaheilmembercaredb thepenbarrel andadaptedtobegraspedin close proximity to .the writing point end of the pen nib without danger of ink being smeared on the hand of the user.

Still another object is to provide feed mechanism comprising an ink collector internally supporting a pen nib and a feed bar. and further comprising a shell surrounding and covering the ink collector and the writing point end of the pen nib in closely spaced relation thereto and forming a capillary space adapted to be iilled with a film of ink providing a seal against the entry of air to the pen nib and feed mechanism, whereby these parts are prevented from drying out and they are maintained in a wetted condition ready for instant writing. This arrangement also serves to block excess iiow of ink to the writing point thereby aiding in uniformity of ink now and ink leakage prevention.

A further object is to provide an improved closure cap for the writing end of the pen, which cap is adapted to be slip-iitted upon the pen barrel where it is yleldably retained. and it is provided with improved means cooperating with the pen barrel for sealing the writing end of the pen from the atmosphere, the arrangement being such that an edge of the cap seals against the pen barrel in such a way that the barrel and cap walls are substantially flush with each other pro viding a smooth outer surface throughout the length of the pen when the closure cap is in a pen-closing position.

Additional objects are to provide feed mechanism of the foregoing character wherein the ink collector is frictionally or alip-tted in the forward end o f the pen barrel while the shell member is detachabiy securedto the barrel therearound thereby preventing detachment of the collector and parts carried thereby; to provide an annular ink collector having a plurality of exterior circumferentially extending spaced iins forming circumferential. spaced capillary cells; to provide an ink collector of the foregoing chai'` acter having a longitudinally extending air escape channel therein and extending through the fins thereof on its upper side, and a longitudinally extending capillary ink channelextending therethrough and through the fins thereof on its opposite or lower side; to provide an improved pen nib of tubular form whereby the writing action of a fountain pen la improved; and to provide an improved nib and feed bar assembly adapted to form an annular capillary illm' of ink for con- 55 l parent as this description progresses and by refnecting the mainfeed channel Iwith' the writing point of the pen.

Other objects and advantages will become aperence to the drawings wherein- Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one form of fountain pen embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 isa bottomplan view. partially in scction, of the structure shown in Fig. 1, the closure cap, illustrated in Fig. 1 as closing the writing end of the pen, being removed;

Fig. 3 is `an enlarged, vertical sectional view, taken longitudinally, through the cap and writing end portion of the pen shown in Fig. 1:

Fig. 4 is a section taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 3 with the closure cap removed:

Fig. 5 is a section taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a section taken substantially on line 6-6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 'I is a section taken substantially on line 1-1 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view through the pen cap shovm in Figs. 1 and 3, and taken substantially on line 8-8 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 9'is a fragmental longitudinal sectional view of 'the forward end of the pen cap, taken substantially on line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is an assembly view, with parts shown in perspective, of the several parts constituting the feed mechanism shown in Figs. 3'I, inelusive;

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view through the forward end of a fountain pen embodying a modified form of my invention;

Fig. 12 is a section taken substantially on line reservoir 2| connected at its forward end to ink the general character disclosed in Letters Patent No. 1,904,358, granted on April 18, 1933, to Arthur O. Dahlberg. This mechanism includes a exible diaphragm 22 detachably secured at 23- f in the rear endof the barrel and adapted to be actuated by a reciprocable plunger 24 to effect the necessarypressure variations within the res-- ervoirto accomplish its lling. The filling mechanism further. includes a -so-called breathertube 25'which is carried by the i'nk feeding mechanism and which is associated therewith in ,a manner so which will be referred to hereinafter. It is to be.V

understood that, while I prefer to employ llin'gIA 4 70-'30 i s' `fadaptedtoembrace and'supportthe tubu lar,;ni b 3| and feed bar 32,1.and"these'partsare *adapted tofbej assembled as a' unitfin .thai-barrel" exte ion134ydirectly in communication witli' "the`= mechanism of theforegoing character, any other` 'desired form of /lling mechanism may beem-- ployed without d parting from my invention.,

, 65 The. feed mec anism, the separate parts ofI which are clearly shown in Fig. 10,A includes an 4'reduced barrel.extension 3 4. Theink collet-.terv

nk r

-be',more.fully explained hereinafter. ward ,portion ofthe tubular'nib, which is preferably formed afs shown in Fig. 10, is/c'e'ntrally split at the top thereof as at 45, dividing the forward end of thexnib into nibv sectionsl that maybe provided with'fthe 'usual iridium writing'ftip 41. Theptubular nib may be formed Ifrom a flat blank* outin-such a. 4way as toprovide--aforwarditriangularwriting end portionwhich, when fthe; blank is rolled -into tubularv form`, `=will,take

the-'nib illustrated-in. Fig. '10. ".The v.nib 'shank-4 2 is*'of mehr' d imeterftht it. ts Snutly vThe openingv 35 (Figs. 3-7 and 10) is provided with variable diameter portions 35, 35h, 35c and 35d, the outer portion 35a of which is of largest diameter with the other portions of progressively decreasing diameter.` form a shoulder 35e and the portions 35c and 35d form a shoulder 35I which will be referred to more particularly hereinafter.A The forward part of the'collector 30 is provided witha plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced circular ns 36 which are so formed that they are spaced progressively farther apart from the inner or reservoir end of the collector toward the outer or the writing end of the pen, thereby forming spaced, annular capillary cells 36L which progressively increase in width toward the forward end of the pen. This arrangement is of importance in controllingthe flow of ink and in assuring a uniform ilow of ink for writing purposes without danger of leakage and ooding. The rear portion of the collector 30 takes the form of a smooth shank. 31 that is cylindrical except for a dat surface 38 formed on. the under side thereof. The shank 31 is adapted to be slip-tted or friction-fitted in the barrel section 34 and the flat surface 38 thereof provides with the adjacent wall of the barrel section 34 a primary ink feed passage 39.

The collector 30 is further provided throughout its length and on its under side with a narrow slit 40 extending entirely through its Wall from its opening 35 through the ns 36. The slit 40 extends centrally through the at surface 38 of the collector and, being of capillary dimension, provides a secondary feed channel of capillary form extending throughout the length of the collector. Also, the Width of the slitA channel 40 is less than the Width of the narrowest of the capillary cells 36a providing an edge seal eect between the capillary cells 36 and the feed channel 40, as will be referred to more fully hereinafter. On the upper side of the collector 30, diametrically' opposite the slit 40, there is provided an air channel 4| of rectangular shape in cross section, which channel is of greater width than the Widest spacing between the fins .36, providing an edge seal eect that will be referred to further hereinafter. The channel 4| extends throughout the length of that part of thecollector having the ns 35 and it is of a depth extending from the outer peripheries of the fins 36 -to the inner partsthereof. With the foregoing arrangement, each fin-formed capil- The portions 35n and 35h.

lary space 35SL is connected to the secondary feed channel 4o and to the air channel 4|.

^ The tubular nib 3| (Figs. 3, 4 and 10)v is provided with a cylindrical shank 42 which islsplit throughout its length on its under side las at 43. .The-forward lower part of the shank 42 is provided with a U-shaped lcut-out 44 which, provides an air breather opening, the purpose of which will The forlonger time than prior nibs,'it maybe mounted in such a way that no strainsand stresses are imposed thereon'to impair its writing qualities and shorten its useful life, and it may be assembled without demain! preadjustment of the writing nib sections 4l and without requiring after-assembly adjustment to insure proper writing action. The foregoing advantages aresecured, in part at least, by the small diameter of the nib which gives it a greater thickness-di- 2 ameter ratio, thereby providing an improvedbeam action for the nib sections 4l.

'I'he feed bar 22 (Figs. 8-7 and 10) is provided with a cylindrical rear portion 4l of such diameter that it may readily be passed through the tubular mb :l and snugly nues in the rear portion 25 of the collector opening 25. The collector opening shoulder 25! limits the extent to which the feed bar 22 may be inserted axially and inwardly of the collector 2li, so that the'feed bar is 3 always properly positioned with respect to the nib 2| which is, in turn, positively positioned axially by the collector 2D. The cylindrical feed bar portion 48 is of a diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of the tubular nib 2| providing with the latter an annular feed space Bil of capil.

lary form, and it is also smaller than the collector opening portion 38 thereby providing with the wall of such opening a slightly wider annular capillary ink feed space 49 (Figs. 3-6) directly 40 connected with the narrower space 50. The lower forward portion of the feed bar is cut away at BI, providing a particular cross section which provides with the forward end of the tubular nib 2| an air space I2 which, as will be explained more fully hereinafter, connects the collector fins 26, feed channels 29, 40 and ink reservoir 2| with the atmosphere through the lower open end portion of the tubular nib. The rear end of the feed bar 22 is provided with a comparatively short axial opening 22", the rear part of which snugly l receives the forward end of the breather tube 2B of the filling mechanism. The forward part of the opening 3B* is connected to the capillary space 49 and, in turn. to the secondary feed channel or slit 4l and ilns 28 by a small opening 22h on the under side of the feed bar. The extreme rear end portion 25d of the collector opening 3B is of slightly larger diameter than the breather tube 25, providing around the latter a capillary space 00 58 connecting with the collecting slit '40. This space 58 acts in conjunction with the feed channel 40 in starting ink flow when the pen is suddenly moved into a writing position. It also appears that it ai somewhat in controlling the a5 admission of air t the reservoir 2|.

In assembling the feed mechanism, I first, preferably, insert the feedbar 22 fully within the collector ll until its rear end strikes the collector opening shoulder it'. I then insert the tubular nib 2|, the same being pressed inwardly until its rear end strikes the collector opening shoulder 29. The rear cylindrical portion 21 of the assembled collector unit is then pressedinto the forward barrel section 24 and, as this action takes u place, the fit of the parts is tightened somewhat so that all of the parts of the unit are iirmly gripped together and retained in assembled position in the barrel. The longitudinal slitting of the collector 2l and also the tubular nib 2| facintates this action somewhat, and the feed bar, beg ing unslitted, predetermines the extent of radial contraction of the collector so that the feed passage formed by the slit 4l is maintained at a substantially predetermined capillary width.

The assembled collector unit is covered and l0 substantially fully concealed by the outer shell 22. which plays a part in accomplishing the ink `feed control features hereinabove referred to. as

well as serving as an extension of the barrel which may be grasped by the user at any position there il along without danger of smearing ink on the hand of the user.

The shell 2l (Figs. 3. 4 and l0) is of circular form and it is provided at its rear end with an internally threaded portion Il which is adapted N to be screwed upon theexterior reduced threaded portion B4 of the forward barrel extension 24.

It tapers forwardly from its rear threaded part 52 and, at its forward part, is provided with a tapered nose-like portion having an opening il extending diagonally inward along its under tapered side from its forward end portion. The shell 23 is of such length that when it is attached to the barrel its 'forward top portion terminates at the forward end of the feed bar I2 n and it opening 55 coincides with the tapered opening at the forward end of the tubular nib 3l. In this way, only the writing tip portion 41 of the nib is exposed and the forward top part of the shell 33, which is shaped complementally u to the adjacent top portion of the nib, covers the forward, slitted top portion of the nib Il in slightly spaced relation, providing a very narrow capillary space 56 between the shell and the adjacent nib surface. The space 66 provides additional vmeans Aaiding in uniformity of ink fiow'and' inpreventing flooding of the pen, and

it is connected to the space 50 around the feed bar 32 by an opening Il* which is disposed at and in communication with the inner end of l the nib slit 48. In conformity with its outer tapered shape, the inner wall Il of the shell 33 is tapered and the ilns I8 of the collector are gradually reduced in diameter accordingly so that the peripheries ofthe several fins are spaced n substantially the same distance from the shell 22 at all points throughout the length of the collector. 4

In the operation ofthe structure so far described, the barrel 2| is sued with mk by reciprocating the filling plunger 24. On the down stroke of the plunger 24, air is displaced from the reservoir through the breather tube 25, feed bar vent 22", collector feed channel 40 and opening 62 at the forward end of the feed bar' 22. n On the return stroke of the plunger 24, a suction action is produced thereby drawing ink into the reservoir mainly through the feed channels 40 and 29. Repeated reciprocation of the plunger 24 nils the reservoir 2| with ink, as more u fully explained in the above-identified Dahlberg patent. Some ink may ilnd its way into the reservoir through the feed bar opening 22 and the breather tube 26, but the parts are, preferably, so arranged and balanced that prac- 7 tically all ofthe ink enters the reservoirv 2| during the filling operation by way of the feed channels 40 and 2l.

. During the filling operation, there is a tend- .ency for ink to collect in the capillary cells 2l* 7| Vus to the writing point' 41 of the nib ll byway of s the secondary collector feed channel and 'tliel annular capillary spaces 49 and 60.'. Inkffror'ngjthe space 50 entersv the capillary-vnibslitlifanll" finds its way therealongtothefwritinggpoint L 46. Ink also iindsits vwaylthroughV theriibl open.` fing 56va and nils the space 56 with affine capil-A lary fllm of ink. In this marinerav 'substan-l tial, annular and `parti-annular capillaryjnlm of ink connects the feedchannel l with the `writing point and the feed mechanismiis maintained in such a wet' condition that itis at all tiniesready for instant writing. f

When the pen is tilted to a writing posi-tion,

ink tends to flow through capillary-action, and ink is released from the reservoir 2l vfor writing purposes by admitting air to the; reservoir as ink is used therefrom. Air return to' the res.- ervoir 2| is provided for by way'of .thenibspace 52, collector capillary cells 36*l,`feedv channels 40 and 39 and breather tube 25. Therefore, if the collector cells 36a contain ink at the time the pen is positioned for writing, the return of air to the reservoir 2| and, in turn, the feeding of ink therefrom, is eifectually blocked by the uncleared air-return spaces. As the writing action is carreid on under these conditions, ink is supplied for writing purposes first from the capillary cells 36a which are directly connected to the feed channel 40. As soon as the capillary cells 36 have been emptied, continued writing and use of ink at the writing point, and withdrawal of ink from the reservoir 2|, creates a partial vacuum in the reservoir with the result that air passes through the capillary cells 36'l and feed channels and rises into the reservoir in the form of bubbles, thereby releasing ink for feed to the writing point. The capillary passages and spaces, including the capillary space 58 between the breather tube 25 and the collector 30. through which the air must pass to the reservoir 2| exert a regulatory action on the ow of air (which is in the form of bubbles), thereby exercising a regulatoryeiect on the `flow ofink to the nib point.

Normally, the main feed channelsv and 40' are atall times substantially; filled withpink.. Since' the ychannel I6 'and the cellsl fai-cof] capillary form and the channel is'ofless -widthfc than the narrowe'st of the cells 36,' aned ge b1ock" or seal condition is" established atj points"""40;

68113.35, las will be. Well undersffOOd` byztls'f skilled. in. the art, therebyypreventmgn bmr: y u N I W911i endtoexistf entering the. cells 36F1except whenfthe flowbf being usedinfwriting or except ,when there. tendencyjftoward 'affloo inktends tov exceed 'that'amountrequired f o" nd results in a contraction action or partial vacuum' within the same, then the :excessive ink previously deposited in the capillary-cells 36'* is drawn y back from the capillaries 4into .the reservoir through theink passages. and.

It will, therefore, bei seen tha v'the collector 1 .exercises adirect vcontrol overthe flow of .ink to -thepen point {f or -wtins purposesthe ilowis such 4that it V'does not exceed the j normal 'capacity offthefeed' channel 46, airis.l

'supplied'to the barrel for release v'ofink"fori-Write Solong as ing, purposes, andfthis ink ilow'through-.the extensive-capillary space providedaround fthe feed bar between the-,collector fand'fthe nib 3|l is 'suiiicien't to insure asmooth and uniform Vwriting action.- Howevenjust as' soon as the inkv flow vfrom the reservoir 2l exceedsl the; capacity of the ink channel 40, it begins to fill the Acapillary cells 36and thereby blocks` olf thientry of air into the reservoir, injturn, cuttingo'fl the feed of ink from the reservoir -to 'thevwrlting point-the excess-ink, as above explained, under initial operation after iilling--being iirst used up from the capillary cells 36l before again using ink from thereservoir 2l. :.The capillary cells 36 are exhausted only by-.using up ink at the writing point andv through the capillary pull exerted thereon through the capillary passage connecting the cells 36 with the writing point. Therefore, at no time can the ink flood at the writing point, and only a capillary amount of ink is released at the writing vpoint as the Writing action is carried on so that a uniform rate of flow and uniform writing action is assured.

The foregoing control action by the capillary cells 36 is assured by the progressive increase in size of such cells toward the pen point. Through this spacing arrangement, the capillary action is so balanced in all of the cells 36 that there is obtained a capillary retaining lift that is in correct proportion to the distance that excess ink is held above the writing point, there is provided a regular and consecutively graduated filling of the collector cells 36m from the rear end of the collector 30 toward the forward end thereof when there is excess ink to be collected, and there is obtained a regular and consecutively graduated discharge or drain-,back of ink from the cells 36 from the forward end of the collector 30 toward the rear end thereofunder yabnormal flow conditions when the pen is not in use'. In the use of the foregoing Varrangement,l and in case excess flow -i'sf-to :be taken care of, the rear- 'I .'mostlcapillary celllls" first with aprogressiv'e "outward'nll'ingfof-,the other cells,and the empty- 'ing'A ofthe vc'sells'iily takes placein a reverse order, namely.- from gthejoutermost and' larger cells to- .wardthe limer-most and Vsmaller mea Thisjar angementjpositively prevents the admission' of jairto'the reservoir 2 I until all the cells arel empof" otherwise'l-a, condition.: of leakage'.

the

assess:

climb or fill upwardly therein by. capillary attraction. lis this action takes place. air is displaced from the cells and this displacement action is naturally an upward one due to the natural tendency of the air to rise. nach capillary celll is connected to the air channel 4i at the top to faciiltate this natural air rising and escaping action. The ink continues'to rise in the cells Il* until the channel Il is reached. at which time the filling of the cells ceases and ink does not enter the channel 4i due to the edge seal or block provided by the fin edge surfaces which are in all. instances spaced apart a len distance than the width of the air channel 4i. In this way. there is always the tendency for the air channel si to remain open and unfilled with ink so that the cells "I are always connected directly to atmosphere through such channel. the shell space Il forwardly of the collector and the nib space l2. This arrangement tends to prevent ink lumping. so to speak. across the the air channel 4i at some forward part of the collector which, if it should happen. would prevent the rear vcapillary cells Il* from nlling properly with consequent leakage at the writing point. Also. by providing the ink connections between the feed channels and the capillary cells IO* at the bottom of the feed mechanism and the air release channel at the top. the edge seal action between the capillary cells and the air release channel is improved and the proper operation of the collector Il at all times is practically assured by the proper and complete filling of the cells il* at all times required to handle excess ink. The attainment of the foregoing features is facilitated by employing an external collector tl enclosing a nib 8l of tubular form.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the structure embodying my invention affords many advantages. By employing an ink collector 8l having capillary cells extending exterlorly therearound. the capacity of the pen to absorb excess ink flows is greatly increased. The collector may be of a sise to facilitate its manufacture from a breakable and relatively inexpensive material with a minimum of breakage and loss in manufacturing and assembling. The collector 8l not only collects excess ink but it serves as the sole anchorage for the nib 8| and feed bar $2. and it provides therewith feed channels of desired capillary form. This arrangement simplifies assembly and maintenance of the feed mechanism. It permits the nib 8l to be assembled without in- .fury or distortion and it tends to keep the nib in properly adjusted condition at all times.4 By placing the collector fl around the nib 8l. the external shaping of the pen to fit the hand is facilitated. The structure as a whole is quite compact and sturdy and tendency to smear the hand of the user with ink is practically eliminated. Smooth writing performance is assured and leaking or flooding of the pen is eliminated.

Another feature has to do with the minimizing of tendency of the pen to dry out when exposed to the atmosphere. This is accomplished in part by the extensive capillary ink feed spaces 4l and Il within the collector ll and in part by the capillary space Il between the nib il and the shell Il. The outermost ink nlm space il keeps air away from the nib slit Il and prevents the entry of air therethrough to the connected ink flow capillary spaces I and 50. The ink film inthe space it also keeps the nib slit le damp at all times for instant writing. Furthermore, the ink-dlled space provides an effective ink flow block or dam at the writing end of the pen and thereby facilitates somewhat the action causing i'iow of excess ink into the collector cells Il instead of to 'the writing point. The extensive capillary spaces l and Il also aid somewhat in this action. The tubular nib and feed bar arrangement above described aids in the accomplishment of the foregoing feature by providing extensive. annular or tubular capillary spaces which are kept filled with a thin film of ink and which tend to keep the feed mechanism moist, so to speak. and through which spaces the ink must find its way from a bottom inlet to a top exit.

The smooth writing characteristics of nib Il are due. in part. to being supported by shell Il at the writing point thereof. In writing. a slight pressure is exerted on the nib point and both nib sections Il will flex, thereby pressing the nib sections u against the adjacent wall of the shell It. This insures proper nib section or prong alignment. Also. contact between nib Ii and shell ll dampens any tendency of the nib sections It to vibrate due to rough paper surfaces and other causes. and it insures smoother writing at all times.

llountain pen structures embodying my invention may take various forms. another of which is illustrated in Figs. 11-14, inclusive. This struc- .ture differs from that previously described in the form of the excess ink collector. which does not include cell-forming uns. there being one large collector space instead of a plurality of spaces or cells such as the cells of Fig. 8.

Specifically. referring to Figs. l1-14. inclusive. the structure includes a barrel providing an ink reservoir 1l adapted to be nlled with ink by filling mechanism such as shown in Fig. 2. and which includes an air breathertube 12. The barrel l0 is provided with a forward reduced extension 1I which supports ink feeding mechanism including ink collector member 14. feed bar 15. nib 18 and outer shell 11. All of these parts of the feed mechanism excepting the collector 14 are similar to the corresponding previously described parts. and they are also mounted similarly in the forward extension 13 of the barrel.

Ihe ink collector 14 is provided with a rear reduced and cylindrical shank portion 1l frictioni'itted or press-fitted in the forward barrel extension 1l. The forward portion of the collector is of somewhat enlarged diameter providing a' shoulder 'Il which seats against the forward end of the barrel extension 13.and also providing with the outer shell 11 an ink-collecting space Il extending entirely around the feed mechanism. The forwardend of the collector I4 .is provided with an enlarged cylindrical flange Il which extends into vfairly close proximity to the adjacent inner wall surface of the shell 11 providing therebetween a rather une, annular capillary space lf. The collector 14. like the collector 3l. is slitted longitudinally to its central opening providing throughout the length of the same a capillary feed passage Il which connects with the primary ink feed passage II between the forward barrel extension 1I and the collector shank 1l. and also connects with the space It* between the collector and feed bar 1I which. in turn. connects with the space Il between the feed bar and the tubular nib 10. 0n the upper or diametrically opposite sidevof the collector. I provide e. longitudinally extending slotll of rectangular cross section extending throughout the length of the enlarged forward portion of the collector and also through the collector dange si. This slot.

which is wider than the space 80 between the collector and the shell 11 serves as an air breather channel quite similarly to the channel 4| of the first-described form.

'I'he structure Just described operates quite similarly to the previously described structure except that ink in excess of that required for writing purposes, or ink that maybe expelled from the reservoir 1| during periods of nonuse of the pen, is collected in the space 80 instead of a plurality of separated capillary cells; More particularly, under normal flow and writing conditions. ink from the reservoir 1| flows through the main feed channel 85, secondary feed channel 84 and capillary spaces 85B and 88 to the writing end 88 of the nib 16 in the manner hereinabove described. When the ink flow exceeds that required for writing purposes or for any reason exceeds the capacity of the ink feed passages, the excess ink finds its way into the space 80 from the secondary ink feed passage 84. The collector passage 84 is of less width than the width of the space 80, thereby setting up an edge block condition preventing ink from entering the space 80 except under the conditions above explainedl and.

as particularly explained with respect to the feed slot 40 and capillary cells 3|? vof the first. described form. 'I'he excess ink, in entering the space 80 may underl certain conditions, dependent I in part upon the position which the pen assumes when that action takes place, enters the space 80 at the rear thereof and lls s uch space vin forwardin t Vit enter the dlrectmn' di het s ames may mounted metauic insert. lnz.- Both of the 1nspace 80 in such a way as to fill the same from its forward part rearwardly,y In either event, the capillary space v82 provided. by the forward col-- lector ange 8I and shellwall blocks, ina manf' ner which willv be well understood, the owof ink from the space 80 to the' forward end of the vpen; and, also, since the air breather groove. 81

is of greater width than the space 80, the edge block tendency aorded between the edges ofthe slot 81 and the adjacent shell wall surfaces tends to prevent the ink from entering the air breather channel 81. In this way, the space 80'at all times remains open to atmosphere through. theair channel 81 andthe forward nib and shell open'- ings 80 and 8|, respectively, so that the penmay properly breathe through the channel 81 at all times for normal lling and emptying of the space 80 and normal feeding of ink from the res- -ervoir 1|. 'I'his feature iS of importance in uniform control of the ink feed since, if'the air breather channel 81- should vbecome cloggedor lled with ink and the air flow passages cut off,

there would be a tendency for excess ink to be forced to the writing point' 88 of the pen where it would drip or leak therefrom. This particular form of structure has an additional advantage of simplicity and cheapness. It is much easier to manufacture than the multi-cell form and it lends itself to the use of cheaper materials which would not be suitable for multicellular structures.

While I have illustrated thevspace 80 as being of substantially uniform width throughout its length, the shell 11 and collector 14 being'correspondingly tapered to this end, it is to beunderstood that, in some instances, the space 8 0.

may gradually increase in width from itsrearl end toward the outer or writing end portion loff the pen. This arrangement would tend to -cau'se excess ink, `at all times and under all-fjoxiditions,"-A` to flll the space from its 1 'car en i1 toward'its.v

outer end and to emptysuchspacefromfjit's ward opengendportion with slits |04 duc'ed Ishell extension 34 grip and retain :the

outer end inwardly toward its rear end. This action would take place for .substantially the same reasons as explained in connection with the progressively increasing size of the capillary cells 30 of the first form. In fact, the spacing of the capillary cells lwith respect to the shell 83 of the -first form may be varied as above 'stated to facilitate further the action described in connection with such cells. In employing such an arrangementl in the form of Fig. 11, the flange 8| is, preferably, not reduced, thereby retaining the capillaryspace 82. Other than above described, the construction and operation of the form of Fig. 11 is the same as that of Fig. 3.

Both of the pen structures above described further include a so-'called closure cap 85 which is illustrated as applied to the pen of Figs. 1 and 3. This cap 85 is adapted to be retained upon the barrel, at either its forward or rear end, by a slip fit thereby enabling it to be readily applied and removed by merely exerting endwise pressure thereon.

The cap 85 includes an outer, open-ended cylindrical shell 86 formed of metal or other suitableamaterial, one endof which is closed by a tubular insert 81 which projects beyond the end ofthe shell for reception of a collar portion 98 of a clip member 88.` 'Iheclip ls retained in place bya screw member |00, the threaded por- -tion ofwhich engages a threaded opening 0| in the adjacentA end ofithe inserty 81. The insert 81-extends approximately half thelength of theshell-88 and from itthere extends a shellsert-81'` being additionally secured by the clip mounting above .describe The shell insert' |02 is provided nearits fordividing the insert. longitudinally into an annular series ofV spring ngers |05 `that arebowed inwardly (Flgs. 8 and il). to provide yieldable gripping surfaces. The nngers '|05 are so positioned that, when. the cap. is{ mounted 1 over the writing end of the pen, they'arealigned with the joint between the'shell-.wfor' shell 11) and `the rev(or 18), in which joint is mounted a ring |08 'gs. 2-4) having a pair of spaced, circumferential ribs |01. 'Ihe spring fingers |05 of the cap such an extent that when the cap is placed upon are bowed inwardly to the front en d of the fpen, they engage the ring ribs |01 under suflicient tension to yieldably upon the pen. The outer diameter of the main portion of the barrel 20 is substantially equal to the cuter diameter of the adjacent open end portion of .the cap 85, and the barrel extension 34 vvis of such reduced diameter that, when the cap 85 is placed in. position thereon, its open end vabhuts against a shoulder |08 formed between the` reducedextension 34 and the main barrel 20 withthe-barrel and cap surfaces disposed in flush relation as indicated at F in Figs. 1 and 3. With this arrangement, the'open `end of the capv 85 issealed against the barrel 20,

portion. of the pen.

out the. engagement fof vany 'parts that might tend cap 85 firmly in position w1. injure thefeedijng mecnamsmruntutne user v applies sufficient forceto withdraw `thecalz'endwise from the .'pen barrel. j desired; the insert l'. maybeso relatedv tu theiouter shell 38 as to vof further aidthe sealing of the writing end portion of the pen, but, preferably, this insert is of such thickness and extends into the cap shell such a distance that, while it lies in close proximity to the outer wall of the shell (33 or 11), it will not contact the same sufficiently to mar the surface thereof. 'I'he cap is mounted in the position shown in Figs. 1 -and 3, when the pen is not lin use and, when it is removed for use of the pen, it may be mounted on the opposite end of the pen barrel in the customary manner. When the cap. is in this latter so-called penopen position, it is retained in place by frictional engagement with the pen barrel and the spring fingers |05 may aid somewhat in this retaining action.

The cap arrangement above described aids in maintaining the ink feed mechanism in desired moist and ready-writing condition during periods of non-use of the pen. It also facilitates the shaping of the pen lfrom the standpoint of appearance as well as the standpoint of balance and shape best suited to the hand of the user.

I believe that the operation and advantages of my invention will be well appreciated from the foregoing description, and it is to be understood that, while I have shown and described two forms of my invention, other details and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as defined by the claims that follow.

I claim:

1. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and means for controlling the flow of ink from said reservoir including a hollow l member having one end mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir and its other end projecting therefrom, a nib carried by said other end of` said member and having a writing point adapted to engage a surface to be written upon, means providing an ink passage in said member leading from said reservoir to said writing point, means associated with said member .and connected to said passage for re- Vceiving and storing ink therefrom when the amount of ink flowing through said passage is in excessof that required for existent writing purposes, said means being so located that said passage is between it and said reservoir with said passage constituting the sole ink connection between said reservoir and said storage means, and

a shell member detachably secured to said barrel and enclosing substantially all of the foregoing feed mechanism parts except said writing point,

said shell member having an opening for admitting air to said reservoir under the control of said ink storage means whereby the storage of ink in said storage means is adapted to cut off flow of air to said reservoir and, in turn, the fiow of ink from said reservoir.

2. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and means for feeding and controlling the flow of ink from said reservoir comprising a hollow member mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir, a nib carried by said member and having a writing point adapted to engage the surface to be written or marked upon, means providing an ink passage in said member through which ink from said reservoir flows to said writing point, means for controlling the ilow of ink through said passage including a plurality of capillary cells in said member each connected to said pas- 75 sage for receiving ink therefrom when the amount of ink flowing therein is in excess of that required for writing purposes, and a shell member carried by said barrel and shaped externally to be grasped by the user and shaped internally to enclose in spaced relation the foregoing parts \of the feed mechanism except said writing point which is exposed for writing contact with a surface, said shell having an opening through which air is admitted to said reservoir under the control of said cells. A

3. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and means for feeding and controlling the flow of ink from said reservoir comprising a hollow member mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir, a nib carried by said member and having a writing point adapted to engage the surface to be written or marked upon, means providing an ink passage in said member through which ink from said reservoir flows to said writing point, means for controlling the flow of ink through said passage including a plurality of capillary cells each connected to said passage for receiving ink therefrom when the amount of ink flowing therein is in excess of that required for writing purposes, said feeding means constituting a selfcontained unit, and an independently detachable shell member carried by said barrel and enclosing all of the foregoing parts of the feed mechanism except said writing point which is exposed for writing contact.

4. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and means for feeding and controlling the iiow of ink from said reservoir comprising a hollow member mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir, a nib carried by said member and having a writing point adapted to engage the surface to be written or marked upon, means providing an ink passage in said member through which ink from said reservoir flows to said writing point, means for controlling the flow of ink through said passage including a plurality of capillary cells each connected to said passage for receiving ink therefrom when the amount of ink flowing therein is in excess of that required for writing purposes, means providing an airV breather channel in said hollow member apart from said ink passage and common to all said capillary cells, and a shell member carried by said barrel and enclosing all of the foregoing parts of the feed mechanism except said writing point, said Shell having an opening through which said writing point extends and through which said breather channel is connected to atmosphere at one end.

5. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and means forl feeding and controlling the flow of ink from said reservoir comprising a hollow member mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir, a nib carried by said member and having a writing point adapted to engage the surface to be written or marked upon, means providing an ink passage in said member through which 'ink from said reservoir flows to said writing point, means providing a plurality of capillary cells within said member each of which is connected to said passage for receiving ink flowing therethrough in excess of that required for writing purposes, means providing an air breather channel within said member common to all said capillary cells, and a shell member carried by said barrel and detachable independently of and without disturbing said ink feeding and controlling means, said .shell enclosing all of the foregoing parts of the feed mechanism except said writing point, said shell member having an opening through which said writing point extends for contact with a surface and through which one end of sa'id breather channel is connected to atmosphere.

6. In a fountain pen, avbarrel having an ink reservoir therein, mechanism comprising a hollow member having one end mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir, a nib having a writing point and carried by said member, means providing an ink channel in said member and through which ink from said reservoir flows to said writing point, and means for controlling iiow of ink through said channel including a plurality of circular, spaced fins extending circumferentially and entirely around said member exteriorly and providing a plurality of capillary cells, said channel and said cells being so constructed and arranged that each of said cells is connected individually to said channel, ink is received in said channel only when the iiow of ink tends to exceed the normal capacity of said channel as determined by the amount of ink required for writing purposes, and the ink received in said cells fills the latter from said channel toward a point diametrically opposite the same, and a shell member enclosing said hollow member and nib except the writing point of the latter.

7. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and ink feed and control mechanism comprising a hollow member having one end mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir, a nib having a writing point and mounted within said member, means providing an ink channel in said member and through which ink from said reservoir flows to said writing point, and means for controlling flow of ink through said channel including a plurality of circular, spaced iins extending circumferentially and entirely around said member exteriorly of said nib and providing a plurality of capillary cells, said channel and said cells being so constructed and arranged that each of said cells is connected individually to said channel, and ink is received in said cells only when the amount of ink iiowing through said channel is in excess of that required for writing purposes, and means providing an air breather channel in said member exteriorly of said nib at a point circumferentially removed from said ink channel, said breather channel being connected to each of said cells and having one end thereof connected to the atmosphere.

8. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and ink feed and control mechanism comprising a hollow member having one end mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir, a nib having a writing point and mounted within said member, means providing an ink channel in said member and through which ink from said reservoir ilows to said writing point, and means for controlling iiow of ink through said channel including a plurality of circular, spaced ns extending circumferentially and entirely around said member exteriorly and providing a plurality of capillary cells, said channel and said cells being so constructed and arranged that each of said cells is connected individually to said channel, and ink is received in said cells only when the amount of ink fiowing through said channel is in excess of that required for writing purposes, and means and ink feed and control providing an air breather channel in said member extending transversely of said cells in direct communication with each of the latter and connected at one end to the atmosphere, 'said .feed channel being located in the under side of said member and said breather channel being located in the diametrically opposed top side of said member, whereby ink entering said cells from said feed channel moves upwardly under the iniluence of capillary attraction expelling air upwardly from said cells into said breather channel.

9. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and ink feedand control mechanism comprising a hollow member having one end mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir, a nib having a writing point and mounted within` said member, means providing an ink channel inv said member and through which ink from said reservoir flows to said writing point, and means for controlling flow of ink through said channel including a plurality of circular, spaced ns extending circumferentially and entirely around said member exteriorly and providing a plurality of capillary cells, said channel and said cells being so constructed and arranged that each of said cells is connected individually to said channel, ink is received in said channel only when the iiow of ink tends to exceed the normal capacity of said channel as determined by the amount of ink required for writing purposes, and the ink received in said cells lls the latter from said channel toward a point diametrically opposite the same, and a cylindrical shell member carried by said barrel and enclosing said hollow member and said nib except for the writing point thereof, said shell having its inner wall spaced from the peripheres of said flns and having an opening through which said writing point projects for contact with a surface.

l0. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and ink feed mechanism carried by said barrel which comprises a feed unit including a member mounted in said barrel and forming with the latter a primary ink passage in communication with said reservoir, a feed bar mounted in and extending forwardly of said member, a nib having a shank portion mounted in said member and surrounding said feed bar and having a writing end portion with a writing tip mounted over the forwardly extending portion of said feed bar, said member, feed bar and nib being constructed and arranged to provide a continuous secondary feed passage of capillary form extending from said reservoir and primary ink passages to the writing end portion of said nib, and a shell member carried by said barrel and enclosing substantially all of said feed unit, said shell having an opening through which said writing tip projects to engage a surface.

11. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and ink feed mechanism carried by said barrel comprising a feed unit including a member having an axial opening therethrough and mounted in said barrel and forming with the latter a primary ink passage in communication with said reservoir, a tubular nib mounted in the forward part of said member opening and having a Writing end portion extending forwardly from said member, a feed bar mounted in said tubular nib with one end thereof .mounted in said member opening rearwardly of said nib, the parts of said feed unit being constructed and arranged to provide an ink feed passage of capillary form extending from said assaui 9 primary ink passage to the nib writing end portion, and a shell-member carried by said barrel and extending over and concealing said feed unit memberwithonlyapartofsaidnibwritingend g portion left exposed for writing contact with a surface.

13. Inaiountainpen,abarrel havinganink reservoir therein, and ink feed mechanism carriedbysaidbarrelcomprisingafeedimitim- 1o cluding a member having an axial opening therethrough and having a shank part adapted tobe mounted in said barrel and shaped to form therewith a primary ink feed passage, said member also being longitudinally slitted through its wall is providing a secondary ink passage connecting said primary passage with said member opening, a tubular nib mounted in said member opening and having a writing end portion projecting forwardly therefrom. a feed bar mounted within 80 said nib and extending rearwardly therebeyond into said member opening for support thereof, said feed bar forming with said member a feed passage communicating with said secondary passage andA forming with said nib another feed as e in communication with said nrst feed l providing a secondary ink e connecting` said primary e with said member opening.

a tubular nib mounted in said member opening f o and having a writing end portion projecting forwardly therefrom, a feed bar having a part of circular cross section mounted within said nib and extending rearwardly therebeyond into a rear part of said member opening for support thereof, said feed bar forming with said member and rearwardly of said nib, an annular capillary feed passage communicating with said secondary passage and forming with said nib another annular feed passage in communication with said first w annular feed passage, all said feed I progressively diminishing in size from said primary feed passage to and including said second annular passage, and a shell member carried by said barrel and enclosing all said feed unit except the outer end of said nib writing end portion.

14. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and means for feeding ink from said reservoir for writing purposes comn prising a feed unit including a tubular member having one end mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir and forming with said barrel a primary ink feed passage, said tubular member being slitted lengthwise providas ing a secondary ink feed e communicating with said primary passage, a tubular nib mounted within said tubular member and having a writing end portion with a writing point projecting forwardly therefrom, a feed bar mounted 70 within said nib and extending rearwardly therefrom for support engagement with said tubular member, said feed bar forming with said tubular member an annular ink passage communicating with said secondary passage and forming with n said nib another annular ink passage communieating with said iirst annular passage, said tubular member having a substantial part thereof projecting forwardly from said barrel and in which' is provided a longitudinal air breather channel opposite said' secondary passage with s which it communicates, and a shell member detachably carried byl said barrel and covering all said feed un'it except for the writing point of said nib. l 15. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink l0 reservoir therein, and means for feeding ink from said reservoir for writing purposes comprising a feed unit including an elongated cylindrical member having its one or inner end mounted in said barrel in communication with il said reservoir and having a concentric axial bore extending therethrough, said bore having variable diameter portions with the outer thereof of greatest diameter and the inner thereof of least diameter, a tubular nib snugly fitted in n the louter diameter portion of said bore and having a writing end portion with a writing point extending beyond said membe a feed bar having a cylindrical part extending freely through said nib and providing therewith an annular ink space of capillaryV form, the rear end of said feed bar fitting snugly in one of said diameter portions rearwardlyv removed from said nib and forming with an intermediate of said diameter portions an annular ink space of capillary form so connecting with said lfirst-named ink space, means providing for the feed of ink from said reservoir to said'second-named ink space, and a shell member carried by said barrel and covering ail-said feed unit except said writing point. gg

16. In a fountain' pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and means for feeding ink from said reservoir which comprises a feed unit including a cylindrical member having an axial bore and having one end mounted in said barrel 40 in communication with said reservoir with a substantial part projecting from said barrel, a tubular nib mounted in the outer end of the bore of said member and having a writing end portion projecting forwardly therefrom, a feed bar mounted in the rear end of the bore of said member and extending forwardly within said nib, said feed bar being spaced from said nib and the wall of said bore to form connected ink passages of capillary form, means on one side of said member forming an ink channel for feeding ink from said reservoir to said passages, means diametrically opposed to said ink channel forming an air breather channel extending longitudinally throughout the projecting portion of said member, and a shell member surrounding said cylindrical member in spaced relation thereto providing a space in communication with both said air and ink channels.

17. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink gg reservoir therein, an ink feed mechanism carried by said barrel which comprises a feed unit including a tubular member having one end thereof mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir with its other end projecting foras wardly from said barrel and having an axial bore therein, a tubular nib having a cylindrical shank portion snugly fitted within the outer end of the bore of said member and having a writing end portion projecting therefrom and slit longitudinally from its writing point and otherwise shaped to provide V-shaped writing nib sections, a feed bar mounted in said nib with its rear end projecting therethrough into supporting engagement with Athe bore of said member, said feed bar being of such size that it provides with said nib a fine annular capillary ink space and it profvides with the wall of the bore ofsaid member rearwardly of said nib a slightly wider annular ink space of capillary form, channel means vbetween said last-mentioned ink space and saidreservoir for'feeding ink to such ink space, and

and providing therebetween a fine capillary ink' space overlying the slit in the writing tion of said nib.

18. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an end porreservoir therein. an ink feed mechanism car-V ried by said barrel which comprises a feed unit adapted to be slip-tted in the forward end of said barrel and to be applied and removed from the barrel merely by applying endwise pressure to said unit. said unit including an elongated tubular member having a reduced end portion adapted to be slip-fitted in the end of said barrel in communication with said reservoir, said reduced end portion being shaped at one side thereof to provide a primary ink feed channel and being slitted longitudinally throughout its length .and entirely through its wall at one side in communication with said primary feed channel to provide a secondary ink feed channel, a tubular nib slip-fitted in the outer end portion of said member and having a writing end portion with a writing tip extending therebeyond, a feed bar extending through and beyond said nib into friction-fit engagement with said member and forming with the latter and said member connected annular ink spaces of capillary form communicating with said secondary feed channel, a cylindrical shell detachably secured at one end to said barrel and extending forwardly therefrom substantially the length of said feed unit and having an opening in its forward end, said shell being of suflicient length to substantially completely enclose said feed unit except for the writing tip of the writing end portion of said nib which projects through said shell opening.

19. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, an inkv feed mechanism carried by said barrel which comprises a feed unit adapted to be slip-fitted in the forward end of said barrel and to be applied and removed from the barrel by applying endwise pressure to said unit, said unit including an elongated tubular member having a reduced end portion adapted to be slipfitted in the end of said barrel in communication with said reservoir, said reduced end portion being shaped at one side thereof to provide a pri..

mary ink feed channel and being slitted longitudinally throughout its length and entirely" through its wall at one side in communication gagement with said member and forming with the latter and'said member connected annular ink spaces of capillary form communicating with v said secondary feed channel, a cylindrical shell detachably secured at one end to said barrel and extending forwardly therefrom substantially the length of said feed unit and fhavingzan opening a in its forward vendfaaid l lengthA to st xbstantiallyl completelyienclosc pfeed'unit except forthe writing tlp'of the 'end portion vof saidnib. said shell having an wall portio'n disposed in closely spacedrelation g l eu for' to tnewriting end portion of ma mbproymlng atthat point a narrow lnk-receiving'm ,g-v v: capillaryform for maintaining an ink-moist coli-,r`

dition lat that portion of the nib, Bald nlbhlvllll an opening communicating the capillary ink'iov` space between it and said feed bar with said space between it and said shell, and also having a slit" A. extending vfrom said opening to its writing tipA dividing the writing end portion into writing nib sections. Y

. ll 20. Inl a fountain pen. .a barrel having an ink reservoir' therein and Vink feed mechanism which comprises a feed unit including a tubular member having a barrel-engaging portion at .one end, a

tubular nib mounted in the other endl of said member and having a writing end portion'pro jecting therefrom, and a feed bar through and rearwardly beyond said nib into supporting engagement with said member, said member, nib, and feed bar constituting a self-contained unit adapted to be engaged with said barrel by mounting the reduced shank portion of said member in said barrel in communication withsaid reservoir, and a shell member detachably secured to said barrel and enclosing said feed unit in spaced 80 relation thereto, the writing end portion of said nib having a writing tip and the adjacent end of said shell'having an opening through which said tip projects, the arrangement being such thatsaid v 'feed unit is substantially enclosed and concealed 35 by said shell except for said projecting writing tip, and ink feed channel means within' said tubular member connecting said reservoir with said writing tip.

21. In a fountain pen. a barrel having an ink reservoir therein and ink feed mechanism comprising a feed unit including a tubular support member having a reduced shank portion adapted to be mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir, said member having a part of its wall shaped to provide with said barrel-a prifeed channel and also having its wall portion adjacent said primary ink feed channel slitted longitudinally throughout its length providing asecondary feed channel communicating with said primary channel, a tubular nib mountedin said member and having a writing end portion projecting therefrom, a feed bar having acyportion passing through said nib ancly therebeyondinto .support engagement with said member, said bar being of such size that there is provided between it and said'member a capillary ink passage communicating with- 'said secondary ink-channel land there is'also provided a capillary ink passage between it and said nib n communicating with the first-mentioned ink passage, and a pluralityof longitudinally spaced circularl nns formed around the exteriorof said memberv outwardly beyond said barreland providing a plurality of separated capillary cells I each of which communicates with said secondary ink channel, means providing an air breather channel extending longitudinally of. said member and through said ns at a point removed circumferentially from said secondary feed channel. and a shell carried by said barrel. and enclosing said feed unit .except-the outer end part of said nib writingend portion.

22 In a fountain pen, a barrel having yan ink reservoir therein and ink feeding mechanism which comprises a feed-unit including an excess ink collector member having a reduced shank portion adapted to be mounted in said barrel in communication with said ink reservoir, said ink collector member having means providing an ink feed channel and exterior, annular excess ink co1- lecting cells in communication with said channel, said ink collector having a concentric axial bore extending throughout its length, a nib supported in said bore, a feed bar supported in said bore and forming therewith and with said nib capillary ink feed passages, said nib and feed bar being surrounded by said capillary cells with said collector serving as the sole support therefor whereby said collector, nib and feed bar may be applied to and removed from said barrel as a self-contained unit, and a shell carried by said barrel and so constructed and arranged that it encloses in spaced relation said feed unit except for the writins end of said nib.

23. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an lnk reservoir therein. feed mechanism comprising a feed unit including an elongated, cylindrical ink collector member having a reduced shank portion adapted to be mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir and having a concentric axiai bore extending therethrough, said collector member being slitted longitudinally from end to end providing a feed channel communicating with said bore, a plurality of longitudinally spaced circular ilns extending exterlorly around said collector member and providing separated capillary cells each communicating with said feed channel, said collector member also having a longitudinal air breatherl channel formed through said fins and common to all said cells at a position diametrically opposite said feed channel, a tubular nib mounted in the forward part of the bore oi' said member and having a writing end portion projecting forwardly therefrom. a feed bar having a circular portion extending through said feed bar and therebeyond into supporting engagement with said member, said feed bar being of such size that it forms with said member an annular ink passage of capillary form connecting with said feed channel and it forms with said nib another annular ink passage connecting with said rst ink passage, and a cylindrical open-ended shell secured at one end to said barrel and encompassing said collector member and the writing end portion of said nib, the writing end portion of said nib projecting through the adjacent open end of said shell with substantially only its writing point exposed.

24. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, feed mechanism comprising a feed unit including an elongated, cylindrical ink collector member having a reduced shank portion adapted to be mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir and having a concentric axial bore extending therethrough, saidcollector member being slitted longitudinally from end to endproviding a feed channel communicating with said bore.. a plurality of longitudinally spaced circular iins extending exteriorlyaround said collector member and providing separated capillary cells communicating with said feed channel, said collector member also having a longitudinal air breather channel formed through said fins and common to all said cells at a position diametrically opposite said feed channel, a tubular nib mounted in the forward part of the bore of said member and having a writing end portion projecting forwardly therefrom, a' feed bar having a circular. portion extending through said feed bar and therealong into supporting engagement with said member, said feed bar being of such size that it forms with said member an annular ink passage of capillary form connecting with said feed channel and it forms g with said nib another annular ink passage connecting with said first ink passage. and a cylindrical open-ended shell secured at one end to said barrel and encompassing said collector member with the writing end portion of said nib projecting through the adjacent open end of said shell with substatntially only its writing point exposed, the writing end portion of said nib being slitted providing writing nib sections and said shell having a substantially complementally ll shaped surface overlying said nib sections in slightly spaced relation and providing a capillary ink space along the slitted nib portion.

25. In a fountain pen, a barrel having a reservoir therein, and feed mechanism mounted in said a barrel in communication with said reservoir, said mechanism comprising a unitary structure including a nib with a writing end portion slitted longitudinally and terminating in a writing point. means providing passages of capillary form for feeding ink from said reservoir to said writing end portion, means connected with said passages and through which the air admitted to said reservoir must pass and adapted to collect therein ink owing through said passages in excess of a that required for writing purposes, and means detachable independently of said feed mechanism and adapted to be grasped by the user and enclosing substantially all of said mechanism except the writing end of said writing point and providil ing with the enclosed upper part of said writing end portion a ne capillary ink space adapted to receive a illm of ink which aids in sealing said writing end portion and said ink feeds passages from the atmosphere.

26. In a fountain pen. a barrel having a reservoir therein, and feed mechanism mounted in said barrel in communication with said reservoir, said mechanism including a nib with a writing end portion slitted longitudinally and terminating 45 in a writing point, means providing passages of capillary form for feeding ink from said reservoir to said writing end portion, means forming a plurality of separated annular cells of capillary form around the outer part of said feed mechanism with each said cell connecting separately with said one passage and adapted to receive from said one passage ink flowing therethrough in excess of that required for writing purposes, means providing a breather channel connected with each 55 of said cells at a point diametrically Opposed to said one passage for connecting all said cells to atmosphere, the arrangement being such that excess ink fills said cells from said one ink passage toward said breather channel, and means adapted 3 to be grasped by the user and enclosing all of said mechanism except said writing point and providing with the enclosed upper part of said writing end portion a ne capillary ink space adapted to receive a mm of ink which aids in sealing said writing end portion and said ink feed passages from the atmosphere.

27. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and ink feeding mechanism comprising a hollow member having an end part 7 adapted to be mounted in said barrel in com munication with said reservoir, a nib mounted within said member and having a writing portion projecting therefrom, means including an ink passage in said member and through which ink 7l low member in spaced relationthereto, said shell member 'also' enclosing said nib except the writ:` ing point .of its writing vend portion, and said passage bcingconnected toand substantially l throughout the length of thespace between said members wherebyink flowing through said passage in excess of that required for'writing. purposes is collected in said'space. and means prov vidingv an air breather channel in saidl hollow member separate froml said ink passage which channel is' connected with said space throughout 28.*In a fountain4 pen, abarrel having an ink reservoirl therein. and ink feeding mechanism comprising a hollow cylindrical member having one end mounted in said barrel with the remainder thereof projecting from said barrel,a nib mounted in said member and having a writing end portion with a writing point, means providing an ink channel in said member and through which ink from said reservoir ows to said writing end portion, a cylindrical shell carried by said barrel and enclosing said member in spaced relation thereto, said member having an enlarged cylindrical flange at its forward end providing an ink collecting space between said shell and member, said channel connecting with said space so thatfink flowing through said channel in excess of that required for writing purposes is deposited in said space, and means providing an air breather channel in said member which is connected throughout with said space andat one end-to the atmosphere through said flange.

29. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir therein, and ink feeding lmechanism comprising a cylindrical hollow member having one end mounted in said barrel with the remainder thereof projecting therefrom, a nib mounted in said member and having a writing end portion projecting forwardly therefrom, means providing an ink'channel in said member through which ink flows from said reservoir to said writing point, a cylindrical enlarged flange at the outer end of said member, a cylindrical shell surrounding said member, flange and nib in spaced relation and providing between said flange and barrel an ink collecting space connected to said ink channel and providing an annular capillary space between said flange and shell, and means providing an air breather channel extending longitudinally in an exterior wall of said member reservoir therein, and ink feeding mechanism comprising a cylindrical hollow member having one end mounted in said barrel-with the remainder thereof projecting therefrom, said member being slottedl longitudinally from end to end entirely through its wall into its hollow. portion and providing an ink feed channel connected to said reservoir, a tubular nib mounted in said member and having a writing'end portion projecting therefrom, a feed bar extending through and beyond said nib and supported .by said member and forming with the latter and said nib capillary ink passages of capillary form,v a cylindrical flange at the outer end of said member,

a shell covering the projecting portions ofl saidk member and nib and forming with saidmember an annular ink receiving space aroundsaid memser oommoniooting ihroughoui iii longen with said feed channel, and means providing a longitudinaliycxtending Aair breather channel in said member connected throughout to said ink collectin g andl extending -atone end through said danger where it .is connected with the atmo'sphere.

si. m ov fountain ponnoving inities moonsnism having a pen nib with'a writing point, a

a cylindrical outer wall with a l0 reduced forwardend portion forming with the adjoining main barrel wall an annular shoulder,

a shell-like extensionvv projecting from said reduced forward lend portion ol'l said` barrel and vadapted for enclosing the ink feed mechanism except the writing point thereof, and an clon-- gated cylindrical vclosure cap open at one end and closed at its other end. the open end of said cap having the same outside diameter as lthe main barrel wall and adapted to nt 4 upon said reduced barrel end portion with its end edge uni'- formly abutting said shoulder. the arrangement being such that said cap may be mounted on the front end of the barrel with its outer surface disposed hush with the outer exposed barrel wall. and yieldable means between said cap and forward barrel end portion for releasably and yieldably retaining said cap on the barrel scaled duced forward end portion of said barrel and adapted for enclosing the ink feed mechanism except the writing point thereof, a ring member confined between said shell and said reduced forward end of said barrel and having at least one exposed annular rib projection beyond the adjacent surfaces of said shell and said forward end portion, and an elongated cylindrical closure cap open at one end and closed at itsother end, the open end of said cap having the same outside diameter as the main barrel wall and adapted to nt upon said reduced barrel end portion with its end edge uniformly abutting said shoulder, the arrangement being such that said cap may be mounted on the front end of the barrel with its outer surface disposed flush with the outer exposed barrel wall, and means mounted in said barrel cooperating with said rib lto yieldably retain said cap upon said barrel in engagement with said shoulder, said means including a member mounted in theforward part of said cap and having an annular series of spaced longitudinally extending spring sections bowed toward the axis of said cap sufficiently for the same to be depressed and placed under tension by said rib as said cap is mounted on the forward end of said barrel.

33. In a fountain pen having ink feed mechanism. a .barrel having a cylindrical outer wall with a reduced forward end portion forming with the adjoining main barrel -wall an annular shoulder, a shell-like extension projecting from said reduced forward vend portion of 'said barrel adapted for enclosing a substantial part of the ink-feed mechanism, and an elongated cylindrical closure cap open 4at one end and closed at its other end, the open end of said cap having the same outside diameter as the main barrel wall and being adapted to llt upon said reduced end portion with its end edge uniformly abutting said shoulder, the arrangement being such that said cap may be mounted on the front endof the barrel with its outer surface disposed ush with the outer exposed barrel wall, and means between said cap and forward barrel end portion for releasably retaining said cap on the barrel sealed against said shoulder.

34. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir, and ink feed and control mechanism comprising a hollow member adapted to be detachably fitted in one end of the barrel in 'communication with said reservoir, a nib adapted to be detachably fitted in the outerend of said hollow member, a feed control element detachably tted within said nib and hollow member and forming with said nib and hollow member connected capillary ink passages, said hollow member, nib and control element constituting a 'i self-contained unit that may be detached from the barrel as a unit without disturbing their assembly relationship, and a shell member detachably carried Iby said barrel and enclosing said unit except the writing tip end of the nib thereby'preventing displacement of said unit except upon detachment of said shell member.

35. In a fountain pen, a barrel having an ink reservoir, and ink feed and control mechanism comprising a hollow member adapted to be detachably fitted in one end of the barrel in communication with said reservoir, a nib adapted to be detachably iitted in the outer end of said hollow member, a feed control element detachably fitted within said nib and hollow member and forming with said nib and hollow member connected capillary lnk passages, means assoy ciated with said hollow member and connected with at least one of said capillary passages for collecting and storing ink flowing through said passages in excess of that required for writing purposes, said hollow member, nib, control element and storage means constituting a self-contained unit that may be vdetached from the barrel as a unit without disturbing their assembly relationship, and a shell member detachably carried by said barrel and enclosing said unit except the writing tip end of the nib thereby preventing displacement of said unit except upon detachment of said shell member. i

nection means formed within said barrel-carried member by which said ink storage means is connected throughout to the atmosphere, said air connection means being connected to said reservoir through said storage means only; and means for enclosing and substantially concealing said unit which comprises a finger-grip shell adapted to be detachably secured to the forward end of said barrel and surrounding said unit in spaced relation except for the writing lend tip portion of said nib, the forward end of said shell being tapered toward a smaller diameter than the pen barrel and havingan opening through which the tip end of said nib projects and through which air is admitted to said air connection means.

37. In a fountain pen, a barrel terminating at its forward end ina shell-like extension, ink feed mechanism including a pen nib mounted within said extensin with the writing tip of said nib projecting therefrom, an elongated cylindrical cap open at one end and closed at its other end, the open end of said cap being adapted to iit freely over the barrel wall with the closed end of said cap enclosing said extension and exposed nib point, means between said cap and the part of the barrel adapted to be closed by the cap for yleldably and releasably retaining the cap on the barrel in condition to be removed merely by applying pressure outwardly thereto, and means between the cap and the barrel for limiting the extent to which said cap may be moved longitudinally upon the barrel.

MARLIN S. BAKER.

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