Pencil holders

Abstract

 A pencil holder suitable for cosmetic pencils, which comprises a body presenting pencil holding means adapted removably to receive at least one pencil to project therefrom. The body is adapted to support pencil sharpening means for sharpening the pencil. A hollow cover is removably mountable on the body over the pencil when the latter is in position in the holding means. A waste material receptacle is also removably mountable on the body and together with the hollow cover constitutes a casing for the body. The holding means may be adapted to receive a plurality of pencils in juxtaposition to one another and the pencil sharpening means may be located operatively to receive a pencil to be sharpened in a position spaced from pencils in the holding means to permit operative manipulation of the pencil to be sharpened while pencils are located in the holding means.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to pencil holders.

[0002] Cosmetic pencils of the kind comprising a core of waxy colouring medium contained in an outer sheath of wood are well known. If the sharpened point of such a pencil is not protected when it is carried in a handbag or pocket, there is a danger that the point might break and/or soil its surrounds.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a pencil holder which is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for cosmetic and like pencils.

[0004] According to the invention a pencil holder includes:

• a body which presents pencil holding means adapted removably to receive at least one pencil to project therefrom, the body being adapted to support pencil sharpening means for sharpening the pencil; and
• a hollow cover removably mountable on the body over the pencil when the latter is in position in the holding means.

[0005] The holding means may be adapted to receive end regions of a plurality of pencils with the opposite ends of the pencils projecting from the holding means to permit any one of the pencils to be gripped and removed from the holding means.

[0006] The pencil holder may also include a waste material receptacle removably mountable on the body in communication with a shavings outlet from the sharpening means.

[0007] The waste material receptacle and the hollow cover may constitute a casing for the body.

[0008] In one form of the invention the body may be adapted removably to receive the pencil sharpening means which may be used in conventional manner after removal from the body or alternatively may be used while in position on the body.

[0009] In another form of the invention the sharpening means may be fast with the body.
is disposed in generally juxtaposed relationship to pencils located in the holding means in a position spaced transversly from the pencils in the holding means.

[0010] Alternatively, the sharpening means may be adapted to be located operatively to receive a pencil to be sharpened in a position disposed at an angle to pencils located in the holding means.

[0011] With the arrangement of the previous paragraph, the angular orientation of the sharpening means relative to pencils in the holding means provides sufficient space between the pencil to be sharpened and pencils located in the holding means to permit operative manipulation of the pencil to be sharpened while pencils are located in the holding means.

[0012] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the pencil holder includes:

• a body presenting holding means adapted removably to receive at least two pencils in juxtaposition to one another to project outwardly from the holding means;
• pencil sharpening means on the body which is located operatively to receive a pencil to be sharpened in a position spaced from pencils in the holding means to permit operative manipulation of the pencil to be sharpened;
• a first hollow cover member removably mountable on the body over pencils in the holding means; and
• a waste material receptacle removably mountable on the body in communication with a shavings outlet from the sharpening means, the waste material receptable constituting a second hollow cover member, the first and second hollow cover members constituting a casing for the body.

[0013] The holding means may comprise a plurality of separate compartments each adapted to receive a pencil, each compartment including retaining means adapted resiliently to engage a pencil in that compartment.

[0014] The sharpening means may be located operatively to receive a pencil to be sharpened in a position disposed at an angle to pencils located in the holding means.

[0015] The body may include a further compartment adapted removably to receive the pencil sharpening means.

[0016] The invention also includes within its scope a pencil holder body comprising pencil holding means adapted removably to receive at least one pencil to project therefrom, the body being adapted to support pencil sharpening means for sharpening the pencil and removably to mount a hollow cover over the pencil when the latter is in position in the holding means.

[0017] Pencils of any required nature may be stored in a pencil holder according to the invention and the sharpening means may be selected to suit the type of pencils intended to be stored in the pencil holder.

[0018] Thus, the pencil holder may be designed to hold a plurality of lead type pencils of different grades of hardness or colours and the sharpening means may comprise a sharpener of conventional design suitable for sharpening pencils of the type in question. Such a pencil holder may be suitable for use in school and also for use by artists, architects, draughtsmen and the like.

[0019] Preferably, the pencil holder is designed to hold cosmetic or other pencils of the kind comprising a core of waxy colouring medium contained in an outer sheath of wood, plastics material or the like. Such a pencil holder may be provided with any suitable sharpening means.

[0020] The sharpening means may include a formation adapted to round off the tip of a pencil as it is sharpened.

[0021] For a clear understanding of the invention preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1

is a perspective view of a cosmetic pencil holder according to the invention in closed condition.

Figure 2

is a perspective view of the cosmetic pencil holder of figure 1 with the pencil cover removed, illustrating one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3

is a perspective view of the pencil holder of figures 1 and 2 without the pencil cover and with the waste material receptacle removed, illustrating the sharpening of a pencil.

Figure 4

is a side view of the body of the pencil holder illustrated in figures 2 and 3.

Figure 4a

is a fragmentary side view to an enlarged scale of the pencil holder of figures 2 to 4 as seen from the opposite side to that seen in figure 4, illustrating the sharpening means in greater detail.

Figure 4b

is a section on the line IV-IV in figure 4a with the pencil omitted.

Figure 5

is a side view similar to figure 4 of the body of a pencil holder, illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6

is a perspective view similar to figure 2 of a cosmetic pencil holder with the pencil cover removed, illustrating a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7

is a side view of the body of the pencil holder of figure 6.

Figure 8

is a side view similar to figure 7 of a cosmetic pencil holder, illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Referring first to figures 1 to 4, the cosmetic pencil holder comprises a body 1 which defines three separate pencil receiving compartments 2a, 2b and 2c, each of which is adapted removably to receive and hold the sharpened end regions of three cosmetic pencils 3a, 3b and 3c respectively. The opposite end regions of the cosmetic pencils 3 are adapted to project outwardly from their compartments 2 so that any one of the pencils may be gripped and removed from its compartment 2.

[0023] A resilient, elongate retaining element 9 with an inwardly directed protrusion 10 thereon, extends outwardly from the upper end of each side wall of each of the compartments 2. The spacing between the protrusions 10 of each pair of opposed retaining elements 9 of each compartment 2 is less than the diameter of the pencils 3. When a pencil 3 is inserted into a compartment 2, the retaining elements 9 of that compartment is displaced outwardly so that the protrusions 10 are biased inwardly and resiliently engages the pencil 3, thereby releasably to retain the pencil in its compartment and inhibit its accidental withdrawal from the compartment 2.

[0024] By inserting the sharpened end regions of the pencils 3a, 3b, 3c into the compartments 2a, 2b, 2c, the points of the pencils 3 may be protected against breaking. It is, however, also possible for the pencils 3 to be inserted into the compartments 2 in reverse manner so that the sharpened end regions of the pencils 3 project from their compartments 2.

[0025] A suitable pencil sharpener 4 is provided on body 1 and includes a pencil receiving passage 5 in body 1 giving access to a sharpening blade 6 which is mounted on a carrier 11 which is fast with body 1. As can be seen from figures 2, 3 and 4, the sharpener 4 as well as the carrier 11, passage 5 and blade 6 lie at an angle to compartments 2 so that passage 5 faces outwardly in a direction lying at an angle to that in which compartments 2 face.

[0026] As shown in figure 3, any one of the pencils 3 which is required to be sharpened, such as the middle pencil 3b, may be withdrawn from its compartment 2b and inserted into passage 5 for sharpening by blade 6. The angular orientation of the sharpener 4 relative to the pencils 3 in compartments 2 provides sufficient space between the pencil 3b to be sharpened and the end pencil 3c located in the end compartment 2c, to permit operative manipulation of the pencil 3b to be sharpened as shown in figure 3.

[0027] As can be seen from figures 4, 4a and 4b, sharpener 4 includes a hollow tip 20 which is fast with body 1 and frame 11, extends longitudinally from one end of passage 5 and has a longitudinally facing outlet 20a through which the sharpened end 21 of the pencil core extends during the sharpening of pencil 3b. Sharpener 4 also includes an L-shaped formation 22 which is fast with frame 11, tip 20 and body 1 and which supports blade 6 up to its outer end. Formation 22 presents a shaping edge 22a which is located adjacent blade 6 in a position which is spaced outwardly from outlet 20a and is spaced inwardly from the outer end 6a of blade 6.

[0028] During sharpening rotation of pencil 3b the sharpened core end 21 of the pencil core engages shaping edge 22a and the latter acts to round off the outer tip of core end 21.

[0029] The outer periphery of the upper portion 1a of body 1 is complementary in shape to the inner periphery of a hollow cover 7 of tubular configuration which is open at one end 7a and closed at its opposite end 7b. Cover 7 is removably mountable on the upper portion 1a of body 1 over compartments 2 and pencils 3 therein and over passage 5 so that pencils 3 extend into hollow cover 7 when the latter is in position. At its open end 7a, hollow cover 7 is provided on its opposed side walls with inwardly directed protrusions 12 which are adapted resiliently to clip into recesses 13 in the sides of the upper portion 1a of body 1, thereby releasably to retain cover 7 on body 1. It is also possible for cover 7 to be removably mountable with a friction fit on the upper portion 1a of body 1.

[0030] Body 1 also includes a lower frame portion 1b which is provided with a hollow cover 8 of tubular configuration which is open at its one end 8a and is closed at its opposite end 8b. Cover 8 is adapted to be removably mountable on lower frame portion 1b round sharpener 4.

[0031] At its open end 8a, cover 8 is provided on its opposed side walls with inwardly directed protrusions 14 which are adapted resiliently to clip into recesses 15 in the sides of frame portion 1b of body 1, thereby releasably to retain cover 8 on body 1. It is also possible for cover 8 to be releasably mountable with a friction fit on lower frame portion 1a.

[0032] Cover 8 defines a waste material receptacle in its interior which is in communication with a shavings outlet from sharpener 4 and in which shavings produced by the sharpening of a pencil by sharpener 4 may be collected. Cover 8 may be emptied by removing cover 8 from body 1.

[0033] Covers 7 and 8 have corresponding cross-sectional configurations.

[0034] When both covers 7 and 8 are mounted on body 1 as shown in figure 1, pencils 3 and the inlet to passage 5 of the sharpening means are enclosed by cover 7 and sharpener 4 is enclosed by cover 8 to provide a neat casing of aesthetically pleasing appearance which encloses body 1 and its contents, as shown in figure 1.

[0035] It will be appreciated that when both covers 7 and 8 are mounted on body 1 as shown in figure 1, pencils 3 are retained by retaining elements 9 to inhibit accidental withdrawal of the pencils from their compartments 2. Pencils 3 are also protected by cover 7 against bumping and damage when the holder is carried in a handbag, pocket or the like. The sharpened tips of the pencils 3 are protected against breakage. Futhermore, soiling of the handbag or pocket by the sharpened tips is prevented.

[0036] If a cosmetic pencil 3 is required for use, the cover 7 may be removed as shown in figure 2 to permit any one of the pencils 3 as may be required, to be removed from its compartment 2.

[0037] When cover 7 is removed, the passage 5 of sharpener 4 is also exposed and a pencil 3 which requires sharpening, may be sharpened as shown in figure 3. Cover 8 may be removed to empty out parings and shavings produced by sharpening of a pencil.

[0038] As sharpener 4 is fast with body 1, it is readily available for the sharpening of a pencil 3 which is withdrawn from a compartment 2 and loss or displacement of sharpener 4 is prevented. The presence of cover 8 allows for the sharpening of a pencil in any locality without leaving any litter.

[0039] Instead of pencil sharpener 4 and its pencil receiving passage 5 and blade 6 lying at an angle to compartments 2 so that passage 5 faces outwardly in a direction lying at an angle to that in which compartments 2 face as shown in figures 3 and 4, the arrangement of figure 5 may be used.

[0040] As shown in figure 5, pencil sharpener 4 and its pencil receiving passage 5, carrier 11 and blade 6 are disposed in substantially parallel relationship to pencil receiving compartments 2 so that sharpener passage 5 faces outwardly in the same direction as that in which compartments 2 face. Carrier 11 is fast with body 1.

[0041] In order to provide sufficient space between a pencil 3b to be sharpened and the end pencil 3c located in the end compartment 2c, the sharpener 4 and its pencil receiving passage 5 are spaced laterally from the end compartment 2c as shown in figure 5.

[0042] It is not essential to provide a pencil sharpener which is fast with body 1 as shown in figures 3 to 5. As shown in figures 6 and 7, body 1 may be provided with a further sharpener receiving compartment 16 in addition to the pencil receiving compartments 2. Any suitable pencil sharpener 17 may be removably located in the further compartment 16.

[0043] When covers 7 and 8 are mounted on body 1 as shown in figure 1, pencils 3 and pencil sharpener 17 are totally enclosed by cover 7.

[0044] If a cosmetic pencil is required for use, the cover 7 may be removed as shown in figure 6 to permit any one of the pencils 3 as may be required, to be removed from its compartment 2.

[0045] When cover 7 is removed, the sharpener 17 is also exposed and may be removed from its compartment 16 for sharpening of a pencil in conventional manner.

[0046] With the arrangement of figures 6 and 7, cover 8 may be removable from body 1 or may be fast therewith.

[0047] Referring now to figure 8, sharpener receiving compartment 16 is spaced transversely from the end pencil receiving compartment 2c and is provided with an internal retaining formation 18 adapted releasably to hold sharpener 17 in position in compartment 16. The floor of compartment 16 is provided with an aperture 19 which places a shavings outlet from sharpener 17 in communication with the interior of hollow cover 8 which constitutes a removable waste material receptacle.

[0048] With the arrangement of figure 8, pencils may be sharpened by means of sharpener 17 while the latter is in position in compartment 16, in a manner similar to that described above with reference to figure 5.

[0049] It will be appreciated that many other variations in detail are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0050] With a cosmetic pencil holder according to the invention, a plurality of cosmetic pencils to suit particular requirements may be located in the compartments 2 of body 1. Thus, pencils of different colours according to a cosmetic colour coding system may be located in compartments 2 to provide a selection of colours to suit, for example, different seasons of the year, or different fashion trends. Alternatively, a plurality of pencils for different cosmetic purposes, such as an eye brow pencil, an eye liner and a lip liner, may be located in the compartments 2.

[0051] A cosmetic pencil holder according to the invention may be of suitable size, shape and design to be aesthetically attractive to women and to fit easily into a handbag or a pocket to provide a readily accessible cosmetic kit.

[0052] With the arrangements of figures 2 to 5 and figures 7 and 8, a pencil 3 may be sharpened by sharpening means 4 on the body 1 while other pencils 3 are located in the compartments without obstruction of the fingers by pencils in the compartments 2 during rotation of the pencil 3 that is being sharpened.

Claims

1. A pencil holder characterized by:

- a body presenting pencil holding means adapted removably to receive at least one pencil to project therefrom, the body being adapted to support pencil sharpening means for sharpening the pencil; and

- a hollow cover removably mountable on the body over the pencil when the latter is in position in the holding means.

2. A pencil holder as claimed in claim 1, characterized by a waste material receptacle removably mountable on the body in communication with a shavings outlet from the sharpening means.

3. A pencil holder as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the waste material receptacle and the hollow cover constitute a casing for the body.

4. A pencil holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the body is adapted removably to receive the sharpening means.

5. A pencil holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sharpening means is fast with the body.

6. A pencil holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holding means is adapted resiliently to engage the pencil.

7. A pencil holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the holding means comprises a plurality of separate compartments each adapted to receive and locate a pencil.

8. A pencil holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding means is adapted removably to receive a plurality of pencils in juxtaposition to one another and the sharpening means is adapted to be located operatively to receive a pencil to be sharpened in a position spaced from pencils in the holding means to permit operative manipulation of the pencil to be sharpened.

9. A pencil holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sharpening means includes a formation adapted to round off the pointed tip of a pencil as it is sharpened.

10. A pencil holder characterized by:

- a body presenting holding means adapted removably to receive at least two pencils in juxtaposition to one another to project outwardly from the holding means;

- pencil sharpening means on the body which is located operatively to receive a pencil to be sharpened in a position spaced from pencils in the holding means to permit operative manipulation of the pencil to be sharpened;

- a first hollow cover member removably mountable on the body over pencils in the holding means; and

- a waste material receptacle removably mountable on the body in communication with a shavings outlet from the sharpening means, the waste material receptable constituting a second hollow cover member, the first and second hollow cover members constituting a casing for the body.

11. A pencil holder as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the holding means comprises a plurality of separate compartments each adapted to receive a pencil, each compartment including retaining means adapted resiliently to engage a pencil in that compartment.

12. A pencil holder as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that the pencil sharpening means is located operatively to receive a pencil to be sharpened in a position disposed at an angle to pencils located in the holding means.

13. A pencil holder as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the body includes a further compartment adapted removably to receive the pencil sharpening means.

14. A pencil holder body characterized by pencil holding means adapted removably to receive at least one pencil to project therefrom, the body being adapted to support pencil sharpening means for sharpening the pencil and removably to mount a hollow cover over the pencil when the latter is in position in the holding means.

15. A pencil holder body as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that:

- the holding means comprises a plurality of separate compartments each adapted to receive a pencil;

- each compartment includes retaining means adapted resiliently to engage a pencil in that compartment; and

- the pencil sharpening means is located operatively to receive a pencil to be sharpened in a position spaced from pencils in the holding means to permit operative manipulation of the pencil to be sharpened.

Drawing