Multicolor writing tools and methods

摘要

Various multicolor writing tools and methods for applying multiple volatile marking substances one at a time. The tool includes a case member, a cartridge member, a cap member, and an optional actuator member. The case member forms an interior in which is disposed the cartridge member with multiple cartridges each containing one of the marking substances and a tip through which the marking substance is applied. The cap member changes and restores its configuration, while the actuator member changes the configuration and exposes one of the tips selected by an user out of the interior when the tool is in use, and then restores the configuration and encloses all of the tips inside the interior when not in use. Thus, the tool opens the cap member in response to input force without requiring the user to engage in a separate maneuver to remove the cap member.

主权项

1. A method of writing on a medium using a writing tool which includes therein a plurality of cartridges each of which contains a marking substance therein and each of which includes on one end thereof at least one tip through which said marking substance is released onto said writing medium upon contact therebetween, said method comprising the steps of:
movably disposing said plurality of said cartridges inside a case of said writing tool; providing on one end of said case at least one cap capable of changing a configuration to form and to close an access from an interior of said case to an exterior of said case; enclosing said cartridges inside said case before said writing; advancing one of said cartridges out of said case one at a time while manipulating said cap to form said access one of before and during said advancing, thereby exposing said tip of said advanced cartridge out of said case for said writing; and retracting said advanced cartridge into said case while re-manipulating said cap to close said access, thereby enclosing again all of said cartridges inside said case after said writing, whereby said writing tool prevents evaporation of said marking substances of said cartridges into said exterior unless said tips of said cartridges are advanced and then exposed out of said case one at a time.