WRITING INSTRUMENT

摘要

A writing instrument includes a barrel (30) having a channel (33) with an open end (22), and a writing element (40) disposed in the channel (33). The writing element (40) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. At least a portion of the writing element (40) is resilient and may be resiliently deflected in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument (40). The resilient deflection of the writing element (40) biases the writing element (40) to engage the channel (33) and to retain the writing element (40) in the extended position. The writing instrument includes an actuator member (50) mounted for non-linear movement to extend or retract the writing element (40). A release member (60) is provided along a side of the barrel to move the writing element (40) out of engagement with the channel (33).