REFILL UNIT FOR A WRITING INSTRUMENT

摘要

A refill unit (1) for a writing instrument has a writing tip (5) at one end and a ratchet mechanism (7) at the other end by means of which the unit (1) can be turned and selectively extended from and retracted into the writing instrument. The ratchet mechanism (7) is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the unit with respect to the writing tip (5). By this means, each time the refill unit (1) is extended from or retracted into the writing instrument, the tip (5) rotates by a substantially random amount which ensures a more even distribution of wear on the writing tip (5).