Societe BIC has been granted a patent for a thermochromic ink writing instrument. The instrument features a body with a writing tip and an eraser, both fed with thermochromic ink. The eraser is movable along the axis of the body, thanks to a helical-cam propelling mechanism. The patent also includes a rotatable and axially movable first part coupled with the body. GlobalData’s report on Societe BIC gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Societe BIC, fuel cell powered drones was a key innovation area identified from patents. Societe BIC's grant share as of September 2023 was 50%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Thermochromic ink writing instrument with movable eraser mechanism

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Societe BIC

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11766886B2) describes a thermochromic ink writing instrument with unique features. The instrument includes a body with a writing tip and an eraser at opposite ends along an axis. The writing tip is fed with thermochromic ink and is fixed in place, while the eraser is movable along the axis.

One notable feature is the helical-cam propelling mechanism, which allows the eraser to move between a retracted and protruding position. This mechanism consists of a first and second part, with the body being rotatable relative to each other. The first part is rotatably coupled with the first portion of the body and can move axially.

Another interesting aspect is the coaxial arrangement of the eraser and writing tip, with the eraser surrounding the writing tip. When viewed perpendicular to the axis, the writing end is concealed by the eraser in the protruding position and free from the eraser in the retracted position.

The patent also mentions the use of a return spring that pushes the eraser towards the first part, as well as a support inside the hollow first part that restricts the movement of the writing body. The eraser itself is described as a body that generates heat when rubbed against a surface, causing the thermochromic ink to change color. It can be made of rubber or elastomer materials such as styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS), styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS), or ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM). The eraser has a friction coefficient ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 when rubbed against a paper surface.

Overall, this patent describes a thermochromic ink writing instrument with a unique design and functionality. The combination of the helical-cam propelling mechanism, coaxial arrangement of the eraser and writing tip, and the use of a return spring and support inside the body make this instrument stand out in the market.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.