Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
230 words
A marking instrument comprising: (A) a core unit comprising a coloring substance; and (B) a plurality of cartridges, each comprising: (i) a tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end; (ii) a tubular projection formed integrally and coaxially with said first end of said tubular body, said tubular projection having a first insertion hole defined therethrough coaxially with said tubular projection and tubular body, said tubular body having a second insertion hole defined therethrough at said second end of said tubular body, said core unit being insertable into said first insertion hole and tightly retained therein; (iii) at least one engagement projection formed parallel to said longitudinal axis of said tubular body and extending axially along nearly the total length of said tubular body, said engagement projection widening outward from said tubular body; and (iv) at least one engagement recess, formed parallel to said longitudinal axis of said tubular body and extending nearly the total length of said tubular body, said engagement recess widening from the outer surface of said tubular body inward, wherein a plurality of said cartridges can be fitted and coupled together in a longitudinal direction by fitting said tubular projection of one cartridge to the second insertion hole of another cartridge, and laterally by slidably engaging the engagement projection of a cartridge with the engagement recess of a parallel cartridge.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
230 words
A marking instrument comprising: (A) a core unit comprising a coloring substance; and (B) a plurality of cartridges, each comprising: (i) a tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end; (ii) a tubular projection formed integrally and coaxially with said first end of said tubular body, said tubular projection having a first insertion hole defined therethrough coaxially with said tubular projection and tubular body, said tubular body having a second insertion hole defined therethrough at said second end of said tubular body, said core unit being insertable into said first insertion hole and tightly retained therein; (iii) at least one engagement projection formed parallel to said longitudinal axis of said tubular body and extending axially along nearly the total length of said tubular body, said engagement projection widening outward from said tubular body; and (iv) at least one engagement recess, formed parallel to said longitudinal axis of said tubular body and extending nearly the total length of said tubular body, said engagement recess widening from the outer surface of said tubular body inward, wherein a plurality of said cartridges can be fitted and coupled together in a longitudinal direction by fitting said tubular projection of one cartridge to the second insertion hole of another cartridge, and laterally by slidably engaging the engagement projection of a cartridge with the engagement recess of a parallel cartridge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The marking instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein said core unit consists of a coloring substance having a tip and a butt, said butt being sized to be tightly but removably received in said first insertion hole such that said tip projects outward from said first insertion hole.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
The marking instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said core unit comprises: (A) a core holder; and (B) a core consisting of a coloring substance, wherein said core has a tip and a butt, said butt being tightly held in said core holder, said core holder sized to be removably receivable in said first insertion hole such that said tip projects outward from said first insertion hole.