SELF-SEALING RETRACTABLE WRITING UTENSIL

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a retractable writing utensil for preventing a writing liquid from evaporating from a writing lead under the condition that the writing lead is in a retracted state. SOLUTION: This retractable writing utensil is equipped with a front barrel having a front opening, through which the writing lead is retracted and extended. Within the front barrel adjacent to the front opening, a filling member, which seals the writing lead from outside air under the condition that the writing lead is retracted, is arranged. A plunger for retracting and extending the writing lead projects beyond the rear end of a rear barrel. The filling member is equipped with a first end and a second end. By opening the first end, the writing lead is projected beyond the first end. In order to open the first end, the first end is equipped with a lip having slits. The second end has an internal shape so as to seal the second end of the filling member. Further, the second end allows the axial retraction and extension of the apex part of the filling member by following with the action of the plunger. Under the retracted state, the writing lead locates between the first end and the the second end, resulting in sealing the writing lead from outside air and a cap is made unnecessary. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI