초록

An automatically retracting chalk line dispenser having a first and second casing elements, chalk line, reel, coil spring, and thumb-lever. The thumb-lever operates as a brake thereby allowing for either controlled retraction or an effective lock on the chalk line.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A chalk dispenser comprising:a. a first casing element, said first casing element having a first cutout and a post;b. a second casing element opposite of said first casing element, said second casing element having a second cutout;c. said first casing element and said second casing element being

1. A chalk dispenser comprising:a. a first casing element, said first casing element having a first cutout and a post;b. a second casing element opposite of said first casing element, said second casing element having a second cutout;c. said first casing element and said second casing element being adapted to fit together to form a chalk reservoir and said first cutout and said second cutout forming an aperture;d. a coil spring having a first end and a second end, said coil spring mounted to said first casing element and said first end operatively connected to said post;e. a reel rotatably mounted to said second casing element;f. a driving connection operatively connecting said second end of said coil spring and said reel;g. a chalk line generally wrapped about said reel;h. at least a portion of said chalk line being located within said aperture; andj. a thumb-lever mounted to at least one of said casing elements, said thumb-lever adapted to pinch said chalk line against at least one of said casing elements at said aperture.2. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said first casing element and said second casing element are plastic.3. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said first casing element and said second casing element are metal.4. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said first casing element and said second casing element each include finger grooves.5. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said chalk reservoir includes a pointer.6. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a ring operatively mounted to said aperture.7. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a clip attached to a distal end of said chalk line.8. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a hook and spring arrangement operatively connected to said thumb-lever.9. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a rubber pad operatively connected to an end of said thumb-lever.10. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said driving connection is a square shaft.11. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said second casing element has a rib and said first casing element has a groove along its peripheral edge adapted to receive said rib.12. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a chalk filter.13. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a sliding chalk door.14. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a screw tensioner operatively connected to at least one of said casing elements.15. The chalk dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising at least one eyelet operatively connected to at least one of said casing elements.16. The chalk dispenser according to claim 15, wherein said at least one eyelet is an integral component of said first casing element.17. The chalk dispenser according to claim 15, wherein said at least one eyelet is an integral component of said second casing element.18. The chalk dispenser according to claim 15, wherein said at least one eyelet is proximate to said aperture.19. The chalk dispenser according to claim 15, further comprising at least one other eyelet operatively connected to at least one of said casing elements.20. The chalk dispenser according to claim 19, wherein said at least one eyelet and said at least one other eyelet are coaxial.21. The chalk dispenser according to claim 19, wherein said at least one eyelet and said at least one other eyelet are perpendicular to one another.22. The chalk dispenser according to claim 19, wherein said at least one eyelet and said at least one other eyelet are reinforced.23. A chalk dispenser comprising:a. a first casing element, said first casing element having a first cutout and a post;b. a second casing element opposite of said first casing element, said second casing element having a second cutout;c. said first casing element and said second casing element being adapted to fit together to form a chalk reservoir and said first cutout and said second cutout forming an aperture;d. a coil spring having a first end and a second end, said coil spring mounted to said first casing element and said first end operatively connected to said post;e. a reel rotatably mounted to said second casing element;f. a driving connection operatively connecting said second end of said coil spring and said reel;g. a chalk line generally wrapped about said reel;h. at least a portion of said chalk line being located within said aperture; andj. a chalk line brake disposed to engage said chalk line in and at least one of said casing elements at said aperture.24. The chalk dispenser according to claim 23, wherein said chalk line brake comprises a stop button.25. The chalk dispenser according to claim 23, wherein said chalk line brake comprises a thumb-lever.26. The chalk dispenser according to claim 25, further comprising a screw tensioner operatively connected to at least one of said casing elements.27. The chalk dispenser according to claim 23, further comprising at least one eyelet operatively connected to at least one of said casing elements.28. The chalk dispenser according to claim 27, further comprising at least one other eyelet operatively connected to at least one of said casing elements.29. The chalk dispenser according to claim 28, wherein said at least one eyelet and said at least one other eyelet are coaxial.30. The chalk dispenser according to claim 28, wherein said at least one eyelet and said at least one other eyelet are perpendicular to one another.31. The chalk dispenser according to claim 28, wherein said at least one eyelet and said at least one other eyelet are reinforced.32. A chalk dispenser comprising:a. a first casing element, said first casing element having a first cutout and a post;b. a second casing element opposite of said first casing element, said second casing element having a second cutout;c. said first casing element and said second casing element being adapted to fit together to form a chalk reservoir and said first cutout and said second cutout forming an aperture;d. a coil spring having a first end and a second end, said coil spring mounted to said first casing element and said first end operatively connected to said post;e. a reel rotatably mounted to said second casing element;f. a driving connection operatively connecting said second end of said coil spring and said reel;g. a chalk line generally wrapped about said reel;h. at least a portion of said chalk line being located within said aperture; andj. means for braking and clutching said chalk line against at least one of said casing elements about said aperture.33. A method of assembling a chalk dispenser, the method comprising the steps of:a. providing a first casing element having a groove, a post and at least one eyelet;b. providing a second casing element having a rib;c. attaching a hook and spring to said first casing element;d. attaching a coil spring to said post;e. rotatably mounting a reel to said second casing element;f. wrapping a chalk line generally about said reel;g. interconnecting said coil spring and said reel;h. pressing together said first casing element and said second casing element such that said rib fits within said groove; and disposing a thumb-lever on said first or said second casing element such that said thumb-lever may selectively brake retraction of said chalk line by engagement of said thumb-lever with at least one of said casing elements about said aperture.