Possibilities Bolígrafo

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Your pen is an expression of who you are. The Possibilities Ballpoint Pen from "If" shows that you are a thoughtful influencer far from being pretentious with: Understated but distinctive looks - An integrated retracting cover to protect the writing tip from drying out - Single motion activation, squeeze the grip and write - A pocket clip that closes so you won't put it away when in writing mode - Quick click-to-fit refill replacement with no disassembly needed - Durability enough to use every day, forever.

Dimensions & Packaging

Length: 150mm
Diameter: 12.7mm
Weight: 25grams
Balance: central
Refill: universal standard G2

Tags

pen, ballpoint, writing, luxury, office, stationery, gift

Production Technology

Internal components are produced from engineering grade injection molded plastics (Polycarbonate and Acetal) while the barrel is metal injection molded in either 316 stainless steel or Ti64 titanium.

Design Challenge

Selection of quality manufacturers enabled the functionality and quality from the design to be realized however this created a new challenge in the prototyping phase.

The best rapid prototyping technology available was sufficient to prove the functionality but not to reproduce the desired tight tolerances.

The upshot of this is the verification that the finished product will continue to function as intended even after years of use and abuse.

Research

Many years of experience in manufacturing, applying the principles of Lean and Continuous Improvement, have demonstrated the need to address a key set of objectives from the very beginning.

Selection of core values, business model, target market and product has been deliberately focused. Design intent has been rigorously adhered to throughout.

Careful application of the Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange and Simplify approach has helped guarantee that the outcome combines quality and affordability.

Inspiration

I have some nice pens in my collection, some sought out and some given to me as thank you gifts. They mean quite a lot to me.

Most though, have scratches, jammed mechanisms, missing parts or broken pocket clips so they have been relegated to being unused mementos rather than daily reminders of achievements, values and aspirations.

I wanted to share my dream for a unique pen, exceptional in its modern styling, function and robust quality that can be used with pride every day, forever.

Project Duration

The project, based in Adelaide South Australia, started in July 2011 and has recently reached the point of commercial readiness. It has been functionally tested and proven and is ready now to be manufactured.

Operation Flow

The unique retracting cover that prevents ink from drying out services the growing market desire for gel ink refills that need greater protection from airflow where other pens don’t.

Activation of the pen for writing is one simple intuitive step. Hold the pen as if you are writing and squeeze the grip lightly – the protective cap will retract and the pen is ready to write.

Replacement of the refill requires no disassembly of the barrel. The refill is simply held in place by inserting and pressing the tip upwards to clip into place – press down and slide out to remove it.

Patents

Registered Design No. AU 367804. 2016. Australia
The Registered Design belongs to Dave Colliver, 2016.

Image Credits

Image #1 : Creator Katie Kung, Aesthetic form, 2017
Image #2 : Creator Katie Kung, Active and inactive, 2017
Image #3 : Creator Katie Kung, Pocket clip and button, 2017
Image #4 : Creator Katie Kung, Internals, 2017
Image #5 : Photographer Dave Colliver, Refill replacement, 2017