WRITING AID DEVICE AND METHOD
A writing aid device (1) that promotes proper hand positioning and writing utensil (5) holding having a spacer (2) located between first and second finger-grasping holders (3) and (4). The spacer (2) is preferably round in cross-section, but may also be of varying shapes. An alternate embodiment of the writing aid device includes a writing utensil holding element (13) located on the spacer (2). To use the present invention, a person first positions the first holder (3) against an index finger proximal phalange (8) so as to cup the index finger proximal phalange (8). Then, the person positions the second holder (4) against a thumb proximal phalange (9) so as to cup the thumb finger proximal phalange (9). The person then pinches a portion of a writing utensil (5) between an index finger distal phalange (11) and a thumb distal phalange (12) and rests a portion of the writing utensil (5) on the spacer (2). The person then places a writing utensil tip (10) on a writing surface (16) and begins writing or drawing. Optional flanges (21) on tips of the finger holders (3) and (4) provide easier insertion and a more snug fit for a user's fingers.
This invention relates to writing aid devices, more particularly, a writing aid device having a finger-grasping holder located on either side of a spacer so as to promote proper hand positioning and holding of a writing utensil.
Learning how to hold and use a writing utensil, such as a pencil, pen, crayon, marker, etc., is a lesson taught to individuals at an early age. The hand must be positioned on the writing utensil at an ideal location and the hand must form a proper grip to hold the writing utensil. The key to achieving proper manipulation of a writing utensil lies in achieving a proper grip on the writing utensil so as to promote proper movement of the writing utensil via the fingers, rather than via the wrist. Once a writing utensil holding grip is taught and established in a person, it is very difficult to change the grip. Thus, it is important to learn how to properly grip and hold a writing utensil from a very early age.
Oftentimes, however, individuals use improper utensil holding grips, despite a parent or teacher's best efforts to teach proper writing utensil holding. With the advent and ever-increasing popularity of video games, a large factor in a person's inability to properly hold a writing utensil is lack of hand strength as the person will play video games for an extended amount of time as the palm is positioned in an upward position, also referred to as supination, which is an inherently unnatural position for one's hand, thereby thwarting the development of the hand muscles, especially the adductor pollicis, flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis muscles, which results in an inability for a person to hold a writing utensil in a proper position.
In addition, disabled individuals may also have difficulty with properly holding a writing utensil due to various reasons, one of which may include lack of hand muscle development.
Thus, a need exists for a writing aid device and method that promotes proper hand positioning and holding of a writing utensil.
The relevant prior art includes the following references:
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a writing aid device that promotes proper hand positioning and holding of a writing utensil.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a writing aid device that is comfortable to use.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a writing aid device that is easy to use.
The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a writing aid device having a spacer located between a first and second finger-grasping holder, preferably a substantially C-shaped holder. The spacer is preferably round in cross-section, but may also be of varying shapes. An alternate embodiment of the writing aid device includes a writing utensil holding element located on the spacer.
To use the present invention, a person first positions the first holder against an index finger proximal phalange so as to cup the index finger proximal phalange. Then, the person positions the second holder against a thumb proximal phalange so as to cup the thumb finger proximal phalange. The person then holds or pinches a portion of a writing utensil between an index finger distal phalange and a thumb distal phalange and rests a portion of the writing utensil on the spacer. The person then places a tip of the writing utensil on a writing surface and begins writing or drawing.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:
With reference to
Because the spacer 2 positions the index finger 6 and thumb 7 a predetermined distance away from one another and forces the person to grip the writing utensil 5 with his/her index finger distal phalange 11 and thumb distal phalange 12, the person is forced to maintain proper writing utensil hand positioning and writing utensil holding.
In
In
Next,
Next,
With respect to
Finally,
The use of the present invention promotes proper hand positioning and holding of a writing utensil.
It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.
Claims
1. A writing aid device comprising:
- a spacer having a cross-section of a predetermined shape;
- said spacer having a first end and a second end;
- a first finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer first end; and
- a second finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer second end.
2. The writing aid device of claim 1 wherein:
- said first finger-grasping holder is substantially C-shaped; and
- said second finger-grasping holder is substantially C-shaped.
3. The writing aid device of claim 1 wherein:
- said spacer cross-section predetermined shape is substantially circular.
4. The writing aid device of claim 1 wherein:
- said spacer cross-section predetermined shape is substantially square.
5. The writing aid device of claim 1 wherein:
- said spacer cross-section predetermined shape is substantially triangular.
6. The writing aid device of claim 1 further comprising:
- at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.
7. The writing aid device of claim 2 further comprising:
- at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.
8. The writing aid device of claim 3 further comprising:
- at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.
8. The writing aid device of claim 4 further comprising:
- at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.
9. The writing aid device of claim 5 further comprising:
- at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.
10. The writing aid device of claim 6 wherein:
- said at least writing one utensil holding element is substantially U-shaped.
11. The writing aid device of claim 7 wherein:
- said at least one writing utensil holding element is substantially U-shaped.
12. The writing aid device of claim 8 wherein:
- said at least one writing utensil holding element is substantially U-shaped.
13. The writing aid device of claim 9 wherein:
- said at least one writing utensil holding element is substantially U-shaped.
14. The writing aid device of claim 6 wherein:
- said at least one writing utensil holding element is at least one strap.
15. The writing aid device of claim 7 wherein:
- said at least one writing utensil holding element is at least one strap.
16. The writing aid device of claim 8 wherein:
- said at least one writing utensil holding element is at least one strap.
17. The writing aid device of claim 9 wherein:
- said at least one writing utensil holding element is at least one strap.
18. A writing aid device comprising:
- a spacer having a cross-section of a predetermined shape;
- said spacer having a first end and a second end wherein said spacer cross-section predetermined shape is substantially circular;
- a first finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer first end; and
- a second finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer second end.
19. The writing aid device of claim 18 further comprising:
- at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.
20. The writing aid device of claim 1 wherein:
- at least one indentation is located on said spacer.
21. The writing aid device of claim 1 wherein:
- said spacer has an inner spacer and an outer spacer wherein said outer spacer is slidably extendable over said inner spacer.
22. The writing aid device of claim 1 further comprising:
- at least one flange located on said first finger-grasping holder; and
- at least one flange located on said second finger-grasping holder.
23. A method for teaching proper writing utensil holding using a writing aid device comprising a spacer having a cross-section of a predetermined shape; said spacer having a first end and a second end; a first finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer first end; and a second finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer second end, said method comprising the steps of:
- a. positioning said first finger-grasping holder against an index finger proximal phalange so as to cup the index finger proximal phalange;
- b. positioning said second finger-grasping holder against a thumb proximal phalange so as to cup the thumb finger proximal phalange;
- c. pinching a portion of a writing utensil between an index finger distal phalange and a thumb distal phalange;
- d. resting a portion of said writing utensil on said spacer;
- e. placing a tip of said writing utensil on a writing surface; and
- f. moving said writing utensil tip on said writing surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 27, 2007
Publication Date: Aug 28, 2008
Inventor: William H. Harris (Ocoee, FL)
Application Number: 11/679,370
International Classification: A46B 5/04 (20060101); A46B 5/02 (20060101);