Penholder Shaped To Receive Or Engage Hand Or Finger Patents (Class 15/443)
  • Patent number: 10503287
    Abstract: An input device, such as a stylus, can include an adjustment element that changes a size and/or shape of the stylus. The size and/or shape of a grip region or end portion of the stylus can be altered to mimic characteristics of a writing or drawing tool or to better accommodate the size of a user's hand. The size and/or shape of the stylus can also be altered to limit rolling of the stylus on a surface or to accommodate coupling to another device, such as a charger. Haptic feedback can also be provided to a user by operation of the adjustment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Paul X. Wang
  • Patent number: 10431111
    Abstract: A remedial handwriting aid. The remedial handwriting aid includes a glove. The glove includes a first connector attached to a pinky sleeve and second connector attached to a ring finger sleeve. A third connector is attached to a palm portion of the glove. The first connector and the second connector releasably attach to the third connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Justine Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10086641
    Abstract: A cognitive focus device includes a focusing element rotationally engaging a utilitarian elongated body having a predetermined purpose or usage apart from the rotating focusing element. The focusing element has a threaded bore for engaging a corresponding helical groove on the elongated body, and may include other attachments responsive to manual dexterity. The elongated body has an unobtrusive, alternative primary purpose such as a writing implement so as to appear unobtrusive and coincidental in ordinary usage contexts. The focusing element maintains a shape and color consistent with the usage context such that it is consistent with normal decorum. The elongated has a continuous, integrated structure resulting from fabrication of the helical groove onto an object having a preexisting utilitarian function, such as a pen or pencil. The resulting cognitive focus device is readily manufacturable and conforms to an environment based on the structure of the focusing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Wilfredo Vazquez
  • Patent number: 9943658
    Abstract: Provided is an applicator device for facilitating the application of liquid adhesive onto the edge of a continued positive air pressure (CPAP) mask. The device has a central shaft with a hollow interior. One of the central shaft removably secures to a storage container of skin safe adhesive. The opposing end includes two arcuate guide arms extending upwardly to form a concave inner surface adapted to accept the edge of a CPAP mask. Within the central shaft and protruding outward from the upper opening is a liquid adhesive roller ball. The ball is the primary application surface for conveying adhesive onto the CPAP mask edge. In use the applicator is secured to the opening of an adhesive storage container and the assembly is then inverted onto the edge of a CPAP mask to apply liquid adhesive thereto, improving the seal between the mask edge and a user's face when deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Melinda Baker
  • Patent number: 9723910
    Abstract: An attachment to a mobile device, allowing a user to grasp and use the device. The attachment may include three concentric, interlocking rings. An outer ring adhered to a backing plate may be affixed to a surface of a device, such as a rear surface of a cell phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant, calculator, MP3 player, iPod, iPad, tablet computer or other mobile device. An inner ring attaches to a middle ring via a hinge mount. The grasping device may resemble a ring for a finger of a user, by which a user grasps the attachment and thus the mobile device. The inner and outer rings may be connected and interlocked by a mating middle ring. The middle ring allows the inner ring to rotate relative to the outer ring, allowing the user to conveniently position or orient the mobile device as desired. Other shapes may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: BULLZ-I INC.
    Inventor: Eric W. Due
  • Patent number: 9610797
    Abstract: A writing instrument has a front body with an ergonomic grasping segment asymmetrical relative to a first longitudinal plane, and a rear body asymmetrical relative to a second longitudinal plane. The rear body is capable of rotating relative to the front body about a longitudinal axis corresponding to a line of intersection between the first longitudinal plane and the second longitudinal plane, between a position adapted to gripping with a right hand and a position adapted to gripping with a left hand. The present invention also relates to a method of using this writing instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventor: David Boisdevesys
  • Patent number: 9522562
    Abstract: The pen holder includes a first, second and third cover portions, a connecting part and a fixing unit. The first, second and third cover portions are respectively inserted into a thumb, a forefinger and a middle finger. The connecting part connects the first, second and third cover portions. A first end of the connecting part is fixed to one of the first, second and third cover portions. A force is applied to a second end of the connecting part such that the first, second and third cover portions are closed to each other. A fixing unit fixes to the second end of the connecting part and applies the force to the connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Kyu Jin Cho, Byung Chul Kim, Dae Young Lee
  • Patent number: 9505259
    Abstract: A grip used with a hand-held tool that includes a top, a bottom, a right side, a left side, a rear side, a right finger guide and a left finger guide. The right finger guide can be formed on the right side of the grip and the left finger guide can be formed on the left side of the grip so that the right finger guide and the left finger guide are adjacent to one another thereby forming a pinch grasp area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Asher B. Provda, Alexander S. Provda
  • Patent number: 9493027
    Abstract: An adapter for attaching a writing instrument or other similar instrument to a person's hand. In one embodiment, the configuration of the adapter allows the writing instrument to be attached to either the thumb or index fin er in such a was that, when the writing instrument is not in use, the writer can still use the hand for office tasks, such as typing on a standard keyboard or using a mouse, without interference from the writing instrument. When the user is ready to use the writing instrument, the writing instrument will move to its original position. Meanwhile, the writing instrument remains handy so that the user does not have to waste time looking for a writing instrument when he or she is ready to resume handwriting or drawing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: John Pauk Sutton
  • Publication number: 20140130298
    Abstract: A polymer based sleeve made of one or several elements is used to sheath a pen or pencil and is receptive to inks in order to allow individualized artwork to be placed over the pen or pencil. In addition, the sleeve material can be made of an open, or closed cell elastomer foam for comfortable handling, and increased grip. The invention is tubular in it's inner diameter and can present a varied geometry in the cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Gene Vassel, Rockville Center N.Y.
    Inventor: Eugene Barry Vassel
  • Patent number: 8156610
    Abstract: A writing assist device includes a hand-receiving body having an exterior surface with a convex contour for ergonomically receiving the palm and/or fingers of the hand of a user from underneath and a base adapted to easily move by pushing or pulling on a writing surface to allow writing by the user. The body includes an inclined channel for receiving a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, and a securing element to releasably secure the writing instrument at an inclined angle in the channel. The channel is disposed on the body such that the thumb and index finger of the user lie on opposite sides of the channel during writing in manner that generally resembles the natural gripping of a pen or pencil between the thumb and index finger of an able-bodied person to impart a more natural feeling of writing control. A removable, stretchable cover can be placed on the exterior surface of the body for the comfort of the user before the user places his/her hand on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Kara McKenzie, Craig Miller, Stacey Mosley, Jonathan Saathoff
  • Patent number: 7934288
    Abstract: An eraser for use in erasing markings on boards, such as chalk boards and white boards, is provided. The eraser comprises a form-fitted finger element made from a knitted or felted fabric. The finger element consists of a tubular member that defines a longitudinally extending finger passage. The tubular member has one open end and one closed end. The open end is sized such that the finger of the eraser user is insertable through the open end, so that at least a portion of the finger is received within the finger element passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Danielle Waldman
  • Publication number: 20110064510
    Abstract: Hand-held device that accommodates an instrument, preferably a writing instrument. In certain embodiments, the device is a unitary elongated member that is shaped and configured to receive an instrument such as a pen or pencil, thereby defining a holder and instrument assembly. It has a curvilinear generally central portion which is shaped and positioned to rest against the hand of the user between the index finger and thumb. A plurality of bores receive the instrument and secure it in place to create a unitary assembly that allows the user to readily and easily control the instrument. The instrument is readily removable from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Concord Scientific Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Shultz
  • Patent number: 7794163
    Abstract: A writing implement holding device includes at least one finger receptacle configured to receive a finger of a user and a fastening element attached to the at least one finger receptacle. The fastening element is configured to be removably secured to a writing implement, such as a pen or pencil or the like. The at least one finger receptacle includes side wall portions and an open insert end. The insert end is configured to enable a user to insert at least one finger into the at least one finger receptacle such that the side wall portions surround a segment of the inserted finger or fingers. The finger receptacle may be generally parallel to or generally along the writing implement, such that when the finger of a user is inserted into the finger receptacle, the finger may also be generally parallel to or generally along the writing implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Writing C.L.A.W., Inc.
    Inventors: Chester L. Bush, III, Brian J. Schroder
  • Patent number: 7722271
    Abstract: A finger attachable writing apparatus includes a housing with a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. The housing has a first end and a second end. A conduit is coupled to and is angled downwardly from the bottom wall. An aperture extends into a free end of the conduit and into an interior of the housing. A finger engaging member is attached to the housing and is configured to releasably attach the housing to a finger. An ink dispensing assembly is mounted in the housing. The ink dispensing assembly is positionable in a deployed position extending outwardly of the conduit or in a stored position. The ink dispensing assembly is configured to dispense ink from the conduit when in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory L. Harvin
  • Patent number: 7635231
    Abstract: A writing assistance device including a hand support and at least one writing instrument holder. The hand support includes a base member adapted for contacting a surface upon which a user intends to write, and an upper member movably connected to the base member. The upper member is preferably dimensioned to accommodate a substantial portion of a user's hand and the writing assistance device is designed such that manipulation of the device is accomplished, in part, by downward force generated by the weight of a user's hand and forearm on the hand support rather than gripping of the hand support. The device includes resilient biasing structure to achieve effective separation of the upper member from the base member in order to raise a writing instrument when a user lifts his or her hand (or causes his or her hand to be lifted) from the upper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventors: Caitlin Elizabeth Terry, Ronald M. Mills
  • Publication number: 20090060621
    Abstract: An ergonomic pen having a convex device for index finger exerting force thereon is disclosed. The ergonomic pen includes a first indentation proximate a tip thereof; a second indentation besides the first indentation; and an elongate member between the first and second indentations, the elongate member having a convex top surface, wherein the first indentation is adapted to be urged by the muscle opposing the finger nail of the thumb, the second indentation is adapted to be urged by the muscle opposing the finger nail of the index finger, and the elongate member is adapted to be urged by the muscle opposing the finger nail of the middle finger respectively with the wrist being disposed in a relatively relaxed position in writing. The invention can effect an easy, labor saving writing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Wen-Bing Cheng
  • Patent number: 7128484
    Abstract: A gripping aid to be mounted on a hand-held instrument, is provided that assures a dynamic tripod grasp. The gripping aid beneficially includes generally arched, oppositely extending thumb wrap-preventing rims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Pathways for Learnung Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Toni M. Schulken
  • Patent number: 6908245
    Abstract: A gripping aid to be mounted on a hand-held instrument, is provided that assures a dynamic tripod grasp. The gripping aid beneficially includes oppositely extending thumb wrap-preventing rims, lesser rims each of which is spaced from the respective thumb wrap-preventing rim, and a longitudinally extending saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Pathways for Learning Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Toni M. Schulken
  • Patent number: 6895639
    Abstract: A utensil grip system is made from a strip of material defined by a first longitudinal portion terminating in a first free end, a second longitudinal portion terminating in a second free end, and a join region positioned between and coupled to each of the first and second longitudinal portions. The first longitudinal portion is shaped to define a first adjustable-size ring while the second longitudinal portion is shaped to define a second adjustable-size ring. The join region is shaped to offset the first adjustable-size ring with respect to the second adjustable-size ring. The grip region of a utensil is fixedly coupled to the join region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Dining With Dignity, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Bayton
  • Patent number: 6837637
    Abstract: A wood-encased pencil for writing, sketching, drawing, and cosmetic purposes includes grip surfaces or grip nubs projecting from at least one surface thereof as handling raised structures. The structures are of a plastic material and are applied in the form of an initially flowable preparation which includes at least one plastic and that later solidifies to give the raised structures. In a first variant, the preparation is anhydrous and is of a radiation-curable plastic. In a second variant, the preparation is, likewise, anhydrous, but its solidification is based on physical drying. For such a purpose, the preparation is of an organic solvent as well as a plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Faber-Castell AG
    Inventors: Udo Beck, Gerhard Lugert, Walter Oetter
  • Patent number: 6802665
    Abstract: A device for coupling writing utensils includes a first engagement member comprising an exterior wall and an interior wall defining a channel capable of receiving a first writing utensil; and a second engagement member including an exterior wall and an interior wall defining a channel capable of receiving a second writing utensil; wherein a portion of the first engagement member is tangentially connected to the second engagement member. The axis of the first engagement member is offset at a selected angle from the axis of the second engagement member, so as to form a generally X-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Alman Brown
  • Publication number: 20040064913
    Abstract: A deformable grip is provided for a manual implement such as a writing implement or a hair brush handle or the like, wherein the grip resiliently conforms to individualized anatomical contours and preferences thereby providing enhanced user comfort with reduced fatigue. The deformable grip includes a resilient transparent outer sleeve mounted for manual grasping during normal implement use, wherein this outer sleeve encloses at least one internal cavity containing a substantially transparent fluid filler material to provide the outer sleeve with a deformable tactile feel. At least one solid or non-fluid body such as a ball or the like is carried within the internal cavity substantially in suspension within the fluid filler material. This non-fluid body is externally visible through the transparent outer sleeve, and movably displaces in response to manual grasping of the implement to visually indicate and confirm shape deformation of the grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Boyd I. Willat
  • Patent number: 6705788
    Abstract: A hand support and writing, drawing or painting instrument holder adapted to fit the hand of the user including a main body adapted to fit between the index and middle fingers and a laterally extending thumb support member for supporting the thumb of the user. A concave groove at the upper edge of the laterally extending thumb support accepts the interior of the fore finger and sleeves made from a soft material surrounds the writing, drawing or painting instrument to assure comfort to the user. The writing, drawing or painting instrument fits through a central passage in the main body and is rigidly supported therein to hold the hand spatially away from the writing surface. The movement of the arm provides the writing motion and no pinching pressure of the thumb and fingers are required. A concave groove at the bottom edge of the laterally extending thumb support is provided so that the instrument can be used by either a right or left handed person merely by inverting the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Laura J. Gadberry
  • Patent number: 6488426
    Abstract: A writing instrument is provided including a gripping section arranged along a portion of the writing instrument normally used for gripping and a writing tip extending from the gripping section. The gripping section may be provided on a replaceable cartridge element which is inserted into a cartridge-receiving cavity in the writing instrument body. A soft, resiliently deformable gripping member is provided on the gripping section and is preferably tubular in shape. The gripping member includes a smooth surface which may include a slightly elevated or raised pattern. The elevated pattern may comprise a plurality of interconnected parts so as to form a continuous lattice or pattern such as hexagons. The pattern is preferably continuous over the entire smooth surface. The elevated pattern is resiliently compressible with respect to the smooth surface so that a user's fingers may deform the elevated pattern to provide additional traction during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon Perry, Marc W. Lovejoy, Craig M. Stevens, Roger F. Lockshier
  • Patent number: 6471433
    Abstract: A pen having a 3-dimensional pattern has at least one flexible strip. The flexible strip is sandwiched between a pattern ring and a liner ring with the 3-dimensional pattern partially protruding out of the pattern ring from a corresponding through hole. The liner ring abuts a bottom end of a connecting ring. The connecting ring is formed with an annular flange on its outer surface. The pattern ring abuts the annular flange to enclose the liner ring. A top end of the connecting ring is clamped onto a barrel of the pen, and a bottom end of the liner ring is threadingly connected to a tip of the pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Ding Area Enterprice Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Huang Lee
  • Patent number: 6447190
    Abstract: A grip adapted for attachment to a writing implement includes a longitudinally extending tubular shell having an inner surface and an outer surface. The grip further includes a viscoelastic hand/finger surface formed about the outer surface of the tubular shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Kwitek
  • Patent number: 6328494
    Abstract: A tool holder or writing instrument is provided which includes a formable modeling compound material positioned around a flexible rod or tube which in a preferred embodiment is capable of holding an ink or other writing substance. The material is capable of conforming to the fingers and grip orientation of a user of the writing instrument to provide a comfortable, ergonomically correct writing instrument. Additionally, a portion of this writing instrument (e.g., the flexible tube) may be wrapped around at least one digit of the user's writing hand, e.g. the index finger, to provide additional support and comfort. One end of the tube can include means for removably attaching various hand tools such as scribes, knives, electrical contacts or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Pengineering, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Moxon
  • Patent number: 6237194
    Abstract: A device for assisting a physically handicapped person to perform tasks that are managed by the use of a hand of the handicapped person is disclosed. The device has first and second finger rings that allows a device to be easily manipulated during the control of the task being performed by the handicapped person. Also disclosed is a storage container that makes use for the quick-disconnect mechanism of the device allowing for easy accessibility of the device by the physically handicapped person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Allen Duane Williams
  • Patent number: 6164855
    Abstract: A writing instrument is provided including a cartridge carrying a writing or highlighting medium, and a writing tip exposed at one end of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a reduced cross-section which forms an annular recessed and tapered cavity. A gripping member is received in the cavity and is preferably tubular in shape and is tapered to follow the tapered contour of the cartridge. The gripping member includes a smooth surface which may include a slightly elevated or raised pattern. The elevated pattern may comprise a plurality of interconnected parts so as to form a continuous lattice or pattern such as hexagons. The pattern is preferably continuous over the entire smooth surface. The elevated pattern is resiliently compressible with respect to the smooth surface so that a user's fingers may deform the elevated pattern to provide additional traction during use. The writing instrument may also include a vented cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon Perry, Marc W. Lovejoy, Craig M. Stevens
  • Patent number: 6146038
    Abstract: A hand instrument with variable grip arrangement has an instrument body of the type to be held between the fingers of the hand for use, the body having an active end and an opposite end. A resilient material forms a grip around the body near the active end. Radial expansion beams are under the grip for bending radially outwardly for expanding the grip into an expanded ergonomic position and for resiliently returning to a straightened condition for contracting the grip into a contracted storage position. Cams or threads or other mechanisms engage the beams for moving them between the expanded and the contracted positions with rotation of a part of the instrument body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: A.T.X. International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Mittersinker, Richard D'Amico, Mitchell Seamans, Donald Santos, Ralph Graves
  • Patent number: 6019533
    Abstract: A sleeve is provided for attachment to a device to provide added comfort when gripping the device. The sleeve is constructed from a rubberized silicone and is extruded in its manufacture. The sleeve is formed with a substantially uniform outer diameter dimension and an inner diameter that varies between a first smaller diameter and a larger diameter. The diameters of the inside of the sleeve alternate around a periphery of the sleeve forming fingers. As a result, pressure applied to the exterior of the sleeve forms the sleeve to give or release, hence providing additional gripping comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Eversharp Pen Co.
    Inventor: Paul A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5997200
    Abstract: A barrel for an implement adapted to be gripped by user's fingers in use, comprises a substantially cylindrical body having a finger gripping area and an outer circumferential recess portion provided around the finger gripping area, an elastic finger gripping member mounted within the circumferential recess portion of the cylindrical body, the finger gripping member having a body of a substantially tubular shape, and a cooperating device for facilitating secure fitting of the finger gripping member within the recess portion of the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kotobuki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehei Kageyama, Yoshihide Mitsuya
  • Patent number: 5971642
    Abstract: A writing instrument with a finger retainer has a short-barreled writing instrument permanently mounted onto a finger retainer. The short-barreled writing instrument has opposing concave sides conforming to the wearer's fingers and a shoulder for the wearer to press against while writing. The short-barreled writing instrument has a flange permanently mounted onto a finger retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Northstar, LP
    Inventors: John O'Mara, Ralph Lagergren
  • Patent number: 5970581
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping device for a hand held article. The gripping device has an encasement assembly for fitting on a hand grip portion of the article. The encasement assembly contains a controllable fluid, such as magnetorheological and electrorheological fluids. The gripping device also has an activating assembly for selectively applying a field to the controllable fluid to change its Theological behavior, e.g., increasing its viscosity. Thus, the controllable fluid can maintain the shape of the encasement assembly until the activating assembly withdraws the applied field therefrom. The present invention further relates to a manual implement that has the above gripping device fitted thereon and a method for using a manual implement having the above gripping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Chadwick, Michael T. Nowak
  • Patent number: 5954444
    Abstract: A dynamic feather ink pen enables a user to enjoy all the benefits of the historic form of writing without the disadvantages. The pen includes a grip having an opening extending longitudinally through the grip. A feather having a stem extends through the grip and engages a nib. The stem is slidably engaged within the grip. A portion of the nib is frictionally positioned within the grip, and includes a tip for engaging a writing surface. The stem, the nib and the grip form a reservoir into which an ink filament is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth C Albright
  • Patent number: 5722575
    Abstract: A grip-assisting accessory is provided which aids a person in holding and manipulating a hand-held utensil, such as a writing instrument, paintbrush, eating utensil, or toothbrush. The accessory includes a sleeve which fits snugly over the item to be gripped, such as a pen barrel or paintbrush handle. A strap is attached to and extends from the sleeve. The strap is wrappable around at least one finger held alongside the sleeve. The strap is securable to the sleeve to hold the item securely and comfortably to user's finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Eversharp Pen Company
    Inventor: Paul Arthur Smith
  • Patent number: 5662423
    Abstract: A proper writing grip may be achieved by utilizing a conic shaped gripping aid which is slidably positioned along the barrel of a writing implement and comprises a finger retaining strap upon its lower surface. The gripping aid is durable due to the one piece design, economical to produce, easy to use and has no sharp edges or rigid members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Deitra G. Walden
  • Patent number: 5626430
    Abstract: A held writing instrument holder for persons with or without physical disabilities. A central bore with several flat slits enables insertion of instruments of varying shapes. One version has an hour glass-shaped body with a truncated periphery forming a gripping surface with a curved concave surface portion enabling a variety of grips to accommodate the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Carl Bistrack
  • Patent number: 5555602
    Abstract: An eraser device has an elongated cylindrical finger grip section with an internal bore defined therethrough. An internal conical bore section is aligned with the internal bore so that the device can be slid or fitted onto the writing end of a writing instrument. At least one eraser arm extends radially outward from the finger grip section and angled forward towards the front end of the device. An eraser is configured at the end of the eraser arm so that an operator can use the eraser by merely tilting and rotating the finger grip section to bring the eraser arm and eraser into contact with a writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: William T. Leamond
  • Patent number: 5542588
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a writing implement holder, which includes a lightweight strap loosely wrapped around the user's wrist. The strap can be loosely wrapped around the user's palm because of a rigid extension connected to the strap. The right extension wraps around a portion between the user's thumb and wrist, and provides stability and support to the entire writing implement holder. Simple slots are placed in the flexible strap for accommodating a writing implement at any of a number of different orientations and positions. Thus, the writing implement holder of the present invention reduces discomfort and perspiration by providing a lightweight and loose-fitting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: John P. C. Sison
  • Patent number: 5470162
    Abstract: A hand-held implement which is sufficiently small so that it does not extend beyond the hand of the user and has forward and side surfaces which are oriented so that the implement in use extends in a direction which is no further toward the thumb of the user than the index finger of the user. The forward and side surfaces can be provided with concave contours which engage the thumb and fingers of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Burton S. Rubin
  • Patent number: 5468083
    Abstract: A writing instrument hand grip to facilitate gripping ease and comfort and to improve handwriting for people with a hand and finger dexterity disability. A pyramidal tetrahedron has a writing material detachably mounted to one or more of its apexes. Its faces may be concavely contoured and provided with friction enhancing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: David M. Chesar
  • Patent number: 5391010
    Abstract: A writing device capable of increasing the rate of writing, and reducing fatigue in case of prolonged writing. The device facilitates the handwriting process for sufferers from arthritis, invalid persons deprived of some fingers, students, computer users, pressman, and children. The device includes a ring that is an extension to a body and is made integral therewith. The hole of the ring is elliptical in shape, and the body line interconnecting the tip of a writing element and the nearest point on the ellipse intersects the major axis thereof at that point. A complete elimination of static tensioning of the fingers holding the pen is attained. A counterweight located on the ring on the side opposite to the writing element is provided to maintain the center of gravity at the point of support of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Alexci E. Gorbunov
  • Patent number: 5314260
    Abstract: A finger pen is provided which may be removably attached to a finger such that the pen is held in a prone position by which is meant that the pen is held in place with the palm of the hand turned downward facing the surface which is to be written upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Jan Andersson
  • Patent number: 5310345
    Abstract: A writing aid for both left- and right-handed persons, and especially intended for young children, includes a central section having a first side and a second opposite side and means which receives and holds an elongated writing instrument between the first and second sides. A first sleeve is attached to the first side of the central section defining a finger-receiving first pocket and a second sleeve is attached to the second side of the central section defining a finger-receiving second pocket. The sleeves and associated pockets are configured and dimensioned and angularly offset with respect to one another in such a manner that the user's thumb may be inserted into one of the finger-receiving pockets and the user's index finger may be inserted into the other of the finger-receiving pockets so that they are oriented for holding a writing instrument received and held in the central section in proper writing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Joshua Gershon
  • Patent number: 5143463
    Abstract: A writing aid is provided which facilitates the correct positioning of the hand of the user on a writing instrument and insures a relaxed, stress-free grip during the writing process. The writing aid comprises a small, generally pear-shaped body with a cylindrical hole running through the length thereof for insertion of the writing instrument, with the smaller end of the aid intended to be nearer the writing tip of the instrument. In a preferred embodiment the smaller end of the writing aid has a flat, truncated end surface. The larger end of the writing grip is bulbous and supports the first knuckle of the thumb and index finger to hold the fingers in extended position. First, second, and third concave depressions lie on lateral portions of the body, near the smaller end, spaced roughly 120 degrees apart, and are grasped by the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, respectfully, of a right-handed writer or the index finger, thumb, and middle finger, respectively, of a left-handed writer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventors: Richard L. Pozil, Lois J. Provda
  • Patent number: 4738556
    Abstract: A finger-mounted ball point pen utilizes a padded tray that passes along the ventral side of the index finger, with a padded tip, and a Velcro tm strap which secures the end of the index finger to the tray. Once secured to the index finger, the user can write in a normal fashion with little or no support from the other fingers or the thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: James Brown
  • Patent number: 4602885
    Abstract: A cuff for assisting a person with poor prehensile ability in holding an implement. The cuff can be made as a flat member having a base plate with a forward extension, and side members extending in opposite directions. The side members are bendable to be formed around the hand of the user. One spring is located adjacent to the base plate between the thumb and the forefinger, and another spring is located generally above the first spring. A pencil or other implement is held between the springs and the cuff for use by the person, the implement being positioned rather naturally for easy use. The forward extension from the base plate supports fingers to prevent flaccid fingers from being uncontrolled during operation of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Inventors: Steven S. Bischoff, Karen T. Bischoff
  • Patent number: 4165896
    Abstract: An instrument holder for use on a disabled hand including a band being adapted to encircle the hand, the band having an instrument holding device adapted to support an instrument so as to extend from the holding device adjacent the forefinger, a latch within the holding device to removably secure an instrument therein, and expansible structure forming a part of the band to permit the band size to be varied according to the size of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1979
    Inventor: Alvin W. Hunt