Abstract: A ballpoint pen which does not require use of a separate cap member is constituted in the form of a linkage of four levers which form a holder. At least one of the four levers is formed to be hollow so as to receive a writing element therein; and the front portion of said writing element projects out of the end of one part of a given connected piece of one of four connecting bodies firmly fitted into an opening portion of each end of the four levers. A concave portion is provided in a second part of the given connected piece for receiving the front portion of said writing element when the ballpoint pen is in closed pen condition. The tip of each lever is joined to the tip of an adjacent lever by a hinge element.

Abstract: A flat flexible ballpoint pen is formed from two foil strips which are bonded together along their peripheries except for one end through which the writing cartridge is inserted. A case also formed from flexible strips in a similar manner can accommodate the body carrying the cartridge.

Abstract: A solid personal care product is packaged in a container having a cover and handle, with the personal care product being attached to a gripping plate on the cover for removal from the container with the cover. The gripping plate preferably includes a porous member which is impregnated with a portion of the solid product to firmly grip the solid product for removal with the cover.

Abstract: A powered painting system includes a motor driven paint pump controlled by a radio signal receiver associated with it. A radio frequency transmitter mounts to the wrist of the painter, and a small clip with a button-operated switch thereon is provided for mounting to the finger of the painter, with the button readily accessible to the thumb of the painter. Upon operation of the button by the thumb, the transmitter sends a signal to the receiver which turns the pump on. Upon subsequent operation of the button, the transmitter sends a further signal which, upon receipt by the receiver, turns off the pump.

Abstract: A solid deodorant dispensing package that includes a container, a solid deodorant holding cup which is moveable in a cavity in the container between a dispensing position in which a portion of the solid deodorant extends through an opening in the container and a storage position in which such portion of the solid deodorant is entirely contained within the container, and a closure which is hingedly attached to the holding cup and which is formed integrally therewith. In one embodiment of the invention, the closure is a generally L-shaped member which is folded back approximately 180.degree. through a partial depth opening in one of the sides of the container, to present one of the legs of such L-shaped closure member at a position where it can be readily grasped to permit the advance and the retraction of the holding cup within the cavity of the container.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for aiding in the gripping of an elongated hand held writing instrument. The device includes a body having a central bore for receiving the hand held writing instrument, and an exterior. The exterior includes a first gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's first finger; a second gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's second finger; and a third gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's third finger. At least one of the first, second and third gripping surfaces includes a surface indicia for providing a reference for placement of at least one of the user's fingers. The surface indicia comprises at least one character formed as a part of at least one of the first, second and third gripping surfaces. The character is disposed at a level different than the level of the area of the at least one surface adjacent to the character.

Abstract: A detachable shoe accessory for dispensing lure directly onto the ground for attracting animals or camouflaging one's own scent. It consists of a container from which deer lure or other scent camouflaging liquid is gradually dispensed onto an elongated, flexible, absorbent applicator, which is drug along the ground during walking activity, thereby leaving a scented trail along one's path.

Abstract: Holder for an object which is movable between two positions, with four oblong bar-shaped or cupped movable parts (10, 11, 13, 14), joined together at their respective ends to form a square by hinges (12, 16, 17, 15) having a working range of 180.degree., 90.degree. and almost 360.degree.. The object to be held (18) is fixed to that hinge (15) which allows the movable parts (13, 14) to revolve within a range of almost 360.degree. in relation to each other. Possible objects include a ball-point, a thermometer, screwdriver.

Abstract: This device enables an otherwise slippery bar of soap to be able to be gripped much easier than normally when wet or dry. The bar of soap may also be used to scrub dirt from one's body or from under nails etcetera; and if necessary the brush part may be detached. In any event the soap bar may be utilized in its entirety. The soap bar has an insert providing channels on opposite surfaces of the bar in which a scrub brush is releasably engaged.

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.

Abstract: A finger gripping device used as a removable attachment to a writing implement is formed as a one piece cylindrical body member made of flexible material. The body has an internal bore of uniform diameter so that it may be slid onto a writing implement. A plurality of circumferential ribs are axially spaced along the outside surface of the cylindrical body. The ribs are formed by closely spaced peaks and valleys.

Abstract: A lead or pen marking device comprising a body member having a substantially flat finger gripping plate at one end, and a lead or pen marking tip at the other end.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for use by a patient in developing fine, medium and gross motor arm movements. The device can be clamped to a stationary surface such as chair or desk and includes outwardly extending upper and forearm members. They are pivotably joined for movement through prescribed angles at joints partially simulating the joints of the arm. The joints each include selective resistance adjustments that enable a selective resistance to be applied at each joint according to the needs of the patient. A grip member at an outer or distal end of the forearm member is grasped or otherwise attached to the patient's hand during use. Movements of the hand and arm effect corresponding movements through the joints of the device. The device thus acts to dampen sudden movements and exercise selected muscle groups while moving in direct response to movement of the user's arm.

Abstract: A spherical ball applicator is provided to apply lotions to the human body for protection from the rays of the sun which may include an elongated body shape wherein one end of the applicator can be held to apply lotion from the other end to the more inexcessible areas of the body.

Abstract: A pen adapted to be flat, when not being used for writing, can be used as a bookmark. The pen has three panels with one of the panels being connected to each of the other panels at opposite longitudinal edges by hinges, so that all three panels lie in the same plane when the pen is unfolded. One of the panels has a hollow reservoir for storing and dispensing ink, and a pen tip for dispensing the ink extends from the hollow reservoir. A pen tip cover extends from the panel which contains the reservoir and the outer panels are adapted with interlocking means to hold the pen in a prism shape when it is folded. The reservoir may be a three sided channel adapted to hold an ordinary pen refill. Opposite ends of the foldable pen may be flat, scalloped, triangular, pointed, or arcuate as a matter of aesthetic choice.

Abstract: A dispenser for flowable material having a squeezable container formed with filling and discharge openings at opposite ends, a combination handle and closure member connectable to the filling opening, and a flexible discharge spout and second closure member being connectable selectively to the discharge opening of said container, the connections all having snap-acting co-engaging members and the discharge spout being elongated and flexible and of uniform very small diameter to control discharge of precise amounts of material directed to desired locations of use by an operator holding the dispenser pen-like in one hand.

Abstract: A method for teaching persons how to hold writing instruments properly is disclosed along with a writing aid for facilitating the method of teaching. The first step of the method is to provide a device for aiding in the gripping of the writing instrument. The device includes a body having a central bore for grippingly receiving the writing instrument, and an exterior surface. The exterior surface includes a first gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's first finger, a second gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's second finger, and a third gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's third finger. A second step in the process is to provide a surface indicia on at least one of the first, second, and third gripping surfaces. The third step of the process is to instruct the user to place the proper one of his fingers on the surface bearing the indicia.

Abstract: A semi-flexible gripping aid is provided whereby a person with a manual or digital disability, such as an arthritis victim, can grasp a large, semi-flexible body which in turn captures a thin instrument such as a knife or fork, pen or pencil, or toothbrush. The semi-flexible body in its preferred form is hinged to define two half shells which clamshell together around the handle of a knife or fork or the like, there being predefined channels along the meeting plane of the half shells in which the instrument is captured. For those having insufficient manual and digital dexterity to grip even the large body of the gripping aid, a strap is provided which passes behind the palm to secure the body to the hand, making the aid usable even though the hand is virtually totally immobilized, or is missing fingers.

Abstract: A writing prosthesis includes a base adapted to be secured to the forearm of the user and includes a transparent extending portion to which a writing implement may be mounted. The base is supported for universal movement relative to a surface to be inscribed upon.

Abstract: A pen adapted to be flat, when not being used for writing, can be used as a bookmark, when unfolded into such a flat shape. The pen has three flat panels with one of the panels being connected to each of the other panels at opposite longitudinal edges by hinges, so that all three panels lie in the same plane when the pen is unfolded. One of the panels has a hollow reservoir for storing and dispensing ink. A pen tip for dispensing the ink extends into the hollow reservoir.

Abstract: An improved scoop coater for manual application of emulsions to screens in the screen printing industry is formed inexpensively from metal extrusions and is configured to provide good handling characteristics when applying an emulsion coating. The scoop coater includes a one-piece extruded metal body having a trough-shaped portion for holding liquids and two upstanding extruded metal end walls which are attached to opposite ends of the trough-shaped portion of the body. Two legs and a handle projecting from the trough-shaped portion of the body have beads which provide improved fingerholds along their edges. Guide surfaces formed on the end walls function to keep the scoop coater at an optimal inclination toward a screen during use. An extruded metal cover is provided to cover emulsion in the trough between usages of the scoop coater.

Abstract: The crayon holder includes a hollow body telescoped with respect to a collet member having jaws at one end. The collet member at a location remote from the jaws is threaded to a cylindrical portion of the body. A sleeve is telescoped over each of said body and collet member. Cooperating structure is provided on the body and sleeve to facilitate rotation of the sleeve without moving the sleeve in a longitudinal direction. The sleeve has a tapered portion for camming said jaws inwardly. A key on the sleeve cooperates with a groove on said collet member for rotating the collet member and moving it longitudinally relative to the sleeve as the sleeve is rotated about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A soap and sponge washing device, for example, for washing the body in a shower or bath includes a container forming an envelope for a bar of soap, discrete openings through to the container interior allowing water access to the soap and the facile exiting of lather for washing purposes, and a tab-like locking strip integral with the container material for locking the soap in the container. Preferably there is a plurality of openings and preferably the tab lock is T-shape or truncated arrow-shape and is lockable into an opening in the container to block the entrance thereof.

Abstract: A ball-shaped device for use in supporting an eating utensil, such as a knife, fork or spoon, or a toothbrush, so that the device operates as an eating or oral hygiene aid for persons having arthritis or other crippling diseases or injuries of the hands. The device has a first passage through it for receiving a handle of an instrument to be held, such as an eating utensil or toothbrush. A second passage transverse to and intersecting the first passage is used to threadably receive a screw which can enter the first passage and bear against the handle of the instrument. In this way, the instrument is releasably secured to the device and the instrument can then be used in a normal fashion, such as for eating or brushing the teeth. The screw has a flat head on its outer end for easy turning of the screw even with only one finger. The device is formed from a pair of substantially hemispherical members which mate to form the spherical body of the device.

Abstract: A screw cap for a container equipped with a threaded neck is provided and the cap supports an applicator shank therefrom for limited axial shifting and rotation relative to the cap. The applicator shank is spring biased to a position of maximum extension relative to the open end of the cap and is equipped with an abutment disc for abutting the outer end of the associated container threaded neck for partially retracting the shank in response to threaded engagement of the cap with the container neck. The applicator shank is of an length to extend to the bottom of the container when the disc is abutted against the outer end of the container neck and the shank may be extended relative to the cap to a position with the abutment disc disposed slightly outwardly of the open end of the cap when the cap is disengaged from the container neck.

Abstract: An animal figure toy is constructed as a container or housing including a container portion proper and a cover or cap. The container and cover or cap form an enclosed space for holding a writing or coloring device. In another embodiment the enclosed space may hold another toy or toys, for example marbles.

Abstract: A fibrous pen for recording instruments and the like comprises an ink supply container, at least one writing tube extending therefrom and a fibrous or lamella writing nib extending through the writing tube and from the free end thereof. The writing tube comprises an outer plastic tube and an inner deformable metallic tube. The deformable metallic tube permits the writing tube to be permanently bent to precisely position the end of the writing nib at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A barrel for a ball-point pen is formed with three concave surfaces extending along the length thereof. Such a construction facilitates the firm holding of the pen barrel in an untiring manner by the thumb, forefinger and middle finger of the hand of the user. To reduce the cost of the manufacture of the pen, the ink is contained in a hole extending through the longitudinal center of the barrel.

Abstract: A plant care kit includes a plurality of elements for cleaning and waxing the leaves of household plants. The leaf cleaner includes a support member for gently supporting the leaf of a plant to be cleaned. A soft, porous cleaning element, such as a sponge or the like, is secured to one surface of the support member for engaging the bottom side of a plant leaf. A handle is mounted on the support member, opposite the cleaning member to facilitate grasping by the user and to allow the user of the device to hold the support member in one hand. The leaf cleaning device further includes a second similar cleaning member such as a sponge or the like that may be held in the other hand of the user and placed on top of the leaf to be cleaned. The leaf is sandwiched between the first and second cleaning members and drawn along the length of the leaf thereby simultaneously wiping the upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A writing instrument, particularly a technical fountain pen, has a handle with finger grips that can be adjusted to a desired position while the point is maintained in a predetermined orientation with respect to the writing surface. The finger grips permit the handle to be readily held against twisting in the hand of the user.

Abstract: An elongated hollow body member is arranged to receive a cleaning solution and has a cleaning head on the lower end thereof. The cleaning solution is arranged to be admitted to portions of the cleaning head by squeezing a flexible portion of the hollow body member. The cleaning head comprises an axial shank-like extension on the lower end of the body member and includes a soft resilient covering on one portion thereof and a brush on another portion thereof, such cleaning portions being of a diameter which allow them to be moved between the toes for cleaning such areas. The cleaning head also has a cross brush on the lower end of the axial extension for cleaning surface portions of the feet.

Abstract: A consumable rectangular package with tear-away strips and collapsible handle is a useful container/applicator for solid paints, coatings, adhesives and other dimensionally stable gel-type materials. Such applicators are advantageous in that they allow painting without conventional brushes, rollers and similar conventional implements and are readily disposable.

Abstract: A surgical scrub system used in an operating room for dispensing any selected one of a plurality of sterile liquids and applying the selected liquid to an area of the body of a patient while maintaining the sterile condition desired at that area, the scrub system including a scrub device constructed primarily of sterilizable materials and a dispensing arrangement to which the scrub device may be aseptically coupled for transfer of the selected liquid to the scrub device.

Abstract: An embossed seal marking device having a rigid, non-resilient marking member secured with a handle for rubbing the marking member on the raised portions of the embossed seal to transfer marking material to the raised portions to make the seal visible for photocopying and having a cover member for covering the marking member.

Abstract: A writing implement having a body formed by a pair of leaves each having a longitudinally extending bore therein, with the bores in the two leaves coaxial and the two leaves interengaged in the manner of a hinge, and a writing member, such as a pencil lead or ball-point pen with an ink reservoir, extending through the coaxial bores in the two members, the two leaves being relatively pivotable about the axis of the coaxial bores therein between a storage configuration in which the leaves lie substantially in the same plane and a writing configuration in which the planes of the two leaves are at an acute angle to one another. The writing member is preferably secured to an axially movable plunger in the coaxial bores, which plunger has grooves co-operating with projections from the leaves such that a writing tip of the writing member is caused to project from one end of the leaves upon movement of the leaves from the storage to the writing configuration.

Abstract: A removable finger grip adaptable to a wide variety and size of writing instruments. The finger grip is an elongate resilient body having a triangular cross-sectional shape and a cylindrical bore coaxial with the longitudinal axis. In order to accommodate a wide variety of writing instruments, the cylindrical bore has a plurality of ribs or ridges along the entire length of the bore for gripping instruments smaller in size than the diameter of the bore. The triangular shape provides three planar surfaces for gripping the device when installed on a writing instrument and also provides a thin web of material in the planar gripping surfaces between them and the cylindrical bore at the center of the planar gripping surfaces. This thin web allows the finger grip to expand for accommodating writing instruments larger than the cylindrical bore. The resilience of the finger grip allows easy removal from one writing instrument for use with another.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a writing instrument of rod-like conformation such as a pen or pencil, the instrument being adapted to pivot medially of its length about a pivot pin to alow the forwardmost writing portion of the instrument to be rotated through a 180 degree angle and received within a housing cavity formed in the rearmost handle portion of the instrument. In use, the present writing instrument can be utilized in the manner of a typical pen or pencil, that is, as a straight rod-like writing instrument, the present writing instrument being alternatively utilized by disposing the two portions at an angle to each other while in use.

Abstract: A style handle for writing and engraving instruments. The base portion of this style, which is gripped when in use, consists of three, essentially-flat surfaces arranged in a triadic spiral at a selected pitch conforming with an individual's finger grip when the style is held in a normal manner. So held, the edges of the spiral lie in the grooved portions between the individual's thumb and fingers with the thumb and fingers resting upon the flats of the spiral in a relaxed, natural manner. Also, the inclination of the spiral forms an abutment which permits the style to be held with less pressure when pressing it against a writing or working surface.

Abstract: An orthopedic finger piece for writing instruments is disclosed comprising a semi-flexible sleeve which is securable to an elongated writing instrument by means of a gripping member mounted in a second sleeve concentric with the semiflexible sleeve. The gripping member comprises a lever axially mounted in the second sleeve, one end of the lever having a cam lobe thereon that engages a writing instrument when the lever is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and disengages a writing instrument when the lever is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. When the cam lever is in the aformementioned parallel position the lever's outer edge is substantially flush with the outer wall of the second sleeve and the semi-resilient sleeve.

Abstract: A travelling hand support allows writing by a handicapped person who need only be able to move his shoulder. The support is adapted to fix the position of a writing instrument and to permit the shoulder movement to apply the pressure necessary for writing.

Abstract: A writing instrument such as a pen having a nib and a shaft for hand-held use. The shaft is formed with three elongated concave indentations in a generally equilateral triangular configuration with rounded vertices and at least one concave side as seen in cross section in the region normally grasped which form sockets to receive the thumb, index finger and middle finger respectively so as to provide a firm, comfortable and relaxed grasp ensuring complete control of the instrument and virtually eliminating writing tension. The nib is adjustable positionable relative to the shaft axis to provide a nib edge alignment at an angle to the pen's horizontal axis as defined by the three concave indentations, thus ensuring an optimum angle of contact between the nib and a writing surface, regardless of whether the pen is used right or left-handed, for producing attractive pleasing writing.

Abstract: In a push-out type pencil, the lead thereof is extensible by longitudinally sliding the front portion of the pencil relative to the middle portion of the same, said sliding operation being effected in the writing position of hand by retracting said front portion between the extremities of the index and middle fingers to said middle portion clipped fast between the bases of the thumb and index finger adjacent to the web of hand and held stationary against the retracting movement of said front portion.

Abstract: A hand-held, generally T-shaped disposable product applicator and a dispensing package therefor. The applicator comprises a resilient applicator pad portion and an upstanding finger grip portion. The applicator pad portion is normally substantially planar with a top surface and a bottom product applying surface coated or impregnated with the product to be dispensed. The upstanding finger grip portion is normally substantially planar with its sides providing finger grip surfaces. The finger grip portion is substantially normal to and extends transversely across the top surface of the applicator pad portion, bisecting the applicator pad portion into two substantially equal flaps. The applicator pad portion is foldable along its juncture with the finger grip portion with its bottom product applying surface folded upon itself.

Abstract: A writing instrument of new and novel configuration in the shape of a bird, such as a duck, and the like. One end, preferably the head portion of the instrument which resembles the head of the bird has an index finger engaging portion opposite the point of the writing instrument for applying appropriate pressure thereto by a user's index finger. The upper, outermost portion of the head slants so as to permit a user's fingernail to extend over the front top of the head without interference. The lower central portion of said body of the bird-like device being shaped and/or mounted for convenient pivotal movement about the pivot point by the writer when using the device. The body of said instrument also has suitable surfaces for the user's thumb and remaining fingers when the user holds the instrument while writing. Posterior eraser means for removing written material is also provided.

Abstract: The mechanism for varying the diameter of a body in accordance with this invention is defined by a mechanism in which the grip area intended for expansion comprises a plurality of compressible O-ring elements supported by a cylindrical body section and spaced apart by spacer elements. A stationary end plate which may be formed by the tip portion of a writing implement, forms an abutment against which an end O-ring will be forced for compression. An axially movable adjustment member is also carried on the cylindrical body for engagement with the opposite end O-ring so that as the adjustment member is moved toward the abutment member the plurality of O-rings therebetween will be compressed so that their cross-sectional shapes will be deformed from circular to elliptical thus enlarging the overall outside diameter of the grip portion.

Abstract: A triangular shaped pen or pencil and a triangular shaped device for use in holding a pen or pencil, such as by sliding the device over the length of the writing instrument thereby facilitating the triangular shape of the fingers during the writing exercise.

Abstract: The invention is a ballpoint pen characterized by a generally teardrop-shaped planar casing defining an arcuate channel therein to receive a conventional, flexible ink cartridge in a compact configuration, this casing having a key-chain hole therein and a retractor button disposed on one side or edge thereof.

Abstract: A hand writing aid for use with writing instruments such as pens and pencils. The aid is specifically designed for use by persons troubled with shaking of the hands or stiffness of the fingers to enable such persons to write smoothly and legibly.

Abstract: A pencil holder device is used to hold a pencil in a correct position within a hand of a user for teaching proper penmanship. The pencil holder device consists of a three dimensional body molded as one integral plastic piece, wherein the sidewalls and a portion of the bottom base of the body engage the palm of the user's hand. The forward portion of the body of the pencil holder device is held between the first finger and the thumb of the user. A thin tail section of the body rest on top of the web portion of the hand between the user's thumb and first finger. The pencil is contained within a bore contained within the body, wherein the writing end of the pencil extends outward from a forward end of the body.