U.S. patent application number 11/609670 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for ergonomic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to PACIFIC WRITING INSTRUMENTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Colin Roche, Robert Ronsse.
Application Number | 20070196158 11/609670 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38163462 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070196158 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roche; Colin ; et
al. |
August 23, 2007 |
ERGONOMIC DEVICE
Abstract
An ergonomic instrument is comprised of an elongated body with a
writing tip or tool at the lower end, and an upper end for
supporting the base of the index finger. Arcuate arms extending up
from the upper end of the body are arranged for being positioned on
the sides of the index finger. A concave front groove is arranged
along the front side of the body for cradling the tip of the index
finger. Concave side grooves are arranged along the sides of the
body for cradling the tips of the thumb and middle finger.
Forwardly protruding ears are arranged between the front and
respective sides for being pinched between the index finger and the
thumb, and between the index finger and the middle finger.
Inventors: |
Roche; Colin; (San Mateo,
CA) ; Ronsse; Robert; (Escondido, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MILDE & HOFFBERG, LLP
10 BANK STREET
SUITE 460
WHITE PLAINS
NY
10606
US
|
Assignee: |
PACIFIC WRITING INSTRUMENTS,
INC.
P.O. Box 2396
Escondido
CA
92033
|
Family ID: |
38163462 |
Appl. No.: |
11/609670 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60749524 |
Dec 12, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/7 ;
401/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B43K 21/003 20130101;
B43K 24/026 20130101; B43K 5/005 20130101; B43K 7/005 20130101;
B26B 5/00 20130101; B43L 19/0068 20130101; B43L 19/0018 20130101;
B43K 24/04 20130101; B43K 23/008 20130101; B43K 21/006 20130101;
B43K 8/003 20130101; B43M 11/06 20130101; B43K 23/004 20130101;
B43K 29/02 20130101; B43K 27/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/007 ;
401/006 |
International
Class: |
A46B 5/04 20060101
A46B005/04; A46B 5/02 20060101 A46B005/02 |
Claims
1. An ergonomic instrument, comprising: an elongated body adapted
for being held in a human hand, wherein said elongated body
includes a longitudinal axis, a forward portion facing away from
the hand, a rear portion facing the hand, top and bottom surfaces,
the top surface adapted for supporting a base of an index finger,
said body having pair of arms extending up from said rear portion
of said body, and being positioned on opposite sides of the index
finger, wherein a tip on the forward portion of the body has at
least one of a marker tip, a collet for holding a tool, and a
pencil lead feed.
2. The ergonomic instrument of claim 1, wherein said body is about
as long as said index finger, so that a fingertip of said index
finger is supported adjacent to and proximate said tip, on said top
surface of said body.
3. The ergonomic instrument of claim 1, wherein said arms are
symmetric and curved, such that they emanate from the body in
approximately antiparallel directions, and terminate in parallel
directions.
4. The ergonomic instrument of claim 1, wherein said tip comprises
a porous marker.
5. The ergonomic instrument of claim 1, wherein said tip comprises
a collet for holding a tool.
6. The ergonomic instrument of claim 1, wherein said tip comprises
an aperture adapted to feed and retain a series of ferrules.
7. The ergonomic instrument of claim 6, wherein each ferrule
comprises a presharpened pencil lead.
9. The ergonomic instrument of claim 1, wherein said tip comprises
arms a collet for holding a tool, said collet having a screw-type
locking mechanism.
10. The ergonomic instrument of claim 1, wherein said tip comprises
arms a collet for holding a tool, said collet having a nut-type
locking mechanism.
11. The ergonomic instrument of claim 1, wherein said tip comprises
arms a collet for holding a tool, said collet comprising a
quick-release mechanism.
12. The ergonomic instrument according to claim 1, wherein said tip
comprises an element for placing a marking, and at least one arm
comprises an element for erasing a marking placed by said tip.
13. The ergonomic instrument according to claim 1, wherein said tip
comprises a pencil lead, and at least one arm comprises a
replaceable eraser disposed at a distal portion thereof.
14. The ergonomic instrument according to claim 1, wherein said tip
comprises a porous marker, further comprising a retainer for
retaining a cap over said porous marker.
15. The ergonomic instrument according to claim 14, further
comprising a second retainer for retaining said cap in a position
different than over said porous marker.
16. The ergonomic instrument according to claim 1, wherein said tip
comprises a collet for holding a sheet instrument, further
comprising a sheet instrument having a knife edge held in said
collet.
17. The ergonomic instrument according to claim 1, wherein said tip
comprises a collet for holding a sheet instrument, further
comprising a kit comprising a plurality of instruments, each having
a knife edge, adapted to be held in said collet.
18. The ergonomic instrument according to claim 1, wherein at least
one arm terminates in a nub, further comprising a rubber eraser
having an indentation, said nub being adapted to engage said
indentation to retain said eraser in position.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims
benefit of priority from, U.S. Provisional Patent Application
60/749,524, filed Dec. 12, 2005, expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to ergonomic grips for
hand-held instruments.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,962, expressly incorporated herein by
reference, discloses an ergonomic pen having a wishbone-shaped
body.
[0006] Conventional straight writing instruments such as ink pens,
ball point pens, and pencils have straight and narrow cylindrical
bodies. The lower portion of a typical writing instrument is
arranged to be held between the tips of the thumb, index finger,
and middle finger. The upper portion of the pen is arranged to rest
between the bases of the thumb and index finger. The narrow round
bodies of conventional writing instruments require a relatively
firm grip to prevent them from slipping, and to push the pen onto
the writing surface. Therefore, they are uncomfortable to use for
long periods.
[0007] Many other alternative writing instruments that attempt to
provide a better grip are known among the prior art. U.S. Pat. No.
336,540 to Wyttenbach and U.S. Pat. No. 340,382 to Smith each
disclose a pen with a short tip and a pair of bifurcated arms
extending from the tip. The arms rest on opposite sides of the
index finger. The tip is round and suffers the same gripping
problems as a conventional pen. U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,338 to
Laybourne discloses a fingertip pen with a ring at an upper end for
being positioned forward of the middle joint of the index finger. A
curved depression on a top side is arranged for supporting the tip
of the index finger. However, the tip is round and suffers the same
gripping problems as a conventional pen.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,010 to Gorbunov discloses a pen with a
ring arranged for being positioned around the base of the index
finger. It includes a depression at the tip for supporting the tip
of the index finger, but the depression is curved about an axis
which is transverse to the axis of the pen. The index finger can
thus slip sideways in the depression. The sides of the pen are
cylindrical, and suffers the same gripping problems as a
conventional pen. U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,018 to Sato discloses a pen
with a round shaft attached on the lower surface of a curved plate.
A partial ring is formed at the top end of the plate for gripping
the finger forward of the middle joint. The shaft is about the
diameter of an ink tube inside a conventional ballpoint pen. The
plate is much wider than the shaft, which is so narrow that it
cannot be gripped securely. The fingers can only grip the top and
bottom surfaces of the thin plate.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,974 to Nakagawa discloses a pen with a
ring. The axis of the ring is transverse to the axis of the pen for
passing the index finger, which is held in a fully curled position.
Only the thumb and the index finger are available for gripping the
tip of the pen. Further, the tip is cylindrical, and suffers the
same gripping problems as a conventional pen. U.S. Pat. No. Des.
246,904 to MacIntosh discloses a fingertip pen with a cylindrical
tip, a concave upper body, and a ring attached to the upper body.
The tip is round and suffers the same gripping problems as a
conventional pen.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The objects of the present invention are to provide an
ergonomic handle for a variety of hand-held devices, including a
pencil, a highlighter, and a cutting tool. The design provides the
advantages of requiring less gripping force to hold for improved
comfort; securely cradles the tips of the thumb and fingers for
preventing slipping; and can be pressed onto the writing surface by
the base of the index finger.
[0011] The present ergonomic handle is comprised of an elongated
body with a writing point at the lower end, and an upper end for
supporting the base of the index finger. Arcuate arms extending up
from the upper end of the body are arranged for being positioned on
the sides of the index finger. A concave front groove with an
arcuate cross section is arranged along the front side of the body,
and curved about an axis parallel to the axis of the body for
cradling the tip of the index finger and preventing it from
slipping sideways. The upper end of the front groove is flared into
the upper end of the body for cradling the lower side of the base
of the index finger. The lower end of the front groove is rounded
for preventing the index finger from slipping downward. Concave
side grooves with arcuate cross sections are arranged along the
sides of the body, and curved about axes parallel to the axis of
the body for cradling the tips of the thumb and middle finger to
prevent them from slipping forward. The body has a generally
trapezoidal cross section wherein the front is wider than the rear,
and the sides taper toward the rear. Forwardly protruding ears are
arranged between the front and sides for being pinched between the
index finger and the thumb, and between the index finger and the
middle finger.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a writing
instrument.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view thereof.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a left side view thereof.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a lower end view thereof.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view thereof in use.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front view thereof in use.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a lower end perspective view thereof in use.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view thereof when a cap is
retracted.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view thereof when the cap is
extended.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention with a cap detached.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention with a cap attached.
[0023] FIGS. 12A-G show various views of a sequential feed pencil
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIGS. 13-15 show various views of a tool holder according to
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] A writing instrument also described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,637,962, expressly incorporated herein by reference, is shown in
a front perspective view in FIG. 1, a front view in FIG. 2, a side
view in FIG. 3, and a lower end view in FIG. 4. It may be an ink
pen, a ball point pen, a felt tip pen, a pencil, a stylus, a
digital pen, or any other tool for writing. It is comprised of an
elongated body 10 with a writing point 11 projecting from the lower
end, and an upper end for supporting the base of the index finger.
Body 10 is preferably about as long as the index finger so that its
upper end is positioned for supporting the base of the index
finger.
[0026] A pair of arms 12 and 13 extending up from the upper end of
body 10 are arranged for being positioned on either side of the
index finger. The upper ends of arms 12 and 13 are disconnected
from each other for allowing the index finger to easily move in
between them. Arms 12 and 13 are generally coplanar with body 10.
Arms 12 and 13 are preferably arcuate arms that are curved about
respective axes perpendicular to the axis of body 10.
[0027] A concave front groove 14 with an arcuate cross section is
arranged along the front side of body 10, and curved about an axis
parallel to the axis of body 10 for cradling the tip of the index
finger and preventing it from slipping sideways. The upper end of
front groove 14 has a flared portion 15 into the upper end of the
body 10 for supporting the lower side of the base of the index
finger. The lower end of front groove 14 has a rounded portion 16
for preventing the tip of the index finger from slipping downward.
Concave side grooves 17 and 18 with arcuate cross sections are
arranged along the sides of body 10, and curved about respective
axes parallel to the axis of body 10 for cradling the tips of the
thumb and middle finger to prevent them from slipping forward
toward the index finger.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, body 10 has a generally trapezoidal
cross section wherein the front is wider than the rear, and the
sides taper toward the rear. Outwardly protruding ears 19 and 20
are respectively arranged between concave front groove 14 and
concave side groove 17, and between concave front groove 14 and
concave side groove 18. Ears 19 and 20 are respectively arranged
for being pinched between the index finger and the thumb, and
between the index finger and the middle finger. A cap 21 is movably
attached to the lower end of body 10 and connected to a cap control
knob 22 on the rear of body 10. Alternately, the ink cartridge can
extent and retract from the body 10.
[0029] The writing instrument is shown in use in FIGS. 5-7. The
lower end of body 10 is gripped between the tips of the thumb,
index finger, and middle finger. The base of the index finger is
positioned between arms 12 and 13, and the lower side of the base
of the index finger is supported on the upper end of body 10.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 7, the index finger is pressed against
front groove 14, which prevents the index finger from slipping
sideways. The thumb is pressed against left side groove 17, which
prevents the thumb from slipping forwardly toward the index finger.
The middle finger is pressed against right side groove 18, which
prevents the middle finger from slipping forwardly toward the index
finger. Left ear 19 is pinched between the thumb and the index
finger, and right ear 20 is pinched between the middle finger and
the index finger. The writing instrument is thus shaped for a
better grip, so that it may be gripped with less force for improved
comfort.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, body 10 is sized to support the
lower side of the base of the index finger with its upper end.
Therefore, the weight of the hand is partially supported by body
10, and the writing tip is pressed by the weight of the hand onto
the writing surface. The need for the fingertips to press the
writing instrument onto the writing surface is greatly reduced,
which further reduces the need for a firm grip and further improves
comfort.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 8-9, knob 22 is movable upward to retract
cap 21 and expose writing point 11, and movable downward to extend
cap 21 to cover writing point 11.
[0033] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a first embodiment according to the
present invention, employing an ergonomic handle similar to that
shown in FIGS. 1-9. In this case, instead of a pen, the working end
of the instrument is a porous tip marker 105, such as a
highlighter, permanent ink marker, water color marker, or the like.
A removable cap 106 is provided which snaps over the tip of the
marker 105. Alternately, the marker may be retractable, having an
ink suitable for this application. The ink for the marker is
contained within the body 10 of the handle, for example using the
entire space within the body as a reservoir, or a central portion
only. The reservoir is typically filled with a fibrous material or
sponge to keep the ink from frothing and to damp waves. Likewise,
the material may act as a wick, or a separate wick may be provided.
The cap 106 has a rim 102 which snaps over the edge 101 of the body
10. The cap 106 has a cylindrical bore 104 in which the ferrule 103
from which the marker tip 105 extends.
[0034] Other types of liquids may also be dispensed in like manner,
for example, eradicating fluid, fabric bleach, makeup, glue or
other adhesive, lubricant, etc.
[0035] See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,659,672, 6,179,501, 6,004,057;
5,203,638; 5,174,814, 5,888,007, 6,075,070, 6,004,058, 5,964,931,
5,915,872, 5,261,755, 5,123,766, 5,056,949, 4,923,317, 4,917,521,
6,866,436, 6,946,023, expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
[0036] Another embodiment of the invention provides a tape or film
transfer dispenser, for example, highlighter tape (e.g., a
transparent tinted film transfer), eradicating tape (e.g., an
opaque film transfer), or message applicator (e.g., a transfer film
with graphic or text, such as "sign here"). See, U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,461,068, 6,112,796, 5,820,728, 5,792,263, 5,714,035, 5,310,437,
5,393,368, 5,702,482, 5,076,883 and 4,913,946, expressly
incorporated herein by reference. The transfer blade is preferably
angled such that the edge is about 20-60 degrees inclined to the
major axis of the handle, permitting an ergonomic holding angle.
Likewise, the blade is preferably transparent, to facilitate
viewing of the point of contact. In this embodiment, the film spool
is preferably located proximal to the junction of the "Y" of the
handle, and thus the design is "bulbous" in this section. The spool
section preferably is distant from the tip, to permit comfortable
holding.
[0037] FIGS. 12A-G show a second embodiment of the invention, which
provides a sequential feed pencil. See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,966,478,
5,292,202, 6,161,976, 3,790,291, 3,898,009 expressly incorporated
by reference.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 12A-G, the pencil includes a conduit 110
formed centrally within the body 10, having therein a set of
stacked writing elements 112, each comprising a presharpened lead
114 surrounded by a ferrule 116, wherein the ferrules are stackable
within the inner tube 114. The ferrule 116 is hollow in the rear,
such that the lead 114 of a succeeding writing element 112 fits
within the ferrule 116 of the preceding writing element 112. The
ferrule 116 is friction fed into the conduit 110, such that
pressure on the first lead 114' does not cause the ferrule 116' of
the first writing element 112' to recede into the conduit 110. In
order to replace an exhausted or broken lead 114', the first
writing element 112' is extracted from the tip, and pushed into the
back of the conduit 110, forcing the next writing element 112 in
line to advance to the first position.
[0039] The rear tips 118, 119 on the arms of the body 10 are each
preferably formed of an eraser material, and are retained by a nub
120 which fits into a hollow space in the rear tip 118 or 119.
[0040] FIGS. 13-15 show a third embodiment of the invention, which
provides an ergonomic handle cutting tool. See, U.S. Pat. No.
4,071,952 (Meshulam, et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,494 (Moxon), and
U.S. Pat. No. 2,619,724, expressly incorporated by reference. A
knife shown in FIG. 13, consists of an ergonomically adapted
handle, as described in FIGS. 1-9, which may be solid plastic or
metal (e.g., aluminum) 10 having a blade receiving end with a
diameter of about five-sixteenths inch. A blade 120 is detachably
secured to one end of the handle by a chuck comprising a blade
holder 122, in which the blade 120 is locked by a collar 124. An
insert 126 is molded into the barrel of the body 10, which holds
the blade holder 122 within the barrel of the body 10.
[0041] The blade 120 is, for example, an X-Acto.RTM. Hobby No. 11
Knife blade, although the blade itself is replaceable and does not
limit the invention. A kit of blades may be provided with the
handle.
[0042] A variety of tool attachment means 12 can be employed, to
accommodate a wide variety of tools for use with the custom-fitted
tool holder 8. Such tool attachment means for small hand tools are
well known in the art, e.g. the X-Acto.RTM. series of holders or
handles for various hobby knives and the like. Exemplary tool
attachment means are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,912 (blade
mounting swivel head), U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,206 (replaceable
highlighter mount), U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,509 (frictional sleeves and
the like), U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,705 (grooves and elastic bands;
recess with frictional fit; and threaded couplings), and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,906,109 (frictional sockets, horizontal or vertical). All
these patents are incorporated herein by reference. A quick-release
(e.g., quarter turn locking) collet may also be provided.
[0043] A variety of suitable small hand tools can also be used in
the tool holders described above. The ergonomic body is designed to
improve the user's fine motor control, so as to permit more precise
work on small scale projects and/or to improve the performance of
users who lack sufficient motor control to otherwise use such a
tool. For example, the tool can be various sorts of knives, chisels
and other cutting tools; surgical and dental instruments; scribes
and other tools for scoring or cutting metal; styluses for marking
upon the screens of computers and other electronic devices such as
"personal digital assistants"; burnishing tools; brushes,
airbrushes or other applicators for applying paints, stains,
cosmetics or other marking materials; probes or electrodes for
making electrical contact with electrical circuits or other
apparatus; various marking media; and heated tools such as
soldering irons, miniature torches or wood-burning tools.
[0044] Although the foregoing description is specific, it should
not be considered as a limitation on the scope of the invention,
but only as an example of the preferred embodiment. Many variations
are possible within the teachings of the invention. Therefore, the
scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims
and their legal equivalents, not by the examples given.
* * * * *