CA2342429A1 - Writing instrument and hand tool grip - Google Patents
Writing instrument and hand tool grip Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2342429A1 CA2342429A1 CA002342429A CA2342429A CA2342429A1 CA 2342429 A1 CA2342429 A1 CA 2342429A1 CA 002342429 A CA002342429 A CA 002342429A CA 2342429 A CA2342429 A CA 2342429A CA 2342429 A1 CA2342429 A1 CA 2342429A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- grip
- forefinger
- hand
- instrument
- support surface
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
- B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
- B43K23/00—Holders or connectors for writing implements; Means for protecting the writing-points
- B43K23/008—Holders comprising finger grips
Landscapes
- Surgical Instruments (AREA)
Abstract
A writing instrument and tool holding grip for receiving a hand-held instrument that includes a body. The body includes a shaft-receiving portion.
The shaft-receiving portion has an opening for receiving the hand held instrument.
A
forefinger grip is also included as part of the grip. The forefinger grip is convex from a proximal end to a distal end and projects outwardly from the shaft. The distal end is shaped to orient a forefinger outwardly and to expand skin around a first joint of the forefinger, as the hand drapes over the hand-held instrument while reorienting points of pressure for comfort and maximum control ability.
The shaft-receiving portion has an opening for receiving the hand held instrument.
A
forefinger grip is also included as part of the grip. The forefinger grip is convex from a proximal end to a distal end and projects outwardly from the shaft. The distal end is shaped to orient a forefinger outwardly and to expand skin around a first joint of the forefinger, as the hand drapes over the hand-held instrument while reorienting points of pressure for comfort and maximum control ability.
Description
Attorney Docket No. 200257.0001 TITLE
Writing Instrument and Hand Tool Grip BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for receiving writing instruments and hand tools and, more particularly, to a writing instrument and hand tool grip for holding hand-held instruments, such as a writing pen, an xactoTM
knife and the like.
One of the challenges facing the manufacturers of writing instruments and hand tools ("hand-held instrument") is to produce a hand-held instrument that is anatomically correct and ergonomic. That is, a hand-held instrument that can conform with the various sizes and degrees to which a user can hold such aai instrument, with the objective of providing maximum comfort to the user. One way of resolving this problem, other than producing an anatomically correct writing instrument, is to utilize a grip that holds the hand-held instrument and adapts and rearranges the user's hand to avoid discomfort. These grips are typically available in various sizes. A
conventional hand-held instrument grip includes a central bore that receives the hand-held instrument tool, and further includes several external gripping surfaces conforming to the shape of the user's hand. The user inserts the hand-held instrument into the central bore and secures the instrument within the bore. Thereafter, the hand-held instrument is held with the aid of the grip, which reorients the user's fingers to avoid discomfort.
Typically, such hand-held instruments include writing instruments and cutting instruments, such as an xactoTM knife well known in the art for its cutting functionality.
It is well known that extended use of an xactoTM knife can cause a condition known as "bent finger" syndrome. This condition results from the compression of the skin in the area of the outermost finger joints and eventually causes the development of calluses around the affected areas, particularly for users performing repetitive manual operations. This can further create problems with finger strain as well as backward/forward hyperextension of the last or terminal joint of the forefinger with continued use. This is likely due to the fact that the terminal joint of the forefinger does not sit in a natural position causing the joint to dislocate slightly, thus creating pain and discomfort.
Conventional grips are unable to resolve the aforementioned problems.
Conventional grips further suffer from the inability to allow a large range of control with a knife blade, so that making left or right bevel cuts, straight line cuts and curved cuts are relatively difficult. There is a need to resolve the aforementioned problems related to hand-held writing instruments, and the present invention meets this need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the invention relates to a writing instrument and hand tool grip for receiving a hand-held instrument. The grip includes a body having a shaft-receiving portion with an opening defined therethrough. The opening is adapted to receive the hand-held instrument. A forefinger grip is located above the shaft-receiving portion. The forefinger grip is convex from a proximal ~end to a distal end and projects outwardly from the shaft. The distal end is shaped to orient a forefinger outwardly and expand skin around a first joint of the forefinger as the hand-held instrument is gripped. A thumb support surface is located on a thumb side of the body.
The thumb support surface extends downwardly from an upper edge of the forefinger grip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.
For the purpose of illustrating the invention there is shown an embodiment which is presently preferred, it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 a right-side perspective view of a writing instrument and hand tool grip according to the present invention;
Writing Instrument and Hand Tool Grip BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for receiving writing instruments and hand tools and, more particularly, to a writing instrument and hand tool grip for holding hand-held instruments, such as a writing pen, an xactoTM
knife and the like.
One of the challenges facing the manufacturers of writing instruments and hand tools ("hand-held instrument") is to produce a hand-held instrument that is anatomically correct and ergonomic. That is, a hand-held instrument that can conform with the various sizes and degrees to which a user can hold such aai instrument, with the objective of providing maximum comfort to the user. One way of resolving this problem, other than producing an anatomically correct writing instrument, is to utilize a grip that holds the hand-held instrument and adapts and rearranges the user's hand to avoid discomfort. These grips are typically available in various sizes. A
conventional hand-held instrument grip includes a central bore that receives the hand-held instrument tool, and further includes several external gripping surfaces conforming to the shape of the user's hand. The user inserts the hand-held instrument into the central bore and secures the instrument within the bore. Thereafter, the hand-held instrument is held with the aid of the grip, which reorients the user's fingers to avoid discomfort.
Typically, such hand-held instruments include writing instruments and cutting instruments, such as an xactoTM knife well known in the art for its cutting functionality.
It is well known that extended use of an xactoTM knife can cause a condition known as "bent finger" syndrome. This condition results from the compression of the skin in the area of the outermost finger joints and eventually causes the development of calluses around the affected areas, particularly for users performing repetitive manual operations. This can further create problems with finger strain as well as backward/forward hyperextension of the last or terminal joint of the forefinger with continued use. This is likely due to the fact that the terminal joint of the forefinger does not sit in a natural position causing the joint to dislocate slightly, thus creating pain and discomfort.
Conventional grips are unable to resolve the aforementioned problems.
Conventional grips further suffer from the inability to allow a large range of control with a knife blade, so that making left or right bevel cuts, straight line cuts and curved cuts are relatively difficult. There is a need to resolve the aforementioned problems related to hand-held writing instruments, and the present invention meets this need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the invention relates to a writing instrument and hand tool grip for receiving a hand-held instrument. The grip includes a body having a shaft-receiving portion with an opening defined therethrough. The opening is adapted to receive the hand-held instrument. A forefinger grip is located above the shaft-receiving portion. The forefinger grip is convex from a proximal ~end to a distal end and projects outwardly from the shaft. The distal end is shaped to orient a forefinger outwardly and expand skin around a first joint of the forefinger as the hand-held instrument is gripped. A thumb support surface is located on a thumb side of the body.
The thumb support surface extends downwardly from an upper edge of the forefinger grip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.
For the purpose of illustrating the invention there is shown an embodiment which is presently preferred, it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 a right-side perspective view of a writing instrument and hand tool grip according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a left-side perspective view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip shown in Fig. 1 according to the present invention gripping a hand-held instrument;
FIG. 3 is a right-side perspective view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a partial top plan view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a partial front elevational view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a partial right-side elevational view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a partial left-side elevational view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2 shown without a cutting blade;
FIG. 8 is a left-side perspective view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2 in use by a left-handed user according to the present invention; and FIG. 9 is a right-side perspective view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2 in use by a left-handed user according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "lower," and "upper"
designate direction in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the writing instrument and hand tool grip and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. As used herein, the word "a" as used in the claims means "at least one."
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-9 a writing instrument and hand tool grip, generally designated 10, for receiving a hand-held instrument 11 according to the present invention. As will be apparent from the description below, the purpose of the grip 10 is to provide comfort to the manipulating hand of the user of the instrument 11 and absolute control of the instrument 11.
Referring now to Figs. 1-7, the grip 10 includes a body 17 having a shaft-receiving portion 12 with an opening 12a defined therethrough adapted to receive the hand-held instrument 11. Typically, the opening 12a is a longitudinally extending, generally cylindrically shaped bore for receiving the hand-held instrument 11, which has a cylindrically shaped shaft 22. The cylindrical shape facilitates the sliding in and removal of the hand-held instrument 11. The shaft 22 extends from one end of the body 17 and is secured within the shaft-receiving portion 12 in a manner described in more detail below.
While the opening 12a is preferably cylindrically shaped, the opening 12a may be other shapes and sizes to accommodate hand-held instruments with differently shaped shafts (not shown). While the opening 12a can have various sizes, the opening 12a may be "a one size fits all" type. For example, the opening 12a could 1 S be enlarged and lined with a soft polymeric material (not shown) which expands to receive larger sized hand-held instruments and contracts to conform around smaller sized hand-held instruments. Additionally; the polymeric material provides retention functionality.
The body 17, and the remaining portions of the grip 10 described below, is preferably constructed of a lightweight high strength material, which is sufficiently heavy to provide additional "feel" when using the grip 10. More particularly, the body 17 is constructed of a metallic material such as brass, particularly when utilized with a xactoTM knife where the weight of the metal is beneficial for providing additional "feel" to the hand and control of the knife. The body 17, however., may be constructed of other materials, such as a lightweight polymeric material without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Referring now to Fig. 7, in the preferred embodiment, the shaft-receiving portion 12 is adapted to receive the shaft 22, which has an operative end in the form of a removable blade 25 at a distal end thereof such that the instrument is an xactoTM knife. The shaft 22 includes a threaded bore 22a in the end positioned within the shaft-receiving portion 12 for receiving a blade holder 24. Thf: blade holder 24 has four expansion slots 24a, two of which receive the blade 25 at one end and a threaded shaft 24b at the opposite end. The blade holder 24 also includes a cam surface 24c that interacts with the end of the shaft 22 within the shaft-receiving portion 12.
The threaded shaft 24b of the blade holder 24 is positioned within the threaded bore 22a until the cam surface 24c contacts the end of the shaft 22 which causes the expansion slots 24a to contract and hold the blade 25 in place, in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that the present invention is not limited to any particular hand-held instrument 11. For instance, the hand-held instrument 11 could be a writing implement, highlighter, scalpel, laser or stylus (not shown).
The grip 10 also includes a forefinger grip 16 located above the shaft receiving portion 12. The forefinger grip 16 is convex from a proximal end 12b to a distal end 12c and projects outwardly from the shaft-receiving portion 12. The forefinger grip 16 is shaped to orient the forefinger outwardly and expand skin around the first joint of the forefinger as the hand-held instrument 11 is gripped.
One advantage of the forefinger grip 16 is the provision of a surface fox the natural shape of the forefinger. The natural shape of the forefinger is such that it is slightly curved toward the palm of the hand at the first joint of the forefinger. Hence, this portion of the forefinger rests naturally on the curved forefinger grip 16.
As best shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the forefinger grip 16 further includes an indented forefinger support surface 18 located at the distal end 12c of the forefinger grip 16. The support surface 18 is generally concave to complement the convex contours of a tip of the forefinger. Thus, the forefinger bends around the forefinger grip 16 at the terminal joint of the forefinger while permitting the tip of the forefinger to rest in the complementarily shaped indented forefinger support surface 18.
This allows a user to grip an instrument 11 in an ergonomic fashion.
Referring now to Fig. 5, an outward projecting lip 19 extends around the forefinger grip 16. The lip 19 extends from a thumb-side of the grip 10 continuously and around to a middle finger side of the body 17. The lip 19 is shaped to provide a contacting surface for that portion of the forefinger extending from the very first joint to the tip of the forefinger. The lip 19 provides the forefinger grip 16 with a generally U-shaped configuration in cross section. This allows the lateral sides of the forefinger to comfortably rest in the forefinger grip 16.
Referring now to Figs. 3, 5, 6 and 9, the grip 10 includes a thumb support surface 32, which is located on a thumb-side of the body 17. The thumb support surface 32 extends downwardly from an upper edge 16a of the forefinger grip 16. More particularly, the thumb support surface 32 is concave shaped and extends downwardly at an angle greater than ninety degrees from the upper edge 16a of the forefinger grip 16. The support surface 32 is located at least partially adjacent to the shaft-receiving portion 12. That is, the thumb support surface 32 extends inwardly from the upper edge 16a to the shaft receiving portion 12 to provide a comfortable place for the bottom tip of the thumb to rest, as best shown in Figs. 5 and 9.
Referring now to Figs. 1-5 and 7, the grip 10 also includes a middle finger grip 15. The middle finger grip 15 has proximal and distal ends 15a, 15b, respectively. The proximal end 1 Sa is attached to a middle finger side of the body 17 and extends outwardly therefrom in a generally perpendicular direction. As best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 8, the middle finger grip 15 is curved to enable curling of a middle finger around the middle finger grip 15 as the grip 10 is held. The middle finger grip 15 includes a generally U-shaped portion 15d for receiving the middle finger in a complementary manner.
Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, the forefinger grip :16, middle finger grip 15 and the thumb support surface 32 are adapted for left handed gripping.
However, one of ordinary skill in the art understands from this disclosure that the forefinger grip 16 and the thumb support surface 32 could be adapted for right handed gripping, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. A
right handed grip would be a mirror image of the left handed grip 10. Accordingly, further description of the right handed grip 10 is omitted for purposes of brevity and is not limiting.
Referring now to Fig. 7, to secure the instrument 11 to the grip 10, the end of the shaft 22 with the threaded bore 22a is first slidably disposed through the opening 12a in the shaft-receiving portion 12 at the end closest to the proximal end 12b of the shaft receiving portion 12. The threaded shaft 24b of the blade holder 24, with the blade 25 in the blade holder 24, is positioned within opening 12a at the end closest the distal end 12c of the shaft-receiving portion 12 until it threadably contacts the threaded bore 22a. The shaft 22 and blade holder 24 are then rotated with respect to each other until the cam surface 24c contacts the end of the shaft 22 and contracts the expansion slots 24a around the blade 25 to secure the blade 25 therein.
Because the exposed end of the blade holder 24 is larger than the opening 12a, securing the blade holder 24 to the shaft 22 also results in rotatably securing the instrument 11 to the body 17.
Referring now to Fig. 5, because the instrument 11 can be rotatably secured to the body 17, the blade 25 is securable in a particular angular position with respect to the body 17. Indicia 31, in the form of dash marks, are provided on the face of the distal portion 12c of the shaft-receiving portion 12 at 0, 30 and 45 degrees.
Thus, the blade 25 can be readily fixed at a particular angle with respect to the body 17, thereby facilitating different types of consistent cuts, such as bevel cuts.
The grip 10 is preferably formed of a molding process, such as injection molding or casting, which is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Accordingly, a discussion of the exact molding process for forming the grip 10 is omitted for purposes of convenience only and is not limiting. While it is preferred that the grip 10 be formed by a molding process, it is understood by those with ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, that the grip 10 could be constructed using other methods, such as by machining. Moreover, while it is preferred that the forefinger grip 16 and the body 17 be formed of a single piece by a molding process, the forefinger grip 16 may be formed by fixedly or removably attaching a separate piece to the body 17.
Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, in use the left-hand 88 drapes around the grip 10 in a position as illustrated. The forefinger 83 is positioned over the forefinger grip 16 such that the indented forefinger support surface 18 provides support to the tip of the forefinger 83. The middle finger 82 is curled around the middle finger grip 15 to provide additional control to the hand 88, while the two outermost fingers 84, 86 are tucked away toward the palm of the hand 88. Advantageously, as the instrument 11 is _7_ held, the skin 85 around the first joint of the forefinger 83 is expanded to prevent the condition known as "bent finger" syndrome as previously discussed. As shown in Fig.
9, the thumb 94 rests on the thumb support surface 32 in a lateral position from the forefinger 83. The forefinger 83 is positioned above removable blade 25 to provide a wider range of control.
While the preferred embodiment grips an xacto knife, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, that the present invention is not limited to any particular type of instrument 11. That is, while the grip 10 is described as being used with a two-piece instrument, unitary instruments (not shown), such as pencils, scalpel, laser, stylus or pens, could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the case of a unitary instrument, the shaft-receiving portion 12 would be designed to hold the instrument in a secure fashion, such as with a setscrew or by friction (not shown).
Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment provides for the grip 10 and instrument 11 being separate, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the grip 10 and instrument 11 could be integrally formed as a single piece, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In this case, the body 17 has the shaft 22 of the hand-held instrument 11 extending from one end of the body 17 and an operative end of the hand-held instrument extending from the opposite end of the body 17.
While the grip 10 preferably is of a one-size fits all design, those of ordinary skill in the art understand that different size grips could be provided for different size hands.
The front of the body 17 where the blade 25 extends may include indicia, such line markings (not shown), which identify the relative orientation of the blade 25 with respect to body 17 to provide the user with an indication of the vertical centering of the blade 25.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the _g_ particular embodiment disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
FIG. 3 is a right-side perspective view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a partial top plan view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a partial front elevational view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a partial right-side elevational view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a partial left-side elevational view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2 shown without a cutting blade;
FIG. 8 is a left-side perspective view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2 in use by a left-handed user according to the present invention; and FIG. 9 is a right-side perspective view of the writing instrument and hand tool grip of FIG. 2 in use by a left-handed user according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "lower," and "upper"
designate direction in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the writing instrument and hand tool grip and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. As used herein, the word "a" as used in the claims means "at least one."
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-9 a writing instrument and hand tool grip, generally designated 10, for receiving a hand-held instrument 11 according to the present invention. As will be apparent from the description below, the purpose of the grip 10 is to provide comfort to the manipulating hand of the user of the instrument 11 and absolute control of the instrument 11.
Referring now to Figs. 1-7, the grip 10 includes a body 17 having a shaft-receiving portion 12 with an opening 12a defined therethrough adapted to receive the hand-held instrument 11. Typically, the opening 12a is a longitudinally extending, generally cylindrically shaped bore for receiving the hand-held instrument 11, which has a cylindrically shaped shaft 22. The cylindrical shape facilitates the sliding in and removal of the hand-held instrument 11. The shaft 22 extends from one end of the body 17 and is secured within the shaft-receiving portion 12 in a manner described in more detail below.
While the opening 12a is preferably cylindrically shaped, the opening 12a may be other shapes and sizes to accommodate hand-held instruments with differently shaped shafts (not shown). While the opening 12a can have various sizes, the opening 12a may be "a one size fits all" type. For example, the opening 12a could 1 S be enlarged and lined with a soft polymeric material (not shown) which expands to receive larger sized hand-held instruments and contracts to conform around smaller sized hand-held instruments. Additionally; the polymeric material provides retention functionality.
The body 17, and the remaining portions of the grip 10 described below, is preferably constructed of a lightweight high strength material, which is sufficiently heavy to provide additional "feel" when using the grip 10. More particularly, the body 17 is constructed of a metallic material such as brass, particularly when utilized with a xactoTM knife where the weight of the metal is beneficial for providing additional "feel" to the hand and control of the knife. The body 17, however., may be constructed of other materials, such as a lightweight polymeric material without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Referring now to Fig. 7, in the preferred embodiment, the shaft-receiving portion 12 is adapted to receive the shaft 22, which has an operative end in the form of a removable blade 25 at a distal end thereof such that the instrument is an xactoTM knife. The shaft 22 includes a threaded bore 22a in the end positioned within the shaft-receiving portion 12 for receiving a blade holder 24. Thf: blade holder 24 has four expansion slots 24a, two of which receive the blade 25 at one end and a threaded shaft 24b at the opposite end. The blade holder 24 also includes a cam surface 24c that interacts with the end of the shaft 22 within the shaft-receiving portion 12.
The threaded shaft 24b of the blade holder 24 is positioned within the threaded bore 22a until the cam surface 24c contacts the end of the shaft 22 which causes the expansion slots 24a to contract and hold the blade 25 in place, in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that the present invention is not limited to any particular hand-held instrument 11. For instance, the hand-held instrument 11 could be a writing implement, highlighter, scalpel, laser or stylus (not shown).
The grip 10 also includes a forefinger grip 16 located above the shaft receiving portion 12. The forefinger grip 16 is convex from a proximal end 12b to a distal end 12c and projects outwardly from the shaft-receiving portion 12. The forefinger grip 16 is shaped to orient the forefinger outwardly and expand skin around the first joint of the forefinger as the hand-held instrument 11 is gripped.
One advantage of the forefinger grip 16 is the provision of a surface fox the natural shape of the forefinger. The natural shape of the forefinger is such that it is slightly curved toward the palm of the hand at the first joint of the forefinger. Hence, this portion of the forefinger rests naturally on the curved forefinger grip 16.
As best shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the forefinger grip 16 further includes an indented forefinger support surface 18 located at the distal end 12c of the forefinger grip 16. The support surface 18 is generally concave to complement the convex contours of a tip of the forefinger. Thus, the forefinger bends around the forefinger grip 16 at the terminal joint of the forefinger while permitting the tip of the forefinger to rest in the complementarily shaped indented forefinger support surface 18.
This allows a user to grip an instrument 11 in an ergonomic fashion.
Referring now to Fig. 5, an outward projecting lip 19 extends around the forefinger grip 16. The lip 19 extends from a thumb-side of the grip 10 continuously and around to a middle finger side of the body 17. The lip 19 is shaped to provide a contacting surface for that portion of the forefinger extending from the very first joint to the tip of the forefinger. The lip 19 provides the forefinger grip 16 with a generally U-shaped configuration in cross section. This allows the lateral sides of the forefinger to comfortably rest in the forefinger grip 16.
Referring now to Figs. 3, 5, 6 and 9, the grip 10 includes a thumb support surface 32, which is located on a thumb-side of the body 17. The thumb support surface 32 extends downwardly from an upper edge 16a of the forefinger grip 16. More particularly, the thumb support surface 32 is concave shaped and extends downwardly at an angle greater than ninety degrees from the upper edge 16a of the forefinger grip 16. The support surface 32 is located at least partially adjacent to the shaft-receiving portion 12. That is, the thumb support surface 32 extends inwardly from the upper edge 16a to the shaft receiving portion 12 to provide a comfortable place for the bottom tip of the thumb to rest, as best shown in Figs. 5 and 9.
Referring now to Figs. 1-5 and 7, the grip 10 also includes a middle finger grip 15. The middle finger grip 15 has proximal and distal ends 15a, 15b, respectively. The proximal end 1 Sa is attached to a middle finger side of the body 17 and extends outwardly therefrom in a generally perpendicular direction. As best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 8, the middle finger grip 15 is curved to enable curling of a middle finger around the middle finger grip 15 as the grip 10 is held. The middle finger grip 15 includes a generally U-shaped portion 15d for receiving the middle finger in a complementary manner.
Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, the forefinger grip :16, middle finger grip 15 and the thumb support surface 32 are adapted for left handed gripping.
However, one of ordinary skill in the art understands from this disclosure that the forefinger grip 16 and the thumb support surface 32 could be adapted for right handed gripping, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. A
right handed grip would be a mirror image of the left handed grip 10. Accordingly, further description of the right handed grip 10 is omitted for purposes of brevity and is not limiting.
Referring now to Fig. 7, to secure the instrument 11 to the grip 10, the end of the shaft 22 with the threaded bore 22a is first slidably disposed through the opening 12a in the shaft-receiving portion 12 at the end closest to the proximal end 12b of the shaft receiving portion 12. The threaded shaft 24b of the blade holder 24, with the blade 25 in the blade holder 24, is positioned within opening 12a at the end closest the distal end 12c of the shaft-receiving portion 12 until it threadably contacts the threaded bore 22a. The shaft 22 and blade holder 24 are then rotated with respect to each other until the cam surface 24c contacts the end of the shaft 22 and contracts the expansion slots 24a around the blade 25 to secure the blade 25 therein.
Because the exposed end of the blade holder 24 is larger than the opening 12a, securing the blade holder 24 to the shaft 22 also results in rotatably securing the instrument 11 to the body 17.
Referring now to Fig. 5, because the instrument 11 can be rotatably secured to the body 17, the blade 25 is securable in a particular angular position with respect to the body 17. Indicia 31, in the form of dash marks, are provided on the face of the distal portion 12c of the shaft-receiving portion 12 at 0, 30 and 45 degrees.
Thus, the blade 25 can be readily fixed at a particular angle with respect to the body 17, thereby facilitating different types of consistent cuts, such as bevel cuts.
The grip 10 is preferably formed of a molding process, such as injection molding or casting, which is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Accordingly, a discussion of the exact molding process for forming the grip 10 is omitted for purposes of convenience only and is not limiting. While it is preferred that the grip 10 be formed by a molding process, it is understood by those with ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, that the grip 10 could be constructed using other methods, such as by machining. Moreover, while it is preferred that the forefinger grip 16 and the body 17 be formed of a single piece by a molding process, the forefinger grip 16 may be formed by fixedly or removably attaching a separate piece to the body 17.
Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, in use the left-hand 88 drapes around the grip 10 in a position as illustrated. The forefinger 83 is positioned over the forefinger grip 16 such that the indented forefinger support surface 18 provides support to the tip of the forefinger 83. The middle finger 82 is curled around the middle finger grip 15 to provide additional control to the hand 88, while the two outermost fingers 84, 86 are tucked away toward the palm of the hand 88. Advantageously, as the instrument 11 is _7_ held, the skin 85 around the first joint of the forefinger 83 is expanded to prevent the condition known as "bent finger" syndrome as previously discussed. As shown in Fig.
9, the thumb 94 rests on the thumb support surface 32 in a lateral position from the forefinger 83. The forefinger 83 is positioned above removable blade 25 to provide a wider range of control.
While the preferred embodiment grips an xacto knife, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, that the present invention is not limited to any particular type of instrument 11. That is, while the grip 10 is described as being used with a two-piece instrument, unitary instruments (not shown), such as pencils, scalpel, laser, stylus or pens, could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the case of a unitary instrument, the shaft-receiving portion 12 would be designed to hold the instrument in a secure fashion, such as with a setscrew or by friction (not shown).
Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment provides for the grip 10 and instrument 11 being separate, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the grip 10 and instrument 11 could be integrally formed as a single piece, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In this case, the body 17 has the shaft 22 of the hand-held instrument 11 extending from one end of the body 17 and an operative end of the hand-held instrument extending from the opposite end of the body 17.
While the grip 10 preferably is of a one-size fits all design, those of ordinary skill in the art understand that different size grips could be provided for different size hands.
The front of the body 17 where the blade 25 extends may include indicia, such line markings (not shown), which identify the relative orientation of the blade 25 with respect to body 17 to provide the user with an indication of the vertical centering of the blade 25.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the _g_ particular embodiment disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. A writing instrument and hand tool grip for receiving a hand-held instrument, comprising:
a body having a shaft-receiving portion with an opening defined therethrough adapted to receive the hand-held instrument;
a forefinger grip located above the shaft receiving portion, the forefinger grip being convex from a proximal end to a distal end and projecting outwardly from the shaft receiving portion, the forefinger grip being shaped to orient a forefinger outwardly and expand skin around a first joint of the forefinger as the hand-held instrument is gripped; and a thumb support surface located on a thumb side of the body, the thumb support surface extending downwardly from an upper edge of the forefinger grip.
a body having a shaft-receiving portion with an opening defined therethrough adapted to receive the hand-held instrument;
a forefinger grip located above the shaft receiving portion, the forefinger grip being convex from a proximal end to a distal end and projecting outwardly from the shaft receiving portion, the forefinger grip being shaped to orient a forefinger outwardly and expand skin around a first joint of the forefinger as the hand-held instrument is gripped; and a thumb support surface located on a thumb side of the body, the thumb support surface extending downwardly from an upper edge of the forefinger grip.
2. The writing instrument and hand tool grip according to claim 1 wherein the forefinger grip further comprises an indented forefinger support surface located at the distal end of the forefinger grip, the support surface is generally concave to complement the generally convex contours of a tip of the forefinger.
3. The writing instrument and hand tool grip according to claim 1 further comprising a middle-finger grip having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being attached to a middle-finger side of the body, the middle-finger grip being curved to enable curling of a middle finger around the middle finger grip as the hand-held instrument is gripped.
4. The writing instrument and hand tool grip according to claim 3 wherein the middle finger grip includes a generally U-shaped portion for receiving a middle finger in a complementary manner.
5. The writing instrument and hand tool grip according to claim 1 wherein the shaft-receiving portion is adapted to receive a shaft having a removable blade at a distal end thereof.
6. The writing instrument and hand tool grip according to claim 1 further comprising an outward projecting lip extending around the forefinger grip, the lip extending from the thumb side continuously and around toward a middle-finger side of the body, the lip being shaped to provide a contacting surface for that portion of the forefinger extending from the first joint towards a tip of the forefinger.
7. The writing instrument and hand tool grip according to claim 1 wherein the forefinger grip and the thumb support surface are adapted for left handed gripping.
8. The writing instrument and hand tool grip according to claim 1 wherein the thumb support surface is convex shaped and extends downwardly at an angle greater than ninety degrees from the upper edge of the forefinger grip, the support surface being located at least partially adjacent to the shaft receiving portion.
9. A combination hand-held instrument and grip, comprising:
a body having a shaft of a hand-held instrument extending from one end and an operative end of the hand-held instrument extending from an opposite end of the body;
a forefinger grip located above the shaft, the forefinger grip being convex from a proximal end to a distal end and projecting outwardly from the shaft, the forefinger grip being shaped to orient a forefinger outwardly and expand skin around a first joint of the forefinger as the hand-held instrument is gripped;
and a thumb support surface located on a thumb side of the body, the thumb support surface extending downwardly from an upper edge of the forefinger grip.
a body having a shaft of a hand-held instrument extending from one end and an operative end of the hand-held instrument extending from an opposite end of the body;
a forefinger grip located above the shaft, the forefinger grip being convex from a proximal end to a distal end and projecting outwardly from the shaft, the forefinger grip being shaped to orient a forefinger outwardly and expand skin around a first joint of the forefinger as the hand-held instrument is gripped;
and a thumb support surface located on a thumb side of the body, the thumb support surface extending downwardly from an upper edge of the forefinger grip.
10. The combination hand-held instrument and grip according to claim 9 wherein the forefinger grip further comprises an indented forefinger support surface located at the distal end of the forefinger grip, the support surface is generally concave to complement the generally convex contours of a tip of the forefinger.
11. The combination hand-held instrument and grip according to claim 9 further comprising a middle-finger grip having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being attached to a middle-finger side of the body, the middle-finger grip being curved to enable curling of a middle finger around the middle finger grip as the hand-held instrument is gripped.
12. The combination hand-held instrument and grip according to claim 11 wherein the middle finger grip includes a generally U-shaped portion for receiving a middle finger in a complementary manner.
13. The combination hand-held instrument and grip according to claim 9 wherein the operative end includes a removable blade.
14. The combination hand-held instrument and grip according to claim 9 further comprising an outward projecting lip extending around the forefinger grip, the lip extending from the thumb side continuously and around toward a middle-finger side of the body, the lip being shaped to provide a contacting surface for that portion of the forefinger extending from the first joint towards a tip of the forefinger.
15. The combination hand-held instrument and grip according to claim 9 wherein the forefinger grip and the thumb support surface are adapted for left handed gripping.
16. The combination hand-held instrument and grip according to claim 9 wherein the thumb support surface is concave shaped and extends downwardly at an angle greater than ninety degrees from the upper edge of the forefinger grip, the support surface being located at least partially adjacent to the shaft.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/536,135 US6254293B1 (en) | 2000-03-28 | 2000-03-28 | Writing instrument and hand tool grip |
| US09/536,135 | 2000-03-28 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2342429A1 true CA2342429A1 (en) | 2001-09-28 |
Family
ID=24137294
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002342429A Abandoned CA2342429A1 (en) | 2000-03-28 | 2001-03-28 | Writing instrument and hand tool grip |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6254293B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2342429A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (27)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6761725B1 (en) * | 1999-09-08 | 2004-07-13 | Jeffrey Grayzel | Percutaneous entry system and method |
| US6485211B1 (en) * | 2001-09-25 | 2002-11-26 | Bic Corporation | Easily assembled grip element |
| US6705788B2 (en) * | 2002-07-12 | 2004-03-16 | Laura J. Gadberry | Hand support and writing instrument holder |
| US20040126556A1 (en) * | 2002-12-27 | 2004-07-01 | Nowak Michael T. | Grip element |
| US6948872B2 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2005-09-27 | Alfred O. Eisele | Writing instrument having metal casting and process for the manufacture thereof |
| US6908245B1 (en) * | 2004-04-19 | 2005-06-21 | Pathways For Learning Products, Inc. | Gripping aid |
| US7484903B2 (en) * | 2004-08-17 | 2009-02-03 | Komorowski Ronald A | Stylus holder |
| GB2449406A (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2008-11-19 | Wen-Bing Cheng | A Posture Correct Pen |
| US20070251100A1 (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2007-11-01 | Dani Fisk | Thread cutting apparatus |
| ATE537941T1 (en) * | 2006-12-28 | 2012-01-15 | Matthias Wassermann | HANDLE |
| US20090139096A1 (en) * | 2007-12-04 | 2009-06-04 | Brian William Hayes | Double Handle Kitchen Knife |
| US20090139098A1 (en) * | 2007-12-04 | 2009-06-04 | Brian William Hayes | Double Handle Kitchen Knife |
| US20090142463A1 (en) * | 2007-12-04 | 2009-06-04 | Brian William Hayes | Double Handle Kitchen Knife |
| US7726030B2 (en) * | 2007-12-04 | 2010-06-01 | Brian William Hayes | Double handle kitchen knife |
| US8082669B2 (en) * | 2007-12-04 | 2011-12-27 | Brian William Hayes | Double handle kitchen knife |
| US8152396B2 (en) * | 2008-05-06 | 2012-04-10 | Stephanie Flint Kuykendall | Function first grip |
| US20120159793A1 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2012-06-28 | Wki Holding Company, Inc. | Slidable Chopping Attachment for Kitchen Knives |
| WO2011097598A1 (en) * | 2010-02-05 | 2011-08-11 | Shirodkar Zubin M | Writing instrument gripping aid |
| US20120124843A1 (en) * | 2010-11-24 | 2012-05-24 | Robert Reibold | Utility knife |
| USD667054S1 (en) | 2011-05-18 | 2012-09-11 | Dyer Edward P | Ergonomic writing instrument |
| GB201201687D0 (en) * | 2012-02-01 | 2012-03-14 | Pierce Jai D | Gripping device and method of use thereof |
| US9505259B2 (en) * | 2014-06-10 | 2016-11-29 | Asher B. Provda | Grip for hand-held tools and method of using the same |
| USD782895S1 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2017-04-04 | Asher B. Provda | Finger placement grip for a hand tool |
| US11040459B2 (en) * | 2018-07-03 | 2021-06-22 | Norman Singer | Knife with extended handle grip portion |
| US11331784B2 (en) * | 2020-05-08 | 2022-05-17 | Edward P. Dyer | Ergonomic hand-held instrument |
| USD1020882S1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2024-04-02 | Edward P. Dyer | Ergonomic hand-held utility instrument with base system |
| EP4337135A1 (en) * | 2021-05-12 | 2024-03-20 | Del Sol Designs, LLC | Ergonomic instrument handling system |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US770716A (en) | 1904-09-20 | Penholder | ||
| US880510A (en) | 1907-11-21 | 1908-03-03 | William G Delashaw | Hand-positioning device for penmen. |
| US1342576A (en) * | 1920-01-16 | 1920-06-08 | George T Wride | Attachment for penholders and pencils to assist in the practice of penmanship |
| USD269357S (en) | 1981-02-11 | 1983-06-14 | Little People Limited | Writing instrument |
| US4526547A (en) * | 1984-07-26 | 1985-07-02 | Rusk Chris E | Writing aid and method of teaching using the writing aid |
| US4832604A (en) | 1986-04-07 | 1989-05-23 | Rusk Chris E | Writing aid |
| USD298439S (en) | 1986-04-07 | 1988-11-08 | Rusk Chris E | Writing aid |
| US5143463A (en) | 1990-12-24 | 1992-09-01 | Pozil Richard L | Writing aid |
| US5626430A (en) | 1991-02-07 | 1997-05-06 | Bistrack; Carl | Adaptable pressuring writing instrument holder |
| USD396057S (en) | 1997-05-01 | 1998-07-14 | Carl Bistrack | Writing instrument |
-
2000
- 2000-03-28 US US09/536,135 patent/US6254293B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2001
- 2001-03-28 CA CA002342429A patent/CA2342429A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6254293B1 (en) | 2001-07-03 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6254293B1 (en) | Writing instrument and hand tool grip | |
| US8726522B2 (en) | Pair of scissors with an open second handle | |
| US5626430A (en) | Adaptable pressuring writing instrument holder | |
| US7128484B2 (en) | Gripping aid | |
| US6343885B1 (en) | Writing instrument with hand grip | |
| EP1292202B1 (en) | Ergonomic writing instrument | |
| US6036385A (en) | Adaptable pressure writing instrument holder | |
| US9505259B2 (en) | Grip for hand-held tools and method of using the same | |
| US4906119A (en) | Handwriting stabilizer | |
| WO1997034771A1 (en) | Writing instrument with finger retainer | |
| EP1539503A1 (en) | Grip for hand held instruments | |
| US8434954B2 (en) | Handle for writing instruments | |
| CN109572275B (en) | Pen holder capable of controlling hand space position | |
| US7484903B2 (en) | Stylus holder | |
| JP2002192885A (en) | Writing implement | |
| US7306615B2 (en) | Anatomical handle for surgical precision scalpel | |
| CN209851890U (en) | Pen holder | |
| WO2003099584A1 (en) | Finger insertion type writing device | |
| US20190054757A1 (en) | Tactual finger grip | |
| US6176159B1 (en) | Ergonomic pliers | |
| US4819535A (en) | Glass cutting apparatus | |
| KR200379249Y1 (en) | Writing material grip posture correction device | |
| US20020094223A1 (en) | Write angle instruments | |
| GB2342611A (en) | Auxillary grip for tools | |
| KR100597338B1 (en) | Holder for correcting carriage when using writing implement |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |