DE4405684C1 - Writing implement with variable dia. handgrip - Google Patents

Abstract

The writing implement has a housing (2) with a grip area (5) which is alterable between a basic state and a usage state and vice versa, being formed by thin wire or rod individual components (6). In the basic state, the dia. of the grip area corresponds to that of the housing and in the usage state the dia. is at least partly enlarged up to 300%. The alteration in dia. occurs steplessly. The grip area is elastically deformable and the alteration of the dia. occurs via an axial pressure and/or rotary activation by a widening or spreading body. The widening body is rotatably movable around a vertical axis to the longitudinal axis (A) of the housing.

Description

The invention relates to a Writing instrument.

Pens where for example, pens, fountain pens, printing pencils or the like can generally have a substantially rigid housing in which the device is expediently received for the writing tip in such a way that the writing tip protrudes in the use position, and in In the transport position, the writing tip is protected in the housing is retracted. The essentially rigid housing has one Grip area, which is sometimes roughened or in special Conical or the like is formed to in the Writing position an improved hold on the writing instrument to have. All of these forms of interpretation of the previously known and usual grip areas in such writing instruments common that they have an unchangeable and lasting form have, which with a large number of design forms mostly the largest area of the writing instrument straight from the handle Area is formed so that the writing instrument when writing can be kept as safe and non-slip as possible.

For example, EP 0 422 380 A1 (EP 90 116 808.8) contains a Typewriter of usual design specified, in which a special, retractable clip device and a control unit are provided  is to operate the writing instrument via a single Allow control element. The essentially rigid Housing has at its front end, i.e. the grip area, Perforations for an improved hold when writing, so that the fingers do not slide off the housing if possible.

EP 0 231 893 A1 (EP 87 101 261.3) contains a writing instrument described, which is a fluid-filled space in the handle area has the outside wall when writing with a writing pressure is applied, whereby the volume of the fluid-filled Chamber reduced and thereby the writing tip from the Housing is pushed out. If the writing instrument is no longer is in use, the outer wall of this chamber turns up again back to the original state, and the writing tip will retracted into the housing for protection. That way achieved that in the idle state of the writing instrument, d. H. if it is not used, and no writing pressure on the with fluid-filled chamber, the writing tip is always in the Housing is reliably engaged. When writing the Grip area is pressed by the fingers, the outer wall of the housing is moved radially inwards, that is Diameter is reduced when it is loaded with a Pressure when writing. The difficulty arises here that due to the reduction in diameter, especially in the handle area the user is cramped in the writing posture, and thus the Writing state unsafe, tiring and uncomfortable for the user becomes.  

An adjusting mechanism is known from US Pat. No. 4,035,089 whose help is the front grip zone of the housing Writing instrument - in addition to other umbrella or tool handles - The diameter can be changed within small limits means, if desired, can be enlarged to include the Change the diameter of the grip zone sequentially. This Mechanism and the means proposed here are suitable but only for small diameter changes and sometimes only over individual peripheral sections in the front grip area of a writing instrument. For this is also the use of rubber-elastic and plastically deformable Deformation body required because here to achieve the Diameter change is either a radial as well axial plastic deformation must also occur or a peripheral shape shift, with partial enlargement and partial reduction in diameter.

It has also been made from PR-PS 350 858 for many years known, in writing instruments or in writing instrument holders, Grip zones made of radially elastic metal strips olive-shaped and one or more times in Grip area, especially in the area of the grip zone, to be arranged in order to cramp the Avoid fingers. These are already in production in Grip areas with larger diameters are neither reversible still individually adjustable by the user.

In the case of tools, it is also known from US Pat. No. 2,576,751 already known for a long time, for example the handle of a Hammers, by means of adjusting means so that he Radially adjustable in diameter within relatively wide limits  is and thus enlarged from a starting position and the individual requirements or wishes of the user can be adjusted. The diameter change should here by an adjustable via a threaded rod Expanding mandrel. A frequent reset to one Starting position is conceivable, but not provided or expedient, since the adjustment to the haptic Conditions of the user usually only occur once. In addition, the use of an elastic and plastically deformable outer skin of the handle is mandatory required, if at all, a deferral to the Starting position is provided.

For writing utensils such as ballpoint pens or the like, to be able to store and carry as space-saving as possible, there is an increasing number in the field of writing instruments Tendency to the diameter of the writing device receiving housing as small as possible and only insignificant larger than the actual writing device, such as the Writing refill to make. Such, very small in diameter rated, writing instruments are very good when writing bulky and completely ergonomic for writing not suitable.

The invention therefore aims to a writing instrument or the same, to provide a housing with a outside diameter as small as possible for a space-saving Has stowed, which is nevertheless an ergonomically favorable designed grip area in the intended use condition Has.

According to the invention a writing instrument after the claim 1 specified.

In one designed according to the invention Writing instrument the housing can therefore have the smallest possible diameter, and the handle area is designed so that one in use state one in diameter compared to the basic diameter of the Housing enlarged area has at least partially up to 300%, so that seized the writing instrument reliably and safely and the Paperwork in a relaxed and relaxed position can be done. In which Writing utensil is therefore ergonomically designed designed handle area, which in use in Diameter is expanded. Furthermore, in the invention of this Handle area to be reset to the basic state can, so that the diameter of the grip area essentially corresponds to the basic diameter of the housing, the Schreibge advises to be stowed away and transported in a space-saving manner. Consequently According to the invention, a handle area in particular becomes special ergonomically designed writing instrument provided, which in Basic state takes up as little storage space as possible.  

The diameter change is preferably carried out continuously. At In such a configuration, the user can determine the size of the Stepless diameter, starting from the basic state with the smallest diameter up to the largest possible diameter change and adjust, which gives the advantage that the User the size of the diameter in the grip area each individual way in its spelling or the like can vote.

In order to reset the grip area as easily as possible to reach its basic state is the diameter changeable Grip area designed to be elastically deformable. With one Interpretation can determine the elastic behavior of the grip area Reset to the basic state with the smallest diameter be used. Of course, this is the grip area elastically deformable in such a way that in the respectively desired Condition with an enlarged diameter this condition even then is maintained if a pressure force to the holding the writing instrument securely on the grip area, for example is applied wisely. By in the invention by the Enlargement of the diameter obtained enlarged surface the grip area also becomes a more secure, in particular Non-slip hold reached when writing.

The diameter of the grip area is preferably changed by an axial pressure application and / or a rotary application striking. The type of loading depends in part on the design of the elastically deformable handle area and also depending on the desired mode of operation.

In an alternative embodiment of the grip area an expansion body can be provided, which for example can be disc-shaped, and with the help of a moved in accordance with the associated actuator can be that he the elastically deformable grip area in Can widen depending on his position. This on wide body is of course arranged so that in the basic state    of the grip area with the smallest possible diameter Expanders do not represent a disability. Preferably, the Expanders around an essentially to the longitudinal axis of the housing vertical axis movable and preferably rotatable.

There are several regarding the individual design of the grip area Interpretation options, of which only preferred Aus are explained here without any restriction.

In the case of a possible embodiment of the grip area, this of individual elements spaced apart in the circumferential direction be formed. These individual elements can be made of metal and / or Be made of plastic. The individual elements can wirför mig, lamellar, thread-like or in the form of a fiber be designed voltage. Furthermore, the individual elements rectilinear and essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the Housing can be arranged, or the individual elements be formed spirally and in the circumferential direction extend.

The respective ends of the individual elements are essentially on one Liche rigid housing part either stationary or movable arranged.

The design of individual elements in the handle area is advisable partially designed in such a way that a hitting or twisting and twisting the individual Elements with an enlarged diameter in the handle area receives that the individual elements axially shortened and thereby be compressed so that you have a bulge in the grip area gets an enlarged diameter. Since this is an even ger transition from the smaller diameter of the substantially rigid housing part to the handle area and also to the in essential rigid writing tip is present, one obtains a comfortable grip area without any injuries danger of tongue.  

Preferably for changing the diameter of the grip area an actuator in the form of a knob or Lever device provided. This actuator for the Diameter change of the grip area can be done with an actuator for retracting and extending the Writing device or the writing tip can be combined.

Furthermore, the increase in diameter in the grip area be accomplished in such a way that the grip area has an axial shortenable part of the housing of the writing instrument, for example forms, so that when increasing the diameter of the Grip area at the same time and synchronously the writing tip for example is thus uncovered that the axial length of the total housing is smaller than the basic state. Such In contrast to all of the previously customary designs Writing utensils that one on a mechanical, mostly elaborate and failure-prone sliding mechanism. This further advantage in the configuration according to the invention a writing instrument, for example, is surprising and can even despite a possible elaborate design of the handle area for an overall reduction in manufacturing costs for Lead writing instruments.

According to a further preferred embodiment according to the Invention, the grip area comprises several, preferably two, in Longitudinally arranged and in diameter changeable sections, which have an essentially rigid intermediate section are connected. With such a  Interpretation you get a particularly functional ergonomic Design of the grip area, and in particular will be an abrasion in the state of use due to the reduced diameter Range between, for example, two enlarged in diameter Areas effectively prevented. Of course, more than two such sections in the longitudinal direction one behind the other to be ordered.

The preferred embodiments are also designed such that that the writing instrument has an unmistakable external appearance, which optically from closed housings that have been customary up to now interpretations in an appealing way.

It is essential in the design according to the invention that the Grip area an ergonomically favorable shape in such Way is given that in the state of use a reliable Stop using the writing instrument, is present, but in the basic state the device as little as possible Storage space takes up, and especially one if possible has a small basic diameter.

The invention is described below with reference to preferred management forms with reference to the accompanying drawing explained in more detail. It shows:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a writing instrument as an example of the invention in the ground state,

Fig. 2 is a corresponding perspective view with a partially enlarged diameter handle portion,

Shows a corresponding perspective view with a largest diameter of the handle portion state. 3 in use,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment in the basic state,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view in a partially expanded state diameter of the handle portion,

Fig. 6 is a perspective view, with a maximum of enlarged diameter handle portion,

Fig. 7 is a perspective view from FIGS. 1 to 3, of an alternative embodiment, which is shown in Fig. 7 in the ground state

Fig. 8 shows a corresponding perspective view with a partially expanded diameter portion,

Fig. 9 is a corresponding perspective view with a widened maximum diameter handle portion,

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another exporting approximately variant with two longitudinally arranged one behind another, ten in diameter enlargeable Abschnit of the grip region, said grip region is shown in the ground state in Fig. 10, and

Fig. 11 Fig. 10 corresponding perspective view with the handle portion when in use.

In the figures of the drawing the same or similar parts are with provided the same reference numerals. Furthermore, although the invention below on preferred embodiments in connection with a writing instrument, for example a ballpoint pen, closer the embodiment according to the invention can of course be described tion of the grip area in the same or similar manner other writing implements, such as drawing bones or the like  be provided. Furthermore, the one explained below and in the figures The embodiments shown in the drawing for clarity establish details regarding the further design of the Writing utensils, such as refill, operating device, clip-shaped Holder or the like omitted. These details can be designed and designed in a conventional manner.

The Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings relate to a first overall designated 1 embodiment, Figs. 4 to 6 on a second overall designated 10 embodiment, Figs. 7 to 9 a third, generally designated 20 embodiment and the FIGS. 10 and 11 to a fourth, generally designated 30 embodiment. As examples, a writing instrument is designated 1, 10, 20 or 30 in total.

The writing instrument 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 has a housing designated overall by 2 , in which a writing device, not shown, such as a writing lead or the like, is accommodated. At the front and rear ends, the housing 2 is formed by essentially rigid housing parts 3 and 4 . The grip area, which lies between the two essentially rigid housing parts 3 , 4 , is designated by 5 . This grip area 5 is formed in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3 of individual elements 6, for example, which are arranged at a distance in the circumferential direction. These elements 6 are, for example, wire-shaped structures which are bundled together at their ends. As can be seen from FIG. 1, in the basic state of the writing instrument 1 the grip area 5 thus has essentially the same diameter as the essentially rigid housing parts 3 and 4 . Furthermore, the individual elements or individual elements 6 in FIGS. 1 to 3 are linear and are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the writing instrument 1 . At the rear end, the writing instrument 1 has a button-shaped actuating part 7 .

If, for example, starting from the basic state shown in FIG. 1, the knob-shaped actuating part 7 is rotated, or alternatively an axial pressure force is applied to it, the axial length of the individual elements 6 is shortened and the diameter of the grip area can be changed in a continuously variable manner 5 enlarge, as can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 3, the handle portion has its greatest diameter and this one has the best grip for example, when writing to the writer 1.

When the writing instrument 1 is no longer used, the button-shaped actuating part 7 can then be actuated in a corresponding manner, and the writing instrument 1 is returned to the state shown in FIG. 1, so that the writing instrument has a housing with a substantially uniform diameter.

The writing instrument shown overall with 10 according to FIGS. 4 to 6 comprises a housing 12 with essentially rigid front and rear housing parts 13 , 14 and an intermediate grip area 15 . In this embodiment, the individual elements 16 forming the grip area 15 are not designed in a straight line, but rather are designed in a spiral shape. Appropriate pressurization, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 5, which shortens the axial distance between the ends of the individual elements 16 , then results in the grip area 15 shown in FIG. 5, which is at least partially enlarged in diameter. In Fig. 6 is a variant thereof, or also illustrates to the above or below described embodiments, 16 for example, is carried out in which, by an indicated with an arrow rotational movement of an actuation of the individual elements, so that the individual elements 16 are rotated relative to each other and twisted counter to its spiral-shaped basic shape become. This then gives the area 15 with an enlarged diameter, which is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 6. From the course of the spiral lines in Fig. 6, which illustrate the individual elements 16 , it can be seen that the inclination of the spiral shape of the individual elements 16 is changed in this rotation.

By appropriate actuation in the opposite sense, the grip area 15 can then be returned to its basic state - as shown for example in FIG. 4 - so that it can be stowed away to save space.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show an alternative embodiment of a writing device designated there overall by 20 . Starting, for example, from the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3 or possibly from the embodiment of the individual elements 16 according to FIGS. 4 to 6, the housing 22 comprises essentially rigid housing parts 23 and 24 and an elastically deformable grip area 25 . In deviation from the above-explained embodiments, a 7 expander 28 is shown in FIGS. To 9 shown, which is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the writing instrument 20 and which is disc-shaped in the illustrated example. As can be seen from FIGS . 7 to 9 and the views or sectional views shown below, the expander body 28 is moved and rotated for the desired state of use in such a way that the individual elements 26 , starting from the state shown in FIG . state shown in FIG 9 are increasingly forced apart state shown in FIG 8 to the, so that the respective enlarged diameter intermediate portion 25 -., as desired - is obtained.

In Figs. 10 and 11 a further embodiment is shown in which the designated overall with 30 writing instrument between the two substantially rigid housing parts 33 and 34 a grip portion 35 with two extendible in diameter portions 38 and 39 has. Between the two sections 38 and 39 which can be enlarged in diameter, an essentially rigid intermediate section 40 is provided as an intermediate connection. As can be seen from Fig. 11 compared to 10 , which shows the writing instrument 30 in the basic state with the smallest diameter, one obtains in this embodiment a grip area 35 in use which has two balloon-shaped sections enlarged in diameter and an intermediate section 40 therebetween includes a smaller diameter, the diameter of which corresponds essentially to the diameter of the two front and rear housing parts 33 , 34 . In this way, one obtains a kind of recessed grip in the writing device 30 also in the area of the intermediate section 40 , so that an even more secure hold for the fingers in the state of use is obtained. Here, too, individual elements 36 can be provided, similar to the above-described embodiments, which are either spiral or rectilinear, or which, starting from a spiral shape, can be converted into a substantially uniformly curved shape with a uniform curvature.

Although the elastically deformable and diameter-adjustable grip area 5 , 15 , 25 , 35 or 38 and 39 is formed by individual elements 6 , 16 , 26 , 36 , other designs of a grip area with elastic deformability are of course also possible. For example, punchings and / or perforations can be provided in the grip area. Furthermore, the grip area can also be made of a material which, due to its properties, has an elastically deformable behavior. Furthermore, a lever device can also be provided as the actuating device instead of a button-shaped actuating part 7 , 17 , 27 , 37 .

The illustrated and illustrated individual elements 6 , 16 , 26 and 36 can be made of plastic or metal. Furthermore, these individual elements can be lamellar, thread-like or, for example, in the form of a fiber covering. With a fiber covering, highly resistant, in particular flexible, plastic fibers can be used.

If necessary, the axial shortening of the handle area 5 , 15 , 35 , when the diameter of the handle area 5 is enlarged, can also be achieved at the same time that, for example, the writing lead in the state of use after the increase in the diameter of the handle area 5 , 15 , 25 , 35 via the front end of the projecting essentially rigid housing part 3 , 13 , 23 , 33 . In such a case, complicated devices for retracting and extending a writing lead can then be dispensed with.

Reference list

Embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3
1 writing instrument in total
2 cases in total
3 front housing part
4 rear housing part
5 total grip area
6 individual elements
7 button-shaped operating part
Embodiment according to FIGS. 4 to 6
10 writing instruments in total
12 cases in total
13 front housing part
14 rear housing part
15 total grip area
16 individual elements
17 button-shaped operating part
Embodiment according to FIGS. 7 to 9
20 writing instruments in total
22 cases in total
23 front housing part
24 rear housing part
25 total grip area
26 individual elements
27 button-shaped operating part
28 expanding body
Embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11
30 writing instruments in total
32 cases in total
33 front housing part
34 rear housing part
35 total grip area
36 individual elements
37 button-shaped operating part
38 , 39 sections which can be enlarged in diameter
40 intermediate section
A longitudinal axis

Claims (14)

1. writing instrument or the like, with a housing ( 2 , 12 , 22 , 32 ) with a grip area ( 5 , 15 , 25 , 35 ) which can be changed and reset between a basic state and a use state and of wire-shaped individual elements ( 6 , 16 , 26 , 36 ) is formed, in the basic state the diameter roughly corresponds to that of the housing ( 2 , 12 , 22 , 32 ) and in the use state the diameter can be increased at least partially up to 300%. 2. Writing implement according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter change is infinitely variable. 3. Writing implement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the diameter-adjustable grip area ( 5 , 15 , 25 , 35 ) is elastically deformable. 4. Writing implement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the change in diameter of the handle area ( 5 , 15 , 25 , 35 ) is carried out by an axial pressure and / or rotation. 5. Writing implement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the diameter change takes place by means of an expansion body ( 28 ). 6. Writing implement according to claim 5, characterized in that the expanding body ( 28 ) about a substantially to the longitudinal axis (A) of the housing ( 22 ) vertical axis is movable, preferably rotatable. 7. Writing implement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the handle region ( 5 , 15 , 25 , 35 ) is formed by individual elements ( 6 , 16 , 26 , 36 ) spaced apart in the circumferential direction. 8. Writing implement according to claim 7, characterized in that the individual elements ( 6 , 16 , 26 , 36 ) are made of metal and / or plastic. 9. Writing implement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the individual elements ( 6 , 16 , 26 , 36 ) are lamellar, thread-like or in the form of a fiber covering. 10. Writing implement according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the individual elements ( 6 , 26 , 36 ) are arranged in a straight line and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the housing ( 2 , 22 , 32 ). 11. Writing implement according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the individual elements ( 16 and 36 ) are formed spirally. 12. Writing implement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for changing the diameter of the handle area ( 5 , 15 , 25 , 35 ) an actuating device ( 7 , 17 , 27 , 37 ) is provided in the form of a rotary knob or a lever device. 13. Writing implement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle region ( 35 ) comprises a plurality, preferably two, in the longitudinal direction one behind the other, diameter-changeable sections ( 38 , 39 ) which are connected via a substantially rigid intermediate section ( 40 ) . 14. Writing implement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when enlarging the diameter of the grip area ( 5 , 15 , 25 , 35 ) a writing tip is simultaneously and synchronously exposed.