GB2226795A - Writing implement - Google Patents

Abstract

A writing implement comprises a generally cup-shaped body 1 which fits around the user's finger 3 and carries a writing tip (of the ballpoint pen type for example). Acccordingly it is possible to write on writing surface 4 by appropriate movement of the finger. In another embodiment a helical tubular ink reservoir replaces the cup-shaped body 1 and in use, is entwined around the user's fingertip, Fig. 2; alternative embodiments comprise a miniature fountain pen nib with a reservoir shaped to accommodate a fingertip, Fig. 3; and a signet ring forming a reservoir body with extension providing a writing tip. Any of these embodiments have particular utility for young children or for handicapped persons. <IMAGE>

Description

Writing implement The present invention relates to writing implements.

Writing implements have been developed over thousands of years and have always been held between the user's two main fingers and thumb. It has now been found that the writing motion can be simplified bi attaching the writing implement to one finger(e.g. the forefinger).

Considerably less coordination is required, in comparison with normal handwriting, rendering this implement much easier to learn to write with by young children.Furthermore it is envisaged that this will benefit handicapped people.

Accordingly the invention provides a writing implement which is provided with means for attaching it to a user's finger.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only, with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a side elevation showing the use of a writing implement in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of another embodiment in use; Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross-section of a further embodiment, and Figure 4 is a side elevation of another embodiment in use.

The writing implement shown in Figure 1 comprises a generally cup-shaped body 1 which fits closely around the tip of the user's forefinger 3.A reservoir of ink or other writing fluid(not shown) communicates with a writing tip 2(which may be of the ball point type, for example).As shown, writing tip 2 lies beneath the user's fingertip and the fingertip extends beyond(i.e.

in the leftward direction in Figure 2) the location of the writing tip 2.The writing implement, attached by its cavity to the user's fingertip, can be used to write on any convenient writing surface 4.

The writing implement shown in Figure 2 incorporates a writing tip 20 of the ballpoint type which extends beyond the tip of the user's finger 3(shown in dashed lines).Accordingly the inclination of the user's finger with respect to horizontal writing surface 4 is some what greater than in the case of the embodiment of Figure 1.Furthermore an elongate tubular ink reservoir 10 is generally helical in form and grips the tip of the user's finger 3 by virtue of its natural resilience.The surface of reservoir 10 may have a polished or other decorative finish(for example it may have a coating of precious metal) in order to give the impression of an article of jewellery.

The embodiment shown in Figure 3 incorporates a miniature fountain pen nib 200 which communicates in a conventional manner with a reservoir 100 containing ink 8 between its inner wall 6 and outer wall 7.Reservoir 100 is formed of resilient plastics material and incórporates a re-entrant cavity portion 5 which in use, fits round the user's fingertip.

The embodiment shown in Figure 4 is a ballpoint pen generally in the form of a signet ring and comprises a cylindrical hollow body 11 which contains a reservoir of writing fluid(not shown).Two legs or clasps 12(only one of which is shown in Figure 4) extend downwardly from either side of the base of body 11 and are joined at region 13, from which a tubular portion extends forwardly to a ballpoint writing tip 2'.Within either or both of legs 12, a conduit(not shown) for the writing fluid extends from the reservoir to ballpoint writing tip 2' which is applied to a writing surface 4.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS:

1.A writing implement which is provided with means for attaching it to a user's finger

2.A writing implement as claimed in claim 1 which has its writing tip so located with respect to the attachment means that when the writing implement is attached to the user's finger, in use the writing tip lies beneath the user's fingertip and said fingertip extends beyond the location of the writing tip.

3.A writing implement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 which incorporates a cavity which is adapted to receive a user's fingertip.

4.A writing implement as claimed in claim 3 wherein said cavity forms a re-entrant portion of an ink reservoir.

5.A writing implement as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein said cavity is so shaped and dimensioned as to fit closely around a fingertip.

6.A writing implement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the attachment means comprises a resilient elongate member of generally helical configuration which is adapted to fit around a fingertip.

7.A writing implement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the attachment means comprises two or more legs adapted to fit round the sides of a user's finger and a conduit is formed in at least one leg which in use, conducts writing fluid from a reservoir to a writing tip.

8.A writing implement substantially as described hereinabove with reference to any of Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.