GB2436543A

GB2436543A - Finger support for a writing implement

Info

Publication number: GB2436543A
Application number: GB0606552A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Simon Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-31
Filing date: 2006-03-31
Publication date: 2007-10-03
Also published as: GB0606552D0

Abstract

A finger support 1 which allows a normal writing action. Preferably the finger support 1 comprises a perpendicular rest for the proximal phalanx of the index finger and is attached or attachable to a writing implement. The support 1 may decrease tension in the hand, wrist and shoulder of the writing hand to prevent writer's cramp, tendon damage and repetitive strain of muscles during writing. The reduced muscle activity may alter the brain into a more creative state.

Description

Writin2 Implement Back&ound: Problem: Due to excessive tension held in

muscles holding the writing implement of the standard shape and size, writers'cramp, tendonopathy/tendonitis of the wrist extensor tendons and sometimes repetitive strain injury to the wrist may develop.

Statement of invention:

To overcome these problems, we have developed a writing implement, which has a support rest built into or attached to, the shaft of the writing implement. The rest supports the proximal phalanx of the index finger. The index finger still contacts with the writing implement in the same fashion as before thus allowing a familiar writing action to be achieved.

The support rest extends away from the shaft of the writing implement and can be of varying length shape and diameter depending on factors such as size of hand, materials used to produce and design features.

Unlike Patent W093 13949, which seems to encourage the forearm to be pronated, the pen rest encourages a more neutral forearm position, which is key to reducing strain.

Patent DE 3801333 goes somewhat closer to the pen rest but, by attaching a strap between the proximal and second phalanx of the index finger to the pen shaft, in the manner described, encourages the shaft to run parallel thus alters the position of the fingers away from a standard form of writing position (45 degrees, is the approximate angle of the index finger to the implement shaft during normal relaxed right handed writing). The pen rest however, allows the proximal phalanx to be supported away from the shaft of the writing implement. The pen rest does not attach the finger to the writing implement, allowing complete freedom of angle of the pen shaft to index finger and encourages reduced tension in the fingers of the hand and forearm.

It is also proposed that use of the pen rest assists in silmulating the acupuncture point known as the large intestine -2. This point is commonly used in treating pain and stiffness of the shoulder and neck region.

Advanta2es: The support rest added to or built into the writing implement changes the holding/resting tension in the muscles involved with cramp and pain problems experienced by many people during writing. The device will also reduce ongoing micro damage in muscles, tendons and connective tissue of the hand, wrist and wrist extensor muscles involved in the action of writing. Relaxed writing can also assist with creativity as it helps the brain to alter into a more beneficial state.

The actual design shown is both simple and usable.

Introduction to Drawings:

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Fig 1 shows a writing implement with the finger support built into its body. The support (1), is angle perpendicular to the shaft of the writing implement (2).

Fig 2 shows the support in the form of an-add on device. The body of the support (1) is hollow. This slides over the shaft (2) of the writing implement and is secured into the required position by a securing internal grub screw or external screw (3). The fmger support (1) then is therefore secured perpendicular to the writing implement shaft (2), in a position that fits the individual attaching it.

Each type of support will come in several sizes to accommodate small to large hands (from children to adults) and to allow for different manufacturers diameter shafts, fig 2, (2) of the writing implement.

Fig 3 shows the normal position of the right hand during writing. The writing utensil's perpendicular rest supports the proximal phalanx of the index finger. This can be seen more clearly in Fig 4, where it shows the rest (1) as a dotted line, as it sits underneith the finger.

Claims

Claims: Claim 1: The finger support allows for a normal writing action

Claim 2: The finger support decreases the tension especially in the hand and wrist extensors and also to an extent, the whole shoulder girdle of the writing hand.

Claim 3: The decreased tension as stated in claim 2, helps to prevent cramps and repetitive strain of muscles used during writing.

Claim 4: The reduced muscle activation during claim 2 helps to alter the brain into a more creative state.