GB246322A - A new or improved device for supporting the hand during writing or like operations - Google Patents

Abstract

246,322. Craig, C. Feb. 9, 1925. Finger and wrist attachments for facilitating writing. - In devices for supporting the hand during writing &c., of the kind comprising a hand-supporting plate with means for attachment to the hand, and provided on the underside with universal or ball bearings which provide three or more points of contact, the balls are disposed within an annular race or holder. As shown in Fig. 2, the annular race 3 has its upper edge rounded to form a substantially channel-shaped portion, and the other edge is cut away at intervals to form recesses 4 to receive the balls 2, which are retained in position by bending upwardly the portions 5 of the ring between the recesses. The ring 3 is secured, for example by rivets, to the hand-supporting plate 1, which is shaped to fit the lower side of the hand while writing and may be provided with loops or bands for attachment to the wrist or fingers. In a modification, Figs. 4 and 5, curved members or catches 9, 10 adapted to engage the hand are provided at their lower ends with wedge-shaped blocks 11 which project within a central slot 8 in the supporting plate 1 and co-operate with a correspondingly shaped central plunger 14 upon which the hand rests, the pressure of the hand causing the blocks 11 and the catches 9, 10 to move outwardly within guides 12 on the underside of the plate 1. When the pressure of the hand is relaxed the blocks 11 are drawn inwardly by spiral springs 16 connected between them on either side of the plunger 14. The upward movement of the plunger is limited by side flanges 15 on its lower face engaging the bottoms of the guides 12. The annular race 3 enclosing the balls 2 is enclosed by a casing 18, through the bottom of which portions 19 of the balls project, and the central portion 20 of the bottom of the casing is raised to form a lower stop for the plunger 14. In a further modification the annular race is enclosed by a casing carrying a hand-supporting plate upon which two hand-engaging clips are mounted, one of the clips being adapted for lateral adjustment by a screw and slot connection with the plate, the other clip being pivoted on the plate and urged inwardly by a compressed spring. The upper portions of the clips may have a hinged joint to enable them to be folded inwardly when the device is not in use.