GB2569586A

GB2569586A - Writing tool

Info

Publication number: GB2569586A
Application number: GB1721478.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peel Richard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-12-20
Filing date: 2017-12-20
Publication date: 2019-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-20
Also published as: GB201721478D0; GB2569586B

Abstract

A writing tool 100 comprises an opening 130 arranged to receive a digit of a user. The writing implement may be a pen, pencil, crayon, brush or touchscreen stylus. The writing tool comprises a body 120 which provides the opening. The body is made of a non-abrading material. A writing implement 140 is attached to the body. The body is configured to surround a tip of the digit of the user. The body includes a tip opening which a writing tip extends. The writing tool includes a delivery means arranged to deliver a consumable writing material to a writing surface. The exterior surface of the body may include at least one concave portion (160, Fig.2) for engagement with one or more digits of the user. The body may include a reservoir (170, Fig.3A) which may be provided by a hollow portion in the body. The reservoir may be fin-shaped (270, Fig.4A) and may be removable from the body. The surface of the opening may be coated or lined with an elastomeric material.

Description

The present invention relates to a writing tool, and more particularly to a writing tool configured to be operable by a single digit of a user.

BACKGROUND

Pens and other writing implements including, for example, pencils and styluses, are widely utilised in all aspects of life. These implements are useful in a variety of situations, including both commercial use, e.g. being used to provide signatures for commercial activity, and leisure use, e.g. drawing and sketching. As used herein, “writing” covers all forms of creating marks on a surface, whether or not the marks correspond to words and/or are on a touch-screen or the likes, including drawing, painting, etching and the likes.

Typically writing implements are provided in an elongated, tubular shape, usually with a circular or hexagonal cross-section. The writing implements are designed to be held or gripped between the thumb of a user and one or more fingers of a user in use.

SUMMARY

The inventor appreciated that prior art design of writing implements can cause difficulty, for example, for users who do not have thumbs, or who have difficulty gripping objects due to medical conditions.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a writing tool comprising a body, the body comprising an opening configured to receive a first digit of a user; and a writing implement attached to the body. The body is configured to surround a tip of the first digit of the user.

The body may be made of a material sufficiently hard-wearing/resistant that light rubbing of the body on a writing surface would not leave a mark - the term “non abrading” is used herein to indicate such materials, and in particular any material that would not leave a mark as a result of light contact with a writing surface.

Some or all of the writing implement may be made of a different material from the body. For example, when the writing implement is a crayon or pencil, the wax or graphite of the writing implement (the writing material) is not used to form the body as it is not a non-abrading (hard-wearing) material, as the terms are used herein.

The body may be configured to transmit force from the tip of the first of the user to the writing implement when the user translates the first digit across a writing surface.

A nib or other writing tip of the writing implement may be arranged to align with the first digit of the user, such that translation of the first digit across a writing surface causes the writing implement to write on the writing surface. The nib or other writing tip may be between the tip of the first digit and the writing surface in use. The nib or other writing tip may be directly in line with the length of the first digit of the user in use.

A user may therefore require only a single digit in order to use the writing tool, and the writing tool is not required to be gripped by the user during use.

An advantage of the body being configured in this way is that the writing tool can be used by users who, for example, do not have thumbs, or who struggle to grip pens with generic (i.e. elongated and tubular) designs, for example due to a medical condition. The writing tool can be used by a user with only a single digit, and requires no ability to grip the writing tool between a thumb and one or more fingers (as is required in order to use pens with a more typical design).

An exterior surface of the body may comprise a concave portion configured to engage with a second digit of the user.

The exterior surface of the body may comprise a plurality of concave portions configured to engage with one or more digits of the user.

The opening may be a recess.

The opening may be substantially conical. The shape of the opening may be designed to closely surround the first digit of the user, and in particular may engagingly receive the first digit so as to hold the writing tool to the first digit. The opening may therefore be described as gripping the first digit. Advantageously, in embodiments in which the body grips the digit of the user, there is no need for the user to grip the writing tool in order to use it.

The body may comprise an ink reservoir. The ink reservoir may be a hollow portion of the body. The ink reservoir may be removably and replaceably attached to the body. The ink reservoir may be fin shaped.

At least a part of a surface of the opening may be coated with an elastomeric material. Advantageously, the elastomeric material may increase comfort for a user, and/or may improve grip of the first digit.

The writing implement may be removably and replaceably attached to the body. The body may comprise a release mechanism to detach the writing implement from the body.

The opening may be configured to engagingly receive the first digit. Advantageously, in embodiments with the elastomeric material, the elastomeric material may facilitate gripping of the first digit by the opening.

The writing implement may be at least one of a pen, a pencil, a pencil crayon, a highlighter pen, a paintbrush, a correction fluid pen, a crayon, or a touch-screen stylus.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a pen or pencil comprising an opening configured to engagingly receive a first digit of a user is provided.

The pen may be provided as a single entity, with a body of the pen or pencil comprising both the opening and the nib. The writing implement as described above with respect to the first aspect is therefore integral with the body as described above in such embodiments.

A nib of the pen or pencil may be arranged to align with the first digit of the user, such that translation of the first digit across a writing surface causes the pen to write on the writing surface.

The opening may be provided by a body of the pen, the body being configured to surround a tip of the first digit of the user.

The pen or pencil of the second aspect of the invention may comprise any of the optional features of the writing tool of the first aspect of the invention, as applicable.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a writing tool comprising:

a body arranged to receive a first digit of a user and to surround a tip of the first digit, the body comprising a tip opening; and a writing tip arranged to extend through the tip opening.

The writing tip may be thought of as a writing implement, or as part of a writing implement.

The tip opening may be arranged to allow a consumable writing material to be provided therethrough.

The consumable writing material may be ink, wax, graphite or the likes. Where the consumable material is solid, the consumable material may provide the writing tip. Where the consumable material is liquid, the writing tip may further comprise a solid nib through which the liquid writing material can pass.

The writing tip may be such that no consumable writing material is used, e.g. a stylus such as a stylus that can be used with a touch-screen or other tablet, mobile device or the likes, or an etching tool.

The writing tip may be arranged to be used with a separate consumable writing material which does not pass through the tip opening, e.g. a paintbrush.

The writing tip may be aligned with the tip of the first digit in use.

The body may have a tip arranged to surround the tip of the first digit. The tip may extend from the body in line with the length of the first digit. The opening may be provided on a projection extending from the tip - for example in the form of a nib of a pen or pencil, via which ink or graphite or the likes can be delivered.

The tip opening may be in line with the tip of the first digit such that the tip opening is not offset from the tip of the first digit. The tip opening may therefore be directly between the tip of the first digit and a writing surface in use.

The writing tool may comprise any of the optional features of the writing tool of the first or second aspect of the invention, as applicable.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a writing tool comprising:

a body arranged to receive a first digit of a user and to surround a tip of the first digit; and a delivery means arranged to deliver a consumable writing material to a writing surface in use.

The consumable writing material may be ink, paint, graphite, wax or the likes.

The writing tool may further comprise the consumable writing material.

Alternatively, the writing tool may be arranged to be dipped into a consumable writing material; for example in cases where the delivery means is bristles of a paintbrush or a sponge tip arranged to receive paint or ink.

The delivery means may be arranged to form, or to provide the consumable writing material to a writing tip.

The writing tool may comprise any of the optional features of the writing tool of the first, second or third aspect of the invention, as applicable.

The skilled person will appreciate that features described as options for one aspect may be applied to other aspects, mutatis mutandis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a writing tool according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a writing tool according to another embodiment of the invention in which the writing tool has a concave portion;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a writing tool according to another embodiment of the invention, in which ink is stored within the structure of the writing tool;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show a writing tool according to another embodiment of the invention in which the writing tool has a detachable ink reservoir;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a writing tool according to another embodiment of invention in which the writing tool has a detachable fin shaped ink reservoir;

FIG. 6 shows a writing tool according to another embodiment of the invention in which the writing tool has a flexible elastomeric portion;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a writing tool according to another embodiment of the invention in which a tip of the writing tool is detachable;

FIG. 8 shows a storage tray for storing detachable tips of a writing tool as shown in Figures 7A and 7B;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show writing tools according to other embodiments of the invention in which the writing tools have a mechanism for extending and retracting a writing implement;

FIG. 10 shows a writing tool according to another embodiment of the invention in which the writing tool has a lid;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a writing tool according to another embodiment of the invention in which the writing tool has detachable paintbrush tips;

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12E show writing tools according to other embodiments of the invention in which the exterior surface of the writing tool has an aesthetic design;

FIG. 13A shows a writing tool according to an embodiment of the invention in which the exterior surface of the writing tool is arranged to rotate;

FIG. 13B shows a cross-sectional view of the writing tool shown in Fig. 13A; and

FIG. 13C shows an alternative view of the writing tool shown in Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B.

Fike reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and/or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, these may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

DETAIFED DESCRIPTION

In the following description and claims, a number of terms are given particular meanings to distinguish those terms and make them clear. The term “writing tool” means any tool typically used for writing or marking surfaces and includes (but is not limited to) pens (including highlighter pens and correction fluid pens), pencils (including pencil crayons), crayons, etching tools, paintbrushes, and styluses. The term “writing implement” means the part of a writing tool which, in use, makes contact with a writing surface. In some embodiments, the writing implement may be integral with, and in some cases indistinguishable from, the writing tool. The terms may be used interchangeably in such embodiments. In other embodiments, the writing implement may be capable of being reversibly detached from the rest of the writing tool. In embodiments with a consumable writing material (e.g. ink), the consumable writing material may be contained within the writing implement itself, or within another part of the writing tool, which may be separable from the writing implement.

Figure 1 shows a writing tool 100 comprising a body 120, wherein the body 120 comprises an opening 130 configured to receive a first digit of a user. A writing implement 140 is attached to the body 120. The body 120 is configured to surround a tip of the first digit of the user. The body 120 is configured to transmit force from the tip of the first digit of the user to the writing implement 140 when the user translates the first digit across a writing surface. The first digit of the user that the opening 130 is configured to receive is preferably an index finger. In alternative or additional embodiments, the first digit of the user that the opening 130 is configured to receive may be any digit (if, for example, the user finds using the writing tool 100 with another digit easier, more comfortable, or is unable to use the writing tool 100 with an index finger).

In the embodiment being described, the body 120 is made of plastic. In alternative or additional embodiments, the body 120 may be manufactured from any suitable material, and more particularly may be manufactured from any suitable plastic material, for example polystyrene or polypropylene.

In the embodiment being described, the body 120 is 4 cm in length (opening to tip). In alternative or additional embodiments, the body 120 may be between 1.5 cm and 10 cm in length, and preferably between 2 cm and 7 cm in length.

In the embodiment being described, the body 120 is sized and shaped to enclose the entirety of the first phalange of the first digit of the user, with the first knuckle of the first digit of the user being near the entrance to the opening 130. In alternative or additional embodiments, the body 120 may be sized and shaped to enclose only a portion of the first phalange, for example from the tip to the base of a fingernail of the first digit. In alternative or additional embodiments, the body 120 may be sized and shaped to receive a greater length of the first digit, for example the first and second phalanges of the first digit. Further, in some embodiments, the body 120 may be sized and shaped to accommodate significant fingernail length extending beyond the fingertip.

Figure 2 shows another view of the writing tool 100. An exterior surface 150 of the body 120 comprises a concave portion 160 configured to engage with a second digit of the user.

In alternative or additional embodiments, the exterior surface 150 of the body 120 may comprise a plurality of concave portions 160, each configured to engage with one or more digits of the user. In such embodiments, the exterior surface 150 of the body 120 may comprise two concave portions 160, one placed on either side of the exterior surface 150, each configured to engage with a second digit of the same hand as the first digit. This arrangement may enable a user to engage the second digit (e.g. a thumb) with one of the concave portions 160 when using the writing tool 100 with either hand. In alternative embodiments, the exterior surface 150 of the body 120 may not comprise any concave portions 160.

In alternative or additional embodiments, at least an outer portion of the body 120 may be formed from or coated with an elastomeric material so as to increase comfort and/or grip for a second digit.

In the embodiment being described, grip or support of the writing tool 100 by the user with multiple digits is facilitated. The user could, for example, grip or support the writing tool 100 between a thumb (in contact with a concave portion 160) and a finger (within the opening 130).

In the embodiment being described, the opening 130 of the body 120 is a recess. The body 120 completely surrounds and covers an inserted portion of a digit. In alternative embodiments, the opening may be provided by one or more elements such as struts, loops, rings (e.g. expandable or split rings) or the likes, such that one or more portions of an inserted digit may still be visible. In such embodiments, the elements may be biased so as to produce an inwardly-directed force on an inserted digit, so gripping the digit. The elements may be thought of as clipping the body to the digit. The writing tools 100 of various embodiments may therefore accommodate various shapes and sizes of digit.

In the embodiment being described, the opening 130 is substantially conical, narrowing towards a tip where a tip of the writing implement 140 is located. The tip of the opening 130 is rounded in the embodiment being described. The tip of the first digit is arranged to make contact with the tip of the opening 130 in the embodiment being described. The shape of the opening 130 in this embodiment approximates the shape of a digit of a user to provide an ergonomic fit. In alternative embodiments, the opening may be substantially cylindrical, substantially hexagonal in cross-section, or take another shape capable of receiving a digit.

In the embodiment being described, the opening 130 is configured to engagingly receive the first digit of the user.

The skilled person will appreciate that a range of writing tools 100 with differently sized openings 130 may be provided to accommodate different digit sizes, e.g. of a child compared to an adult, or of an index finger as compared to a little finger.

In the embodiment being described, the writing tool 100 is a pen. The writing implement 140 therefore comprises a pen nib. The opening 130 may be provided by a body 120 of the pen 100, the body 120 being configured to surround a tip of the first digit of the user. The opening 130 is configured to engagingly receive a first digit of a user. The nib 140 of the pen 100 may be arranged to align with the first digit of the user, such that translation of the first digit across a writing surface causes the pen 100 to write on the writing surface. The pen 100 being arranged in this way allows the user to use the pen 100 with a single digit, rather than requiring the pen 100 to be gripped between a thumb and one or more fingers, as would be required in order to use a pen with a typical prior art design.

In alternative or additional embodiments, a tip 125 of the body 120 may be configured to extend or retract the nib 140. The nib 140 may extend through a tip opening in the tip 125 when extended, and be contained within the tip 125 when retracted. In the embodiment being described, this is achieved via a screw mechanism which, when the tip 125 is rotated, moves the tip 125 closer to or further from the body 120 to reveal or obscure the nib 140.

Alternatively, revealing and concealing of the nib 140 may be achieved via a sliding mechanism in which the tip 125 is moved between a first position closer to the body 120 in which the nib 140 is revealed, and a second position further from the body 120 in which the nib is obscured. A catch at one or both ends of the sliding mechanism may hold the tip 125 in place to ensure the nib 140 remains extended or retracted as desired. Alternatively, the nib 140 itself may be moveable relative to the tip 125 via a screw mechanism or a sliding mechanism as described above. The skilled person will appreciate that any equivalent mechanism known in the art may be used.

In the embodiment being described, the tip 125 is substantially conical in shape, with the end being curved instead of pointed. The flat surface (base of the cone) is arranged to engage with the rest of the body 120 in the embodiment shown. The tip opening is opposite the flat surface in the embodiment being described, such that the nib 140 extends at least substantially perpendicular to the flat surface. In alternative embodiments, the nib 140 may be at a different angle with respect to the flat surface.

In alternative embodiments, the tip 125 may be different shape, for example cylindrical, conical, pyramidal or the likes.

Figures 3A and 3B show a view of the writing tool 100 as if the body 120 were transparent. In the embodiment being described, the body 120 comprises an ink reservoir 170. The ink reservoir 170 is provided by a hollow portion of the body 120. Ink may therefore be stored within the structure of the writing tool 100.

In the embodiment being described, the ink reservoir 170 is arranged to lie between an inner wall of the opening 130 and an inner wall of the body 120, such that the ink reservoir 170 surrounds the first digit in use. In the embodiment being described, the ink reservoir 170 is widest between the tip of the opening 130 and the tip of the writing implement 140, and narrows as the width of the opening 130 increases.

The ink reservoir 170 is in fluid communication with the writing implement 140, such that ink from the reservoir 170 can pass through the nib 140.

In the embodiment being described, the ink reservoir 170 is sealed such that, once the ink is exhausted, the pen 100 no longer functions.

In the embodiment being described, the writing implement 140 is integral with the writing tool 100.

In alternative embodiments, the ink reservoir 170 may comprise an opening through which ink may be provided to the ink reservoir 170, allowing the ink reservoir 170 to be refillable. The opening may be resealable. For example, an opening may be provided by arranging the writing tool 100 such that the nib 140 can be unscrewed so as to reveal an opening. In such embodiments, the writing implement 140 may consist of the nib, and be separable from the rest of the writing tool 100.

Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C show a further embodiment of a writing tool 200.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, a writing tool 200 comprises an ink reservoir 270 that is removably and replaceably attached to a body 220, via a catch mechanism. In alternative or additional embodiments, the removable connection may be provided via a screw fit mechanism with complementary threaded portions on the ink reservoir 270 and the body 220, or via a push-fit mechanism.

Figure 4B shows another view of the writing tool 200. The body 220 comprises a release mechanism 275 arranged to allow the ink reservoir 270 to be quickly and easily detached from the body 220. In the embodiment being described, the release mechanism 275 takes the form of a small button which can be depressed so as to release a catch, thereby releasing the ink reservoir 270. Reinsertion of the, or another, ink reservoir 170 is arranged to cause the button 275 to move back to the extended position. In alternative or additional embodiments, a release mechanism 275 may be provided on the ink reservoir 370 to quickly and easily detach the ink reservoir 270 from the body 220.

Figure 4C shows a view of the writing tool 200 as if the body 220 were transparent. In the described embodiment, ink provided to the ink reservoir 270 is provided within a cartridge 280 which is configured to fit inside the hollow space defined by the ink reservoir 270 and extend through the body to the writing implement 240. In the embodiment being described, the cartridge 280 takes the form of a hollow tube, of the kind used in ballpoint pens, arranged to be at least partially filled with ink. The cartridge 280, inside the ink reservoir 270, is configured to be in fluid communication with the nib of the writing implement 240. The cartridge 280 is provided to the ink reservoir 270 by insertion through an opening in a tip 225 of the body 220. In alternative embodiments, the cartridge 280 may be provided to the ink reservoir by insertion through an opening elsewhere on the body 220, or by clipping onto the body 220.

In alternative or additional embodiments, ink may be provided directly to the ink reservoir 270. The ink reservoir 270 may be in fluid communication with the writing implement 240. The ink reservoir may comprise a seal to prevent ink from leaking from the writing tool 200 at or near the location of attachment between the body 220 and the ink reservoir 270. The seal may comprise a rubber o-ring. The ink reservoir may be integral with, and form a part of, the writing implement 240 in some embodiments. The writing implement 240 may be separable from the writing tool 200 as a single piece including the nib and reservoir in such embodiments.

In the described embodiment, the ink reservoir 270 extends from an exterior surface 250 of the body 220 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the writing implement 240 extends away from the body 220. In this arrangement, the ink reservoir 270 has an elongate tubular shape with a substantially circular cross-section. The ink reservoir 270 is configured to remain substantially perpendicular to a tip of a digit received in an opening 230 of the body 220. In alternative embodiments, the ink reservoir may have a different shaped cross-section (e.g. a prismatic cross-section). In alternative or additional embodiments, actuation of the ink reservoir 270 may be configured to extend or retract the writing implement 240 via a push mechanism, or via a screw mechanism.

Figures 5A and 5B show an embodiment of a writing tool 300 with a fin. In this embodiment, the fin is configured to act as an ink reservoir 370. In this embodiment, the ink reservoir 370 has a cross-sectional shape in which, across a substantial length of the ink reservoir 370, a depth of the ink reservoir 370 is significantly smaller than a width of the ink reservoir 370, giving a fin like appearance. The ink reservoir 370 is substantially oval in cross-section in the embodiment being described.

In the embodiment being described, the fin 370 containing the ink extends from the tip of the body 320 up along its length.

In the embodiment being described, the fin 370 comprises a hollow tube which can hold cartridges of the type used in ballpoint pens. In this embodiment, the fin 370 is detachable and may act as a replaceable ink cartridge. In the embodiment being described, the fin 370 is fixed in place when mounted on the body 320. In alternative or additional embodiments, the fin 370 is arranged such that it has a push-top that can be activated to extend or retract the tip, or such that the fin 370 can be twisted or push to extend or retract the tip.

In alternative embodiments, the fin 370 is arranged such that cartridges can be inserted from the tip; cartridges are therefore replaceable. In alternative embodiments, cartridges may be differently insertable, for example from the end of the fin 370 distal from the writing tip.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the reservoir 170 may be shaped like a crest arranged to be aligned with the length of the first digit of a user in use. The skilled person will appreciate that many different ink reservoir sizes and shapes may be provided in various embodiments.

In the described embodiment as shown in Figure 5A, ink reservoir 370 is removably and replaceably attached to a body 320 by a catch mechanism. In additional or alternative embodiments, the ink reservoir 370 may be removably and replaceably attached to a body 320 by any suitable means, for example via a push-fit mechanism, or via a screw fit mechanism with complimentary threaded portions on the ink reservoir 370 and the body 320, or via a different catch mechanism.

Figure 5B shows another view of the writing tool 300 with the ink reservoir 370 removed from the body 320. The body 320 comprises a release mechanism 375 to quickly and easily detach the ink reservoir 370 from the body 320. In alternative embodiments, a release mechanism 375 may be provided on the ink reservoir 370 to quickly and easily detach the ink reservoir 370 from the body 320.

In the embodiment being described, at least a part of a surface 185 of the opening 130 is coated with elastomeric material, and in this case substantially all of the surface 185 is coated with the elastomeric material. The surface 185 includes the entire surface area of the opening 130, including the internal cavity of the body 120 created by the opening 130.

In alternative embodiments, a coating or lining of one or more parts of the surface 185 with an elastomeric material may be provided, for example in rings or bands spaced apart from one another. Coating at least a part of the surface 185 of the opening 130 with elastomeric material, e.g. silicone or rubber, may provide increased grip and increased comfort for the user.

The elastomeric material may have a roughened surface finish, or a bobbled surface or the likes, to increase friction between the body 120 and the first digit of a user. Friction may therefore be used to hold the body 120 to the first digit.

In alternative embodiments, the fin may comprise or consist of a consumable writing material such as wax, graphite, or the likes and a tip of the fin may provide the writing tip. In such embodiments, a ratcheting means and/or biasing means or the likes may be provided to move the fin forward as the consumable writing material is worn away in use.

In the further embodiment of a writing tool 400 shown in Figure 6, a body 420 is partially manufactured from an elastomeric material which can be moulded in use, by a user, to the shape of a digit of a user. The elastomeric material of the described embodiment may also act to provide improved grip for the user. A tip 425 of the body 420 is manufactured from a rigid plastic material. In alternative embodiments, the body 420 is wholly manufactured from an elastomeric material in which a writing implement 440 is supported.

In the described embodiment, the body 420 is sized for a set range of finger sizes, with the elastomeric lining providing some tolerance to differing widths.

In alternative or additional embodiments, the body 420 may comprise an adjustment mechanism configured to tighten or loosen the fit of the opening 430 of the body 420 around a digit of the user. The adjustment mechanism may be, for example, a screw mechanism biased against the body 420, configured to increase the effective diameter of an opening 430 in the body 420 when the screw mechanism is rotated in one direction, or decrease the effective diameter of the opening 430 in the body 420 when the screw mechanism is rotated in an opposite direction.

Figures 7A and 7B show another embodiment of a writing tool 500. A tip of a writing implement 540 is supported by and within a tip 525 of a body 520, wherein the writing implement 540 extends from the tip 525.

As shown in Figure 7A, the tip 525 is removably and replaceably attached to the rest of the body 520, allowing the writing implement 540, 525 to be quickly and easily interchangeable with another writing implement 540, 525. In the embodiment being described, this arrangement enables a user to change not only between different colours of ink provided by different pen nibs 540, but also to change the functionality of the writing tool 500 to act as, e.g., a pencil 525d, or a paintbrush 525e, or a stylus 525c. The tip 525 of the body may be thought of as a part of the writing implement 540 in this embodiment.

In the embodiment being described, the tip 125 is substantially hemispherical in shape, with the flat surface arranged to engage with the rest of the body 120. The tip opening is opposite the flat surface in the embodiment being described, such that the nib 540 extends at least substantially perpendicular to the flat surface. In alternative embodiments, the nib 540 may be at a different angle with respect to the flat surface.

In the embodiment being described, each tip 525 with the exception of the stylus tip 525c may be thought of as having a tip opening through which a delivery means for a consumable writing material extends. For pen tips 525, 525a, 525b, the pen nibs are a delivery means for ink. For the paintbrush tip 525e, the bristles extend through the opening and are then dipped into paint or the likes so as to deliver paint to a writing surface using the brush. For the pencil tip 525d, a pencil lead, either bare or within a supportive sheath, extends through the tip opening.

In alternative embodiments, there may be no tip opening - for example a stylus tip or bristles of a paintbrush tip may extend from the surface of the tip (and may be formed integrally with the tip).

For tips containing a consumable writing material (pens 525, 525a, 525b and pencil 525d), the consumable writing material is provided via the tip opening in use.

In the embodiment being described, the ink reservoir 170 is provided within the tip 525, 525a, 525b. Different tips may contain different inks, for example inks of different colours.

The skilled person will appreciate an ink reservoir 170 may not be provided in some embodiments - for example for embodiments in which the writing implement 540 is not a pen.

In the embodiment being described, the tips 525, 525a-e are arranged to be disposable; a new tip 525 can be acquired once the ink or pencil is used up. In alternative embodiments, the tips 525, 525a-e may be able to be refilled.

In the embodiment being described, the tip 525 is a push-fit with the body 520. In alternative or additional embodiments, the connection may be by any suitable means, for example a screw fit, one or more clips or ties, or the likes.

In the embodiment being described, the tip 525 is hollow and configured to act as an ink reservoir in fluid communication with the writing implement 540. In alternative or additional embodiments, the tip 525 may be arranged to receive a separate ink cartridge, which may be replaceable, or may be arranged such that ink is stored within an inner container within the tip 525.

In the embodiment being described, the body 520 comprises a release mechanism 590 to detach the tip 525 from the rest of the body 520. The tip 525 is shown detached from the body 520 in Figure 7B. The release mechanism 590 comprises a pressable button located on an exterior surface 550 of the body 520. In alternative embodiments, the release mechanism 590 may be a sliding mechanism configured to release a catch or clip.

In the embodiment being described, the writing implement 540 contained within the tip 525 is a pen nib, so making the writing tool 500 a pen. In alternative or additional embodiments, the writing implement 540 may be a pencil, a pencil crayon, a highlighter pen, a paintbrush, a correction fluid pen, a touch-screen stylus, engraving tip, or any other suitable writing implement 540.

Figure 8 shows a storage tray 605 in which a number of writing implements 540 supported by and within a number of tips 525 are stored in a number of recesses positioned in a top surface of the storage tray 605. The storage tray 605 is configured to store writing implements 540 with a variety of functionalities. In the described embodiment, each of the recesses is specifically shaped to receive only one type of writing implement 540 (e.g. pen nibs 525, 525a-b, or a paintbrush tip 525e). In alternative embodiments, each of the recesses may be shaped identically so that any functionality of writing implement 540 may be received in each of the recesses. The storage tray 605 may allow users to quickly and easily store, retrieve and interchange writing implements 540 for writing tool 500.

Figures 9A and 9B show further embodiments of a writing tool 700.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 9A and 9B, a body 720 of the writing tool 700 comprises a mechanism 795 for extending and retracting a writing implement 740 relative to the body 720. In the embodiment shown, the tip 725 of the body 720 is integral with the rest of the body and cannot move with respect to the rest of the body. In alternative embodiments, the tip 725 of the body 720 may be moveable with respect to the rest of the body 720 and movement of the tip 725 may move the writing implement 740 such that the writing tip is extended and retracted.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 9A, the mechanism 795a is in the form of a rotatable bar. The rotatable bar 795a is connected to the writing implement and configured to extend or retract the writing implement 40 when rotated about an axis by a user, as shown in Figure 9A.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 9B, the mechanism 795b for extending and retracting the writing implement 740 is in the form of a slider. The slider 795b is connected to the writing implement 740 and configured to extend or retract the writing implement 740 when moved back and forth between a first position and a second position along an axis by a user, as shown in Figure 9B.

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a writing tool 800. The writing tool 800 comprises a lid 810. The lid 810 is designed to be quickly and easily attachable to and detachable from a body 820 of the writing tool 800.

In this embodiment, the lid is mechanism comprising shaping portions 760 of the body 720.

arranged to be attached and detached via a clip of the lid arranged to engage with the concave

In additional or alternative embodiments, the clip mechanism may comprise a protrusion/protrusions (e.g. one or more ridges) and/or a recess/recesses (indent/indents), configured to releasably engage one another, in either or both the exterior surface 850 of the body 820 and the lid 810.

In alternative embodiments, the lid 810 may be a screw fit.

The lid 810 may protect a writing implement 840 from damage when the writing tool 800 is not in use. In the described embodiment, the body 820 is shown as transparent, indicating the position of an ink cartridge 880 within the body 820 of the writing tool 800.

Figures 11A and 11B show a further embodiment of a writing tool 900. The writing tool 900 comprises a body 920, and a writing implement 940. In this embodiment, the writing implement is a paint brush. The paint brush 940 is supported on a tip 925 of the body 920. The tip 925 is attachable to and detachable from the body 920, via a push-fit mechanism. The tip 925 is shown attached to the body 920 in Figure 11A, and detached from the body 920 in Figure 11B.

A release mechanism 990, in the described embodiment taking the form of a pressable button, enables the user to quickly and easily detach the tip 925 from the body 920. In alternative embodiments, the tip 925 may be attachable to and detachable from the body 920 via a screw mechanism, or clips or the likes. In various embodiments, a lid, a tip, or another part may be depressed, clicked, or twisted so as to detach or reattach a lid, tip and/or ink reservoir.

In the embodiment being described, the brushes 940 and tip 925 are made from plastic and are easily washable. The skilled person will appreciate that other materials may be used in other embodiments.

In the embodiment being described, the paint brush 940 is interchangeable with other paint brushes 940 supported on other tips 925 which can be attached to and removed from the body 920. The different paint brushes 940 may have different types and thicknesses of brush.

In alternative or additional embodiments, the tips 925 may be fixed to the body 920 such that they are not interchangeable. A user may instead acquire a variety of writing tools 900 with different tips 925.

Figures 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12E show a number of further embodiments of writing tools. Each of the writing tools comprises a design on an exterior surface of a body of each of the writing tools. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12A, the design is in the image and shape of a dragon. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the design is in the image and shape of a unicorn. The embodiments shown in Figures 12C, 12D and 12E show designs in the image and shape of a shark, a feather and a dragon respectively. In alternative embodiments, different designs, images, materials and textures may be applied the exterior surface of the body, for example to improve aesthetic appearance, or to improve tactile properties or grip for the user.

Figures 13A, 13B and 13C show a further writing tool 1000.

The body 1020 of the writing tool 1000 has an opening 1030 arranged to receive a first digit of a user.

In this embodiment, the body 1020 has an outer case 1020a which is arranged to be able to spin with respect to an inner wall 1020b of the body 1020. Between the outer case 1020a and the inner wall 1020b there is a gap 1020c. Within the gap are multiple ball bearings 1023 arranged to allow the outer case 1020a to slide smoothly with respect to the inner wall 1020b. The skilled person will appreciate that other rotation means may be provided in other embodiments.

In the embodiment being described, the writing tool 1000 comprises a lid 1010 arranged in use to protect the tip 1040. The tip is a pen nib 1040 in the embodiment being described, so the writing tool 1000 is a pen. In other embodiments, the tip 1040 could be a pencil tip, paintbrush, stylus or the likes.

In the embodiment being described, the body 1020 comprises a cylindrical indentation 1025 arranged to engagingly receive the lid 1010. In alternative or additional embodiments, there may be no lid 1010 and/or the engagement means may be different (e.g. a screw-cap).

In the embodiment being described, the frictional grip between the opening 1030 and the first digit of a user is arranged to be sufficient to grip the writing tool 1000. The sliding outer case 1020a may be spun during use without affecting movement of the nib 1040. The outer case 1020a may be spun by moving a thumb of the user.

In alternative or additional embodiments, one or more spinning bands may be provided around the body 1020 instead of or as well as the outer case 1020a being moveable. Low friction plastic or the likes may be used instead of or as well as ball bearings 1023. One or more slideable portions which slide along the length of the body 1020/first digit may be provided in some embodiments in addition to or instead of rotatable portions. The skilled person will appreciate that such features may be provided so as to act as a kind of fidget spinner. Such features may also increase comfort in use in some embodiments.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of writing tools, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, the term a or an does not exclude a plurality, and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A writing tool comprising:

a body made of a non-abrading material and comprising an opening configured to receive a first digit of a user; and a writing implement attached to the body;

wherein the body is configured to surround a tip of the first digit of the user.

2. The writing tool of claim 1, wherein the body is configured to transmit force from the tip of the first digit of the user to the writing implement when the user translates the first digit across a writing surface.

3. The writing tool of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a writing tip of the writing implement is arranged to be in line with the first digit in use.

4. The writing tool of any preceding claim, wherein an exterior surface of the body comprises a concave portion configured to engage with a second digit of the user.

5. The writing tool of claim 4, wherein the exterior surface of the body comprises a plurality of concave portions configured to engage with one or more digits of the user.

6. The writing tool of any preceding claim, wherein the opening is a recess.

7. The writing tool of any preceding claim, wherein the opening is substantially conical.

8. The writing tool of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises an ink reservoir.

9. The writing tool of claim 8, wherein the ink reservoir is a hollow portion of the body, or wherein the ink reservoir is removably and replaceably attached to the body.

10. The writing tool of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the ink reservoir is fin shaped.

11. The writing tool of any preceding claim, wherein at least a part of a surface of the opening is coated or lined with an elastomeric material.

12. The writing tool of any preceding claim, wherein the opening is configured to engagingly receive the first digit.

13. The writing tool of any preceding claim, wherein the writing implement is one of a pen, a pencil, a crayon, a paintbrush, and a touch-screen stylus.

14. The writing tool of any preceding claim, wherein the writing implement is integral with the body.

15. The writing tool of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the writing implement is removably and replaceably attached to the body.

16. The writing tool of claim 15, wherein the body further comprises a release mechanism arranged to detach the writing implement from the body.

17. A pen or pencil comprising an opening configured to engagingly receive a first digit of a user.

18. The pen or pencil of claim 17 wherein a nib of the pen or pencil is arranged to align with the first digit of the user, such that translation of the first digit across a writing surface causes the pen to write on the writing surface.

19. The pen or pencil of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the opening is provided by a body of the pen, the body being configured to surround a tip of the first digit of the user.

20. The pen or pencil of claim 19, further comprising the features of the writing tool of any of claims 1 to 14.

21. A writing tool comprising:

5

22. A writing tool comprising: