WO1999010133A1 - Gripping aid - Google Patents

Gripping aid Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999010133A1
WO1999010133A1 PCT/GB1998/001995 GB9801995W WO9910133A1 WO 1999010133 A1 WO1999010133 A1 WO 1999010133A1 GB 9801995 W GB9801995 W GB 9801995W WO 9910133 A1 WO9910133 A1 WO 9910133A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
attachment means
implement
user
wrist
ring
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1998/001995
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
James Strock
Original Assignee
James Strock
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9717890.9A external-priority patent/GB9717890D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB9724122.8A external-priority patent/GB9724122D0/en
Application filed by James Strock filed Critical James Strock
Priority to DE69836004T priority Critical patent/DE69836004D1/en
Priority to AU82324/98A priority patent/AU8232498A/en
Priority to EP98932389A priority patent/EP0935515B1/en
Publication of WO1999010133A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999010133A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K23/00—Holders or connectors for writing implements; Means for protecting the writing-points
    • B43K23/008—Holders comprising finger grips
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L15/00—Supports for attachment to hands or arms for facilitating writing or drawing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44D—PAINTING OR ARTISTIC DRAWING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PRESERVING PAINTINGS; SURFACE TREATMENT TO OBTAIN SPECIAL ARTISTIC SURFACE EFFECTS OR FINISHES
    • B44D3/00—Accessories or implements for use in connection with painting or artistic drawing, not otherwise provided for; Methods or devices for colour determination, selection, or synthesis, e.g. use of colour tables

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a gripping aid especially but not exclusively for use with any hand held implement.
  • the invention may be adapted for implements associated with a wide range of uses including writing, painting, gardening and racquet sports.
  • a device for fixing the position of a hand held implement relative to a user's finger, hand or wrist in use there is provided a device for fixing the position of a hand held implement relative to a user's finger, hand or wrist in use.
  • the implement may be a brush, needle, tool or other instrument, but is mostly typically a writing implement such as a pen or pencil.
  • the device may comprise:
  • a user attachment means that can be attached to either a user's finger or wrist; - an implement attachment means; and - a connector providing a mechanical connection between the respective means.
  • the finger attachment means is preferably suitable for attachment to a user's first or "pointer" finger.
  • the wrist attachment means is preferably provided with a securing means.
  • the securing means can be one or more buckles, laces, Velcro, a zip or a series of buttons or strings.
  • Each attachment means may be formed as a ring or annulus and may be made of any suitable material as determined by persons skilled in the art.
  • Example materials may include coated steels, rubbers, polymers and plastics, and composites.
  • the implement attachment means is formed as a ring and incorporates a resilient or pliable inner ring which is adapted to conform to the profile or cross- section of the associated implement.
  • a resilient or pliable inner ring which is adapted to conform to the profile or cross- section of the associated implement. This feature is desirable as it is common for some hand held implements to be of hexagonal cross-section while others are cylindrical.
  • the resilient inner ring may also enable the implement attachment means to grip implements over a range of maximum outer diameter or dimension.
  • the connector is flexible such that the plane of each attachment means may be varied relative to the other attachment means.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 illustrate two embodiments with alternative attachment means;
  • Figure 3 illustrates the invention in use;
  • Figures 4 and 5 illustrate further embodiments of the invention adapted for use round a user's wrist
  • Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the invention on a user's wrist in use.
  • a device generally portrayed at 1 comprises a finger attachment means 2 and an implement means 3.
  • the attachment means 2, 3 are shaped in the form of rings and connected by a universal connector 4.
  • the implement attachment means 3 also has a rubber inner ring 5 which is sized to resiliently grip a standard pen or pencil.
  • Figure 2 is similar to that shown in Figure 1 but differs in that the device, generally shown at 6 , incorporates two C-shaped clamps 7, 8 which provide a greater degree of flexibility than the ring type attachment means 2, 3 illustrated in the previous embodiment so as to allow the device 6 to be used for a greater range of finger and implement sizes.
  • Figure 3 demonstrates the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in use. It should be appreciated that the described embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 are equally suitable for both left or right handed users .
  • Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention adapted for use round a user's wrist.
  • a device generally- depicted at 9 comprises a wrist attachment means 10 and an implement attachment means 11.
  • the attachment means 10, 11 are shaped in the form of rings and connected by a universal connector 12.
  • the wrist attachment means 10 is generally of a larger width than the finger attachments means of Figures 1 and 2.
  • the implement attachment means 11 also has a rubber inner ring which is sized to resiliently grip an implement, for example a small racquet.
  • the embodiment of Figure 5 is similar to that shown in Figure 4 but differs in that the device, generally shown at 13 , incorporates two C-shaped clamps 14, 15 which allows the device 13 to be used for a wide range of wrist and implement sizes.
  • the wrist attachment of Figure 5 may be provided with a means of securing the attachment (not shown) .
  • the securing means can be a buckle, laces, Velcro, a zip or a series of buttons or strings.
  • the implement attachment means 15 is provided with a moulded and resilient, serrated inner surface 16.
  • the embodiments described in Figures 4 and 5 may be employed for a variety of reasons where it may be seen as advantageous to fix the position or orientation of a hand held implement relative to a user's hand or wrist.
  • Figure 6 demonstrates the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 in use. In normal use the connector runs along the inside of the wrist and across the palm of the user's hand to the implement attachment means .
  • Figure 7 demonstrates a further embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 in use.
  • the connector of this embodiment is of a minimal length such that the handle of the implement is m juxtaposition to the user's inside wrist.
  • the described embodiments of the invention may be employed for a variety of reasons where it may be seen as advantageous to fix the position or orientation of a hand held implement relative to a user's finger, hand or wrist.
  • the device may be used as a teaching aid to assist young students or the like to correctly hold a writing or other instrument.
  • the device may assist arthritic sufferers or others with deformities or disabilities who may have difficulty gripping a particular implement as may be required m the performance of a task.
  • An alternative embodiment provides for the gripping aid to be adapted for use holding reading material.

Landscapes

  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

A device for use as an aid for gripping hand held implements of various sizes and for different applications comprises a finger or wrist attachment means (2) and an implement attachment means (3) connected by a flexible connector (4). The wrist attachment means may be further provided with a securing means, examples of which include a buckle and Velcro®. The device may be used as a teaching aid or for those who experience difficulties with gripping, for example arthritis sufferers.

Description

GRIPPING AID
This invention relates to a gripping aid especially but not exclusively for use with any hand held implement. The invention may be adapted for implements associated with a wide range of uses including writing, painting, gardening and racquet sports.
«
According to the present invention there is provided a device for fixing the position of a hand held implement relative to a user's finger, hand or wrist in use.
The implement may be a brush, needle, tool or other instrument, but is mostly typically a writing implement such as a pen or pencil.
The device may comprise:
- a user attachment means that can be attached to either a user's finger or wrist; - an implement attachment means; and - a connector providing a mechanical connection between the respective means.
The finger attachment means is preferably suitable for attachment to a user's first or "pointer" finger.
The wrist attachment means is preferably provided with a securing means. Optionally, the securing means can be one or more buckles, laces, Velcro, a zip or a series of buttons or strings.
Each attachment means may be formed as a ring or annulus and may be made of any suitable material as determined by persons skilled in the art. Example materials may include coated steels, rubbers, polymers and plastics, and composites.
Preferably, the implement attachment means is formed as a ring and incorporates a resilient or pliable inner ring which is adapted to conform to the profile or cross- section of the associated implement. This feature is desirable as it is common for some hand held implements to be of hexagonal cross-section while others are cylindrical. The resilient inner ring may also enable the implement attachment means to grip implements over a range of maximum outer diameter or dimension.
Preferably, the connector is flexible such that the plane of each attachment means may be varied relative to the other attachment means.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two embodiments with alternative attachment means; Figure 3 illustrates the invention in use;
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate further embodiments of the invention adapted for use round a user's wrist; and
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the invention on a user's wrist in use.
Referring firstly to Figure 1 , a device generally portrayed at 1 comprises a finger attachment means 2 and an implement means 3. The attachment means 2, 3 are shaped in the form of rings and connected by a universal connector 4.
The implement attachment means 3 also has a rubber inner ring 5 which is sized to resiliently grip a standard pen or pencil.
The embodiment of Figure 2 is similar to that shown in Figure 1 but differs in that the device, generally shown at 6 , incorporates two C-shaped clamps 7, 8 which provide a greater degree of flexibility than the ring type attachment means 2, 3 illustrated in the previous embodiment so as to allow the device 6 to be used for a greater range of finger and implement sizes.
Figure 3 demonstrates the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in use. It should be appreciated that the described embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 are equally suitable for both left or right handed users . Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention adapted for use round a user's wrist. A device generally- depicted at 9 comprises a wrist attachment means 10 and an implement attachment means 11. The attachment means 10, 11 are shaped in the form of rings and connected by a universal connector 12. The wrist attachment means 10 is generally of a larger width than the finger attachments means of Figures 1 and 2.
The implement attachment means 11 also has a rubber inner ring which is sized to resiliently grip an implement, for example a small racquet.
The embodiment of Figure 5 is similar to that shown in Figure 4 but differs in that the device, generally shown at 13 , incorporates two C-shaped clamps 14, 15 which allows the device 13 to be used for a wide range of wrist and implement sizes. The wrist attachment of Figure 5 may be provided with a means of securing the attachment (not shown) . Optionally, the securing means can be a buckle, laces, Velcro, a zip or a series of buttons or strings. The implement attachment means 15 is provided with a moulded and resilient, serrated inner surface 16.
In a similar way to the embodiments described in Figures 1 and 2, the embodiments described in Figures 4 and 5 may be employed for a variety of reasons where it may be seen as advantageous to fix the position or orientation of a hand held implement relative to a user's hand or wrist.
Figure 6 demonstrates the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 in use. In normal use the connector runs along the inside of the wrist and across the palm of the user's hand to the implement attachment means .
Figure 7 demonstrates a further embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 in use. The connector of this embodiment is of a minimal length such that the handle of the implement is m juxtaposition to the user's inside wrist.
It should be appreciated that the described embodiments of Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are equally suitable for both left or right handed users.
The described embodiments of the invention may be employed for a variety of reasons where it may be seen as advantageous to fix the position or orientation of a hand held implement relative to a user's finger, hand or wrist. For example, the device may be used as a teaching aid to assist young students or the like to correctly hold a writing or other instrument. Alternatively, the device may assist arthritic sufferers or others with deformities or disabilities who may have difficulty gripping a particular implement as may be required m the performance of a task.
An alternative embodiment provides for the gripping aid to be adapted for use holding reading material.
Further modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention herein intended.

Claims

Claims :
1. A device for aiding m the gripping of a hand held implement comprising a user attachment means, an implement attachment means and a connector providing a mechanical connection between the respective attachment means.
2. A device as claimed m Claim 1 wherein the user attachment means is suitable for attachment to a user's finger.
3. A device as claimed m Claim 1 wherein the user attachment means is suitable for attachment to a user's wrist.
4. A device as claimed in any of the preceding Claims wherein the user attachment means is provided with a securing means.
5. A device as claimed m any of the preceding Claims wherein each attachment means is formed as a ring or annulus .
6. A device as claimed m any of the preceding Claims wherein the implement attachment means is formed as a ring and incorporates a resilient or pliable inner ring which is adapted to conform to the profile or cross-section of the associated implement.
7. A device as claimed m Claims 1-5 wherein the implement attachment means is formed as a ring and incorporates a moulded and resilient serrated ring.
8. A device as claimed in any of the preceding Claims wherein the connector is flexible and or rotatable such that the plane of each attachment means may be varied relative to the other attachment means.
9. A device as claimed in any of the preceding Claims wherein the implement is a writing implement.
PCT/GB1998/001995 1997-08-22 1998-07-07 Gripping aid WO1999010133A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE69836004T DE69836004D1 (en) 1997-08-22 1998-07-07 GREIF TOOLS
AU82324/98A AU8232498A (en) 1997-08-22 1998-07-07 Gripping aid
EP98932389A EP0935515B1 (en) 1997-08-22 1998-07-07 Gripping aid

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9717890.9 1997-08-22
GBGB9717890.9A GB9717890D0 (en) 1997-08-22 1997-08-22 Easy write
GBGB9724122.8A GB9724122D0 (en) 1997-11-15 1997-11-15 Writing aid
GB9724122.8 1997-11-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999010133A1 true WO1999010133A1 (en) 1999-03-04

Family

ID=26312113

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1998/001995 WO1999010133A1 (en) 1997-08-22 1998-07-07 Gripping aid

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0935515B1 (en)
AU (1) AU8232498A (en)
DE (1) DE69836004D1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999010133A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2368559A (en) * 2000-11-02 2002-05-08 Simeon Marks Finger mounted paintbrush or pencil holder
GB2447994A (en) * 2007-05-15 2008-10-01 Peter Jenkins A finger aid for disabled persons
DE102013011387A1 (en) * 2013-05-29 2014-12-04 Dr. Hinz Dental-Vertriebsgesellschaft Mbh & Co. Kg Gripping aid for a rod-shaped object
US10182624B2 (en) 2017-12-18 2019-01-22 Robert T. Trahern Multiply functioning finger ring
WO2019040766A1 (en) * 2016-08-23 2019-02-28 Olson John J Tool holder
US10433623B2 (en) * 2017-12-18 2019-10-08 Robert T. Trahern Multiply functioning finger ring

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10524546B2 (en) 2017-04-22 2020-01-07 Tenacious Holdings, Inc. Slide-on anchor point

Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2292324A (en) * 1940-04-03 1942-08-04 Charles P Lawrence Writing aid
US3273766A (en) * 1964-11-02 1966-09-20 Frank P Cosentino Wrist article retaining device
US3402984A (en) * 1967-06-09 1968-09-24 Joseph R. Zazzara Writing implement holder
US3503546A (en) * 1968-03-08 1970-03-31 Alvin W Hunt Writing implement holder
US3596964A (en) * 1968-12-19 1971-08-03 Joseph R Zazzara Writing implement holder
US3942194A (en) * 1974-08-30 1976-03-09 Sybil Betty Anna Winter Prosthetic device for handicapped persons
US4148424A (en) * 1977-01-24 1979-04-10 Fortenberry Herman W Holder for a writing instrument
US4602885A (en) * 1985-02-04 1986-07-29 Bischoff Steven S Implement holding cuff
US4606484A (en) * 1985-10-18 1986-08-19 Sybil B. A. Winter Tool holding appliance for persons with limited use of hands
US4728123A (en) * 1987-03-30 1988-03-01 Randy Kassal Releasable strap system
US4733808A (en) * 1986-08-27 1988-03-29 Turner Jr Dan B Hunting call holder
US4865239A (en) * 1988-05-31 1989-09-12 Timbrook Donald J Baby bottle holder
US5082156A (en) * 1987-08-07 1992-01-21 Braun Thomas D Tool wrist strap
US5275068A (en) * 1992-07-06 1994-01-04 Wrench Robert A Handle assembly for relieving wrist joint stress
FR2741245A1 (en) * 1995-11-22 1997-05-23 Abed Francois Pen holding ring
US5722575A (en) * 1996-03-01 1998-03-03 Eversharp Pen Company Grip-assisting accessory

Patent Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2292324A (en) * 1940-04-03 1942-08-04 Charles P Lawrence Writing aid
US3273766A (en) * 1964-11-02 1966-09-20 Frank P Cosentino Wrist article retaining device
US3402984A (en) * 1967-06-09 1968-09-24 Joseph R. Zazzara Writing implement holder
US3503546A (en) * 1968-03-08 1970-03-31 Alvin W Hunt Writing implement holder
US3596964A (en) * 1968-12-19 1971-08-03 Joseph R Zazzara Writing implement holder
US3942194A (en) * 1974-08-30 1976-03-09 Sybil Betty Anna Winter Prosthetic device for handicapped persons
US4148424A (en) * 1977-01-24 1979-04-10 Fortenberry Herman W Holder for a writing instrument
US4602885A (en) * 1985-02-04 1986-07-29 Bischoff Steven S Implement holding cuff
US4606484A (en) * 1985-10-18 1986-08-19 Sybil B. A. Winter Tool holding appliance for persons with limited use of hands
US4733808A (en) * 1986-08-27 1988-03-29 Turner Jr Dan B Hunting call holder
US4728123A (en) * 1987-03-30 1988-03-01 Randy Kassal Releasable strap system
US5082156A (en) * 1987-08-07 1992-01-21 Braun Thomas D Tool wrist strap
US4865239A (en) * 1988-05-31 1989-09-12 Timbrook Donald J Baby bottle holder
US5275068A (en) * 1992-07-06 1994-01-04 Wrench Robert A Handle assembly for relieving wrist joint stress
FR2741245A1 (en) * 1995-11-22 1997-05-23 Abed Francois Pen holding ring
US5722575A (en) * 1996-03-01 1998-03-03 Eversharp Pen Company Grip-assisting accessory

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2368559A (en) * 2000-11-02 2002-05-08 Simeon Marks Finger mounted paintbrush or pencil holder
GB2447994A (en) * 2007-05-15 2008-10-01 Peter Jenkins A finger aid for disabled persons
DE102013011387A1 (en) * 2013-05-29 2014-12-04 Dr. Hinz Dental-Vertriebsgesellschaft Mbh & Co. Kg Gripping aid for a rod-shaped object
EP2826400A3 (en) * 2013-05-29 2015-03-04 Dr. Hinz Dental-Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG Gripping aid for a toothbrush and/or for a toothbrush head
WO2019040766A1 (en) * 2016-08-23 2019-02-28 Olson John J Tool holder
US10182624B2 (en) 2017-12-18 2019-01-22 Robert T. Trahern Multiply functioning finger ring
US10433623B2 (en) * 2017-12-18 2019-10-08 Robert T. Trahern Multiply functioning finger ring

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0935515B1 (en) 2006-09-27
DE69836004D1 (en) 2006-11-09
AU8232498A (en) 1999-03-16
EP0935515A1 (en) 1999-08-18

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