WO2014049307A1

WO2014049307A1 - Protective cover and related methods, in particular for writing by grasping pen inside the cover from outside the cover

Info

Publication number: WO2014049307A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/052391
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Winters
Original assignee: Writecover Limited
Priority date: 2012-09-26
Filing date: 2012-09-26
Publication date: 2014-04-03

Abstract

A protective cover arrangeable in use to enclose a writing implement and a writing material. The protective cover enables the writing implement and writing material to be used without soiling. Figure (5) shows the hand H has pushed the second covering receptacle (12) partly within the first covering receptacle (11) to enable the pen (2) within the first covering receptacle (11) to be grasped by the hand H as the hand H is contained within the second covering receptacle (12).

Description

PROTECTIVE COVER AND RELATED METHODS, IN PARTICULAR FOR

WRITING BY GRASPING PEN INSIDE THE COVER FROM OUTSIDE THE COVER

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to protective covers and to related methods.

Background to the Invention

Despite advances in electronic devices such as personal digital assistants, smart phones and e-readers there are many instances in day to day life where writing with pen on paper is the most convenient means of recording information. However, despite the familiarity of writing and the ease by which relatively permanent and easy to re-access notes or sketches can be made, pen and paper suffers similar problems to electronic devices in that neither is well suited to use wet, windy or dirty environments.

It is an aim of example embodiments of the present invention to address at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether identified herein, or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a protective cover arrangeable in use to enclose a writing implement and a writing material, and comprising:

a first covering receptacle into which a writing implement and writing material can be introduced through an opening therein;

a closing arrangement operable to close the first covering receptacle to thereby enclose the writing implement and the writing material in the first covering receptacle; and

a second covering receptacle into which a hand can be placed from outside the protective cover, and which is arrangeable at least partly within the first covering receptacle to enable a writing implement within the first covering receptacle to be grasped by a hand within the second covering receptacle with the second covering receptacle forming a barrier between the hand and the writing material and with the second covering receptacle between the hand and the writing implement; characterised in that closing the first covering receptacle with the closing arrangement provides a continuous closed boundary for the first and second covering receptacles.

Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises sheet material. Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises flexible sheet material. Suitably, the first covering receptacle is foldable. Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises a polymeric material. Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises a plastics material. Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises a generally planar aspect to receive generally planar writing material. Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises a transparent portion through which the contents of the first covering receptacle are visible. Suitably, the transparent portion comprises an upper face of the first covering receptacle. Suitably, the upper face of the first covering receptacle defines a transparent window through which contests of the first covering receptacle are visible. Suitably, the transparent window covers the majority of the upper face of the first covering receptacle, preferably substantially all of the upper face of the first covering receptacle. In one embodiment, the lower face of the first covering receptacle may comprise a writing material, for example an ink receptive material, for example an opaque material. In one embodiment, the lower face of the first covering receptacle may comprise a base to support a writing material or to provide a surface on which to write. In one embodiment, the lower face of the first covering receptacle may comprise a rigid base to support a writing material or to provide a surface on which to write. In one embodiment, the lower face of the first covering receptacle comprises a transparent portion through which the contents of the first covering receptacle are visible, and for example wherein the majority of the lower face of the first covering receptacle is covered by a transparent window.

Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises an opening that lies at one edge thereof. Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises an opening that lies alone one edge thereof, preferably along the majority of, more preferably substantially all of one edge thereof. Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises opposed first and second edges, one of which comprises the opening there-along. Suitably, the first covering receptacle is generally rectangular in plan. Suitably, the opposed first and second edges are parallel edges. Suitably, the first and second edges are long edges of the fist covering receptacle. Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises third and fourth edges each running between both first and second edges thereof.

Suitably, the second covering receptacle comprises sheet material. Suitably, the second covering receptacle comprises flexible sheet material. Suitably, the second covering receptacle is foldable. Suitably, the second covering receptacle comprises a polymeric material. Suitably, the second covering receptacle comprises a plastics material. Suitably, the second covering receptacle comprises a transparent portion through which a hand placed into the second covering receptacle is visible. Suitably, the transparent portion comprises an upper face of the second covering receptacle. Suitably, the upper face of the second covering receptacle defines a transparent window through which contests of the second covering receptacle are visible. Suitably, the transparent window covers the majority of the upper face of the second covering receptacle, preferably substantially all of the upper face of the second covering receptacle. Suitably, a lower face of the second covering receptacle defines a transparent window through which contests of the second covering receptacle are visible. Suitably, the transparent window of the lower face of the second covering receptacle covers the majority of the lower face of the second covering receptacle, preferably substantially all of the lower face of the second covering receptacle. Suitably, the second covering receptacle comprises a generally planar aspect.

Suitably, the closing arrangement is re-operable to open the first covering receptacle after closing. Suitably, the closing arrangement is re-closable to close the first covering receptacle on more than one occasion. In one embodiment, the closing arrangement is arranged to couple an upper sheet of the first covering receptacle to itself to thereby close the first covering receptacle. In one embodiment, the closing arrangement is arranged to couple an upper sheet of the first covering receptacle to a lower sheet of the first covering receptacle to thereby close the first covering receptacle. Suitably, the closing arrangement comprises mutually cooperating portions at either side of the opening, operable to close the opening by cooperating with one another. Suitably, the closing arrangement comprises a mechanical seal and/or chemical seal. Suitably, the closing arrangement does not need to cooperate with any apparatus external to the protective cover once closed, and/or to effect the closing thereof.

In one embodiment the first and second covering receptacles comprise the same material. In one embodiment the first covering receptacle is relatively tougher than the second covering receptacle. Suitably, the first covering receptacle comprises a relatively thicker sheet material than that of the second covering receptacle. In one embodiment the first and second covering receptacles are integrally formed.

Suitably, the protective cover is arranged to rest with the first and second covering receptacles in generally planar configuration. Suitably, the first and second covering receptacles are of substantially equal area. Suitably, the second covering receptacle is arrangeable within the first covering receptacle to lie across a generally co-extensive area as the first covering receptacle. Suitably, the second covering receptacle turns inside out to move from a position outside the first covering receptacle to a position at least partially within the first covering receptacle, in doing so forming a hand receiving portion. Suitably, with second covering receptacle is formed to lie at least partially within the first covering receptacle and to define a hand-receiving portion.

Suitably, the second covering receptacle is arranged to form a hand receiving portion as the first covering receptacle flexes and opens at an edge thereof. Suitably, the second covering portion depends from an edge of the first covering receptacle. Suitably, the second covering receptacle comprises an upper face coupled to an upper face of the first covering receptacle. Suitably, the second covering receptacle comprises a lower face coupled to a lower face of the first covering. Suitably, flexing of one or both of the upper and lower faces of the first covering receptacle opens the first covering receptacle to give room for a hand placed in the second covering receptacle and between the upper and lower faces of the first covering receptacle to move therebetween. Suitably, the opening of the first covering receptacle is arranged such that flexing of one or both of the faces of the first covering receptacle to give room for a hand does not flex the opening. Suitably, the opening in the first covering receptacle is arranged as a slit. Suitably, the opening in the first covering receptacle is arranged such that flexing of one or both of the faces of the first covering receptacle to give room for a hand does not flex the opening along its length. Suitably, the slit is arranged to receive writing material inserted in a writing material insertion direction, and the second covering receptacle is arranged to receive a hand in a hand insertion direction, the writing material insertion direction being non-parallel with the hand insertion direction. Suitably, the writing material insertion direction and the hand insertion direction lie in the plane of the protective cover. Suitably, the slit is arranged with its length parallel to the hand insertion direction, such that the hand insertion direction and the writing material insertion direction are at right angles to one another.

In a second aspect there is provided a method of enclosing a writing implement and writing material in a protective cover, comprising closing an opening of a first covering receptacle of the protective cover to thereby enclose the writing implement and the writing material therein, and

providing a second covering receptacle into which a hand can be placed from outside the protective cover, and which is arrangeable at least partly within the first covering receptacle to enable a writing implement within the first covering receptacle to be grasped by a hand within the second covering receptacle with the second covering receptacle forming a barrier between the hand and the writing material and with the second covering receptacle between the hand and the writing implement; characterised in that the step of closing the first covering receptacle with the closing arrangement provides a continuous closed boundary for the first and second covering receptacles. Suitably, the protective cover is that of the first aspect above, and the method comprises performing steps as described above in relation to the suitable and arranged functionality of the protective cover.

In a third aspect there is provided, in combination a protective cover and at least one of a writing implement and a writing material enclosed there-within. Suitably, the protective cover is that of the first aspect above,

In a fourth aspect there is provided a kit, comprising the protective cover of the first aspect above, and at least one of writing implement and writing material. Brief Introduction to the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a writing implement, a writing material and part of a protective cover according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the writing implement, writing material and protective cover of Figure 1 , with the writing material partially inserted through an opening in a first covering receptacle of the protective cover; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the writing implement and writing material enclosed in the first covering receptacle of the protective cover of Figure 1

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the writing implement and writing material enclosed in the first covering receptacle of the protective cover of Figure 1 , further showing the second covering receptacle of the protective cover and a hand; and

Figure 5 shows the hand having been introduced into the second covering receptacle of the protective cover of Figure 1 , within the first covering receptacle and grasping the writing implement with the second covering receptacle forming a barrier between the hand and the writing material and with the second covering receptacle between the hand and the writing implement.

Description of Example Embodiments Figures 1 to 5 show a protective cover 1 according to an example embodiment of the present invention, and illustrate sequentially the steps in an example method of its use. Also shown in Figures 1 to 5 are a writing implement in the form of a pen 2 and writing material in the form of paper 3. By employing the protective cover 1 a user can use the pen 2 to write on the paper 3 without the pen 2 and paper 3 coming into contact with dirt, moisture or other contaminants on the hand H of the user. This is useful in a number of situations, for example if the user is working outside, or has dirty hands.

The protective cover 1 can be arranged to enclose the pen 2 and paper 3. Firstly, the paper 3 and pen 2 are introduced to a first covering receptacle 1 1. The first covering receptacle has an opening 13 through which the paper 3 and pen 2 are passed as they are placed into the first covering receptacle 1 1. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 5, the first covering receptacle 1 1 comprises transparent plastic sheet material, which is flexible to enable upper and lower sheets thereof to separate to accommodate the pen and paper 2, 3 and through which the pen and paper 2, 3 are visible to enable writing operations to be seen as they are carried out, as described in more detail below..

Figure 2 shows the paper 3 introduced part-way into the first covering receptacle 1 1 and passing through the opening 13. Once the paper 3 and pen 2 are within the first covering receptacle 1 1 a closing arrangement 14 is operated to close the close the first covering receptacle 1 1 to thereby enclose the paper 3 and the pen 2 in the first covering receptacle 1 1. In Figure 3 the closing arrangement 14 comprises a zip-locking mechanical seal arrangement that is closable, re-openable and re-closable using mutually cooperating portions at either side of the opening 13.

Figure 4 shows a second covering receptacle 12 into which a hand H can be placed from outside the protective cover 1. Figure 5 shows the hand H has pushed the second covering receptacle 12 partly within the first covering receptacle 1 1 to enable the pen 2 within the first covering receptacle 1 1 to be grasped by the hand H as the hand H is contained within the second covering receptacle 12.

In this way the second covering receptacle 12 forms a barrier between the hand H and the paper 3, and part of the second covering receptacle 12 lies between the hand H and the pen 2. The protective cover 1 , in which the first covering receptacle 1 1 has been closed with the closing arrangement 14 provides a continuous closed boundary for the first and second covering receptacles 1 1 , 12. As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the second covering receptacle 12 comprises transparent plastic sheet material, which is flexible to enable upper and lower sheets thereof to separate to accommodate the hand H and through which the hand H and the pen and paper 2, 3 are visible to enable writing operations to be seen as they are carried out. The continuous closed boundary isolates the paper 3 and pen 2 from contamination, and allows the convenient use of the pen 2 to write on the paper 3 without the need for any external connections or devices to maintain accessibility of the pen and paper 2, 3 and usability of the protective cover 1. In the example embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the first covering receptacle 1 1 comprises an opening 13 formed as a slit that lies at one edge thereof. The second covering receptacle 12 comprises an extension of the first covering receptacle 1 1 at another edge of the first covering receptacle distinct from the edge comprising the opening 13. The second covering receptacle 12 turns inside out to move from the position of Figure 4, in which it lies generally outside the first covering receptacle 1 1 , to the position of Figure 5 in which the majority of the second covering receptacle 12 lies within the first covering receptacle 1 1. As the second covering receptacle 12 turns inside out it forming a hand receiving portion, however, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments a construction in which the second covering receptacle is manufactured to lie in an initial position within the first covering receptacle 1 1 and to define a hand-receiving portion within the first covering receptacle 1 1. In other example embodiments a lip, corner or other similar stop or retaining feature (not shown) may be provided to inhibit sliding of the writing material from the first covering receptacle and into or against the second covering receptacle 12. In embodiments where the second covering receptacle can be moved outside the first, cleaning of the second and first covering receptacles is facilitated.

In the example embodiments shown the first covering receptacle 1 1 is relatively tougher than the second covering receptacle 12, as it comprises a relatively thicker sheet material than that of the second covering receptacle 12. The second covering receptacle 12 is to a degree protected from the elements by the first covering receptacle 1 1 when positioned therein. Furthermore, the second covering receptacle 12 is relatively more flexible than the first covering receptacle to facilitate grasping and manipulation of the pen 2 by the hand H.

Flexing the first and second covering receptacles takes place as the hand H moves the pen 2 over the paper 3. This flexing will stress the closure of the opening 13. However, the first covering receptacle 1 1 is arranged such that flexing its faces to give room for a hand H does not flex the opening 13 along its length, rather it pulls across the opening. The opening 13 is arranged to receive writing material inserted in a writing material insertion direction, from left to right in Figure 2, and the second covering receptacle 13 is arranged to receive a hand in a hand insertion direction, bottom to top in Figure 4. The writing material insertion direction does not have any component parallel with the hand insertion direction, separating the edge at which the opening lies from the effect of differential flexing stresses along its length.

The intended areas of application for embodiments of the present invention include outdoor sports, for example angling or golf, where a written record of events is normally made by competitors during competition. Other non-sporting applications include use for gardeners, or workers in vehicle garages or other engineering and machine shops. By using flexible sheet materials, ease of storage and portability are high, for example the cover can be folded up for transportation.

Although the embodiments described above relate to using a pen to write on paper, it is to be understood that other writing implements, e.g. pencil, chalk, crayon or an electronic stylus can be used analogously, with appropriate choice of writing material to operate therewith. In other embodiments all or part of the lower face of the first covering receptacle may comprise a writing material integrally formed therewith, for example an opaque and ink receptive material, for example an opaque material. In still further embodiments the first covering receptacle may comprise a rigid base to support writing materials placed thereon. The embodiments described are of simple, low cost construction, enabling them to be disposable after relative few uses, for example if the second covering receptacle becomes soiled or damaged.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A protective cover arrangeable in use to enclose a writing implement and a writing material, and comprising:

a second covering receptacle into which a hand can be placed from outside the protective cover, and which is arrangeable at least partly within the first covering receptacle to enable a writing implement within the first covering receptacle to be grasped by a hand within the second covering receptacle with the second covering receptacle forming a barrier between the hand and the writing material and with the second covering receptacle between the hand and the writing implement; wherein closing the first covering receptacle with the closing arrangement provides a continuous closed boundary for the first and second covering receptacles; wherein the first covering receptacle comprises an opening formed as a slit that lies at one edge thereof, and characterised in that the second covering receptacle comprises an extension of the first covering receptacle at an edge of the first covering receptacle that is distinct from the edge comprising the opening in the first covering receptacle.

2. The protective cover of claim 1 , wherein the first covering receptacle comprises flexible sheet material so as to be foldable.

3. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein the first covering receptacle comprises a generally planar aspect to receive generally planar writing material.

4. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein a lower face of the first covering receptacle comprises a writing material.

5. The protective cover of claim 4, wherein the lower face of the first covering receptacle comprises an opaque, ink receptive material.

6. The protective cover of claim 4 or 5, wherein the lower face of the first covering receptacle comprises a rigid base to support a writing material and/or to provide a surface on which to write.

7. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein the first covering receptacle comprises opposed first and second edges, one of which comprises the opening of the first covering receptacle there-along.

8. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the first covering receptacle is generally rectangular in plan and the opposed first and second edges are parallel edges.

9. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein the second covering receptacle comprises flexible sheet material so as to be foldable.

10. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein the second covering receptacle comprises a generally planar aspect.

11. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein the protective cover is arranged to rest with the first and second covering receptacles in generally planar configuration.

12. The protective cover of claim 11 , wherein the first and second covering receptacles are of substantially equal area and the second covering receptacle is arrangeable within the first covering receptacle to lie across a generally co-extensive area as the first covering receptacle.

13. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein the second covering receptacle may be turned inside out to move from a position outside the first covering receptacle to a position at least partially within the first covering receptacle, in doing so forming a hand receiving portion.

14. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein the second covering receptacle comprises an upper face coupled to an upper face of the first covering receptacle, and a lower face coupled to a lower face of the first covering receptacle.

15. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein flexing of one or both of the upper and lower faces of the first covering receptacle opens the first covering receptacle to give room for a hand placed in the second covering receptacle and between the upper and lower faces of the first covering receptacle to move therebetween.

16. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein the opening of the first covering receptacle is arranged such that flexing of one or both of the faces of the first covering receptacle to give room for a hand does not flex the opening.

17. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein the opening in the first covering receptacle is arranged such that flexing of one or both of the faces of the first covering receptacle to give room for a hand does not flex the opening along its length.

18. The protective cover of any preceding claim, wherein the opening in the first covering receptacle is arranged as a slit and wherein the slit is arranged to receive writing material inserted in a writing material insertion direction, and the second covering receptacle is arranged to receive a hand in a hand insertion direction, the writing material insertion direction being non-parallel with the hand insertion direction.

19. The protective cover of claim 18, wherein the writing material insertion direction and the hand insertion direction lie in the plane of the protective cover.

20. The protective cover of claim 18 or 19, wherein the slit is arranged with its length parallel to the hand insertion direction, such that the hand insertion direction and the writing material insertion direction are at right angles to one another.

21. A method of enclosing a writing implement and writing material in a protective cover, comprising closing an opening of a first covering receptacle of the protective cover to thereby enclose the writing implement and the writing material therein, and providing a second covering receptacle into which a hand can be placed from outside the protective cover, and which is arrangeable at least partly within the first covering receptacle to enable a writing implement within the first covering receptacle to be grasped by a hand within the second covering receptacle with the second covering receptacle forming a barrier between the hand and the writing material and with the second covering receptacle between the hand and the writing implement; wherein the step of closing the first covering receptacle with the closing arrangement provides a continuous closed boundary for the first and second covering receptacles, and characterised in that the protective cover is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20 above.

22. A protective cover and at least one of a writing implement and a writing material enclosed there-within, wherein the protective cover is that of any one of claims 1 to 20.

23. A kit, comprising the protective cover of any one of claims 1 to 20, and at least one of writing implement and writing material.

24. A protective cover, method or kit substantially as herein-described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.