Writing instrument with gripping device

A gripping element, particularly to writing instruments having a gripping element, which more specifically relates to a marker having a gripping element over a central region thereof. Such positioning of the gripping element facilitates use of the writing instrument in other than standard writing grasps. For example, the positioning of a gripping element over the central region of a writing instrument facilitates gripping of the writing instrument when writing on vertical or inverse horizontal (i.e. upside down) planes. The gripping element has a plurality of elevated sections in the form of intercalated crosses and hexagons or sliced hexagons. The elevated sections may be smooth or textured to enhance gripping and to reduce slippage of the writing instrument during use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to writing instruments having a gripping element. More specifically, the present invention relates to a marker or other type of writing instrument used with wand-like movements, having a gripping element thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most writing instruments include an elongated tubular body (i.e., the writing instrument body) containing a writing medium, such as ink or pencil lead, or a highlighting medium, such as yellow, green, and pink highlighter ink or the like, and have a writing end at which the writing medium is exposed for contact with the writing surface, such as paper. Because users often grasp at least fine writing instruments tightly, gripping devices have been provided to assist a user in manually gripping a writing instrument, such as to impart comfort and increased control and thus improved legibility in writing. Moreover, such gripping devices are typically positioned to be held close to the writing end of a writing instrument to allow relatively fine control for writing, for example, words or symbols. The writing instruments are generally characterized by a smooth exterior surface typically formed of plastic or other hard material. The exterior surface may be attractive and pleasant to the touch; however, it can be become slippery or dirty during use, resulting in writer discomfort and impaired use and reduced legibility.

Writing instruments for fine writing, such as pencils, ball point pens, roller ball pens, and porous point type pens, are typically grasped and held by the user in close proximity to the writing end for fine control. In contrast, markers, which typically comprise a felt or felt-like nib at the writing end (in contrast to the writing point of fine-writing instruments) typically are grasped centrally and moved with wand-like movements. Such movements may be associated with the nature of the writing instrument itself. For instance, when writing in such a quick or non-precise manner, a marker is typically held in a central region (i.e., approximately equidistant from each end of the marker) and used in the above-described wand-like fashion. The felt or felt-like nib increases the flow of writing medium to allow quick or non-precise writing. The nib further allows a writing medium to flow to the nib when writing on vertical or non-horizontal surfaces. Thus, markers may conveniently be held in a horizontal or inverse vertical (i.e., upside down) plane, as is typically the case, for example, when used by plumbers, movers, teachers, lecturers, etc. Once again, grasping the marker in a central region is more convenient than closer to the writing end in such orientation.

Markers generally are not provided with gripping devices to enhance gripping of the marker. Moreover, gripping devices that have been provided on markers have only been positioned close to the writing end of the marker, like gripping devices of fine-writing instruments, to allow relatively fine control for writing, for example, words or symbols or other indicia.

Accordingly, there is a need for a gripping device configured for use on a marker to impart and to enhance comfort during all typical uses of the marker. In addition, there is a need for a gripping device for a marker formed from a material that is comfortable and easy to grip, yet also particularly well suited for the environment in which the marker is used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a grip element that is adapted to be used with an article, such as a writing instrument (particularly a marker), to enhance use of the article such as by promoting increased comfort, grip, and cleanliness of the grip member.

The present invention encompasses a gripping element formed and/or fabricated to fit over an article, and, particularly, over a gripping section of the article, if present. The outer surface may be comprised of a tough (e.g., a non-wear), dirt-repellent material (e.g., an elastomer). Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of elevated sections may be provided on the outer surface of the gripping element. The plurality of elevated sections are preferably positioned on the outer surface in a pattern enhancing various characteristics (e.g., comfort during writing, or maintaining a rounded article in a rest position when laid on a surface during non-use). The elevated sections may be non-contiguous, intercalated but spaced apart shapes, such as intercalated crosses and hexagons or sliced hexagons. The surface of the gripping section between the raised shapes may have a rough, non-smooth, unsmooth, or textured surface to inhibit build-up of dirt or grime in the sunken gaps between the raised shapes.

The present invention also encompasses a writing instrument having a gripping element comprising an elongated writing instrument body having a first end (e.g., a distal end), a second end (e.g., a proximal end), and a central region between the first end and the second end. A gripping section is arranged along a midpoint of the writing instrument (substantially equidistant from the first end and the second end) for gripping the writing instrument in a wand-like fashion for use in quick or non-precise writing or for writing on vertical or inverse-horizontal surfaces. A gripping element is positioned over the gripping section and extends at least over the midpoint of the writing instrument and between the midpoint and the second end of the writing instrument and is spaced apart from the first end and the second end.

The invention further encompasses a method of using a writing instrument with a gripping element over a central region or gripping section between the first and second ends of the writing instrument. In particular, the gripping member may be located along a midpoint equidistant from the first end and the second end of the writing instrument but spaced apart from the first end and the second end (and thus clearly is not to be confused with a grip cover such as an elastomeric coating covering the entire barrel of the writing instrument). The method includes gripping the writing instrument over the grip member and writing in a wand-like manner on a vertical, substantially vertical, or inverse-horizontal plane. The grip is formed from a material different from the material of the writing instrument body and may be separately formed from or co-molded with the writing instrument body. The material of the gripping element may be softer and/or more resilient than the material of the writing instrument body to enhance gripping.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a gripping element for use on an article. The gripping element may be applied to any article and may be formed, configured, and positioned to be well suited for use on a writing instrument, such as a marker, used in a wand-like fashion and gripped in a central region.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a gripping element10formed in accordance with the principles of the invention is illustrated. According to one aspect of the present invention, gripping element10may be provided on a writing instrument12at a position equidistant from first end13and second end15of writing instrument12, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4as discussed in detail below. Such position is specifically selected to enhance use of the writing instrument in a wand-like manner, as also discussed in detail below. However, various novel aspects of a gripping element, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, may be applied to any type of gripping element for any type of article, as will now be described.

Gripping element10may be configured for mounting on an article specifically configured to receive gripping element10. For example, gripping element10may be inserted over a gripping section of an article (i.e., a section specifically configured for gripping). The gripping section may be specifically designed or configured to receive gripping element10such that gripping element10is specifically designed or configured for insertion over such article. For instance, gripping element10may fit within a recess in an article, such that the article has a uniform outer diameter even with the grip mounted thereon. However, gripping element10need not be specifically designed or configured for a particular article and may be mounted over an article not specifically configured or designed to receive a gripping element. If gripping element10is inserted over an article not specially designed for receiving any type of element thereover, gripping element10typically will have an outer diameter larger than the outer surface of the portion of the article not covered by gripping element10. Gripping element10may have a total outer diameter of at least about 1.0 inch (2.5 cm), such as for a grip for mounting on a writing instrument. The total outer diameter of gripping element10is typically less than about 3.0 inches (7.6 cm) so that gripping element10may still be grasped in the hand of a user. However, it will be appreciated that the dimensions and configuration of the gripping element10of the invention may vary as desired.

It will be appreciated that the same gripping element may be fitted over either type of article. If desired, gripping element10may be formed to be removable from the article and placeable on alternate articles as desired. In addition or alternatively, an article may be prefabricated with gripping element10. As may be appreciated from the Figures, gripping element10has discrete ends from the ends of the writing instrument itself spaced and is not to be mistaken for a uniform covering over the entire length of the article.

Gripping element10may be mounted on an article in any desired manner. For instance, gripping element10may be axially inserted over an end portion of a hand-held article and advanced until positioned over a central region of the article. Alternatively, gripping element10may be inserted over an article in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the article, such that gripping element10is positioned at the desired location upon mounting, without having to be advanced axially.

Gripping element10may be formed with a mounting structure, such as a receiving channel18, by which gripping element10may be optionally mounted on an article. It is noted that reference herein is made to a “receiving channel” for the sake of convenience, and not with any intent to limit the mounting structure to only a “receiving channel.” Receiving channel18is configured to receive a portion of an article such as a writing instrument, securely therein. Receiving channel18preferably is dimensioned and configured to correspond to the outer dimension of the portion of the article on which grip element10is to be mounted so that this portion is securely maintained therein. For example, the receiving channel18is typically more than about 0.2 inch (0.5 cm) to fit over a finger-manipulated article and typically is less than about 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) to fit even a typical hand-held article. In the present invention, a finger-held or finger-manipulated article (referenced herein as only “finger-held” for the sake of simplicity and not for limiting purposes) is an article configured for grasping and/or manipulation by a user's fingers during its ordinary use and typically receives pressure or force applied by a user's fingers or fingertips. Exemplary finger-held or finger-manipulated articles include, but are not limited to, writing implements, shavers, razors, toothbrushes, eating utensils, precision instruments, scissors, and the like. According to the present invention, finger-held articles are to be distinguished from “hand-held” articles which are intended to be held by a user's hand (in contrast to only by the fingers) under a normal use circumstance. Examples of hand-held articles can include, but are not limited to, sports rackets, sports equipment handles (e.g., bicycle or motorcycle handles), steering wheels, tools (e.g., hammers), cooking utensils, and the like. However, mounting structure15may be configured in any other manner to secure the article therein. For example, an interior of receiving channel18may include flexible protrusions, which resiliently conform to the exterior of the portion of the article to be received within receiving channel18. If desired, the article and receiving channel18may be matingly contoured, such as by the provision of grooves on one and ribs on the other which mate or engage with one another.

Gripping element10will typically have an outer surface20, which is a non-smooth, unsmooth, or rough (“textured” hereafter for the sake of convenience and without intent to limit, other than to surfaces that are not smooth) surface that repels dirt and grime. In addition, gripping element10preferably is fabricated from a material that imparts a non-slip or non-skid surface to a user, and that does not easily attract dirt and grime. Gripping element10may be fabricated from an elastomeric material such as, but not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer. The material of gripping element10preferably has a Shore A hardness of at least about 50 durometers so that dust, grime, or other particles will not remain adhered to the surface of the grip. Lower hardnesses may be appropriate as well, so long as such hardness does not interfere with molding or manufacturing thereof. The Shore A hardness preferably is at most about 70 durometers to provide a comfortable, grip. Higher hardnesses may be may be appropriate as well, though a moderately compressible, elastomeric feel (in contrast with a mere rigid plastic feel) is desirable. A Shore A durometer of 60 has been found to be suitable.

Gripping element10may have a relatively uniform diameter with a smooth or textured surface. Moreover, the surface of gripping element10maybe dimpled, ribbed, or otherwise provided with a grip-enhancing pattern. For instance, as illustrated inFIG. 6, gripping element10has a relatively smooth outer surface. A plurality of elevated sections (e.g.,22and24) may be raised above the outer surface to vary the grip texture and thus to enhance gripping further. For example, elevated sections22and24may impart a non-slip or non-skid grip to a user (e.g., to prevent slippage such as from sweating in an industrial environment), allow better control of an article (e.g., for writing quickly in an industrial setting on, for example, pipes or boxes), and/or allow more degrees of freedom (e.g., marking overhead). Elevated sections22and24, which are raised above the outer surface, may be configured to be intercalated or meshed together. For example, sections22,24may be in the form of crosses22or hexagons or sliced hexagons24. Elevated sections22and24may extend at least about 0.1 mm (to be perceptible) and typically are not more than 3.0 mm above outer surface20of grip10. An elevation of about 0.5 mm has been found to be acceptable. While gripping comfort is enhanced by elevated sections22and24, slippage is inhibited by gaps25between elevated sections22and24. Elevated sections22and24preferably are not so elevated above outer surface20of gripping element10that gaps25therebetween create discomfort.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer surfaces32and34of elevated sections22and24may be formed to be relatively comfortable to grip and may be smooth or textured, as desired. Outer surface20of gripping element10(from which elevated sections22and24rise) may be textured to inhibit build-up of dirt and/or grime, as described above. The spacing of elevated sections22and24may be selected to be far apart and thus the width of gaps25may be wide enough so that small particles cannot become lodged in gaps25and any particle large enough to become lodged in gaps25is readily dislodged. Such dimensions are readily determined by those of ordinary skill in the art, and may be approximately 1–2 mm for standard usage and environments. As will be appreciated, the formation of outer surface20as textured, rather than smooth, further facilitates enhanced cleanliness and longer wear of gripping element10.

The present invention further encompasses a gripping element10designed for a writing instrument12that is gripped in a central region and intended for use in a wand-like fashion, and a writing instrument12with a centrally positioned gripping element10. Typical writing instruments used as such are markers or other writing instruments with nibs. As understood by those in the art, “nibs” are material-based writing points (e.g., not metal), such as porous material (e.g., plastics), or felt or synthetic tips points, in contrast with ball points or roller balls. Such nibs are typically relatively wider than other writing tips, and are not used for fine, detailed writing, and may be chiseled to permit marking of wide lines. It will be appreciated that the writing instrument with a centrally positioned gripping element need not have a gripping element as described above. Instead, any suitable gripping element imparting the desired grip enhancing characteristics (for example, but without limitation, improved comfort or control during gripping) to writing instrument may be used. For instance, an elastomeric gripping element10with a smooth or textured outer surface and without elevated sections may be provided over central region40of writing instrument12as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6. Writing instrument12has an elongated writing instrument body with a first end13, and a second end15. As may be appreciated fromFIGS. 6 and 7, the outer diameter of the barrel of writing instrument12may be applied to a pocket type writing instrument as inFIG. 5(with an average diameter of approximately 16.2 mm) or a tank type writing instrument as inFIG. 6(with a wider diameter of approximately 21.3 mm). Gripping element10may be positioned substantially over central region40of writing instrument12. As used herein, the term “central region” refers to a position that is approximately equidistant from each end of an article. It is noted that reference herein is made to a “central region” for the sake of convenience, and not with any intent to limit a writing instrument to having a gripping element exclusively located in a central region40(i.e., in certain embodiments the gripping element may extend from a central region toward a writing tip). However, it will be appreciated that gripping element10has distinct ends and an overall length shorter than the writing instrument on which it is positioned. Accordingly, the overall longitudinal extent of gripping element10may vary according to the length of the writing instrument body on which gripping element10is to be provided, but is limited with respect to the length of the writing instrument body. The present invention is not intended to cover writing instruments completely covered by gripping material. Thus, a gripping element10may be arranged along a midpoint45equidistant from first end13and second end15. Gripping element10is typically positioned and extends at least over midpoint45and between midpoint45and second end15.

When gripping element10is positioned at a central position on a writing instrument that is used in a wand-like fashion, gripping element10enhances gripping during use of writing instrument12in such manner. Particularly, a writing instrument12of the invention can be grasped in central region40and used on a vertical or inverse horizontal (i.e., upside down) surface, wherein such uses typically entail gripping of writing instrument12further from the writing end than during conventional writing on a horizontal plane and thus at a substantially central region40.

Gripping element10has a substantially cylindrical portion50extending over central region40. In addition, gripping element10may include a band52of a wider diameter than cylindrical portion50(adjacent first end13when positioned on a writing instrument12). Preferably, the outer diameter of band52abuts and has the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of a cap54that may cover first end42so that a substantially uniform diameter is achieved when cap54covers first end42.

In one embodiment of the invention, shown inFIG. 7, gripping element10includes a front conical gripping portion60covering front nose cone62of writing instrument12. Thus, a portion of gripping element10may extend over front nose cone62toward the writing tip or nib73to enhance gripping even when writing instrument12is used for fine writing. Front conical gripping portion60of gripping element10may be formed as a single piece with substantially cylindrical portion50of gripping element10. However, if desired, front conical gripping portion60may be of the same or similar material as gripping element10, but comprised of a separately formed piece positioned preferably adjacent gripping element10. If a front conical gripping portion60is provided, band52may be formed as a part of front conical gripping portion60, separate from substantially cylindrical portion50(see, e.g.,FIG. 6). Front nose cone55may optionally be covered by cap54wherein the writing end of writing instrument12, as well as front conical gripping portion40are configured and dimensioned to receive cap54.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 8, writing instrument12has a writing tip at both ends. Preferably, writing instrument12will have a writing tip73at first end13and a writing tip75and second end15. Such a writing instrument will have a gripping element10configured to be positioned equidistant from ends40and42. It will be appreciated that the central portion of gripping element10allows for enhanced gripping during use of either writing tip without requiring the covering of the entire writing instrument body. If two writing types are provided, one may be configured for fine writing (e.g., a ballpoint or roller ball or fine felt or synthetic nib) and the other writing tip may be configured for writing while holding the writing instrument like a wand, as described above.

Writing instrument12is well suited for use in an industrial setting because the gripping element10is fabricated to avoid slippage, to be wear resistant, and to repel dirt or grime. Thus, gripping is enhanced during use. Moreover, when writing instrument12is not in use and is laid on a surface, raised patterns22,24will prevent writing instrument12from sliding or rolling away from a user.

It will be appreciated that the various features described herein may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to only the embodiments specifically described herein. While the foregoing description and drawings represent a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.