GRIPPING AID

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 Velcro3. 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.

Inventors: STROCK JAMES, STROCK, JAMES
Applicants: STROCK JAMES, STROCK, JAMES
Application year: 1998
Main classification: B25G1
IPC codes: B43K23, B43L15, B44D3