GB2061832A

GB2061832A - Writing implements

Info

Publication number: GB2061832A
Application number: GB8031396A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: PERL EXPORTERS Ltd P
Current assignee: PERL EXPORTERS Ltd P
Priority date: 1980-09-29
Filing date: 1980-09-29
Publication date: 1981-05-20

Abstract

A writing implement 2 is configured to be attached to a finger 10. The writing implement preferably comprises a main body portion 8 which can be fitted over the end of the finger 10 and which has a hollow wall for containing ink. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Writing implements This invention relates to writing implements.

In many circumstances a writing implement is used intermittently, and between the periods of use the user undertakes other tasks.

This is the case, for example, with people such as shopkeepers or stocktakers, who wish to repetitively pick up and move items and then make a note using the writing implement. It is found that the repetitive picking up and putting down of the writing implement, and the occasional searching to locate the writing implement, is a nuisance. There is nothing on the market which provides an adequate solution to this problem.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a writing implement configured to be attachable to a finger in such a manner that a user can write using the implement. Thus, there is no need for the implement to be repeatedly picked up and put down, and possibly lost.

This has advantages in a number of fields, apart from those mentioned above. Anyone who wishes to write at intermittent intervals, between which his hands are to be used for other purposes, would find the implement of the invention of advantage. Also, in some circumstances the use of the writing implement can provide an added measure of safety; for example, a driver may wish to repeatedly make notes, and the use of an implement in accordance with the invention enables him to avoid taking his eyes off the road in order to locate and pick up a pen. The implement of the invention may also be of use for disabled people who find difficulty in gripping conventional implements.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the implement is in the form of a cap or hood which fits over the end of the finger. This however is not essential, and the implement could instead have means for attaching it alongside a finger; for example the implement could have one or more bands, possibly resilient, for encircling the finger.

It is preferable that the writing implement be a pen. If the implement is in the form of a cap or hood, the wall of this could be hollow and the ink stored inside the wall. The pen is preferably a ball-point pen.

The implement of the invention could, if desired, be used in a conventional manner by gripping it between finger and thumb.

Arrangements embodying the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a writing implement in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows the implement of Fig. 1 when in use; and Figure 3 shows a modified version of the implement of Fig. 1.

The implement 2 of Figs. 1 and 2 is of a generally hollow, conical configuration, having at its apex a metal tip 4 with a ball point 6, as in conventional ball-point pens. The generally conical main body 8 of the implement is hollow-walled, and ink is contained between the inner and outer walls.

The implement is used as shown in Fig. 2, in which the main body 8 of the implement is fitted over the end of the finger 10. An airhole, indicated at 12 in Fig. 1, may be provided if required.

The implement may be provided in a number of different sizes, for example small, medium and large, to fit differently-sized fingers.

Alternatively, or also, the implement may be shaped as shown in Fig. 3, in which there is a gap 14 extending along part of the length of the main body 8 of the implement to permit a greater range of resilient circumferential expansion of the main body and therefore permit the main body to be used with a greater range of finger sizes.

Preferably the main body 8 is made of plastics material, although this is not essential, as there may be particular circumstances in which plastics may be undesirable.

The writing implement of the invention may be used in a wide range of circumstances, and is particularly useful in those situations in which the user's concentration is primarily directed to matters other than writing, as he need not distract his attention in order to locate the implement when it is required. If the implement is in the form of a pen, the ink may be of the indelible type, which may be of particular use to a diver, for example. The implement may alternatively be in the form of a pencil, possibly having a carbon point and intended for disposal once the point has been worn down.

In another embodiment, the implement may be intended for etching, and for this purpose it may be provided with a hard tip, made for example of tungsten or diamond. Thus, the term "writing" as used herein is intended to cover such uses as etching.

1. A writing implement configured to be attached to a finger in such a manner that a user can write using the implement.

2. A writing implement as claimed in claim 1, configured to be fitted over the end of the finger.

3. A writing implement as claimed in claim 2, having a hollow wall containing ink.

4. A writing implement as claimed in any preceding claim, in the form of a ball-point pen.

5. A writing implement substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, optionally modified as described with refer

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Writing implements This invention relates to writing implements. In many circumstances a writing implement is used intermittently, and between the periods of use the user undertakes other tasks. This is the case, for example, with people such as shopkeepers or stocktakers, who wish to repetitively pick up and move items and then make a note using the writing implement. It is found that the repetitive picking up and putting down of the writing implement, and the occasional searching to locate the writing implement, is a nuisance. There is nothing on the market which provides an adequate solution to this problem. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a writing implement configured to be attachable to a finger in such a manner that a user can write using the implement. Thus, there is no need for the implement to be repeatedly picked up and put down, and possibly lost. This has advantages in a number of fields, apart from those mentioned above. Anyone who wishes to write at intermittent intervals, between which his hands are to be used for other purposes, would find the implement of the invention of advantage. Also, in some circumstances the use of the writing implement can provide an added measure of safety; for example, a driver may wish to repeatedly make notes, and the use of an implement in accordance with the invention enables him to avoid taking his eyes off the road in order to locate and pick up a pen. The implement of the invention may also be of use for disabled people who find difficulty in gripping conventional implements. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the implement is in the form of a cap or hood which fits over the end of the finger. This however is not essential, and the implement could instead have means for attaching it alongside a finger; for example the implement could have one or more bands, possibly resilient, for encircling the finger. It is preferable that the writing implement be a pen. If the implement is in the form of a cap or hood, the wall of this could be hollow and the ink stored inside the wall. The pen is preferably a ball-point pen. The implement of the invention could, if desired, be used in a conventional manner by gripping it between finger and thumb. Arrangements embodying the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a writing implement in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows the implement of Fig. 1 when in use; and Figure 3 shows a modified version of the implement of Fig. 1. The implement 2 of Figs. 1 and 2 is of a generally hollow, conical configuration, having at its apex a metal tip 4 with a ball point 6, as in conventional ball-point pens. The generally conical main body 8 of the implement is hollow-walled, and ink is contained between the inner and outer walls. The implement is used as shown in Fig. 2, in which the main body 8 of the implement is fitted over the end of the finger 10. An airhole, indicated at 12 in Fig. 1, may be provided if required. The implement may be provided in a number of different sizes, for example small, medium and large, to fit differently-sized fingers. Alternatively, or also, the implement may be shaped as shown in Fig. 3, in which there is a gap 14 extending along part of the length of the main body 8 of the implement to permit a greater range of resilient circumferential expansion of the main body and therefore permit the main body to be used with a greater range of finger sizes. Preferably the main body 8 is made of plastics material, although this is not essential, as there may be particular circumstances in which plastics may be undesirable. The writing implement of the invention may be used in a wide range of circumstances, and is particularly useful in those situations in which the user's concentration is primarily directed to matters other than writing, as he need not distract his attention in order to locate the implement when it is required. If the implement is in the form of a pen, the ink may be of the indelible type, which may be of particular use to a diver, for example. The implement may alternatively be in the form of a pencil, possibly having a carbon point and intended for disposal once the point has been worn down. In another embodiment, the implement may be intended for etching, and for this purpose it may be provided with a hard tip, made for example of tungsten or diamond. Thus, the term "writing" as used herein is intended to cover such uses as etching. CLAIMS

5. A writing implement substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, optionally modified as described with refer ence to Fig. 3, of the accompanying drawings.