A chalk stick holder device having a handle portion, a hollow central tube portion, and a gripper portion. The three portions can be joined together to form a long-reaching chalk stick holder for drawing on surfaces while the user remains standing. The gripper portion includes a spring-action receiver for receiving a chalk stick and securing the chalk stick within the gripper end using a locking tooth. Upon pressing the locking tooth, the receiver releases the chalk stick, which can then be replaced with another color of chalk stick stored in the hollow central tube portion.

A device for assisting a user to manipulate an instrument to interact with an object resting on a surface is described herein. The device includes a framework for resting on the surface and a hand and wrist support. The hand and wrist support is coupled to the framework, coupled to the instrument and vertically spaced above the surface. The hand and wrist support is configured to slide horizontally and longitudinally along the framework and rotate about the framework to provide for the user to move the hand and wrist support to manipulate the instrument to interact with the object.

A pen holding device configured to hold an electronic pen which has a first core that is elongated and is replaceable. The pen holding device includes a casing having an electronic pen holder that is configured to hold the electronic pen in an erect state or a laid state, and at least one refill core holder which is provided inside the casing and is configured to grasp a second core, which is a refill core for the electronic pen, in a direction different from a longitudinal direction of the electronic pen when the electronic pen is held in the erect state.

A marker storage accessory includes a main body having marker-engaging structure and writing surface engaging structure. The main body may also include cap-engaging structure or, alternatively, blocking structure. The marker-engaging structure includes a plurality of circumferentially positioned teeth adapted to be conformingly inserted into the complementarily shaped channels defined by the ribs located on the non-writing end of a writing instrument such as a dry-erase marker. The cap-engaging structure can include ribs creating a geometry adapted to conformingly receive the protruding end of a cap for the writing instrument. The blocking structure can be a protrusion adapted to prevent attachment of the marker storage accessory on the nub-end of the writing instrument while permitting attachment of a marker cap. When the marker storage accessory is attached to the writing surface, the marker self-positions to a generally nub-down orientation.

The disclosed technology includes methods and systems for facilitating handwriting for individuals who require assistance with their fine motor skills and pinch strength due to various conditions or injury. The methods and systems include writing instruments that may be used in order of succession based on improved or worsened fine motor skills. In one implementation, the method includes measuring a first writing capability of a user, selecting a first writing instrument with a barrel of a predetermined circumference and a predetermined weight selected based on the first writing capability of the user, using the selected first writing instrument for a first phase, measuring a second writing capability, detecting a first change between the first writing capability and the second writing capability, determining that the first phase is completed based on the detected first change, and selecting a second writing instrument responsive to determining the first phase is completed.

The method and apparatus described herein allows for the automatic retraction and extension of the writing element of a bistable self-retaining writing instrument. The method and apparatus consists of a writing element that is joined to the end of a flexible tube or material. These are inserted through a longitudinal channel formed along the outer surface of the writing instrument and are anchored only at the end opposite the writing element. When the bistable self-retaining writing instrument transitions from a coiled to straight configuration the writing element is automatically exposed. Conversely, when pushed into its coiled configuration the writing element slides back into the channel and is thereby protected. The flexible tube or material may also act as a reservoir for a writing substrate such as ink.

The method and apparatus described herein allows for the automatic retraction and extension of the writing element of a bistable self-retaining writing instrument. The method and apparatus consists of a writing element that is joined to the end of a flexible tube or material. These are inserted through a longitudinal channel formed along the outer surface of the writing instrument and are anchored only at the end opposite the writing element. When the bistable self-retaining writing instrument transitions from a coiled to straight configuration the writing element is automatically exposed. Conversely, when pushed into its coiled configuration the writing element slides back into the channel and is thereby protected. The flexible tube or material may also act as a reservoir for a writing substrate such as ink.

A pen track has an outer shell, a transmitting group, a rotating group, and a linking group. The transmitting group is mounted in the outer shell and has a portion rotatably abutting a drawing surface. The rotating group is mounted in the outer shell and has a modeling block. The modeling block is mounted in the outer shell, is rotated with the transmitting group, and has an outer surface and a modeling segment annularly formed on the outer surface of the modeling block and having multiple curved surfaces connecting each other. The linking group is mounted in the outer shell and has a pushing protrusion pressed against the modeling segment of the modeling block to move the linking group reciprocally relative to the outer shell along the curved surfaces of the modeling segment.

A holder for holding at least two utensils to an external surface. The holder includes a base having front and back faces, and a top, bottom and two side edges; a connector coupled to the back face of the base and adapted to be connected to the external surface; and a ledge having top and bottom faces and top, bottom and two side edges. The ledge back face is adhered to the front face of the base. The ledge is pivotal with respect to the base so that the top and bottom faces are substantially perpendicular to the base. The top, bottom or both ledge faces are adapted to connect to a utensil. A method of using the holder to hold a writing instrument and pad of note papers is also disclosed.

An illustration unit is disclosed for use by people who have less than optimal gripping capability. The handle of the illustration unit has a diameter sufficient to allow the user's pinky, ring, and middle fingers to come near to or in contact with the thenar while preventing a user's pinky, ring and middle fingers from contacting a user's proximal or distal palmar. Preferably, the handle is configured to enable a user to contact a surface approximately parallel to the user's body with a marking element. Either the handle or connector can be arcuate, having an interior surface and an exterior surface. At least one connector is dimensioned to be received in the receiving area and the second end to receive a marking element.