Tactual finger grip

Abstract

A tactual finger grip device and method provides increased tactual and visual sensory awareness of finger pressure and alignment especially for the left-handed user. The grip device provides a conically shaped sleeve of resilient material for inserting and adjustably securing a hand-held implement, such as a writing implement. A plurality of raised surface projections circumferentially positioned about the grip device outer surface provide tactual friction with a user's fingers, enabling user tactile sensory awareness, causing the user to adaptably minimize the tactual friction by conforming fingers and hand to natural placement, when the user grasps the sleeve secured to the hand-held implement. The device provides visual indicia for the forefinger, index finger, and thumb placement forming a natural hand position. Alternatively, the raised surface projections positioned about the inner surface create tactual friction or pressure between the device and a wearer's received finger when pressure is applied to a surface.

Claims

1. A tactual finger grip device, comprising: a finger sleeve of resilient material having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an interior space therein, the finger sleeve being conically shaped and adapted to be received on a finger; the finger sleeve having a first open end and an opposite curved second open end forming a longitudinal passage for inserting therethrough a hand-held implement having a hand-held portion and a working end portion; the curved second open end having a diameter less than the first open end diameter for adjustably securing the hand-held implement; a plurality of raised surface projections positioned circumferentially about the outer surface of the finger sleeve for causing increased tactual friction or tactual pressure between a user's fingers and some of the raised surface projections and for enabling user tactile sensory awareness for adaptably minimizing tactual friction leading the user to natural finger placement when the user grasps the finger sleeve adjustably secured to the hand-held implement.

2. The tactual finger grip device grip according to claim 1, wherein the material of the conical finger sleeve is constructed of resilient, flexible, elastic material, such as a plastic, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic, polymeric material, or urethane material.

3. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of raised projections are nodules of circular, conical, hemispherical, elliptical, or cylindrical shape.

4. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 1, further comprising a first alignment indicia segment longitudinally extending from the first open end to the curved second open end on the finger sleeve for providing the user a visual straight line upon which to place the forefinger on the tactual finger grip adjustably secured to the hand-held implement.

5. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 4, further comprising a second alignment indicia located at the curved second open end of the finger sleeve and upon the end of the first alignment indicia including a dot, a diamond, or an arrow.

6. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 5, further comprising a third alignment indicia located circumferentially about the finger sleeve approximately to the length of the finger sleeve segment from the first open end and perpendicular to the first alignment segment, for aligning the forefinger and index finger and for defining distinct visual alignment regions for thumb placement on the lower quadrant region for receiving the fleshy part of the thumb on the tactual finger grip.

7. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 6, further comprising an alignment indicia composed of a rectangular space for visually adjusting and aligning the thumb therein; wherein the rectangle long edge extends at an angle to the first alignment indicia, preferably an angle ranging between 5-15 degrees, from the first open end of the finger sleeve to substantially the curved second open end of the finger sleeve.

8. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 7, wherein the color of indicia segments and alignment marks is red.

9. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 7, wherein alignment indicia may be formed with ink.

10. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 7, wherein alignment indicia may be formed with the same material as the finger sleeve.

11. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 1, wherein said hand-held implement is an elongate writing implement.

12. A tactual finger grip device comprising: a finger sleeve of resilient material having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an interior space therein, the finger sleeve being conically shaped and adapted to be received on a finger of a wearer; the finger sleeve having a first open end and an opposite curved second open end, the curved second open end having a diameter less than the first open end diameter exposing a portion of a finger-tip of the wearer; the inner surface of the finger sleeve having a plurality of raised projections positioned circumferentially about the surface for enabling increased tactual friction between the finger of the wearer and the raised projections when the wearer applies pressure to a contact surface and for enabling increased tactile perception of the wearer for adaptably adjusting finger, hand, and wrist positions.

13. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of raised projections is positioned circumferentially about the outer surface and the inner surface.

14. The tactual finger grip device according to claim 12, further comprising an alignment indicia located circumferentially about the finger sleeve at the first open end for defining the user a visual alignment of finger knuckles, and hand.

15. A method of tactually gripping an elongate writing implement, comprising: providing a finger sleeve of resilient material having a conical shape with an inner surface and an outer surface and an interior portion for adaptably receiving a finger therein, having a plurality of raised projections positioned about the finger sleeve outer surface for enhancing tactual friction with the writer's fingers when the writer grasps an elongate writing implement with a marking end, having a first open end opposite a curved second open end forming a longitudinal passage for inserting and receiving therethrough the elongate writing implement and for exposing the elongate writing implement marking end; forming a grip by securing and adjusting the second curved open end of the finger sleeve on the elongate writing implement; placing the combination of the tactual finger grip adjustably secured to the elongate writing implement within a writer's grasp such that a writer's thumb, forefinger, and index finger hold the finger sleeve surrounding the elongate writing implement therein; and grasping with pressure the tactual finger grip device and writing implement such that the writer's thumb, forefinger, and index finger force the writing implement to compress some of the raised projections into the fleshy parts of the fingers; thereby forcing tactual pressure and friction into the writer's thumb, forefinger, and index finger; moving an arm with the writing hand and fingers toward a sheet of paper until the elongate writing implement marking end contacts the paper; moving the writing hand and fingers in motions which describe alphabetical characters to cause the elongate writing implement marking end to mark the paper; changing the grasping pressure applied on the elongate writing implement thereby changing the tactual pressure and friction received from some of the raised projections on the tactual finger grip device until only the grasping pressure necessary to mark the paper is applied on the elongate writing implement; and adjusting and aligning visually the forefinger on the first alignment indicia with forefinger movement in the direction of the second alignment indicia; adjusting and aligning visually the thumb in the rectangle alignment indicia for enabling a natural hand position and angle between forefinger and thumb, preferably an angle ranging between 5-15 degrees; changing the writer's finger and hand direction or movement applied on the elongate writing implement thereby changing the tactual pressure and friction received from some of the raised projections on the tactual finger grip device while aligning visually the forefinger and thumb positions; and further moving the arm and hand while further aligning the fingers in motions which describe alphabetical characters to cause the elongate writing implement marking end to mark the paper until evenly aligned characters mark the paper.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein forming the grip further comprises securing and adjusting the second curved open end of the finger sleeve on the elongate writing implement in proximity to an elongate writing implement marking end.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein forming the grip further comprises securing and adjusting the first open end of the finger sleeve on the elongate writing implement in proximity to an elongate writing implement marking end.

18. A tactual finger grip device, comprising: a sleeve of resilient material having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an interior space therein, the sleeve being sized and adapted to be received on a hand-held implement, a plurality of raised surface projection projections positioned circumferentially about the outer surface of the sleeve for enabling increased user sensory awareness of tactual friction or tactual pressure between the user's hand and some of the raised surface projections when the user grasps the sleeve adjustably secured to the hand-held implement; including a first alignment indicia segment longitudinally extending from the first open end to the second open end on the sleeve for providing the user a visual straight line upon which to place a finger, and a second alignment indicia in the form of a line extending at an angle preferably ranging between 5-15 degrees with the first alignment indicia located from the first open end to the second open end on the sleeve for providing the user a visual straight line upon which to place another finger or fingers for defining distinct visual alignment regions for forming a natural hand position of the fingers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The advantages and features of the present invention will better understood by the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view the present invention as a tactual finger grip installed on a writing implement in use by a left-handed writer with a preferred hand position.

(3) FIG. 2 is a top view of a rubber sleeve fingertip (prior art).

(4) FIG. 3 is a cross section view illustrating the invention placed on a finger for left-hand users.

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention as a grip writing aid attached to a writing implement.

(6) FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating the invention for left hand users.

(7) FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating the invention for right hand users.

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the grip invention correctly positioned in a writer's relaxed left hand.

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the grip invention in a left-handed writer's incorrect grasp claw position.

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the device when correctly grasped in a left hand.

(11) FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-section of the device placed on a user's finger with a plurality of raised surface projections about the inner surface and surface indicia on the outer surface.

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the device placed on a left-handed user's finger.

(13) These and other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are denoted by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(14) Shown in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a left hand 8 gripping an elongate writing implement 20 using the tactual finger grip device 18 of the present invention. The tactual finger grip device 18 is located between the fingers and the writing implement. The preferred hand position is shown in FIG. 1 where the forefinger 10, thumb 12, and index finger 14 are aligned with the hand 8 and wrist 16. The figure is shown in use by a left-handed writer and it is noted in case of the right-handed writer, the grip tactual finger grip device 18 will be the mirror image of the grip tactual finger grip device 18 as shown.

(15) The tactual finger grip 18 is a conically shaped finger grip of resilient material. The material of the finger grip is constructed of resilient, flexible, elastic material, such as a plastic, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic, polymeric material, or urethane material. The conical shaped finger grip, having an outer surface of grip 42 and an inner surface of grip 44, is adapted to be received by a finger or a hand-held implement, such as an elongate writing implement 20, and may be of various size depending on usage and preference of the user.

(16) As illustrated in FIG. 1 the tactual finger grip device 18 having a first open end 34 and an opposite curved second open end 36 forming a longitudinal passage for inserting an elongate writing implement 20 with a marking end 22 and exposing the marking end 22. The curved second open end 36 has a diameter less than the first open end 34 diameter and adjustably secures the elongate writing implement 20.

(17) A plurality of raised surface projections 24 positioned about the outer surface of grip 42 enable the holder to tactually sense a friction between a writer's fingers and some of the raised surface projections. It is preferred the plurality of raised surface projections 24 are nodules of circular, conical, hemispherical, elliptical, or cylindrical shape. The size of the tactual finger grip device 18 should be such that the friction created by the plurality of raised surface projections 24 is not significantly tactually sensed by the user in a relaxed position. Friction is significantly tactually sensed by the user's thumb 12, forefinger 10, or index finger 14 when the tactual finger grip device 18 is grasped or pressure is applied by the user.

(18) Visual alignment indicia increase the user's awareness of placement and direction of forefinger 10, thumb 12, and index finger 14 positions. The first alignment indicia longitudinal 26 segment longitudinally extends from the first open end 34 to the curved second open end 36. The second alignment indicia arrow 28 is located at the second open end 36 of the first alignment indicia longitudinal 26 including a dot, a diamond, an arrow, or the like. A third alignment indicia perpendicular 30 is located circumferentially about the finger grip approximately to the length of the first alignment indicia longitudinal 26 segment and located at approximately the end of the fingernail when the tactual finger grip device 18 is installed on a finger as shown in FIG. 3. The third alignment indicia perpendicular 30 is perpendicular to the first alignment indicia longitudinal 26 segment. This indicia creates a lower quadrant on the tactual finger grip device 18 surface for which to place the thumb 12. The third alignment indicia perpendicular 30 increases user visual awareness of the forefinger 10 and index finger 14 alignment. A fourth alignment indicia, a rectangular thumb placement indicia 32, composed of a rectangular space for visually adjusting and aligning and placing the thumb 12 therein. The rectangle long edge extends at an angle to the first alignment indicia longitudinal 26, ranging between 5-25 degrees, preferably 5-15 degrees, or the natural angle 50, between thumb 12 and forefinger 10. The rectangular area 32 extends from the first open end 34 to substantially the curved second open end 36 of the tactual finger grip device 18. The rectangular area 32 provides the user a visual guide including the 5-25 degree natural angle 50 between the thumb 12 and forefinger 10. The indicia may be formed with ink, tape, or the same material as the tactual finger grip 18. The indicia may include a smooth surface or a continuation of the plurality of raised surface projections 24. The indicia may be any color that visually assist the user, preferably red in color.

(19) With reference to FIG. 2 is a top view of a sleeve rubber fingertip 38 as known prior art. The rubber fingertip is conically shaped, constructed of resilient material having an outer surface 42 and an inner surface 44 defining an interior space 46 therein, and an open end 34 for receiving a finger. A plurality of raised surface projections 24 or ribs positioned about the outer surface 42 of the finger sleeve for enabling an increased friction between a finger and a piece of paper.

(20) In another preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 3 a cross section view illustrating the tactual finger grip device 18 invention placed on a left hand 8 forefinger 10. The conical shaped finger grip, having an outer surface 42 and an inner surface 44 and a defined interior space 46 therein, is adapted to be received on a finger. The tactual finger grip device 18 has a first open end 34 and an opposite curved second open end 36 exposing a portion of a fingertip 48 of the wearer. The tactual finger grip device 18 may be of various size depending on usage and preference of the user. The first alignment indicia longitudinal 26 segment, the second alignment indicia arrow 28, the third alignment indicia perpendicular 30, and fourth rectangular thumb placement indicia 32, as previously described, assist the user to visually become aware of and correct the direction and motion of the finger. A plurality of raised surface projections 24 are placed about the outer surface 42 of the tactual finger grip device 18 to increase tactile awareness of applied user pressure to a surface. The exposed fingertip 48 will tactually sense both the exerted pressure by the finger as well as the lesser pressure required to make contact with the surface by the friction-enhancing plurality of raised surface projections 24.

(21) As more clearly seen in FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention as a tactual finger grip device 18 writing aid attached to an elongate writing implement 20. The finger grip having a first open end 34 and an opposite curved second open end 36 forming a longitudinal passage for inserting an elongate writing implement 20 and exposing the marking end 22. The curved second open end 36 of the grip has a diameter less than the first open end 34 diameter and adjustably secures the elongate writing implement 20. A plurality of raised surface projections 24 positioned about the outer surface 42 of the finger grip enables increased friction between the writer's grasping forefinger 10 and thumb 12 and the elongate writing implement 20. The first alignment indicia longitudinal 26 segment, the second alignment indicia arrow 28, the third alignment indicia perpendicular 30, and fourth rectangular thumb placement indicia 32 providing a natural angle 50 guide, as previously described, assist the user to visually become aware of and correct the direction and motion of the forefinger 10 and thumb 12.

(22) As illustrated in FIGS. 5 & 6 are mirror image top views illustrating the invention. FIG. 5 is a top view for left hand 8 users; while FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating the invention for right hand users. The tactual finger grip device 18 may be appropriately fitted and used on any finger or hand-held implement. With reference to previous descriptions for FIGS. 1 & 3, the tactual finger grip device 18 having a first open end 34 and an opposite curved second open end 36 for inserting a hand-held implement or finger. The second open end 36 permits a proper fit and adjustably attaches to the inserted object. A plurality of raised surface projections 24 positioned about the outer surface 42 of the tactual finger grip device 18 enables increased friction between the writer's grasping fingers and the hand-held implement. As previously described, the first alignment indicia longitudinal 26 segment, the second alignment indicia arrow 28, the third alignment indicia perpendicular 30, and fourth rectangular thumb placement indicia 32 providing a natural angle 50 guide, assist the user to visually become aware of and correct the direction and motion of the forefinger 10, thumb 12, and index finger 14.

(23) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tactual finger grip device 18 invention correctly positioned with a relaxed left hand 8. The placement of the forefinger 10, thumb 12, and index finger 14 are in a naturally straight alignment with the left hand 8 and wrist 16. As previously described, the first alignment indicia longitudinal 26 segment, the second alignment indicia arrow 28, the third alignment indicia perpendicular 30, and fourth rectangular thumb placement indicia 32 providing a natural angle 50 guide reflect the finger and hand positions of the relaxed left hand 8.

(24) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tactual finger grip device 18 in a writer's left hand 8 positioned incorrectly, known as a writer's claw wrist 56, and incorrect left-hand position 8, known as a writer's fist grasp 54. The writer's claw wrist 56 position, formed by an angled left arm 52 and bent wrist 16 placement with the body, is a position used by left-handed persons attempting to maintain a perpendicular or bent hand to form characters on a writing surface with the elongate writing implement 20 marking end 22. The left-handed writer often uses a writer's fist grasp 54 by curling the fingers, especially the forefinger 10 and index finger 14, around the elongate writing implement 20 while using the thumb 12 to hold the elongate writing implement 20 in place or to form the written characters. As shown in FIG. 8, the tactual finger grip device 18 installed on the elongate writing implement 20 are held in the writer's claw wrist 56 and writer's fist grasp 54 positions, only the first alignment indicia longitudinal 26 segment and the second alignment indicia arrow 28 as perpendicular to the writing surface.

(25) As illustrated together with FIGS. 8 and 9 is shown an incorrect writer's left hand S placement in FIG. 8 and a correct writer's left hand 8 placement in FIG. 9. The adjusted positions for the left hand 8, wrist 16, and fingers using the tactual finger grip device 8 as a corrective alignment device is illustrated with FIGS. 8 and 9 together. The first alignment indicia longitudinal 26 segment and the second alignment indicia arrow 28 form the visual alignment for placement of the fleshy portion of the forefinger 10. The fourth rectangular thumb placement indicia 32 provides a visual alignment guide for placement of the fleshy part of the thumb 12, including the 5-25 degree natural angle 50 with the forefinger 10. Alternatively, the third alignment indicia perpendicular 30, without preference for a natural angle 50, provides a visual alignment guide for placement of the fleshy part of the thumb 12. The directional pressure applied by the aligned forefinger 58 and the reduced pressure applied by the aligned thumb 60 allows the entire hand and wrist to form a natural alignment when compared to the positioning in FIG. 8. The plurality of raised surface projections 24 cause increased tactile friction on the fleshy portions of the forefinger 10, thumb 12, and index finger 14 as the user increases applied grasping pressure on the elongate writing implement 20. The plurality of raised surface projections 24 also causes changes in tactile friction on the fleshy portions of the fingers as the user changes finger positions. This process or method includes iteratively adjusting finger placement and pressure depicted in FIG. 8 applied to the tactual finger grip device 18 and elongate writing implement 20 by sensing tactual friction and observing visual indicia until position and placement of left hand 8, wrist 16, and fingers 10, 12, 14 depicted in FIG. 1 or 9 are attained by the writer.

(26) In another preferred embodiment FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the tactual finger grip device 18 device when correctly grasped in a left hand 8. The fourth rectangular thumb placement indicia 32 is outlined and includes a plurality of raised surface projections 24 instead of filled or covered as in FIG. 1. Also, a variation of the size and placement of the tactual finger grip device 18 is illustrated in FIG. 9 in comparison with FIG. 1. For commercial purposes the tactual finger grip device 18 is made in a variety of different sizes for the user to select the tactual finger grip device 18 best suited for their own needs.

(27) FIG. 10 is shown a longitudinal cross-section of the tactual finger grip device 18 received on a finger with a plurality of raised surface projections 24 about the inner surface 44 and surface indicia on the outer surface 42. The plurality of raised surface projections 24 should not cause increased friction with the finger when the finger is at rest. The plurality of raised surface projections 24 cause increased friction on the finger when the finger applies pressure to a surface. Additionally, an alignment indicia, located circumferentially 62 about the finger grip at the first open end 34, provides visual alignment of finger knuckles and hand for the wearer. The plurality of raised surface projections 24 and visual alignment indicia, previously described, create increased tactual and visual awareness of unnoticed overuse, over exertion of pressure, or irregular movements when the finger applies pressure to a surface by the wearer.

(28) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tactual finger grip device 18 placed on a left-hand finger. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 together, the plurality of surface projections 24 is located about the inner surface 44 of the tactual finger grip device 18. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 11 together, the plurality of surface projections 24 is located about the outer surface 42 of the tactual finger grip device 18. For commercial purposes, the tactual finger grip device 18 may be reversible or used inside out. Additionally, the indicia may be on one or both outer surface 42 and inner surface 44. Alternatively, the tactual finger grip device 18 may include a plurality of surface projections 24 about both outer surface 42 and inner surface 44. The index finger 14 of a left hand 8 was chosen for illustrative purposes in FIG. 11; however, the tactual finger grip device 18 may be installed on any finger or either hand to suit the particular wearer.

(29) Although there has been hereinabove described a tactual finger grip tactual finger grip device 18 and a method for corrective grasp and positioning for the left-handed writer in accordance with the present invention for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used to advantage, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the recited elements. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements which may occur to those skilled in the art, should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.