Therapeutic writing instrument devices and methods

• US 7,661,896 B2
• Filed: 06/13/2005
• Issued: 02/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Anixa Biosciences, Inc. (f/k/a ITUS Corporation), Tangle Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Tangle Incorporated
• Inventors: Zawitz, Richard E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Tuan N
• Application Number:
  US11/152,020
• Publication Number:
  US 20060280545A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,709 Days
• Field of Search: 401 6- 8, 401/195, 401/209
• US Class Current: 401/6
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 21/006 Pencil-barrels
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/004 Holders specially adapted for assisting handicapped or disabled persons to write B43L15/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/008 Holders comprising finger grips B43K23/004, B43K23/012 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/06 Means for connecting two or more writing implements
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/08 Protecting means, e.g. caps
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 24/08 operated by push-buttons
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/00 Combinations of writing implements with other articles
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/001 with compasses
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/003 with optical equipment, e.g. magnifier, viewer
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/004 with more than one object
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/10 with illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/12 with memorandum appliances with book covers B42D
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/18 with hand tools, e.g. erasing knives with pocket knives B26B
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 5/005 Pen barrels
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 7/005 Pen barrels
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 8/003 Pen barrels
• CPC Class Codes: B43M 99/009 Paperclip dispensers or holders

Abstract

The invention provides systems and methods for a writing instrument that can be manipulated into an infinite number of shapes and configurations. The invention can be applied to relieve minor stress as well as strengthen hand muscles, rehabilitate finger and joint movement, and improve overall range of hand motion. A textured coating can be applied to the surface of each segment that gives the writing instrument a unique feel, thereby creating a pleasant sensation and feel to the hands and fingers. Segments can operate as a holder for a writing instrument body, and similarly can be arranged to provide a creative sculpture. Segments can be removed as desired by the user.

Claims

1. A writing instrument, comprising:

a writing instrument body having a first junction, a second junction, and a writing element; and

a plurality of serially pivotally connected segments, the plurality of segments including at least a first segment and a second segment, wherein the segments are separate from the writing instrument body;

wherein the first junction is connected with the first segment and the second junction is connected with the second segment, wherein the first junction is disposed toward a first end of the writing instrument body, and wherein the second junction is disposed toward a second end of the writing instrument body, such that at least a portion of the writing instrument body is disposed between the first segment and the second segment.

2. The writing instrument of claim 1, wherein the first segment is disposed toward a first end of the plurality of pivotally connected segments.

3. The writing instrument of claim 2, wherein the second segment is disposed toward a second end of the plurality of pivotally connected segments.

4. The writing instrument of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of serially pivotally connected segments is twistable relative to an adjacent segment through a 360 degree of rotation.

5. The writing instrument of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of serially pivotally connected segments comprises a torus curve.

6. The writing instrument of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of serially pivotally connected segments comprises a textured coating disposed on an outer surface thereof.

7. The writing instrument of claim 6, wherein the textured coating comprises a rubber coating, a rubber coating with raised nodules, a silicone gel coating, a chemical composite coating, or a compressible rubber coating.

8. The writing instrument of claim 1, wherein the first junction is releasably connected with the first segment and the second junction is releasably connected with the second segment.

9. A method of manufacturing a writing instrument, the method comprising:

coupling a writing element with a writing instrument body, the writing instrument body having a first junction and a second junction;

coupling a first segment of a plurality of serially pivotally connected segments to the first junction of the writing instrument body; and

coupling a second segment of the plurality of serially pivotally connected segments to the second junction of the writing instrument body,

wherein the plurality of connected segments is separate from the writing instrument body,

wherein the first junction is disposed toward a first end of the writing instrument body, and

wherein the second junction is disposed toward a second end of the writing instrument body.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first segment is disposed toward a first end of the plurality of pivotally connected segments.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the second segment is disposed toward a second end of the plurality of pivotally connected segments.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of serially pivotally connected segments is twistable relative to an adjacent segment through a 360 degree of rotation.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of serially pivotally connected segments comprises a torus curve.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising fixing a textured coating on an outer surface of each of the plurality of serially pivotally connected segments.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the textured coating comprises a rubber coating, a rubber coating with raised nodules, a silicone gel coating, a chemical composite coating, or a compressible rubber coating.

16. The writing instrument of claim 9, comprising releasably connecting the first junction with the first segment and releasably connecting the second junction with the second segment.

17. A therapeutic writing instrument comprising:

a writing instrument body having a first junction, a second junction, and a writing element;

a plurality of serially pivotally connected segments, the plurality of segments including at least a first segment and a second segment; and

a therapeutic element coupled with at least one of the plurality of segments to provide a therapeutic treatment to a user;

wherein the first junction of the writing instrument body is connected with the first segment and the second junction is connected with the second segment, such that the writing instrument body together with the plurality of serially pivotally connected segments form a ring,

wherein the segments are separate from the writing instrument body,

wherein the first junction is disposed toward a first end of the writing instrument body, and

wherein the second junction is disposed toward a second end of the writing instrument body.