Deformable grip for a writing implement

Abstract

A deformable grip for a writing implement having a rigid barrel includes a grip layer connected to the rigid barrel. The grip layer is formed of a solid viscoelastic grip material having a hardness of approximately 1 to 80 Shore OO durometer allowing the grip layer to achieve a deformed shape under manual pressure. The grip material further has a shape retention adapted to retain the deformed shape for at least 1 second. A coating is disposed over the grip layer and is formed of a coating material having a tensile strength of at least approximately 50 to 1000 psi and an elongation ratio of at least approximately 50 to 2000 percent. The grip may be formed over a majority of the barrel length to accommodate a variety of grip points and to improve comfort to a user.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to writing implements, and more particularly, to writing implements having deformable grips. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] Various types of deformable grips are known which attempt to improve comfort during use of a writing implement. Some known grips employ a grip material that deforms under manual pressure, thereby to more closely conform to a user's grip. While softer grip materials are more accommodating, use of such materials has been limited due to excessive tackiness exhibited by the softer materials. [0003] To allow use of softer grip materials while avoiding issues caused by excessive tackiness, multiple layer grips are known in the art. The “Alpha-Gel” writing grip marketed by Mitsubishi Pencil Company, LTD., for example, provides a two-layer grip of resilient silicone elastomer skin filled with a soft silicone gel. The silicone gel provides primarily elastic deformation which tends to immediatel...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Deformable grips for writing implements in accordance with this disclosure generally comprise a grip layer adhered to a structural portion of the writing implement, such as a barrel. A coating layer is disposed over the grip layer to provide a more durable skin for the grip and to mask any tackiness exhibited by the material used for the grip layer. The deformable grip may be formed on the writing implement using relatively inexpensive automatic processes. For example, the grip layer may be formed by low pressure casting while the coating may be sprayed over the grip layer, thereby to form a composite grip. Still further, the deformable grip may be formed over a majority of the barrel surface, thereby to accommodate a greater variety of grip positions and to more comfortably fit a user's hand.

Problems solved by technology

While softer grip materials are more accommodating, use of such materials has been limited due to excessive tackiness exhibited by the softer materials.

As a result, the Alpha-Gel grip exerts a force that resists the manual pressure applied by the user, thereby generating excessive stress and causing hand fatigue.

In addition, the Alpha-Gel grip is removably attached to the writing implement body, and therefore the grip is easily twisted out of position, damaged, or removed from the writing implement structure.

Still further, the silicone skin material has limited tensile strength and flexibility, and therefore is easily torn or separated from the inner gel material.

Also, the silicone skin does not bond well with the silicone gel, and therefore the grip is vulnerable to excessive wear.

While the grip exhibits viscoelastic properties (i.e., deforms elastically but also has a shape retention that holds the deformed shape for a period of time before returning to the undeformed shape), manufacture of this grip is overly complex.

In addition, the Sensa grip is susceptible to punctures during use, which may cause the silicone gum to leak, thereby minimizing the utility of the grip.

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