Flexible writing instrument

Abstract

A writing instrument comprises a flexible sleeve having a tube with ink therein. The writing instrument may be molded as needed into any shape or form desired by a user thereof. The flexible writing instrument is easily formed and positioned about a hand and wrist of a user providing a convenient, readily accessible, and comfortable alternative to traditional writing instruments.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY [0001] This application claims priority of prior provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 620,436 filed Oct. 21, 2004, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to writing instruments, and more particularly to a flexible writing instrument which may be molded and formed into various shapes and configurations. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] Writing instruments including pens and pencils are used by persons of all ages and working in all industries. Airline attendants need a pen on their person for various reasons. Students need a writing instrument available at all times when in a classroom setting and must store or carry the writing instrument during class changes. Similarly, travelers often need a writing instrument and are required to either carry one or store one in a travel bag or hand bag, thereby causing an inconvenience at a later time when the writing instrument needs to be retri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] Heretofore, solutions for convenient storage and transport of writing instruments have included pocket protectors and clips, writing instruments attached to a lanyard or string, and the like. Pocket protectors add bulk to a wearer's clothing and are susceptible to falling out of a pocket and becoming misplaced. Further, not all pocket protectors and clips provide protection against pen leakage and damage to clothing. Pens secured onto lanyards and the like are often used by airline attendants and various other service personnel. Although normally convenient, hanging pens can interfere with a wearer's activities, and in particular activities requiring the wearer to bend over or lean forward. In addition to interfering with tasks and possibly limiting mobility, lanyard pens and the like are often secured by attaching the lanyard to the cap of the pen which allows the body of the pen to become unattached and thereafter misplaced. Further, a pen simply secured onto a wearer's clothing or identification badge, etc. can often cause damage and stains to clothing.

[0007] In accordance with more specific aspects of the invention, a flexible writing instrument comprises a flexible sleeve having a distal and proximal end. An ink tube having a writing tip and point on one end thereof is received in the sleeve until the tip matingly engages the distal end of the sleeve. An outer covering is then applied around the outer surface of the sleeve thereby making the writing instrument more comfortable and easier to grip.

[0008] The writing instrument may be formed into various shapes. For example, the writing instrument may be wrapped and formed around a user's wrist user such that the tip is situated near the fingertips facilitating quick access for writing. Once the writing instrument is secured around the wrist, the user is able to perform other activities and move about without having to attend to placing and picking up the writing instrument. The writing instrument is also useful in situations where there is little room in which to write. Instead of having to manipulate the length of a traditional pen or pencil, generally about 6 inches long, the user can bend the proximal end of the writing instrument facilitating use of the writing instrument in more compact spaces without any awkward positioning or discomfort to the wrist and hand.

[0009] The writing instrument of the present invention is useful for persons of all ages and employment. Students can secure the writing instrument to their wrist and be prepared to write at all times and eliminate the need for storing the writing instrument during transport between classes. Travelers can secure the writing instrument around a wrist without having to access a bag or other storage container when the writing instrument is needed.

Problems solved by technology

Similarly, travelers often need a writing instrument and are required to either carry one or store one in a travel bag or hand bag, thereby causing an inconvenience at a later time when the writing instrument needs to be retrieved.

As is often the case, a person lays a writing instrument such as a pen down on a support surface whereupon the pen either rolls to a new location on the support surface, rolls off of the support surface, or is misplaced, or is stolen.

Pocket protectors add bulk to a wearer's clothing and are susceptible to falling out of a pocket and becoming misplaced.

Further, not all pocket protectors and clips provide protection against pen leakage and damage to clothing.

Although normally convenient, hanging pens can interfere with a wearer's activities, and in particular activities requiring the wearer to bend over or lean forward.

In addition to interfering with tasks and possibly limiting mobility, lanyard pens and the like are often secured by attaching the lanyard to the cap of the pen which allows the body of the pen to become unattached and thereafter misplaced.

Further, a pen simply secured onto a wearer's clothing or identification badge, etc. can often cause damage and stains to clothing.

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