Use of a non-slip marking tool for people with disabilities

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of a marking instrument (10; 10a), such as a ruler, set square, or protractor, to refine hand movements and increase the confidence and comfort of individuals who have difficulty automating hand gestures in time and space. The instrument comprises a main body (12) with one or more lateral marking elements (22), with one or more sliding systems (14, 15) and one or more gripping systems (16), and is constructed in several blocks. The main body (12) associated with the gripping system(s) (16) and the lateral marking elements (22) associated with the sliding system(s) (14, 15) are separate blocks, and the main body is actuated by pressure to perform a gripping action. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 14

Description

Title of the invention: Use of a non-slip marking instrument for people with disabilities. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of drawing tools, such as rulers, set squares, or protractors. In particular, such a device may be a drawing instrument in the "school supplies" category, or in the crafts category, or even in the field of creative projects, allowing the drawing or cutting of all kinds of materials, but not exclusively. The general aim of the invention is to create a drawing / cutting instrument capable of moving easily on the surface of a material, and then, when desired, of having very strong adhesion to the support. STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0002] In schools, we are all familiar with inexpensive, transparent plexiglass rulers that offer exceptional glide across a sheet of paper. These rulers have the advantage of lying flat against the paper, so that the underside of the ruler and the paper surface fit together perfectly at every point, resulting in perfect stability. Consequently, no play is created along the edges of the lateral lines. This allows for easy drawing and ensures accurate and precise lines. However, this ease of movement presents a drawback during the drawing process, known as "slippage."

[0003] We are familiar with techniques for producing drawing instruments with a certain degree of grip to prevent slipping during drawing. For example, metal rulers with a rubberized strip to create a grip on the paper. We are also familiar with plastic rulers with a non-slip material distributed under the ruler body, resembling suction cups, to provide a comfortable solution, particularly for children with motor coordination difficulties, such as dyspraxia.

[0004] In a school setting, or in a creative environment for example, a user holding a pencil in one hand and manipulating a drawing instrument in the other needs optimal conditions to facilitate concentration and thus allow their imagination to flow. In other words, nothing should hinder this comfortable mental state. We know that any hindrance affects reflection and consequently slows down thought, thus reducing the speed of execution. This is why it is useful to have a drawing instrument that can move easily. This is essential because, by extension and mental projection, the ease of hand movement facilitates our thinking, and therefore our actions. Then, at another stage, the user, ready to trace or cut, needs to stabilize the tracing instrument during translation to ensure the trace or cut. In other words, it's all a matter of timing!

[0005] Consequently, the use of anti-slip rulers is not entirely satisfactory, since their characteristic anti-slip property, considered an advantage during the drawing process to prevent the ruler from moving, becomes a disadvantage when the user moves the ruler. Moreover, in the design of anti-slip rulers, due to their structure and construction, the anti-slip system takes precedence over movement; that is, the anti-slip material is in initial contact with the surface. This is why the ruler's movement on the surface is slowed. As a result, the drawing instrument, held in place by its inertia, forces the user to push harder on it, creating jerky movements, which hinders accuracy and reliability. Thus, the movement of the drawing instrument is restricted, resulting in a very difficult grip.

[0006] To mitigate this inconvenience, the user is obliged to "detach" one side of the ruler from the support, i.e. to lift and then position the ruler at an angle to the plane of the support, in order to reduce friction due to the anti-slip properties, and finally regain a relative ease of movement, more or less satisfactory.

[0007] Furthermore, due to their design, when the marking instrument is placed flat on the marking surface, the non-slip material, making initial contact with the surface, raises the ruler body relative to the surface, thus creating a gap under the edges of the lateral marking surfaces. Consequently, on the one hand, the pencil can accidentally become lodged under this gap and distort the marking. On the other hand, because of this gap, the ruler does not remain in contact with the surface of the marking surface at all points, creating an imbalance and instability, resulting in rotational play around the X-axis [Fig. 1], which ultimately produces a wobbly ruler.

[0008] In short, the higher the "anti-slip" properties, the more we lose fluidity of movement, in other words the manipulation of geometry tools becomes difficult / complicated.

[0009] Finally, anti-slip rules are essentially designed for marking on materials in the school environment, i.e. sheets of paper, so their use is limited.

[0010] By way of non-limiting example, in the field of "DIY," particularly applications such as creativity, all kinds of work, or decoration, it is essential when tracing / cutting to have a ruler with properties High grip is essential to prevent slipping. Therefore, ensuring a clean cut is crucial. The various known techniques do not allow for a marking tool that offers excellent fluidity during movement, enabling precise adjustment and line control, and provides a very good grip on any surface during marking.

[0011] Another use is particularly suited to the school environment, especially for children with dyspraxia. This tracing tool refines hand movements and increases confidence for those who have difficulty automating hand gestures in time and space. There is a clear need for this.

[0012] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to remedy all the disadvantages previously described; its purpose is to propose an alternative tracing solution.

[0013] To this end, the invention comprises a main body (and its lateral tracing elements) consisting, on the upper face, of a known type of graduation, and on the lower face, of systems enabling movement, called a "sliding system" and of systems enabling locking, called a "gripping system", i.e. anti-slip.

[0014] The general idea is to have two interdependent systems, which intuitively allow action to be taken according to the need [move, measure, trace, cut].

[0015] When the marking tool is placed on the surface of a material where it is to be worked, we assume that it can be manipulated / moved with one hand without lifting it from the surface, i.e., by sliding it. Therefore, we prioritize the "sliding system" first, and then, when needed, by applying pressure above the main body, activate the "locking system." In other words, the marking tool is initially free and moves smoothly, and then, when desired, it is locked / immobilized to ensure the marking / cutting process, i.e., without risk of accident, known as slippage.

[0016] According to one aspect, the invention proposes to separate a main body block actuated by support for the hook, and a block of lateral tracing elements allowing sliding.

[0017] Advantageously, the lateral tracing elements remain in a low position close to the support, which results in greater accuracy of tracing or cutting, and prevents a pencil or blade from being stuck between the tracing element and the support when handling the instrument.

[0018] Thus, the invention relates to a marking instrument, such as a ruler, set square or protractor, comprising a main body with one or more lateral marking elements, the marking instrument being provided on the lower part with one or more sliding systems and one or more hooking systems, in which The sliding systems include means of movement chosen from translation, rotation, deformation relative to the main body and means intended to facilitate the movement / displacement of the tracing instrument, characterized in that the tracing instrument is made in several blocks, the main body associated with the hooking system(s) and the lateral tracing elements associated with the sliding system(s) are separate blocks, and in that the main body is actuable by support to perform a hooking.

[0019] According to other aspects of the invention, whether isolated or combined in any technically feasible way: - the lateral tracing elements act as a sliding system or include the sliding system; and / or - the main body is attached to the lateral tracing elements by means of a fastening system which, by applying pressure above the main body, allows a downward translational movement, and when the pressure is released, allows an upward translational movement; and / or - the fastening system includes means for adhering to all kinds of surfaces to prevent slippage, the adhesion being achieved by the shape of the means and / or by the material; the surface of the fastening system may occupy part or all of the surface of the lower part of the main body; and / or - the sliding system includes a ball bearing device, preferably equipped with a multidirectional ball, the ball bearing device being optionally retractable; and / or - the main body and / or the lateral tracing elements have openings into which fingers of the lateral tracing elements and / or of the body are inserted, cooperating with said openings; and / or - outside the fingers, return means, in particular compression springs, are arranged so as to allow the main body to retract; and / or - the fastening means of the fastening system are sliding links coupled with a compression spring; and / or - Adjacent / vertical sections of the lateral tracing elements have a height greater than the height of the main body; and / or - The tracing instrument includes a handle attached to the main body, configured to distribute pressure along the main body; and / or - the lateral tracing elements form a tracing block having an upper hole receiving the main body, and a lower hole allowing the passage of said attachment system; and / or - the main body includes a body rim, preferably close to the upper hole, and the tracing block includes an upper tracing rim, preferably close to the upper hole, forming a stop to prevent the body from moving upwards; and / or - the tracing instrument includes a means for returning said upward translation; and / or - the return mechanism includes at least one spring blade, preferably in a "Z" shape; and / or - the main body includes a body rim, preferably near the lower hole, and the tracing block further includes a lower tracing rim, forming a support for said retrieval means; and / or - the main body is in several parts; and / or - the tracing instrument includes a handle, preferably pivotable; and / or - the tracing instrument includes a level indicator, preferably a bubble level. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] The invention and its advantages will be better understood with the aid of the following description, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, representing, by way of example, one embodiment of this tracing instrument (two embodiments).

[0021] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. In other words, they are not limiting of the invention. They merely represent embodiments of the invention and will facilitate its understanding. Figures 1 to 9 represent the first embodiment:

[0022] [Fig.1] represents a sliding system adapted to certain variants of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.2] represents the sliding system, viewed from below.

[0024] [Fig.3] represents the sliding system, seen in perspective, illustrating the stop.

[0025] Figures 4 to 6 represent a first embodiment:

[0026] [Fig.4] represents the tracing instrument, seen in perspective.

[0027] [Fig.5] illustrates the tracing instrument, side view, sliding system “activated”.

[0028] [Fig.6] illustrates the tracing instrument, side view, "activated" hooking system.

[0029] [Fig.7] illustrates lateral tracing elements of an instrument according to a variant of the first embodiment seen in space.

[0030] [Fig.8] illustrates said lateral tracing elements in top view.

[0031] [Fig.9] illustrates a main body corresponding to the lateral tracing elements of figures 7 and 8, in side view.

[0032] [Fig. 10] illustrates an instrument according to another variant of the first embodiment in front view with the main body raised.

[0033] [Fig. 11] illustrates the instrument of the previous figure with the main body lowered.

[0034] [Fig. 12] illustrates an instrument according to another variant of the first mode of Side view shot with a handle.

[0035] [Fig. 13] illustrates an instrument according to a second embodiment viewed in space.

[0036] [Fig. 14] illustrates a longitudinal section of the instrument of the previous figure.

[0037] [Fig. 15] illustrates an embodiment which is an alternative to that of [Fig. 12], in which the main body is in several parts.

[0038] [Fig. 16] illustrates an alternative embodiment to those of figures 12 and 15, in which both the main body and the gripping system are in several parts.

[0039] [Fig. 17] illustrates a side view of another embodiment with a handle, in which the handle can pivot.

[0040] [Fig. 18] illustrates the embodiment of [Fig. 17], in which the handle is pivoted.

[0041] [Fig. 19] illustrates a top view of the embodiment of figures 17 and 18.

[0042] [Fig.20] illustrates an embodiment further comprising a level indicator.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN IMPLEMENTATION EXAMPLE

[0044] We can imagine several designs for implementing the tracing instrument (10), particularly by determining the arrangement of the two systems, sliding (14, 15) and gripping (16), so that they interact with each other in a coherent and harmonious manner. Indeed, without being limiting, two possible configurations are detailed in this document.

[0045] Regardless of the configuration chosen, in general the tracing instrument (10) comprises a main body (12) with one or more lateral tracing elements.

[0046] The shape and dimensions of the main body (12) and the lateral marking elements are such as to fulfill the function of a marking instrument (10). A graduation of a known type can be placed on the upper part of the main body (12).

[0047] The tracing instrument (10) is provided on the lower part of the main body (12) with one or more sliding systems (14, 15) and one or more hooking systems (16).

[0048] The sliding systems (14, 15) include means for movement selected from translation, rotation, and deformation relative to the main body (12). Furthermore, the sliding system (14, 15) includes means for facilitating the movement of the tracing instrument (10). Thus, when the tracing instrument (10) is placed flat on the support (30) of the object to be traced, along the tracing plane (X, Y), a smooth, linear, and unimpeded movement is obtained.

[0049] The gripping system (16) comprises means for adhering to all kinds of surfaces to prevent slippage, the adhesion being achieved by the shape of the means and / or by the material. The means are in the form of a structure, an anti-slip material such as rubber, or the like. In other words, the gripping system (16) has a "locking" function to immobilize the tracing instrument (10) in translation along the (X, Y) plane at the predetermined time.

[0050] Depending on the nature of the object to be traced, the shape, dimensions, structure, and material of the gripping system (16) are designed to provide an anti-slip function. Also, the surface of the gripping system (16) in contact with the surface of the object to be traced may cover part or all of the surface of the lower part of the main body (12).

[0051] FIRST CONFIGURATION

[0052] The idea is to realize a first possible design, that is to say another form of tracing instrument (10) while keeping the same principle and therefore the same result, that is to say use as a priority and by default the sliding system (14, 15), then when desired "activate" the hooking system (16).

[0053] For this configuration, the tracing instrument (10) is made in several blocks, the main body (12) and the lateral tracing elements (22) are separate blocks.

[0054] In this example, the tracing instrument (10) comprises a main body (12) and two lateral tracing elements (22) arranged on either side, along the main body (12) along the X axis, shown in [Fig.10].

[0055] The tracing instrument (10) is equipped with one or more sliding systems (14, 15) and one or more hooking systems (16).

[0056] The lower part of the main body (12) is equipped with attachment systems (16). Depending on the nature of the object on which the tracing is performed, the shape, dimensions, structure, and material of the attachment system (16) are such as to fulfill the function anti-slip. The fastening system (16) is permanently or removably connected to the main body (12).

[0057] Due to their shape, structure, design, and material, the lateral tracing elements (22) act as a sliding system (15); they include means intended to facilitate the movement of the tracing instrument (10). This is, for example, a material of the lateral tracing elements (22) allowing the tracing instrument (10) to slide on its support or a specific coating for this purpose.

[0058] In one embodiment, sliding by means of ball bearings (14) such as those shown in Figures 1 to 3 distributed on the lateral tracing elements can be envisaged. For example, a ball bearing device (14c) preferably having a multidirectional ball (14a) per bearing. The device (14c) may include a retaining flange (14d) for attaching to the lateral tracing elements (22). A retractable device with balls that retract into the outer surface of the tracing instrument (10) can also be envisaged.

[0059] Fig. 4 illustrates an aspect of lateral tracing elements (22), which, by virtue of their material and their "ski"-shaped structure, play the role of a "gliding system".

[0060] In order to further optimize the sliding system (15) of the tracing instrument (10), the surface area of ​​the lower part of the lateral tracing elements (22) is as large as possible.

[0061] Regarding sliding on the support, the main body (12) is fixed to the lateral tracing elements (22) by means of fastening systems which, by pressure applied above the main body (12), allow a downward translational movement, and when the pressure is released, allow a downward translational movement. The fastening means are preferably a sliding connection coupled with a compression spring (18), which allows the main body (12) to move vertically along the (Y, Z) plane [Fig. 4], relative to the lateral tracing elements (22), from top to bottom and vice versa.

[0062] The sliding link includes for example fingers (20) associated with orifices (1) and return means, in particular the spring (18) allowing the main body (12) to be retracted.

[0063] In the preferred variant, the main body (12) includes said fingers (20), and the lateral tracing elements (22) include said orifices (1), but an inverse arrangement may be envisaged.

[0064] The lower surface of the lateral tracing elements (22) in contact first with the support (30), serves as a support which allows the main body (12), thus the main body (12) to move in translation from top to bottom and vice versa.

[0065] Also, thanks to pressure exerted above the main body (12), the main body (12) "descends" [the spring compresses] and presses the surface of the fastening system (16) against the surface of the support (30). Thus, the fastening system (16) is "activated" and performs the anti-slip function.

[0066] By releasing the pressure exerted on the main body (12) [the spring relaxes], the main body (12) returns to its initial position. As a result, the "activated" sliding system returns to its priority position. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the vertical translational movement of the lateral tracing elements (22).

[0067] The adjacent / vertical faces of the lateral tracing elements (22), perpendicular to the Y axis shown in [Fig.6], have a height greater than the height of the main body (12) in order to protect the fingers during cuts.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the tracing instrument (10) further comprises a handle (3) associated with the main body, configured to distribute pressure along the main body (12). Advantageously, this prevents any imbalance in pressure distribution. This embodiment can be illustrated by [Fig. 12]. The handle (3) can be movable in translation.

[0069] SECOND CONFIGURATION

[0070] In another embodiment, the tracing instrument (10a) is similar to the previous one but is characterized by lateral tracing elements (22a) forming a tracing block having an upper hole (la) receiving the main body (12a), and a lower hole (6) allowing the hanging system (16a) of the main body (12a) to pass through.

[0071] This configuration can be illustrated by figures 13 and 14.

[0072] The main body (12a) can be longitudinal and cylindrical and the corresponding hole (la) is therefore substantially oval.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the main body (12a) includes a body rim (5), preferably near the upper hole (la), and the tracing block includes an upper tracing rim (4), preferably near the upper hole (la). The upper tracing rim (4) acts as a stop against the upward translation of the body (12), particularly in cooperation with the body rim (5).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the tracing instrument (10a) includes a return means for said upward translation. In the illustrated embodiment, the return means comprises at least one spring blade (18a), preferably in a "Z" shape. Of course, a compression spring (18) can also be used as a return means.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the tracing block further comprises a lower tracing rim (6a), forming a support for said retrieval means (18a). The main body (12a) may comprise another body rim, preferably near the lower hole (6), but said rim (4) is used as upper support of said means of recall in the illustrated variant.

[0076] The return means (18 or 18a) are preferably paired and on either side of the main body (12a), in particular in a longitudinal direction. For greater stability, the return means are two "Z"-shaped blades on each side of the main body (12a) as illustrated in [Fig. 14].

[0077] According to one embodiment, the tracing instrument (10) is characterized by a locking mechanism for the main body (12, 12a) in the pressed position, in particular via a cam and stop mechanism. This type of mechanism can be adapted from that of a retractable pen button.

[0078] In the first configuration, said cam and said stop can be arranged at the level of the sliding link.

[0079] In the second configuration, the cam and the stop can be on either side of the main body in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction.

[0080] OTHER CONFIGURATIONS

[0081] In other configurations, which can be illustrated by Figures 15 to 20, the main body 12 is in several parts. The main body may, for example, have two or three parts as illustrated in [Fig. 15]. In addition, the attachment system may comprise several corresponding parts as illustrated in [Fig. 16].

[0082] Advantageously, having two parts is sufficient to allow effective and stable support with little material for the main body 12. The same applies to the attachment system. The parts can be distributed along the tracing instrument.

[0083] In other configurations, the tracing instrument includes one or more handles, preferably pivoting 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 3 is pivotally mounted about an axis parallel to the tracing instrument. The handle is pivoted to actuate the gripping systems 16. This embodiment can be illustrated by Figures 17 and 18.

[0084] In other configurations, the marking instrument includes one or more level indicators 30a. The level indicator 30a is preferably a spirit level. Thus, the invention makes it possible to mark or cut along a level line (for example, horizontal) while preventing any slippage of the marking instrument.

Claims

Demands

1. Use of a marking instrument (10; 10a), such as a ruler, set square or protractor comprising a main body (12) with one or more lateral marking elements, the marking instrument (10; 10a) being provided on the lower part with one or more sliding systems (14, 15) and one or more hooking systems (16), wherein the sliding systems (14, 15) include means for movement selected from translation, rotation, deformation relative to the main body (12) and means for facilitating the movement / displacement of the marking instrument (10;10a), characterized in that the tracing instrument (10, 10a) is made in several blocks, the main body (12) associated with the hooking system(s) (16) and the lateral tracing elements (22) associated with the sliding system(s) (14, 15) are separate blocks, and in that the main body (12) is actuable by pressure to perform a hooking, to refine the gesture and increase the confidence and comfort of people having difficulty automating hand gestures in time and space.;

2. Use according to the preceding claim, in the school environment so that children in the school environment can trace or cut a material, allowing them to move easily on the surface of a material, and then at the desired time have an adhesion to the support.

3. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, for children with dyspraxia so that children with dyspraxia can trace or cut a material, by allowing them to move easily on the surface of the material, and then at the desired time have an adhesion to the support.

4. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (12) is in several parts and / or the main body includes a handle (3).

5. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (12) is secured to the lateral tracing elements (22) by means of a fastening system which, by applying pressure above the main body (12), allows movement in translation from top to bottom, and when the pressure is released allows to operate a translational movement from bottom to top.

6. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body and / or the lateral tracing elements (22) have orifices (1) into which fingers (20) of the lateral tracing elements and / or of the body (12) are inserted, cooperating with said orifices.

7. Use according to the preceding claim, wherein outside the fingers (20) the return means, in particular compression springs (18), are arranged so as to allow the main body (12) to retract.

8. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracing instrument (10) comprises a handle (1) associated with the main body (12), configured to distribute a support pressure along the main body (12).

9. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral tracing elements (22) form a tracing block having an upper hole (la) receiving the main body (12), and a lower hole (6) allowing the hanging system (16) to pass through.

10. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracing instrument (10a) includes a return means (18, 18a) for said upward translation.

11. Use according to the preceding claim, wherein the main body (12a) comprises one or said body rim (5), preferably near the lower hole (6), and the tracing block further comprises a lower tracing rim (6a), forming support for said return means (18, 18a).

12. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a mechanism for locking the main body in the pressed position, in particular via a cam and stop mechanism.

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