Writing Instrument Grips

Abstract

A grip 16 for use with a writing instrument (10), the grip comprising a liquid reservoir (22) containing a volatile liquid, a user actuator (24) configured to pressurize the volatile liquid in the liquid reservoir based on force applied by a user of the grip, a liquid transfer member (26) having at least one channel (30) configured to provide a liquid transfer path from the liquid reservoir, and a fragrance diffusing member (28) in fluid communication with the at least one channel, wherein, during use, in response to a user applying force to the user actuator, a quantity of volatile liquid is delivered via the at least one channel to the fragrance diffusing member, and the grip (16) is configured to emit a fragrance upon evaporation of the volatile liquid from the fragrance diffusing member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application Publication No. 22154263.2, filed January 31, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The described embodiments relate to grips for use with writing instruments, writing instruments including grips, kits of parts, and methods of assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] Scented writing instruments emit an aroma, such as the aroma of coffee or perfume. Scented writing instruments can be used for educational purposes, where attractive scented pens can attract the interest of children learning to write. Furthermore, scented writing instruments with a range of different scents can enable blind or partially sighted people to distinguish between different pen types. Scented writing instruments have applications in aromatherapy, where the scents can enable the user to relax, or stimulate memory, or stimulate creativity (depending on the aromatherapy scent applied).

[0004] Conventional scented writing instruments typically include a body element having a liquid scent impregnated therein or permanently exposed to the atmosphere through micro-grilles or holes. Thus, scented writing instruments can be further improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, a grip for use with a writing instrument is provided. The grip comprises a liquid reservoir containing a volatile liquid, a user actuator configured to pressurize the volatile liquid in the liquid reservoir based on a force applied by a user of the grip, and a liquid transfer member comprising at least one channel configured to provide a liquid transfer path from the liquid reservoir. The grip further comprises a fragrance diffusing member in fluid communication with the at least one channel. In use, in response to a user applying a force to the user actuator, a quantity of the volatile liquid is delivered to the fragrance diffusing member via the at least one channel, and the grip is configured to emit a fragrance upon evaporation of the volatile liquid from the fragrance diffusing member.

[0006] Thus, the release of the fragrance from the grip where the fragrance has evaporated from the volatile liquid is controllable. This is in contrast to existing approaches where the fragrance is released permanently until all the volatile liquid has evaporated. For example, the pressure exerted by the user on the grip when performing a writing action also triggers the release of some of the volatile liquid stored in the liquid reservoir, so that the fragrance is only released when the pen is used for writing. Thus, the life of the fragrance release function is improved. Furthermore, by positioning the user actuator on a part of the grip that is not activated during normal use of the grip, the user can control the release of the fragrance independent of when the grip is used.

[0007] The grips disclosed herein also conform to accepted packaging and distribution practices. When the grip or a writing instrument equipped with the grip is packaged or held in a user's pencil case, the writing instrument does not emit an aroma that may otherwise be distracting in a storage cupboard or warehouse. The need to provide a hermetically sealed package is eliminated, thus simplifying and reducing the cost and environmental impact of the required packaging. When multiple grips are distributed in the same package, cross-contamination of aroma from one grip to another (which may result in an unpleasant odor) is avoided. The need to provide a complex internal seal inside the package between at least two pens with different aromas from each other is eliminated.

[0008] The grip may be sold integrated with the writing instrument or as a retrofit option that allows the grip to be used with a wide range of existing writing instruments according to the user's choice. The integrated liquid reservoir, liquid channel, liquid transport member, and fragrance diffusing member may be suitable for partial or complete 3D printing. Thus, controlled release and evaporation of the volatile liquid in the fragrance releasing grip is possible.

[0009] According to a second aspect, there is provided a writing instrument comprising a writing instrument body and a permanent or removable grip according to the first aspect.

[0010] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method comprising assembling together at least (i) a liquid reservoir, (ii) a liquid transfer member comprising at least one channel configured to provide a liquid transfer path from the liquid reservoir, and (iii) a fragrance diffusing member in fluid communication with the at least one channel to provide a grip according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof, and filling the liquid reservoir with a volatile liquid.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect there is provided a kit of parts including a first grip according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof, wherein a liquid reservoir of the first grip contains a first type of volatile liquid.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a grip according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof. The liquid reservoir of the second grip contains a second type of volatile liquid. The first grip and the second grip are hermetically packaged within a shared packaging envelope.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided machine readable program instructions capable of causing a 3D printing apparatus to manufacture a grip according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] Other features will become apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain the disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numbers in different figures indicate similar or similar features.

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates diagrammatically a writing instrument with a grip; [Figure 2a] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional plan views of a first embodiment of an aroma diffuser; [Figure 2b] 1 illustrates generally a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of an aroma diffuser; [Figure 3a] 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of a plan view of the fragrance diffuser of the first embodiment when integrated into a grip for a writing instrument; [Figure 3b] 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of cross-sectional side views of a first embodiment of an aroma diffuser when integrated into a grip for a writing instrument; [Figure 4] 13A and 13B illustrate generally a side view of a second embodiment of an aroma diffuser; [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates generally a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a microfluidic valve. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B illustrate diagrammatically a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a microfluidic valve; [Figure 7] 1 illustrates generally a method according to a third aspect; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a writing instrument including a grip. The writing instrument 10 may be, among others, a pen, a pencil, an automatic mechanical pencil, a wax crayon, a Biro™, a felt-tip pen, a fountain pen, a stylus for activating an electronic device display. Generally, the writing instrument 10 comprises a proximal end 14 and a distal end 12 that define a longitudinal boundary of a writing instrument body 11. The distal end 12 is brought into contact with a substrate, such as writing paper or a touch-sensitive or capacitive electronic device display, by a user during writing. Thus, the distal end 12 of the writing instrument 10 may comprise a fountain pen nib, a ballpoint pen, a felt-tip nib, a pencil lead, or the like. The proximal end 14 of the writing instrument comprises, for example, a cap or button for propelling a Biro nib or pencil lead in and out of the distal end 12.

[0017] The writing instrument 10 includes a grip 16. In an embodiment, the grip may be permanently attached to the body 11 of the writing instrument 10, or the grip 16 may be removably attached to the body 11 of the writing instrument 10 by sliding the grip 16 onto the body 11 of the writing instrument 10 from either the proximal end 14 or the distal end 12 of the writing instrument. For example, the grip 16 is held in place on the body 11 of the writing instrument 10 by a friction fit. In an embodiment, the grip 16 is held in place on the body 11 of the writing instrument 10 by an adhesive. The grip 16 is configured to emit a fragrance upon evaporation of a volatile liquid from the fragrance diffusing member. In one embodiment, the grip controllably emits the fragrance based on the degree of actuation force applied to an actuator, such as the user actuator 24.

[0018] The grip 16 partially or completely surrounds a substrate 20. In one embodiment, the substrate 20 contains and / or supports a liquid reservoir 22, a user actuator 24, a liquid transfer member 26, and a fragrance diffusing member 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 20 is fabricated from a material suitable for defining micro- or macro-fluidic channels for the liquid transfer of volatile liquid in the liquid reservoir 22 to the fragrance diffusing member 28.

[0019] FIG. 2a illustrates generally a side view of a first embodiment of an aroma diffuser.

[0020] FIG. 2b illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of a first embodiment of the aroma diffuser.

[0021] FIG. 3a illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of the aroma diffuser of the first embodiment when integrated into a grip for a writing instrument.

[0022] FIG. 3b illustrates generally a side view of the aroma diffuser of the first embodiment when integrated into a grip for a writing instrument.

[0023] The grip 16, in accordance with the described system, provides a controlled release of fragrance carried by a volatile liquid contained within the grip 16. Generally, the volatile liquid is contained within a liquid reservoir 22. Upon evaporation from the fragrance diffusing member 28, the resulting fragrance allows a user to distinguish a scent defined by the type of volatile liquid contained within the liquid reservoir 22. In one embodiment, the volatile liquid includes at least one Volatile Organic Compound (VOC).

[0024] According to a first aspect, there is provided a grip 16 for use with a writing instrument 10. The grip comprises a liquid reservoir 22 containing a volatile liquid, a user actuator 24 configured to pressurize the volatile liquid in the liquid reservoir based on a force applied by a user of the grip, a liquid transfer member 26 comprising at least one channel 30 configured to provide a liquid transfer path from the liquid reservoir, and a fragrance diffusing member 28 in fluid communication with the at least one channel.

[0025] In use, in response to a user applying a force to the user actuator, a quantity of volatile liquid is delivered to the fragrance diffusing member 28 via the at least one channel. The grip 16 is configured to emit a fragrance upon evaporation of the volatile liquid from the fragrance diffusing member 28.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the liquid reservoir 22 is located partially or completely aligned with the axis of movement of the button.

[0027] In the embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b, a substrate 20 is illustrated that provides support for the functional elements of the perfume diffuser. Figures 2a and 2b do not illustrate the grip 16. In one embodiment, the substrate 20 is manufactured as a subassembly of the grip 16 and then integrated into the grip 16. In one embodiment, the substrate 20 may be integrally formed with the grip when the grip 16 is manufactured, for example, through injection molding or 3D printing.

[0028] In one embodiment, the substrate 20 is formed from an elastomer that allows for the formation of valves for fluid control. In one embodiment, the substrate is formed from the elastomer General Electric Silicones RTV 615.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the liquid reservoir 22 is a bladder that contains at least a portion of the volatile liquid, the bladder is compressible during use of the grip by a user, and the user actuator is any portion of a surface of the bladder.

[0030] The liquid reservoir 22, the at least one channel 30, and the fragrance diffusing member 28 are in fluid communication with each other. The user actuator 24 corresponds to the liquid reservoir 22. As shown in FIG. 2b, the liquid reservoir comprises, in one embodiment, a resilient actuation surface in the form of a bubble or bladder pressurized by a volatile liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 22. In this case, the resilient actuation surface of the liquid reservoir 22 also functions as the user actuator 24. In this case, the grip 16 may comprise holes that allow the resilient actuation surface of the liquid reservoir 22. In an embodiment, a separate resilient button (e.g., formed in the grip 16) is provided that is configured to actuate the resilient actuation surface of the liquid reservoir 22 in use.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the grip 16 may include an elastic material, with the liquid reservoir 22 being integrally formed within the grip 16. Thus, pressure exerted on the grip 16 during normal use of the associated writing instrument is transmitted through the elastic material of the grip 16 to the liquid reservoir 22 integrally formed therein, which in turn pressurizes the volatile liquid stored within the liquid reservoir 22. In this embodiment, at least one channel 30 provides a fluidic or microfluidic connection away from the integrally formed liquid reservoir 22 towards the perfume diffusing member 28.

[0032] The liquid transfer member 26 comprises at least one channel 30 (in an embodiment, one channel 30 or multiple channels 30) that provides a fluid connection between the liquid reservoir 22 and the fragrance diffusing member 28. In one embodiment, the at least one channel is a lumen integrally formed within the material of the substrate 20. In an embodiment (not shown), the substrate 20 may be formed from at least two bonded layers, with the at least one channel formed within a first layer and a second layer adhesively attached to sealably cover the first layer. In one embodiment, the substrate 20, and thus the at least one channel 30, are 3D printed. In one embodiment, the substrate 20, and thus the at least one channel 30, are injection molded. In one embodiment, the substrate 20, and thus the at least one channel 30, are integrally formed with the grip 16.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the at least one channel 30 provided within the liquid transfer member 26 is one or more microfluidic channels. According to one embodiment, the at least one channel 30 provided within the liquid transfer member 26 is a microfluidic channel. A microfluidic channel is considered for purposes herein to be a channel in which a volatile liquid experiences a liquid flow characterized by a relatively low Reynolds number as it flows through the liquid transfer member 26.

[0034] In one embodiment, assuming the volatile liquid has a viscosity approximately comparable to water, the width of the at least one channel 30 is greater than 1 μm and less than 1 millimeter along substantially the entire length of the liquid transfer member 26 .

[0035] The use of microfluidic channels in the liquid transfer member can provide fine control over the delivery of volatile liquid to the perfume diffusing member 28. In one embodiment, valves and / or pumps are not required to control the flow of volatile liquid to the perfume diffusing member 28, as the microfluidic channels provided in the liquid transfer member offer some flow resistance to the volatile liquid and prevent uncontrolled drainage into the perfume diffusing member 28.

[0036] In an embodiment, the at least one channel 30 provided in the liquid transfer member is a macrofluidic channel, in which case the at least one channel 30 has a width of more than 1 mm, or more than 2 mm, and is practically limited by the dimensions of the grip 16.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the fragrance diffusing member 28 is configured to absorb volatile liquid transferred from the at least one channel 30 and emit the fragrance in gas form from the grip.

[0038] The perfume diffusing member 28, in one embodiment, comprises a substantially porous material in fluid communication with at least one liquid flow channel 30. For example, the perfume diffusing member 28 allows for capillary action between the output of the at least one liquid flow channel 30 and an outer surface of the perfume diffusing member 28 exposed to the ambient air. The illustrated shape of the perfume diffusing member 28 is exemplary, and the perfume diffusing member 28 may be provided in a cone, a cylinder, or any other shape required to fit the shape of a particular type of writing instrument 10 and / or grip 16. In one embodiment, the perfume diffusing member 28 comprises a porous polymer fiber.

[0039] In one embodiment, the fragrance diffusing member 28 comprises polyester PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). In one embodiment, the fragrance diffusing member 28 comprises a ceramic or metal foam, or a cotton wick. In one embodiment, the non-diffusing portion of the fragrance diffusing member 28 is treated to prevent leakage of volatile liquid to undesirable portions of the grip 16. For example, such treatment of the fragrance diffusing member 28 includes a heat treatment applied to the non-diffusing portion of the fragrance diffusing member 28, or an impermeable wrap applied to the non-diffusing portion of the fragrance diffusing member 28.

[0040] In one embodiment, the fragrance diffusing member 28 has a viscosity of 0.30 to 0.40 g / cm 3 In one embodiment, the perfume diffusing member 28 includes pores having a micron size in the range of 25-125 um.

[0041] In one embodiment, the grip 16 includes a mesh element 25 (e.g., integrally formed with the elastomeric or polymeric material of the grip 16). The mesh element 25 is aligned in register with the liquid diffusing member 28 and provides a protective barrier to prevent the material of the fragrance diffusing member 28 from becoming clogged or damaged.

[0042] In one embodiment, the fragrance diffusing member 28 is 3D printed as a porous structure and is integrally formed with the substrate 20 and / or grip 16 .

[0043] In one embodiment, the liquid reservoir 22 and / or at least one channel 30 are pre-filled with a volatile liquid prior to being enclosed within the grip 16. A wide range of volatile liquids may be pre-filled, including fragrances. In one embodiment, the liquid reservoir 22 includes a port (not shown) that allows for external refilling of the liquid reservoir 22, for example, via a rigid lumen.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 3b, in use, the user first attaches the grip 16 to the writing instrument 10. The user holds the writing instrument 10 in a standard manner for writing. Intentionally or simultaneously, the user exerts a force on the user actuator 24 (or a pressure plate coupled to the user actuator) toward the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument and / or the grip 16. This can be accomplished during a normal writing action or, for example, as an intentional user selection. Thus, the pressure on the volatile liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 22 increases, causing a flow of the volatile liquid through at least one channel 30 of the liquid transfer member 26. A portion of the volatile liquid is wicked up through the fragrance diffusing member 28 and evaporates as fragrance. In the system illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, as the volatile liquid empties from the liquid reservoir 22, the bladder portion of the liquid reservoir 22 gradually shrinks and becomes concave. Thus, in this embodiment, the positive displacement pumping action is provided by the bladder portion of the liquid reservoir 22 and no valve is required to regulate the flow of liquid from the liquid transport member 26 to the fragrance diffusion member 28, as the capillary resistance provided by at least one channel 30 of the liquid transport member 26 serves to trap the volatile liquid within the liquid transport member 26 until further positive displacement action of the liquid reservoir 22 to the user actuator 24.

[0045] Next, modified examples will be considered.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates generally a side view of another embodiment of the aroma diffuser.

[0047] In the embodiment of the grip of Figure 4, the junction of each channel of the liquid transfer member 26 and the aroma diffusing member 28 includes one or more valves 31. The valves seal the channels of the liquid transfer member 26 from the aroma diffusing member 28. Upon application of positive pressure to a volatile liquid contained within the liquid transfer member 26, the valves allow the volatile liquid to pass to the aroma diffusing member 28. When the positive pressure is removed from the volatile liquid, the one or more valves 31 reseal themselves.

[0048] In an embodiment, the liquid reservoir 22 and / or the liquid transfer member 26 are partially or completely enclosed within the substantially non-deformable substrate 20, and the user actuator 24 is a button 40 disposed within a portion of the non-deformable substrate 20 or adjacent to the non-deformable substrate 20.

[0049] In an embodiment, the grip further comprises at least one pump 32 configured to pump volatile liquid from the liquid reservoir 22 to the fragrance diffusing member 28 .

[0050] According to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, the grip 16 includes a pump 32. The pump is configured to apply a positive pressure to the volatile liquid upon user actuation via a button 40. The pump includes a cavity 34, a hollow button 40, and a plunger 33 configured to move in one direction into the liquid reservoir 22, thus forming a positive displacement pump similar to a syringe driver. The hollow button 40 is configured to move toward a longitudinal axis L of the grip 16. The hollow button 40, in one embodiment, is spring loaded to allow it to bounce back when a user removes their finger from the button 40.

[0051] The liquid reservoir 22 contains a volatile liquid. The liquid reservoir 22 comprises a rigid wall (e.g. comparable to a syringe) to provide a sealed guide for the plunger 33. The liquid reservoir 22 is in liquid communication with at least one channel 30 of the liquid transfer member 26. In this embodiment, the at least one channel 30 can be either a microfluidic channel or a macrofluidic channel, in common with the definitions given above.

[0052] In use, a user presses the hollow button 40 while covering the air hole 38. This reduces the volume of the void 34, thus increasing compression of the air remaining in the void 34. This in turn causes the plunger 33 to advance an incremental distance along the liquid reservoir 22, thus inducing a positive pressure in the volatile liquid and forcing a portion of the volatile liquid through the at least one channel 30 of the liquid transport member 26 and into the fragrance diffusing member 28. For example, the incremental distance the plunger 33 travels is proportional to the volume of liquid displaced when the button 40 is pressed.

[0053] In one embodiment, at least one valve may be provided at the junction between the at least one channel and the fragrance diffusing member 28. The user releases pressure on the button 40 and removes his finger from the air hole 38, thus allowing the button to bounce back (e.g., using a spring). Repeated actuation of the button 40 leads to additional displacements of the plunger 33 until the liquid reservoir 22 is depleted of volatile liquid. A limiting member 36 may be provided, for example, to ensure that the plunger 33 is not displaced into the void 34.

[0054] Thus, a positive displacement pump in combination with a user actuator (button) in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 allows for reliable control of the dosage per actuation of the user actuator. Other variations of the embodiment of Figure 4 are possible. For example, the air vent 38 is replaced by a membrane valve.

[0055] A further example of a pump can be a 3D printable microvalve that includes three Quake valves in series, allowing peristaltic pumping action to be provided. Thus, at least three Quake valves in series can be used to transfer liquid from a liquid reservoir to the fragrance diffusing element 28.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the liquid reservoir 22 further comprises a refill port to allow for refilling of the volatile liquid.

[0057] In a refillable variation of the embodiment of Figure 4, a lumen inlet valve is provided on the side of the liquid reservoir 22 closest to the liquid transfer member so that refilled volatile liquid returns the plunger 33 to its starting position.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the grip further comprises at least one valve 31 disposed between the at least one channel 30 and the fragrance diffusing member 28, the at least one valve being configured to control the flow of volatile liquid between the at least one channel and the fragrance diffusing member.

[0059] According to one embodiment, a valve is disposed between the liquid reservoir 22 and at least one of the channels.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the at least one valve 31 is a Quake valve, a flap valve, a membrane valve, a cusp valve, or a ball microvalve.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a microfluidic valve. For example, the valve containment 42 is formed from a portion of the grip 16 or the substrate 20. Volatile liquid enters the valve through the valve inlet 43 and exits the valve through the valve outlet 44. The first embodiment of the microfluidic valve comprises a valve cavity 45 comprising a plurality of valve cusps 46a, 46b. The plurality of valve cusps 46a, 46b are closed when the liquid pressures at the valve inlet 43 and the valve outlet 44 are substantially equal or when the liquid pressure at the valve outlet 44 exceeds the liquid pressure at the valve inlet 43. When a positive pressure is applied to the valve cusps 46a, 46b by the liquid at the valve inlet 43, the valve cusps 46a, 46b burst open, allowing the volatile liquid to pass to the valve outlet (and subsequently to the perfume diffusing member 28). When the positive pressure on the valve leaflets 46 a , 46 b is relieved, the valve leaflets 46 a , 46 b close, sealing the channel 30 of the fluid transfer member 26 .

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates diagrammatically a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a microfluidic valve (flap valve). For example, the valve containment portion 42 is formed from a portion of the grip 16 or the substrate 20. The valve cavity 45 surrounds the valve tongue 48. When the second embodiment of the microfluidic valve is subjected to positive pressure applied via the valve inlet 43, the valve tongue 48 is forced open (as shown in FIG. 6b) to allow the volatile liquid to flow to the valve outlet 44. When the pressure applied to the volatile liquid is removed, the valve tongue seals the valve.

[0063] The above description provides examples of valves that can be used to seal the junction between the liquid transfer member 26 and the fragrance diffusing member 28. In one embodiment, a Quake valve can be used. The Quake valve uses a separately pressurized control channel to contract or relax an obstruction in a portion of the microfluidic channel. The embodiment of using a valve to seal the junction between the liquid transfer member 26 and the fragrance diffusing member 28 is to prevent unintentional ejection or evaporation of volatile liquid from the liquid transfer member 26.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the liquid transfer member 26 further comprises an actuation channel configured to be actuable by a user actuator. The actuation channel is in fluid communication with at least one control channel of the at least one valve 31. The actuation channel is not in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 22.

[0065] For example, the compressible elastomeric grip 16 comprises two fluidly independent compressible bladders. The first bladder acts as a liquid reservoir 22 and stores a volatile liquid. The second bladder (not shown) contains another liquid or gas that can control the control channel of one or more valves. When the compressible elastomeric grip 16 is manipulated or squeezed by a user, the pressure in both bladders increases in unison. The liquid or gas from the second bladder actuates the control channel of at least one valve 31, allowing the volatile liquid to exit the channel of the liquid transfer member 26 and enter the perfume diffusing member 28. Since the second bladder (actuation channel) is not in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 22, the controllability of the at least one valve 31 is not affected when the amount of volatile liquid is depleted from the first bladder (liquid reservoir 22), thus allowing finer control of the perfume release even when the fill level of the liquid reservoir 22 is low.

[0066] According to a second aspect, there is provided a writing instrument 10 comprising a writing instrument body 11 and a permanent or removable grip 16 according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof. The writing instrument 10 may be, among others, a pen, a pencil, an automatic mechanical pencil, a wax crayon, a Biro™, a felt-tip pen, a fountain pen, a stylus for activating an electronic device display.

[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates diagrammatically a method according to the third embodiment.

[0068] According to a third aspect, a method 50 for manufacturing a grip 16 for use with a writing instrument is provided, comprising: - assembling or 3D printing at least: (i) a liquid reservoir 22; (ii) a liquid transfer member 26 comprising at least one channel 30 configured to provide a liquid transfer path from the liquid reservoir 22; and (iii) a fragrance diffusing member 28 in fluid communication with the at least one channel 30 to provide a grip for the writing instrument 10; - filling 54 the liquid reservoir with a volatile liquid.

[0069] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a first grip 16 according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof, wherein a liquid reservoir 22 of the first grip 16 contains a first type of volatile liquid.

[0070] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a second grip according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof, wherein a liquid reservoir of the second grip contains a second type of volatile liquid, and wherein the first grip and the second grip are hermetically packaged within a shared packaging envelope.

[0071] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided machine readable program instructions capable of causing a 3D printing apparatus to manufacture a grip according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof.

[0072] References throughout the foregoing specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "one example," "an example," "one aspect," or "an aspect" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, the appearances of "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," "one example," "an example," "one aspect," or "an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Reference number

[0073] 10 Writing instruments 11 Writing instrument body 12 Proximal end of writing implement 14 Distal end of writing implement 16 Grip 20 Base material 22 Fluid Reservoir 24 User Actuator 25 mesh 26 Liquid transfer member 28 Fragrance Diffusion Materials 30 Channels 31 Valve 32 Pump 33 Plunger 34 void 36 Restriction member 38 Air Vents 40 Buttons 42 Valve Enclosure 43 Valve inlet 44 Valve outlet 45 Valve gap 46a, b valve cusp 48 Valve tongue 50 ways 52 Assembling or 3D printing 54 Filling with liquid

Claims

1. A grip (16) for use with a writing instrument (10), said grip comprising: a liquid reservoir (22) containing a volatile liquid; a user actuator (24) configured to pressurize the volatile liquid in the liquid reservoir based on a force applied by a user of the grip; a liquid transfer member (26) comprising at least one channel (30) configured to provide a liquid transfer path from said liquid reservoir; a perfume diffusing member (28) in liquid communication with said at least one channel, A grip (16) configured such that, during use, in response to the user applying a force to the user actuator (24), a quantity of volatile liquid is delivered to the fragrance diffusing member (28) via the at least one channel (30), the grip (16) emitting a fragrance upon evaporation of the volatile liquid from the fragrance diffusing member, the liquid reservoir (22) being a bladder that contains at least a portion of the volatile liquid, the bladder being compressible during use of the grip by a user, and the user actuator being any portion of a surface of the bladder.

2. The grip (16) of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel (30) included in the liquid transfer member (26) is one or more microfluidic channels.

3. A grip (16) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one valve (31) arranged between the at least one channel (30) and the fragrance diffusing member (28), the at least one valve (31) being configured to control the flow of a volatile liquid between the at least one channel and the fragrance diffusing member.

4. The grip (16) of claim 3, wherein the at least one valve (31) is a Quake valve, a flap valve, a membrane valve, a cusp valve, or a ball microvalve.

5. A grip (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least one pump (32) configured to pump the volatile liquid from the liquid reservoir (22) to the perfume diffusing member (28).

6. A grip (16) according to any preceding claim, comprising a resilient material, the liquid reservoir (22) being integrally formed within the grip (16).

7. A grip (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid reservoir (22) and / or the liquid transfer member (26) are partially or completely enclosed within a substantially non-deformable substrate (20), and the user actuator (24) is a button (40) disposed on a portion of or adjacent to the non-deformable substrate (20).

8. The grip (16) of claim 7, wherein the at least one channel (30) is a lumen integrally formed within the substrate (20).

9. 9. A grip (16) as set forth in claim 8, wherein the liquid reservoir (22) is located partially or completely in line with the axis of movement of the button.

10. A grip (16) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the liquid transfer member (26) further comprises an actuation channel configured to be actuated by the user actuator, the actuation channel being in liquid communication with at least one control channel of the at least one valve (31), and the actuation channel not being in liquid communication with the liquid reservoir (22).

11. A grip (16) according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid reservoir (22) further comprises a refill port to allow replenishment of the volatile liquid.

12. A method (50) of making a grip for use with a writing instrument, comprising: - assembling or 3D printing (52) at least (i) a liquid reservoir, (ii) a liquid transfer member comprising at least one channel configured to provide a liquid transfer path from said liquid reservoir, and (iii) a fragrance diffusing member in liquid communication with said at least one channel to provide a grip for the writing instrument; - filling (54) said liquid reservoir with a volatile liquid.

13. A writing instrument (10), comprising: - a writing instrument body (11), A writing instrument (10) comprising a permanent or removable grip (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. 1. A kit of parts comprising: A kit of parts comprising: a first grip according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the liquid reservoir of the first grip contains a first type of volatile liquid; and a writing implement.

15. - a second grip according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the liquid reservoir of the second grip contains a second type of volatile liquid; The kit of parts of claim 14 , wherein the first grip and the second grip are packaged within a common packaging envelope.

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