Writing aid device and method

Abstract

A writing aid device ( 1 ) that promotes proper hand positioning and writing utensil ( 5 ) holding having a spacer ( 2 ) located between first and second finger-grasping holders ( 3 ) and ( 4 ). The spacer ( 2 ) is preferably round in cross-section, but may also be of varying shapes. An alternate embodiment of the writing aid device includes a writing utensil holding element ( 13 ) located on the spacer ( 2 ). To use the present invention, a person first positions the first holder ( 3 ) against an index finger proximal phalange ( 8 ) so as to cup the index finger proximal phalange ( 8 ). Then, the person positions the second holder ( 4 ) against a thumb proximal phalange ( 9 ) so as to cup the thumb finger proximal phalange ( 9 ). The person then pinches a portion of a writing utensil ( 5 ) between an index finger distal phalange ( 11 ) and a thumb distal phalange ( 12 ) and rests a portion of the writing utensil ( 5 ) on the spacer ( 2 ). The person then places a writing utensil tip ( 10 ) on a writing surface ( 16 ) and begins writing or drawing. Optional flanges ( 21 ) on tips of the finger holders ( 3 ) and ( 4 ) provide easier insertion and a more snug fit for a user's fingers.

1 . A writing aid device comprising:
 a spacer having a cross-section of a predetermined shape;   said spacer having a first end and a second end;   a first finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer first end; and   a second finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer second end.   
   
   
       2 . The writing aid device of  claim 1  wherein:
 said first finger-grasping holder is substantially C-shaped; and   said second finger-grasping holder is substantially C-shaped.   
   
   
       3 . The writing aid device of  claim 1  wherein:
 said spacer cross-section predetermined shape is substantially circular.   
   
   
       4 . The writing aid device of  claim 1  wherein:
 said spacer cross-section predetermined shape is substantially square.   
   
   
       5 . The writing aid device of  claim 1  wherein:
 said spacer cross-section predetermined shape is substantially triangular.   
   
   
       6 . The writing aid device of  claim 1  further comprising:
 at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.   
   
   
       7 . The writing aid device of  claim 2  further comprising:
 at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.   
   
   
       8 . The writing aid device of  claim 3  further comprising:
 at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.   
   
   
       8 . The writing aid device of  claim 4  further comprising:
 at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.   
   
   
       9 . The writing aid device of  claim 5  further comprising:
 at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.   
   
   
       10 . The writing aid device of  claim 6  wherein:
 said at least writing one utensil holding element is substantially U-shaped.   
   
   
       11 . The writing aid device of  claim 7  wherein:
 said at least one writing utensil holding element is substantially U-shaped.   
   
   
       12 . The writing aid device of  claim 8  wherein:
 said at least one writing utensil holding element is substantially U-shaped.   
   
   
       13 . The writing aid device of  claim 9  wherein:
 said at least one writing utensil holding element is substantially U-shaped.   
   
   
       14 . The writing aid device of  claim 6  wherein:
 said at least one writing utensil holding element is at least one strap.   
   
   
       15 . The writing aid device of  claim 7  wherein:
 said at least one writing utensil holding element is at least one strap.   
   
   
       16 . The writing aid device of  claim 8  wherein:
 said at least one writing utensil holding element is at least one strap.   
   
   
       17 . The writing aid device of  claim 9  wherein:
 said at least one writing utensil holding element is at least one strap.   
   
   
       18 . A writing aid device comprising:
 a spacer having a cross-section of a predetermined shape;   said spacer having a first end and a second end wherein said spacer cross-section predetermined shape is substantially circular;   a first finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer first end; and   a second finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer second end.   
   
   
       19 . The writing aid device of  claim 18  further comprising:
 at least one writing utensil holding element secured on said spacer between said spacer first and said spacer second end.   
   
   
       20 . The writing aid device of  claim 1  wherein:
 at least one indentation is located on said spacer.   
   
   
       21 . The writing aid device of  claim 1  wherein:
 said spacer has an inner spacer and an outer spacer wherein said outer spacer is slidably extendable over said inner spacer.   
   
   
       22 . The writing aid device of  claim 1  further comprising:
 at least one flange located on said first finger-grasping holder; and   at least one flange located on said second finger-grasping holder.   
   
   
       23 . A method for teaching proper writing utensil holding using a writing aid device comprising a spacer having a cross-section of a predetermined shape; said spacer having a first end and a second end; a first finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer first end; and a second finger-grasping holder secured to said spacer second end, said method comprising the steps of:
 a. positioning said first finger-grasping holder against an index finger proximal phalange so as to cup the index finger proximal phalange;   b. positioning said second finger-grasping holder against a thumb proximal phalange so as to cup the thumb finger proximal phalange;   c. pinching a portion of a writing utensil between an index finger distal phalange and a thumb distal phalange;   d. resting a portion of said writing utensil on said spacer;   e. placing a tip of said writing utensil on a writing surface; and   f. moving said writing utensil tip on said writing surface.