A writing instrument having an ergonomic configuration and methods for making the instrument. The instrument is elongated having an equilateral triangular cross-section and having a uniform partial twist along the length thereof. The partial twist permits flat surface engagement for the thumb, index finger and middle finger and for the dorsal first web space of the user's hand. The uniform twist in combination with the equilateral cross-sectional shape also permits tight packing in bulk. A method for making the instrument in the form of a rigid pencil is also provided.

Proposed are a scalpel blade holder and a scalpel with a scalpel blade holder, which make it possible for a user to determine the rotation of the scalpel about the center axis of the scalpel blade holder without eye contact with the scalpel or with the scalpel blade. The handle region of the scalpel blade holder comprises three lateral faces which are disposed such that a cross-section with a substantially triangular envelope results for the handle region. The envelope of the cross-section of the handle region has substantially the form of an arc triangle whose corners are rounded. A plurality of tactile identifying features are designed as protrusions in the form of ribs extending over two of the lateral faces and running crosswise to the longitudinal axis of the scalpel blade holder. One of the tactile identifying features is designed as a recess, and is disposed on the remaining third lateral face, and extends over part of the length of the scalpel blade holder. By means of his sense of touch, the user can determine the alignment of the scalpel blade with regard to its rotation about the center axis of the scalpel blade holder.

An ergonomic, hand held instrument comprising an instrument and a shell. The shell has a longitudinal axis and opposite ends and a hollow interior. The instrument is positioned within the shell with its operational end extending from one end of the shell. The shell has a groove therein extending from adjacent the one end at least a partial revolution about said shell to adjacent the other end. The groove has a bottom and an upstanding wall. The groove spirals around the shell. The bottom has a width greater than the size of one's fingers. The spiral may have one or more partial turns or a single continuous turn or partial turn between the opposite ends of the shell. The bottom extends from the wall toward the other end and is tapered from one turn of the wall to an adjacent turn of the wall with the wall facing the other end whereby one can pick up the instrument and very easily grip the instrument correctly with a lighter grip than with conventional instruments and yet press harder during use without the fatigue, cramps or calluses normally related to use of the instrument for long periods of time.

A method for teaching persons how to hold writing instruments properly is disclosed along with a writing aid for facilitating the method of teaching. The first step of the method is to provide a device for aiding in the gripping of the writing instrument. The device includes a body having a central bore for grippingly receiving the writing instrument, and an exterior surface. The exterior surface includes a first gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's first finger, a second gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's second finger, and a third gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's third finger. A second step in the process is to provide a surface indicia on at least one of the first, second, and third gripping surfaces. The third step of the process is to instruct the user to place the proper one of his fingers on the surface bearing the indicia.

A device is disclosed for aiding in the gripping of an elongated hand held writing instrument. The device includes a body having a central bore for receiving the hand held writing instrument, and an exterior. The exterior includes a first gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's first finger; a second gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's second finger; and a third gripping surface positioned for receiving the user's third finger. At least one of the first, second and third gripping surfaces includes a surface indicia for providing a reference for placement of at least one of the user's fingers. The surface indicia comprises at least one character formed as a part of at least one of the first, second and third gripping surfaces. The character is disposed at a level different than the level of the area of the at least one surface adjacent to the character.