Writing instrument with gripping device

Abstract

The gripping element has a plurality of elevated sections in the form of intercalated shapes. The elevated sections may be smooth or textured to enhance gripping and to reduce slippage of the writing instrument during use.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . An elastomeric gripping element, configured to fit over a gripping section of an article, said gripping element comprising: 
 a textured outer surface; and    a plurality of elevated sections extending from said outer surface;    wherein said elevated sections are intercalated, spaced apart shapes.    
     
     
         2 . The gripping element of  claim 1 , wherein said elevated sections are raised at least about 0.1 mm above said outer surface.  
     
     
         3 . The gripping element of  claim 1 , wherein said elevated sections are raised at most about 3.0 mm above said outer surface.  
     
     
         4 . The gripping element of  claim 1 , wherein said grip element is formed from an anti-slip material.  
     
     
         5 . The gripping element of  claim 1 , wherein said grip element is formed from a resilient material.  
     
     
         6 . The gripping element of  claim 1 , wherein said grip element is fabricated of a thermoplastic elastomer.  
     
     
         7 . The gripping element of  claim 1 , wherein said grip element has a Shore A hardness of at least about 50 durometer.  
     
     
         8 . The gripping element of  claim 1 , wherein said grip element has a Shore A hardness of at most about 70 durometer.  
     
     
         9 . The gripping element of  claim 1 , wherein said elevated sections are sufficiently spaced apart such that small particles cannot become lodged between said elevated sections and any particle large enough to become lodged between said elevated sections can be readily dislodged.  
     
     
         10 . The gripping element of  claim 1 , wherein said elevated sections have a smooth outer surface.