PenAgain
Encyclopedia
The PenAgain is a ergonomic writing device developed by Pacific Writing Instruments, Inc. The PenAgain was designed to alleviate stress and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury
while writing.
Writing with the PenAgain differs from writing with a traditional cylindrical pen
. Some users have reported that a learning curve is required with the PenAgain due to its "Y" shape. The writer's index finger sits in the Y-shaped device, so that the weight of the writer's hand directs pressure to the pen’s tip. This eliminates the need to grip the pen and push the tip into the paper. The index finger guides the tip of the pen, removing stress traditionally placed on the thumb and forefinger while writing. This hand posture reduces the likelihood of callus
es and cramps
.
Repetitive strain injury
Repetitive strain injury is an injury of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that may be caused by...
while writing.
Writing with the PenAgain differs from writing with a traditional cylindrical pen
Pen
A pen is a device used to apply ink to a surface, usually paper, for writing or drawing. Historically, reed pens, quill pens, and dip pens were used, with a nib of some sort to be dipped in the ink. Ruling pens allow precise adjustment of line width, and still find a few specialized uses, but...
. Some users have reported that a learning curve is required with the PenAgain due to its "Y" shape. The writer's index finger sits in the Y-shaped device, so that the weight of the writer's hand directs pressure to the pen’s tip. This eliminates the need to grip the pen and push the tip into the paper. The index finger guides the tip of the pen, removing stress traditionally placed on the thumb and forefinger while writing. This hand posture reduces the likelihood of callus
Callus
A callus is an especially toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Rubbing that is too frequent or forceful will cause blisters rather than allow calluses to form. Since repeated contact is required, calluses...
es and cramps
Writer's cramp
Writer's cramp, also called mogigraphia and scrivener's palsy, causes a cramp or spasm affecting certain muscles of the hand and/or fingers. Writer's cramp is a task-specific focal dystonia of the hand...
.
History
The bifuricated shape for a writing device was first proposed and patented by John WyttenBach in 1886. WyttenBach, John Bifuricated Pen-Holder Patent Number 336540, Feb, 16, 1886. Several other iterations arose including The Pen and Brush Holder of Dwight B. Smith and the Penholder by George Cooper Ward. Colin Roche designed the PenAgain while serving detention in high school. The PenAgain went through several design iterations and on October 28, 2003 was granted a patent from the USPTO.External links
- PenAgain — Official Website
- PenAgain — Official UK Website
- Ergonomic Review of the Ergo Sof PenAgain- Chris Adam, About.com, 2006
- Bounds, Gwendolyn. The Long Road to Wal-Mart Shelves, The Hard Part Follows After Big Chain Says Yes, Pen Maker’s Trial by Wal-Mart, Part III, Pen Maker Struggles with Too Much Demand. Startup Journal
- Bounds, Gwendolyn. "You Got the Big Break. Now What?". November 13, 2006. The Wall Street Journal.