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. Fact|date=May 2007 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 calluses and cramps. Fact|date=April 2007
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 interations arose including The Pen and Brush Holder of Dwight B. Smith and the Penholder by George Cooper Ward. [ Smith, Dwight B Pen and Brush Holder Patent Number 340382, Apr, 20, 1886; Ward, George Cooper Penholder Patent Number 657370, Sep. 4, 1900] Colin Roche designed the PenAgain while serving detention in high school. [ Perkins, Broderick [http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2004/01/05/focus2.html?t=printable Life Enhancement Made Possible by Non-Chip Technology] San Jose Business J. Jan, 2, 2004 ] The PenAgain went through several design iterations and on October 28, 2003 was granted a patent from the USPTO. [ Roche, Colin, Ronse, Bobby Ergonomic Writing Instrument Patent Number 6637962, Oct, 28, 2003] ]References
External links
* [http://www.PenAgain.com PenAgain] — Official Website
* [http://ergonomics.about.com/od/buyingguide/fr/frpenagain.htm Ergonomic Review of the Ergo Sof PenAgain] - Chris Adam, About.com, 2006
*Bounds, Gwendolyn. [http://www.startupjournal.com/howto/successstories/20050920-bounds.html The Long Road to Wal-Mart Shelves] , [http://www.startupjournal.com/columnists/enterprise/20060531-bounds.html The Hard Part Follows After Big Chain Says Yes] , [http://www.startupjournal.com/columnists/enterprise/20060719-bounds.html?refresh=on Pen Maker’s Trial by Wal-Mart, Part III] , [http://www.startupjournal.com/columnists/enterprise/20061114-bounds.html Pen Maker Struggles with Too Much Demand] . Startup Journal
* Bounds, Gwendolyn. [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116308454685518601.html?mod=JR-Small-Business-Nov-2006 "You Got the Big Break. Now What?"] . November 13, 2006. The Wall Street Journal.
