Adjusting mechanism for a chair mounted keyboard and mouse platform

Abstract

The present invention is an assembly adapted for attachment to a chair. It includes a first embodiment adapted to support a computer keyboard (w/mouse platform) and a second embodiment adapted to support a computer mouse only. Both embodiments are releasably secured to the armrests of a chair and are pivotally and longitudinally adjustable. The keyboard-supporting embodiment is connected to both armrests and the mouse only supporting embodiment is connected to a left armrest for a left-handed mouse user and to the right armrest for a right-handed mouse user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates, generally, to furniture having utility in connection with computers. More particularly, it relates to a chair mounted assembly for computer users that has platforms for supporting a computer keyboard and a computer mouse. Specifically, the present invention relates to an adjusting mechanism by which to select the disposition of the platforms relative to the chair from which it is mounted for the maximum convenience of the person seated in the chair.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Most personal computer installations require a user to sit in a conventional chair in front of a keyboard that is positioned on a desk top. A mouse for controlling the cursor is typically supported on the same desktop. As a result, the individual is restricted in movement, being confined to the chair so that he or she can reach the keyboard and the mouse. The chair itself cannot be moved far, either, because if it is placed at a distance away from the keyboard and mouse, those items become inaccessible.

Since the modern workplace requires people to be near a keyboard and a mouse all day long, it would be helpful if computer-related furniture were not so restrictive. A few inventors have addressed this problem. However, the solutions that have heretofore been found include complex mechanisms that are impractical from a cost standpoint. Significantly, the earlier solutions require specially built chairs.

Thus, there remains a need for a practical, inexpensive structure that provides an enhanced degree of freedom to a computer user seated in a chair. More particularly, there is a need for a structure that could be retrofit to an existing conventional chair so that the cost of the final product would not be prohibitive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an assembly adapted for attachment to a chair. It includes a first embodiment adapted to support a computer keyboard (w/mouse platform) and a second embodiment adapted to support a computer mouse only. Both embodiments are releasably secured to the armrests of a chair and are pivotally and longitudinally adjustable. The keyboard-supporting embodiment is connected to both armrests and the mouse only supporting embodiment is connected to a left armrest for a left-handed mouse user and to the right armrest for a right-handed mouse user.

The invention enables a person to operate the keyboard and/or a computer mouse while seated in the chair. The person may sit comfortably in the chair in any desired posture or orientation without regard to physical placement of a computer means or a computer monitor means with which the computer keyboard and computer mouse are associated.

Although the novel assembly may be retrofit to any chair having armrests, the preferred chair for use with the inventive assembly is an ergonomically-designed chair having multiple features for enhancing safety and comfort. Such features include a pneumatic height adjustment, coasters that provide mobility throughout an office, a three hundred sixty degree swivel to allow access to an entire work area, a tilt tension adjustment means, contoured seat and back rest parts, and the like.

Both embodiments of subject invention utilize an adjusting mechanism that is used for placement of a mouse platform or a keyboard platform relative to a user seated in a chair. The adjusting mechanism includes a clamping means adapted to be secured to a chairs armrests. A pivoting extension arm extends outward from the clamping means and allows for angular adjustment of the extension arm relative to the armrest. The extension arm can also be longitudinally adjusted to different lengths and is received by collars affixed to either the mouse or keyboard platforms. The adjusting mechanism allows for convenient manipulation of the mouse or keyboard platforms by a computer user seated in a chair.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a chair in which a computer user can comfortably sit while operating a computer keyboard and a computer mouse without being confined to the immediate vicinity of a desk top.

Another object is to provide the needed structure in a way that incorporates a commercially-available chair so that the product is economical to manufacture and thus affordable by consumers.

These and other important objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent as this description proceeds.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an embodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the adjusting mechanism of the present invention utilized with a mouse platform and attached to a chair.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 detached from a chair.

FIG. 3 is the view of FIG. 2 illustrating the mouse platform connection means.

FIG. 4 illustrates the view of FIG. 3 with a detached mouse platform.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of FIG. 3 with sectional view taken along 9-9.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are sectional views of the mouse platform connection means of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the invention of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8A is a sectional view of the pivot adjustment means of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate a sectional view of the tubular midsection of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the adjusting mechanism of the present invention utilized with a keyboard platform and attached to a chair.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 11 illustrating the keyboard connection means.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the invention of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along 14-14 of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-14, an adjusting mechanism for a computer mouse platform (FIG. 1) and a computer keyboard platform (FIG. 11) are disclosed. Referring to FIGS. 1-4 the adjusting mechanism 10 of the present invention is disclosed utilized with a mouse platform 15. Adjusting mechanism 10 includes a clamping means 20 which is secured to the arm 5A of chair 5. It is understood that mechanism 10 may be attached to arm 5B for left hand user orientation. In the preferred embodiment, clamping means 20 includes a first fixed jaw 20A, a second fixed jaw 20B, and a moveable jaw 20C disposed therebetween. Clockwise rotation of screw 20D, which is threaded through second jaw 20B, urges moveable jaw 20C upward against chair arm 5A securing the arm 5A between moveable jaw 20C and first fixed jaw 20A. It is understood that this clamping member can be any device known in the art that allows for secure attachment to an arm of a chair.

First fixed jaw 20A includes a planer top surface 20AB that includes a first extension 25 extending outward from the outside edge 20AB1 of top surface 20AB. Extension 25 is offset from the center of chair arm 5A and/or 5B such that a user can place or rest his arm upon chair arm 5A and/or 5B without interference from extension 25. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the offset extension allows for better alignment of a users hand with the surface of mouse platform 15. First extension 25 includes at one end a pivot adjustment means 25A secured to outside edge 20AB1 and at the opposite end a second extension 25B. First extension 25 includes a tubular midsection 25A1 for receipt therein of second extension rod 25B. In this respect second extension 25B can be extended and retracted longitudinally within midsection 25A1, being secured at a fixed position by locking wheel 25A2. Pivot adjustment means 25A allows extension bar 25 to be rotated at various angles relative to planer top surface 20AB.

In the Preferred embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 8 and 8A, pivot adjustment means 25A includes a semi-circular fixed notched portion 25AB integral and extending outward from outside edge 20AB1 and a semi-circular mating portion 25AC integral and extending outward from one end of extension 25. Mating portion 25AC includes a protuberance 25AD at its base which is received within a semi-circular fixed notch portion 25AB at a desired angle of adjustment. A locking screw 25AE extends through the center of fixed notch portion 25AB and semi-circular mating portion 25AC, in threaded engagement thereto, and urges together and interlocks protuberance 25AD into notch portion 25AB in a fixed position upon turning screw 25E in a clockwise direction. Counterclockwise turning of screw 25AE allows for semi-circular fixed notch portion 25AB and semi-circular mating portion 25AC to be separated and extension bar 25 to be placed in a different position prior to interlocking. It is understood that pivot adjustment means can be any mechanism known in the art that allows extension bar 25 to be angularly rotated relative to planer top surface 20AB and locked into a desired position. It is understood that semi-circular mating portion 25AC and semi-circular fixed notched portion 25AB may be shaped other than semi-circular providing that the requirement of interlocking protuberance 25AD into notch portion 25AB, as described above, is met.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, Second extension rod 25B includes a substantially vertical rod portion 25B1 and a substantially horizontal rod portion 25B2. As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 9, and 10 vertical rod portion 25B1 can be extended and retracted longitudinally within midsection 25A1 for adjustment by the user. Horizontal rod portion 25B2 is penetrably received by a collar 30 which is affixed to the bottom surface 15A of mouse pad 15. As illustrated in FIG. 5, collar 30 is fixedly attached to bottom surface 15A by any means known in the art.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, Locking wheel 30A threadedly engages the collar 30 to lock the collar along a selected location of horizontal rod 25B2. When turned clockwise, Locking wheel 30A bears against the surface of rod portion 25B2. The resulting frictional interaction between the locking wheel 30A and the surface of rod portion 25B2 will tend to lock the collar 30 with respect to rod portion 25B2 to prevent translation of the collar 30 relative to rod portion 25B2. The locking wheel 30A, when turned counterclockwise unlocks the collar 30 along horizontal rod 25B2 and allows for angular rotation of affixed mouse pad 15 360 degrees relative to rod 25B2.

Referring to FIGS. 11-14, the subject invention is shown utilized with a keyboard/mouse platform 17. This platform includes a slideable draw 17A for placement of a computer mouse thereon. In this embodiment, two adjusting mechanisms 10, as previously disclosed, are secured to chair arms 5A and 5B. Second extension rod 25B1 is substantially vertical and includes no horizontal portion. Vertical rod portion 25B1 can be extended and retracted longitudinally within midsection 25A1 for adjustment by the user, as previously described. Platform 17 includes a collar 30 affixed on one end of platform 17 bottom surface 17A. The opposite end of platform 17 does not have a collar affixed. The opposite end of platform 17 bottom surface 17A rests on vertical rod 25B1. Vertical rod 25B1 engages collar 30 on one end of platform 17 in a manner previously described herein. Platform 17 is then able to rotate about rod 25B1 on one end in a manner as previously described. In this configuration of dual adjusting mechanisms for platform 17 the platform 17 can be lifted and pivoted about rod 25B1 at one end and raised at the opposite end to allow a user easy access in and out of chair 5.

It should be understood that the following is a detailed description of the invention and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents. In particular, it is understood that mouse pad 15 can be made in a variety of shapes and colors. Furthermore, the shape of clamping means 20 may vary according to aesthetic requirements of the user. For example, clamping means 20 may include rounded jaws 20A, 20B, and 20C to better match particular armrest(s).

Claims

1. An assembly adapted for attachment to single chair arm, comprising:

a clamping means secured to said chair arm;

an extension bar pivotally connected to and extending outward from said clamping means, said extension bar having a first extent and a second extent, said first extent having a first and second end, said second extent having a first and second end, said first extent first end pivotally connected to said clamping means by a pivot adjustment means, said pivotal connection enabling said extension bar to be rotated relative to said chair arm, said pivot adjustment means offset from said chair arm, said second extent first end being capable of slideable movement within said first extent second end of said extension bar for providing the extension bar with an increasing and decreasing length;

a platform adapted to support a computer mouse, said platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface having a collar affixed thereto, said collar penetrably receiving said second extent second end therethrough, said collar allowing for 360 degree rotation of said platform about said second extent second end, said collar enabling said rotation of said platform into a preselected plane that is tilted by any preselected degree relative to a horizontal plane, said platform disposed transversely relative to said chair arm so that a computer mouse adapted to be supported thereby is positioned directly in front of a users arm resting on said chair arm.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said clamping means further comprises:

a first fixed jaw having a top surface and a bottom surface;

a second fixed jaw rigidly connected to said first fixed jaw and parallel thereto; and

a moveable jaw disposed therebetween;

said second fixed jaw further comprising means for urging said moveable jaw upward against said chair arm for securing said chair arm between said first fixed jaw and said moveable jaw.

3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said urging means is a threaded screw.

4. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said pivot adjustment means further includes:

a fixed notched portion integral and extending outward from an outside edge of said first fixed jaw, said fixed notched portion positioned so as not to interfere with a users arm resting on said first fixed jaw top surface;

a mating portion integral and extending outward from said first extent first end, said mating portion further comprising a protuberance, said protuberance received within said fixed notched portion at a desired angle of adjustment; and

a locking screw in threaded engagement with said mating portion and said fixed notched portion, said screw urging together said protuberance within said fixed notched portion at a desired angle of adjustment.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein said fixed notched portion and said mating portion are semi-circular.

6. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said second extent first end extends longitudinally within said first extent second end of said extension bar and said second extent second end extends outward from said second extent first end at a 90 degree angle.

7. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said extension bar further includes locking means, said locking means securing said second extent first end within said first extent second end of said extension bar at a desired length.

8. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said collar further includes locking means, said locking means locking said collar along said second extent second end at a preselected platform adjustment angle.

9. An assembly adapted for attachment to a first and second arm of a chair, said chair having a seat portion and a back portion, comprising:

a first and second clamping means secured to said first and second chair arm;

a first and a second extension bar pivotally connected to and extending outward from said first and second clamping means, said first and second extension bars having a first extent and a second extent, said first extent pivotally connected at one end to said first and second clamping means by a first and second pivot adjustment means, said pivotal connection enabling said first and second extension bars to be rotated relative to said first and second chair arms, said first and second extent being capable of slideable movement within said first and second first extent of said first and second extension bars for providing said first and second extension bars with an increasing and decreasing length;

a platform adapted to support a computer keyboard, said platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface having a collar affixed at one end of said bottom surface, said collar penetrably receiving said first extension bar second extent therethrough, said collar allowing for rotation of said platform about said first extension bar second extent, said collar enabling said rotation of said platform from an open position where a user can get in an out of said chair to a closed position where the opposite end of said platform bottom surface rests on said second extension bar second extent, said platform being disposed transversely relative to said chair seat portion.

10. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein said first and said second clamping means further comprises:

a first fixed jaw;

a second fixed jaw rigidly connected to said first fixed jaw and parallel thereto; and

a moveable jaw disposed therebetween;

said second fixed jaw further comprising means for urging said moveable jaw upward against said first and said second chair arms for securing said chair arms between said first fixed jaw and said moveable jaw.

11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein said urging means is a threaded screw.

12. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein said first and second pivot adjustment means further includes:

a fixed notched portion integral and extending outward from said first fixed jaw;

a mating portion integral and extending outward from said one end of said first extent and said second extent, said mating portion further comprising a protuberance, said protuberance received within said fixed notched portion at a desired angle of adjustment; and

a locking screw in threaded engagement with said mating portion and said fixed notched portion, said screw urging together said protuberance within said fixed notched portion at a desired angle of adjustment.

13. An assembly according to claim 12, wherein said fixed notched portion and said mating portion are semi-circular.

14. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein said first and second extension bar further includes locking means, said locking means securing said first and second extent within said first and second first extent of said first and second extension bar at a desired length.

15. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein said collar further includes locking means, said locking means locking said collar along said first second extent at a preselected platform adjustment angle.