Armrest For Writer Patents (Class 248/118.1)
  • Patent number: 6894894
    Abstract: A base for a laptop computer. In one embodiment, the base has an upper surface with a keyboard and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The lower surface may have two depressions extending from a forward edge to a rear edge of the lower surface. The depressions are configured to engage both the upper and side surfaces of the user's legs in a manner that restricts relative motion between the base and the user's legs. In one embodiment, the depressions may have a rough texture and/or a skid-resistant material to further restrict motion of the base relative to the user's legs. In another embodiment, first and second support members may be movably attached to the base to move from a stowed position to an unstowed position for providing more surface area to engage the user's legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynne Zarek, Paul T. Parker, John M. Wechkin
  • Patent number: 6847352
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a computer mouse having a body with an ovate palm support area 38 and a planar peripherally receding support 42 for the hypothenar mass and left 40 and right anterior buttons 44 eccentrically positioned askew the apex of the ovate form with one button located on a platform 46 and elevated and angularly positioned relative to the other button 40 that is substantially planar. The button platform 46 could also be selectively movable along a limited distance of the anterior periphery of the body to allow a user 12 to adjust the present invention 10 to conform to different sized hands and fingers of varying lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Juan J Lantigua
  • Patent number: 6843454
    Abstract: A wrist rest assembly for use along the front edge of a device to be operated by a person's hands or fingers, such as in front of a computer keyboard, including an elongate base on which is supported an elongate pad comprising a layer of gel within the covering. The pad has sufficient thickness between its top and bottom surfaces and width between its edges to afford supporting a users wrists on said top surface with a portion of the layer of gel beneath and conforming to the supported wrists and to afford significant motion of the top surface of the pad with the supported wrists relative to the bottom surface in a plane generally parallel to the upper surface of the base. The base has a top portion supporting the pad, a bottom portion adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface; and structure that allows the top portion to be supported on the bottom portion with the top surface of the pad at a predetermined one of several different distances above that horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff
  • Publication number: 20040206874
    Abstract: A computer mouse pad comprises a rigid base and a plurality of fanfolded paper sheets arranged in a stack and detachably fixed to the base. Each of the stacked sheet is detachably fixed to a sheet immediately below it in the stack through microperfs. A subtle opening and closing of two levels of paper at the fold where two perfs occur, induced by mouse pressure, endows the working ply surface with a flexibility of vertical movement, creating a subtle mouse buoyancy. The sheets are provided with printed messages on upper surfaces thereof. A coating is applied to the upper surfaces of the sheets. The coated upper surfaces are resistant to being written upon, thereby preventing accumulation of carbon, graphite and ink markings, which tend to contaminate the roller ball, prevent proper mouse tracking and adversely affect curser control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Leonard B. Pearson
  • Patent number: 6772980
    Abstract: The inventive apparatus is a convenient, unobtrusive appliance for providing support in the prevention of injury due to personal computer keyboard use. In particular, the inventive apparatus supports the entire arm and further assists the keyboard user in that it allows the shoulder muscles to remain relaxed, and the knuckles, wrists, and forearms to maintain the same plane during keyboard usage. Further, the inventive apparatus is designed to support and maintain good posture at the keyboard. The inventive apparatus is worn by a user on the user's upper body and it receives it support from the wearer's waist and upper back, while avoiding contact at the wearer's shoulder and neck. It supports both arms and the upper body without encumbering the wearer of the apparatus. The inventive apparatus supports the wearer's upper body movements by acting as a suspension system in that it absorbs the damaging energy that so often is the initial cause of repetitive stress injury to keyboard users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: John M. O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20040144900
    Abstract: A keyboard wrist support including a platform adapted for being in a first, deployed position adjacent to the keyboard or a second, storage position in a plane below the keyboard. The wrist support further includes a pair of elongated support brackets, each having a first portion coupled to the platform and a second portion movably attached to a base. The wrist support provides the additional benefits of counterbalancing the weight of the computer display when the wrist support is used with a portable computer and providing leverage to the user for stabilization. The platform is pivotable with respect to the support brackets in order to permit the platform to be angled relative to the keyboard for optimum comfort and the base is slidable with respect to the support brackets in order to reduce the footprint of the support when the keyboard is not in use. Also described are embodiments in which the platform is slidable with respect to the keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6757159
    Abstract: A base for a laptop computer. In one embodiment, the base has an upper surface with a keyboard and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The lower surface may have two depressions extending from a forward edge to a rear edge of the lower surface. The depressions are configured to engage both the upper and side surfaces of the user's legs in a manner that restricts relative motion between the base and the user's legs. In one embodiment, the depressions may have a rough texture and/or a skid-resistant material to further restrict motion of the base relative to the user's legs. In another embodiment, first and second support members may be movably attached to the base to move from a stowed position to an unstowed position for providing more surface area to engage the user's legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynne Zarek, Paul T. Parker, John M. Wechkin
  • Patent number: 6749158
    Abstract: A keyboard and mouse support includes a keyboard support body and a mouse support. The keyboard support body includes a throughpassage that passes through the support body and opens on opposite sides of the support body. The keyboard support body also defines a support surface configured to accommodate a keyboard. A back side of the keyboard support includes a back wall defining an arcuate slotted document holder and a pair of passageways for receiving a keyboard cord. A moveable mouse support fits within a portion of the throughpassage of the support and extends outwardly from the support to define left and right hand mouse support surfaces. The mouse support includes an upwardly protruding elongated bead spaced inwardly from a rearward edge of the mouse support. The bead prevents a mouse placed on either of the two mouse support surfaces from sliding off the back edge of the mouse support if the mouse support is inclined at a negative angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Work-Rite Ergonomic Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek Timm
  • Publication number: 20040108422
    Abstract: The inventive apparatus is a convenient, unobtrusive appliance for providing support in the prevention of injury due to personal computer keyboard use. In particular, the inventive apparatus supports the entire arm and further assists the keyboard user in that it allows the shoulder muscles to remain relaxed, and the knuckles, wrists, and forearms to maintain the same plane during keyboard usage. Further, the inventive apparatus is designed to support and maintain good posture at the keyboard. The inventive apparatus is worn by a user on the user's upper body and it receives it support from the wearer's waist and upper back, while avoiding contact at the wearer's shoulder and neck. It supports both arms and the upper body without encumbering the wearer of the apparatus. The inventive apparatus supports the wearer's upper body movements by acting as a suspension system in that it absorbs the damaging energy that so often is the initial cause of repetitive stress injury to keyboard users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: John M. O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20040089771
    Abstract: An ergonomic support surface (2) is disclosed that supports a user's hand or wrist while moving in contact with the ergonomic support surface (2) to control a hand activated device, for example, a computer mouse on a mouse pad (6). The ergonomic support surface (2) may comprise a base (4) with a support structure (7) upon which the user's wrist or hand rests. The support structure (7) provides a massaging member, for example, a roller (8) that imparts a massaging action to the user's hand or wrist while the user's hand or wrist moves in contact with the supporting structure (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Zsolt Pap
  • Patent number: 6726158
    Abstract: The rest device is for the hand and support device for the forearm of a person, who performs repeated rotational, lifting and pressure moments with his/her hand. The device has a resilient moveable rest and support part (1), which receives the forearm and has a plane central part (2) as well as at least two sector parts (3,4,5,6). Resilient elements, such as compression springs, exert a pressure arranged in a vertical direction below the sector parts (3,4,5,6) adjacent to the circumference (P) and consequently on each side of the part (7,8,9,10). The lifting, lowering and rotational movements of the hand and its fingers are being facilitated and resiliently damped by means of the rest and support part due to the reaction properties of the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Abood Issa
  • Publication number: 20040046090
    Abstract: A method of manufacture a wrist pad, comprising the step of: a. Knead and stir a mixture having natural rubber and foaming agent repeatedly to make it well mix. b. Press the well mixed mixture into a plank element. c. Form an arched portion on the plank element. d. Foam the plank element with the arched portion so that chemical reaction will occur between the natural rubber and the foaming agent to produce an air pressure for forming the plank element to a wrist pad, and c. Cool the foamed wrist pad and cut the wrist pad into a predetermined shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Semi Kao
  • Publication number: 20040035986
    Abstract: A wrist rest assembly for use along the front edge of a device to be operated by a person's hands or fingers, such as in front of a computer keyboard, including an elongate base on which is supported an elongate pad comprising a layer of gel within the covering. The pad has sufficient thickness between its top and bottom surfaces and width between its edges to afford supporting a users wrists on said top surface with a portion of the layer of gel beneath and conforming to the supported wrists and to afford significant motion of the top surface of the pad with the supported wrists relative to the bottom surface in a plane generally parallel to the upper surface of the base. The base has a top portion supporting the pad, a bottom portion adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface; and structure that allows the top portion to be supported on the bottom portion with the top surface of the pad at a predetermined one of several different distances above that horizontal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff
  • Patent number: 6697251
    Abstract: A modular computer user interface system particularly adaptable for use with portable computers and comprising the integration therewith of at least one, but in certain specific embodiments, a plurality of auxiliary modules, such as keypads, interfaced with the processor independent of the conventional keyboard. The one or more auxiliary modules may be permanently secured to the platform of the portable computer in spaced, segregated relation to the keyboard and keys associated therewith. Alternatively, one or more of the auxiliary modules may be removably mounted on or detachably connected to the platform and keyboard, wherein regardless of their fixed, removable or detached relation to the platform of the computer, each of the auxiliary modules are independently operable to effect data and signal communication with the central processor of the computer, independent of operation of the conventional keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Alain Aisenberg
  • Patent number: 6688563
    Abstract: A support is provided for mounting a mouse surface on a keyboard supporting tray for movement about a first vertical axis for moving the mouse surface between right and left hand use positions disposed adjacent right and left hand ends of a keyboard supported by the tray; for movement about a second axis disposed within a plane arranged parallel to said first axis; and for movement about a horizontal axis for forwardly and rearwardly tilting the mouse surface relative to the ends of the keyboard and selectively positioning upper and lower surfaces of the mouse surface vertically above and below the keyboard. The support is cantilever supported on the tray by a pivot connection for defining the first axis and includes a bearing surface selectively engageable with an upwardly facing, arculate surface portions of the tray for providing vertical support for the mouse surface remotely of the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Weber Knapp Company
    Inventors: Warren A. Waxham, Michael G. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 6672548
    Abstract: A cushion includes a formed or stretchable sheet, or cover, and a core. The core includes individual and separate particulates and an oil for enabling lubricated movement of the particulates within the core in response to an outside force applied to the sheet. Particulates may include a combination of polymers and foam materials particularly open celled foam materials that may be partially filled with the oil upon forming of the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Paul M. Yates
  • Patent number: 6663056
    Abstract: A wrist cushion includes a pad portion, a transparent shell portion bonded to an upper side of the pad portion, and a transparent top portion bonded to and covering a whole upper surface of the pad and the shell portions. The shell portion has mono or dual liquids and ornamental floating articles contained therein. The top portion has predetermined softness, elasticity, and thickness to protect the shell portion against undesired piercing by pointed things and leakage of the mono or dual liquids while enables movements of the liquids and the floating articles to be seen from outside of the wrist cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Vincent K. Lee
  • Patent number: 6644605
    Abstract: A computer keyboard tray includes a keyboard receiving member and a support member integrally molded within the interior of the keyboard receiving member. Depending from the bottom of the keyboard receiving member is an attachment assembly, allowing the computer keyboard tray to be removably attached to a computer keyboard support mechanism. A wrist rest extends from the top surface of the keyboard receiving member and is monolithically formed therewith in a unitary construction. In an alternative preferred embodiment, an adjustable wrist rest assembly is attached to the front of the keyboard receiving member. An adjustable mouse pad assembly is movably attached to the keyboard receiving member, permitting an operator to move the mouse pad between the opposing sides of the keyboard receiving member. Molding a support member within the interior of a unitarily constructed computer keyboard tray decreases the cost of manufacturing, and results in a comfortable, yet sturdy, computer keyboard tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: CND Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff D. Tyner
  • Patent number: 6626403
    Abstract: A wrist rest assembly for use along the front edge of a device to be operated by a person's hands or fingers, such as in front of a computer keyboard, including an elongate base on which is supported an elongate pad comprising a layer of gel within the covering. The pad has sufficient thickness between its top and bottom surfaces and width between its edges to afford supporting a users wrists on the top surface with a portion of the layer of gel beneath and conforming to the supported wrists and to afford significant motion of the top surface of the pad with the supported wrists relative to the bottom surface in a plane generally parallel to the upper surface of the base. The base has a top portion supporting the pad, a bottom portion adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface; and structure that allows the top portion to be supported on the bottom portion with the top surface of the pad at a predetermined one of several different distances above that horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff
  • Patent number: 6626686
    Abstract: An integrated docking tray assembly capable of docking a portable computer, in particular a laptop or notebook computer, comprising a tray having a docking station integrated therein for docking the portable computer. The tray is mounted underneath a work surface such as a desktop, tabletop, cabinet, shelf, or the like so that it may move between a closed position substantially retracted beneath the surface and an open position at least partially extended from the surface. Thus, when the portable computer is received in the tray and docked to the docking station, its keyboard and display may be accessed for use when the tray is in the open position and stored in the tray underneath the desktop when the tray is in the closed position. The tray may further include a support for providing support to a user's wrists while the user is typing on the keyboard of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Melroy E. D'Souza, Anton R. Poole
  • Patent number: 6619597
    Abstract: A keyboard wrist support including a platform adapted for being in a first, deployed position adjacent to the keyboard or a second, storage position in a plane below the keyboard. The wrist support further includes a pair of elongated support brackets, each having a first portion coupled to the platform and a second portion movably attached to a base. The wrist support provides the additional benefits of counterbalancing the weight of the computer display when the wrist support is used with a portable computer and providing leverage to the user for stabilization. The platform is pivotable with respect to the support brackets in order to permit the platform to be angled relative to the keyboard for optimum comfort and the base is slidable with respect to the support brackets in order to reduce the footprint of the support when the keyboard is not in use. Also described are embodiments in which the platform is slidable with respect to the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6618242
    Abstract: A customer configured computer includes a keyboard having an exterior surface and input components mounted on a portion of the exterior surface. A user wrist rest area is adjacent the keyboard and includes a pad retention apparatus having a base member with a protruding contoured surface and a peripheral edge extending from the contoured surface; a resilient pad member covering the contoured surface and having a terminal edge extending toward the peripheral edge; and a frame member attached to the peripheral edge and securing the terminal edge of the resilient pad member between the frame member and the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Michael R. Garel, Jeffrey A. Kurgan, Joseph H. Philippsen
  • Patent number: 6616108
    Abstract: An ergonomic support is disclosed for use with a computer input device such as a mouse. Some embodiments allow the same support to be used with a wide range of mouse sizes. Some embodiments allow a user to make a customized fit between the user's hand, the support and the input device. Many embodiments include a deformable member which continues to apply force to the input device after being deformed by a user, thereby coupling the support to the input device without the need for external fasteners. In other embodiments, an attachment member couples the input device to a recessed area of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Brophy, Eric Ronberg, Donald G. Varga
  • Patent number: 6592085
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pivotal armrest apparatus which comprises a cradle having a direct pivotal mechanism mounted on an anti-slip member. The pivotal mechanism automatically converts with the anti-slip member from the irregular movements of fingers (i.e. typing a keyboard) into stress releasing movements over the forearm without impairing a specific part of the wrist, whereby RSI can hardly be generated on the upper torso, nerves, and muscles. Also, the armrest enables a proper degree of rigidity to allow no drifting of the fingers, improves the repeatability of the finger position, and makes the installation area minimum while it is detachable and used as a comfortable rest means for respite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tsuden
    Inventors: Koichi Iwata, Hiroshi Saito
  • Patent number: 6547193
    Abstract: A wrist or forearm support for a person operating a computer input device such as a computer mouse comprising a plurality of balls and a housing for captivating the balls so that they are capable of multi-directional rotational movement. The balls protrude through an opening in the housing in position to be engaged by and support a wrist or forearm that extends over said housing, thereby facilitating multi-directional motion of the supported wrist or forearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventors: Steven J. Money, Peter M. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6527235
    Abstract: A desk accessory support for use with a desktop has an upper surface, a lower surface and an edge extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The support includes a first abutment for abutting the upper surface, and a second abutment for abutting the lower surface. A connecting structure is configured for connecting the first and second abutments to each other. The first and second abutments and the connecting structure define a substantially U-shaped recess for receiving the edge of the desktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Michael J. Cotterill
  • Patent number: 6526896
    Abstract: A multi-positional support mechanism for a computer mouse pad comprising a support adapted to be secured to a keyboard support tray to extend upwardly from the keyboard support tray, a bracket mounted to the support for pivoting about a generally horizontal tilt axis, and a mouse pad mounted to the bracket for pivoting about a turntable axis generally normal to the tilt axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Inscape Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Woronecki, David Ambrose Parshad, John R. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6527234
    Abstract: A forearm/wrist/mouse support system comprises a panel formed in a generally rectilinear configuration having a front, rear, and lateral side edges and a lower surface positionable on the upper surface of the desk. A recess of a generally rectilinear configuration is formed in the panel and extends upwardly from its lower surface to a location adjacent to the upper surface. A support plate in a generally rectilinear configuration for the arm and wrist of a user and a computer mouse has a top, a bottom, a front, a back and parallel sides and is slidably received within the recess for movement between an operative orientation wherein it is pulled forwardly to overlie a portion of the desk and also forwardly of the desk and an inoperative within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Peter T. Kovacik
  • Patent number: 6513777
    Abstract: A mouse pad that includes secured storage space and a directory is disclosed. The mouse pad would comprise a base and two top-mounted doors. The base would have a height of at least one inch and possibly up to few inches. Within the base, a user could store disks, compact discs, digital video discs, writing utensils, or other items. The doors would be secured by a combination lock that would be attached to the center edges of both doors. The top surface of either door would either have a top-mounted written directory attached to it which would allow for a user to place needed information or an erasable writing pad, which a user would be able to erase whenever desired. The mouse pad would also optionally have a plurality of suction cups, with at least one suction cup attached to each corner of the bottom of the mouse pad. Each suction cup could be used to secure the mouse pad effectively to the top surface of a desk or other flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Fabio
  • Publication number: 20030010876
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rest device for the hand and a support device for the forearm of a person, who performs repeated rotational, lifting and pressure moments with his/her hand e.g. moments during the use of a computer mouse, other intensive work moments with the hand as well as during the rehabilitation of the hand and the arm subsequent to various types of injuries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Abood Issa
  • Patent number: 6506271
    Abstract: An elastomer film laminated cushion includes an elastomer having the physical properties of flexibility and compressibilities in the range of flexibilities and compressibilities of stable elastomer block polymer gels. A film is provided for encapsulating the elastomer with the film having physical properties of flexibility to enable uninhibited flexure compression of the elastomer by a user. A compatibilizing layer is provided for laminating the film to an exterior of the elastomer. The compatibilizing layer also has physical properties of flexibility to enable uninhibited flexure and compression of the elastomer by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Paul M. Yates
  • Patent number: 6499703
    Abstract: A computer wrist pad having a bottom seat, an outer layer, two end plates, and at least one air sac. The bottom seat is provided with an open-ended receiving space in which the air sac is disposed. The receiving space is sealed off at both ends thereof by the two end plates. The air sac is inflatable and deflatable for adjusting the hardness and the thickness of the computer wrist pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Chien-Fa Chou
  • Patent number: 6497391
    Abstract: A keyboard and mouse support includes a keyboard support body and a mouse support. The keyboard support body includes a throughpassage that passes through the support body and opens on opposite sides of the support body. The keyboard support body also defines a support surface configured to accommodate a keyboard such as a keyboard for inputting alphanumeric symbols to a personal computer. The moveable mouse support fits within a portion of the throughpassage of the support and extends outwardly from the support to define a mouse support surface having a region that extends in front of a front edge of a keyboard with the keyboard resting the support surface. Although the term “mouse” has become almost universally used for the rolling input device used to move an arrow on the display screen and “pick” functions or data values, other terms such as “trackball” can be used interchangeably with the term “mouse”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Work-Rite Ergonomic Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek Timm
  • Patent number: 6488244
    Abstract: A typing support is provided as a part of a typing station including a keyboard. The typing support includes a frame having a track and a keyboard support for engagement with a keyboard, a pair of wrist supports, and mounting members on which the wrist supports are carried. The mounting members provide support for the wrists of the typist which allow pivotal movement of one and preferably both hands during typing, and also translational movement along the longitudinal axis of the track. At least one of the wrist supports may be retained in a stationary position relative to the track by a retainer. The relative height or inclination of the keyboard can be adjusted by adjustment feet. The keyboard support may include a support member which pivots relative to a base to adjust the height of the keyboard received thereon, and may also keep a sheet of paper or the like in an upright position for viewing during typing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventors: Ying Gang Ruan, Joy Wei Ruan
  • Publication number: 20020166927
    Abstract: A wrist rest of the present invention comprises an elongate body with distal end portions, a front edge, a rear edge, a top portion, a central portion and a bottom. The central portion further compromises a web that is supportive of said top portion and in conjunction with the selection of a suitable polymeric resin, the wrist rest can be formed as one integrated article that possesses a nearly identical feel as is found in gel-filled wrist rests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin J. Kollar
  • Patent number: 6478266
    Abstract: A computer keyboard assembly includes a keyboard and a wrist support which is releasably mounted to the keyboard by a retention device. The retention device includes a slide movably received in a slot defined in a front extension of the keyboard. The slide has an L-shaped top projection defining a channel. A guide plate is fixed to the front extension of the keyboard by a bolt and has an edge movably received in the channel for retaining the slide in the slot and guiding the movement of the slide. A pawl is formed on the slide to be movable therewith between a released position and a secured position. The slide is biased by a spring a toward the secured position where the pawl engages a U-shaped member formed on an underside of the wrist support thereby securing the wrist support to the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Behavior Tech Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Yong-Der Tsau
  • Publication number: 20020162920
    Abstract: A new and improved support platform is provided that provides for ergonomic comfort. The support platform having a wrist support element and an opposite mechanical stop element that rotate about the platform to provide for enhanced operation of a pointer device, such as a mouse, trackball or such. The support platform capable of connection to prior art computer workstations for enhancing the overall ergonomics of the computer workstation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Glenn R. Cruzet
  • Patent number: 6475585
    Abstract: A releasable adhesive element (1) includes a white substrate (2) formed in a sheet-like shape. An image reception layer (4) containing particles is stacked on an obverse side of the substrate (2). An adhesive layer (5) is stacked on a reverse side of the substrate (2). The adhesive layer (5) is releasably covered with a release sheet (7). The image reception layer (4) enables an image to be formed thereon by an ink-jet printer, an electrophotographic printer, etc. The releasable adhesive element is usable as a mouse pad, a printed matter, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Teikoku Printing Inks Mfg. Co., LTD
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Yamanashi, Naoto Takada, Hiroyuki Fujihara, Katsuhiro Shiota
  • Patent number: 6471164
    Abstract: A computer mouse support and lower arm rest is mounted on a primary support surface having a front edge thereon. The arm rest includes a padded, foldable arm support surface adapted to support the lower arm of the user. The arm support surface defines an upper support region, and a lower support region. The upper support region is connected to the primary support surface by attachment structure and is adapted to support an input device, such as a mouse, thereon along with the hand and wrist of the user. The lower support region has an operating position coplanar with the upper support region for supporting the forearm and elbow of a user, and a storage position folded forwardly over the upper support region for protectively covering the mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: James J. DiOrio
  • Patent number: 6467737
    Abstract: An adjustable arm rest for use with a personal computer including a support bracket couplable with the forward edge of the desk. The support bracket includes a pivot pin extending upwardly therefrom. A support plate is couplable with the support bracket. An arm support is couplable with the pivot pin of the support bracket to allow the arm support to slide and pivot with respect to the support bracket and the support plate while supporting the user's arm thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: David Dorantes
  • Publication number: 20020130226
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting a user's forearm and wrists while still allowing substantially full mobility of the user's arms and hands to enable him to comfortably and effectively operate a keyboard and mouse. The assembly includes left and right subassemblies, each including an armrest. Each subassembly is configured to enable the armrest to (1) move laterally and longitudinally relative to a keyboard mounted on the surface of a support plate, (2) swivel about multiple axes oriented substantially perpendicular to said surface, and (3) tilt about an axis oriented substantially parallel to said surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Dilip Nogueira
  • Patent number: 6452791
    Abstract: Notebook computers having an integrated wrist support device are disclosed. Also disclosed are wrist supports for use with notebook computer keyboards, a wrist support kit, and notebook computer kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Stanley A. Kim
  • Publication number: 20020125379
    Abstract: An ergonomically designed device for supporting the wrist or forearm of a person operating a computer input device such as a computer mouse, trackball, digitizing tablet, game controller or a keyboard comprises a plurality of balls, and a housing having means for rotatably captivating the balls so that they can support a wrist or forearm while facilitating multi-directional motion of the supported wrist or forearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Steven J. Money, Peter M. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20020126444
    Abstract: A system and method for providing one or more detachable components for a computer system are disclosed. The system and method allow for simplified customization of a user's computer system. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a housing component at least partially defining an exterior surface of the computer system. The housing component may have at least one mounting finger, which may be a pin like protrusion or an elongated and flat extension. The mounting finger may extend from the housing component and be formed to define a locking shoulder. The system may also include a detachable component having a mounting tab. The mounting tab may interact with the locking shoulder to releasably couple the detachable component to the housing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Orin M. Ozias, Thomas L. Bentley, David H. Titzler, Thijs J. Gerlings, Lawrence E. Davis
  • Patent number: 6446920
    Abstract: An ergonomic hand rest that may be either mounted on an existing gaming machine or included as a standard feature in a new machine includes an interface member adapted to be connected to the gaming machine. A support member has a base arranged to be connected to the interface member and a support plate extending from the base. A wrist cushion has a recess in which the support plate extends when the wrist cushion, the interface member and the support member are assembled together. The interface member includes means for coupling the interface member to the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: John C. Wells, Jason Robertson
  • Publication number: 20020117589
    Abstract: A typing support is provided as a part of a typing station including a keyboard. The typing support includes a frame having a track and a keyboard support for engagement with a keyboard, a pair of wrist supports, and mounting members on which the wrist supports are carried. The mounting members provide support for the wrists of the typist which allow pivotal movement of one and preferably both hands during typing, and also translational movement along the longitudinal axis of the track. At least one of the wrist supports may be retained in a stationary position relative to the track by a retainer. The relative height or inclination of the keyboard can be adjusted by adjustment feet. The keyboard support may include a support member which pivots relative to a base to adjust the height of the keyboard received thereon, and may also keep a sheet of paper or the like in an upright position for viewing during typing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Ying Gang Ruan, Joy Wei Ruan
  • Patent number: 6442018
    Abstract: A carrying case (and an integrated briefcase computer including the carrying case) includes a housing having first and second container portions which are selectively opened and closed, the first and second container portions being coupled together, a computer including central processing unit (CPU) integrally housed in one of the first and second container portions of the housing, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen located in the other of the first and second container portions of the housing, and a keyboard, removably housed in the one of the first and second container portions, for communicating with the LCD screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machine Corporation
    Inventor: Sam Dinkin
  • Patent number: 6440526
    Abstract: A pad (11) having a non-slip surface, the pad adapted for attachment to a substrate and for use in combination with a garment worn by a person, the pad comprising a layer of a flexible non-slip material. having a lower surface adapted to be removably attached to said substrate and an upper surface which is partially covered by a hook and loop type fastener (14) and the garment has a surface complementary to the hook and loop type fastener, such that in use the person can control the extent of engagement between the complementary surface of the garment and the hook and loop type fastener of the pad by selectively placing the garment on the pad so that the complementary surface can contact both the hook and loop type fastener and non-slip material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Craig Steven John Gamble, Andrew Glen Roche
  • Patent number: 6431504
    Abstract: The invention is a device for an adhesive attachment to an upper or side surface of a computer mouse providing a contoured extension platform for the user to rest his hand and non-operating fingers upon for comfort while using the device with the user's operational fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Chad Ignagni
  • Patent number: 6428229
    Abstract: An armrest (1) for providing wrist and forearm support during keyboard and mouse operations is provided. The armrest (1) is placed at the front edge of the keyboard and supports most of the forearm from the elbow to the wrist so that the operator can operate the keyboard and handle the mouse, with the forearm supported close to the keyboard. The armrest (1) includes an enlarged support area (12, 22), an elbow protrusion area (13) at the longitudinal ends of the armrest (1), and two mouse pads (2: 21, 22) on the same surface running from the center area (11, 21) to one of the longitudinal ends. The armrest is positioned so that the center area (11, 21) of the mouse pad (2) faces the space bar (4), and the enlarged support area (12, 22) faces the number keypad (5) and projects out to the right of the number keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroshi Udo, Akiko Udo, Akihiro Udo