Supports – Brackets – Adjustable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-30
2001-08-14
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Supports
Brackets
Adjustable
C248S118100, C248S281110, C248S292140
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273382
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ergonomic support device for a keyboard apparatus or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Carpal tunnel syndrome is manifested by numbness, tingling and pain in hand and fingers of the user and may be caused by improper computer keyboard positioning relative to the posture of the user. Prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome has become important with the widespread use of personal computers in the office environment. With increased productivity due to increased typing speeds and elimination of non-productive hand movements previously required in using an electric typewriter, such as manual error corrections, carriage return, replacing paper, more forceful actuation of the keys, etc., the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome appears to have increased.
It has been found that proper orientation of the keyboard relative to the user's forearms, wrist and fingers may mitigate the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Adjustable keyboard support devices are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,250, issued to Pemberton et al., discloses a keyboard support apparatus that allows the inclination of the keyboard to be adjusted downwardly relative to the user. However, the apparatus does not allow for vertical adjustment of the keyboard other than what is afforded by the tilt adjustment.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable keyboard support device where the height and the tilt of the keyboard can be adjusted independently of the other adjustment.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable keyboard support device where the keyboard can be tilted downwardly away from the user for a more natural and comfortable positioning of the user's fingers, wrist and forearms.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable keyboard support device that keeps the vertical position of the device constant while adjustment to the tilt is made, thereby minimizing adjustment iterations between the vertical and the tilt adjustments.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable keyboard support device that can be stored out of the way underneath a desktop when not in use.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable keyboard support device that can be relatively easily retrofitted to an existing desk or workstation.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable keyboard support device that minimizes the flexing of the user's wrist, thereby minimizing the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable keyboard support device that provides the user support for the whole arm during pauses and keying operation.
In summary, the present invention provides a keyboard support device comprising a structure for being slidably secured to an underside of a desktop. The structure includes first and second side members. First and second tray support side members are vertically adjustably secured to respective structure first and second side members, the tray support side members being positionable between a lowest position to a highest position. A keyboard support is secured to the first and second tray support members. The keyboard support includes a front portion pivotably secured to the tray support members such that the keyboard support can be tilted to a downwardly sloping position away from a user while the vertical position of the front portion remains substantially the same.
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Novosad Jennifer E.
Shlesinger & Arkwright & Garvey LLP
Stodola Daniel P.
LandOfFree
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