Supports – Armrest or headrest
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-06
2001-05-29
Chin-Shue, Alvin (Department: 3634)
Supports
Armrest or headrest
C248S918000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237879
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to alleviation of manual discomfort arising from use of computer such as a portable, laptop type computer; and more particularly to provision of two hand, wrist or palm support pads which are spaced apart and positioned to extend directly beneath the normal position of the hands, wrists or palms of the operator of the computer, to yield the normal feel of the solid surface computer, yet also provide cushioning for comfort, and protect on against static electricity build-up, and heat expulsion from the computer body in contact with the user's hand, or hands.
The use of and advantages associates with portable computers are well known in the art. Over the last decade, there has been an intense effort in the computer industry to down size the personal computer to provide users with a powerful yet portable computer that can be taken out of the office and fully utilized at home or on the road. As advancements have been made in both microprocessing chip and battery technologies, particularly over the last decade, personal computers were eventually downsized into “laptop computers”.
While these computers offered the portability and processing power of a full sized personal computer, the laptop was still somewhat large and heavy for the user to carry around. In response to these disadvantages, the laptops were downsized even further into what is now commonly known in the industry as a notebook computer, which is smaller and more light weight yet possessing equal or greater processing capabilities than their earlier laptop counterpart.
Because of their portability, notebook computers are frequently used in many applications for many different forms of industry and commerce. Due to their increased power and processing capabilities, these machines operate with greater levels of static electricity and heat expulsion. These “wasten” products of this modern technology can cause discomfort to the user at any given time. If an operator uses a notebook or portable computer computer for an extended period of time, he or she may experience hand discomfort and particularly the palms of the hands from such residual “waste” products. Therefore, need exists to develop a more effective means to counteract these adverse affects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a major object of the invention to provide improved support pads positioned and individually adjusted on a computer to alleviate or eliminate the problems referred to. Basically, the invention provides for a combination that includes a computer having a first section supporting a keyboard and a second section supporting a screen, the second section pivotally connected to pivot between upright raised position, and a down pivoted position, with the second section then overlying the first section and keyboard, the improvement comprising
a) the base section having two laterally spaced upward facing surfaces offset from the keyboard,
b) the flat support pads respectively adhered or attached to said two spaced surfaces, in adjusted positions and openly spaced below the second section in down pivoted position thereof, so as not to interfere with such down pivoting to closed position,
c) the pads consisting essentially of elastomeric foam material, and being relatively thin,
d) the pads sized to comfortably support the computer user's wrists during stroking of the keyboard, when the second section is in raised position.
As will be seen the pads may have undersides adhesively attached to such surfaces; each pad preferably and typically has thickness between {fraction (1/32)} inch and {fraction (3/16)} inch throughout the area of the pad; and each pad typically has a looping edge bounding the pad area which is between 1 square inch and 4 square inches. This allows pad adjustment or positioning to a selected zone or zones under the user's wrists or palms.
A further object includes provision of such pads that are everywhere at levels below a plane defined by the uppermost levels of keyboard keys, whereby the pads do not interfere with closing of the laptop.
Yet another object includes provision of each such pad to consist of
i) an intermediate layer of neoprene foam
ii) an upper nylon layer attached to that intermediate layer, the upper layer having less than half the thickness of the intermediate layer,
iii) an under layer of adhesive material for adhesively attaching the pad to one of the base section upward facing surfaces, and allowing pad pull off and re-positioning.
A further object includes optional provision of a third support pad adhered in superposed stacked relation to the upper surface of one of such two pads, whereby the combined height of the stacked pads provides more cushioning, as well as elevating the user's wrist and hand to a selected level affording greater finger accommodation to the keyboard, and provision of a fourth such support pad adhesive in superposed stacked relation to the upper surface of the other of said two support pads.
An added object includes provision of use of such pads through their selective adhering to the computer base section, whereby the pads being approximately of wrist width, and as selectively and locally positioned, serve to orient the user's hands or wrists to correct positions relative to the keyboard, and with comfort. Also, the slippery-ness of the pad upper surface or surfaces allows the user's hand surfaces in contact with the pads to easily slide on such surfaces during computer keyboard use, while the pad provides cushioning directly below that slippery or low friction upper surface.
Yet another object includes a method of use of such pads whereby they are selectively located at laterally adjustable distances, and relative to an intermediate control zone, to provide the advantages as referred to, and to orient the user's wrists.
The pads of the invention provide more comfort and shield protection from heat and static electricity generated by said notebook computers and are easily adapted to the computer geometry to help defend against such irritations. The pads are self-adhering, safe and easy to use and are removable, for individual and relative adjustment. They are sized to fit multiple brands and types of portable or notebook computers. The user receives benefits from the pads in an ergonomic manner, with comfort as during lengthy sessions at the computer.
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Chin-Shue Alvin
Haefliger William W.
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