Supports – Armrest or headrest
Reexamination Certificate
1996-05-22
2003-11-18
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Supports
Armrest or headrest
C248S444000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06648282
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to platforms. More specifically, this invention relates to a platform for supporting a computer input device.
A variety of data input devices for computers are known. These include, for example, a mouse, a track ball, a portable track ball, a stylus, a digitizer with a tablet, a light pen and the like.
One problem with using such data input devices is repetitive strain injury to the user. Straining to perform the same hand movements over and over again eventually leads to repetitive strain injury. The most common manifestation of repetitive strain injury among typists and data input device users is carpal tunnel syndrome. A similar ailment, wrist tendonitis, has also been associated with such use. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in one's wrist through which the median nerve passes. This nerve carries sensations for the entire hand. It also affects the finger flexor tendons which link one's fingers to the muscles in the person's lower arm. The tunnel is formed by walls of solid bone on three sides with the bottom enclosed by the transverse carpal ligament, a tough, inelastic cartilage. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tendons protect themselves from overuse. Each tendon is surrounded by a thick fluid filled sac called a synovial sheath, which swells with extra fluid to protect the tendon. Scientifically, this swelling is called tendonitis. When these sacs swell in the carpal tunnel, they can pinch the median nerve against the bones or the carpal ligament. The result can be loss of sensation in the hands and debilitating pain.
The popularity of the personal computer for use in office automation and computer assisted design has been found to cause repetitive motion injuries to operators of data input devices for such machines. Efforts to decrease the stresses placed on the operator's wrist or arm usually take place only after the symptoms have occurred. The need for a preventative and palliative support for the upper extremities of the operator has become more evident as more repetitive motion and stress related injuries occur.
Research suggests that computer users should limit their exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by certain video displays. It has been suggested that a computer user should not be able to reach the display's screen from the user's seated position. Relatedly, it is common for a seated computer user, when using a data input device on a surface such as a desktop, to lean forward. An invention allowing a computer user to sit both more upright, with better posture, and farther away from the computer's display screen is, therefore, needed. An invention that permits the operator of a data input device to use the data input device while postured in additional and various ways will reduce the amount of repetition to which the operator's body is subjected, thereby reducing the operator's chances of sustaining a repetitive stress injury.
As computers which use a mouse or other data input device become more common, the work space of an existing office is increasingly more crowded due to the presence of added computer equipment. It is, therefore, often necessary to purchase additional furniture to provide work surfaces on which to deploy the computer equipment. This is particularly true where the data input device uses a mouse, a track ball or a digitizer tablet in addition to the keyboard found in a personal computer or a computer work station system.
There is thus a need for a platform for a data input device which platform would 1) provide a more ergonomic hand and arm position for the user of the data input device and thereby reduce the possibility of repetitive motion injury to the user; 2) permit the operator of a data input device to use the data input device while postured in additional and various ways thereby reducing the amount of repetition to which the operator's body is subjected thus reducing the operator's chances of sustaining a repetitive stress injury; 3) allow the user to sit farther from the computer's video display; 4) allow the user to sit upright and with better posture while using the data input device; and 5) reduce the need for desktop space for the data input device.
Accordingly, it has been considered desirable to develop a new and improved platform for a data input device which would overcome the foregoing difficulties and others and meet the above-stated needs while providing better and more advantageous overall results.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a support structure is provided for a data input device and for an operator's extremity controlling such device.
More specifically in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the support structure comprises a deck having a top surface, on which an associated data input device can be selectively positioned, and a bottom surface. Also provided is a base having a top surface and a bottom surface. A fastening means secures the deck bottom surface to the base top surface. A place for an operator's appendage to rest is located on the deck top surface.
Preferably, a first positioning means inclines the deck on the base in a transverse direction in relation to a longitudinal axis of the deck. The first positioning means can comprise a shim having a first and a second side which each have hook and loop fastening members. These cooperate with hook and loop fastening members secured to the deck bottom surface and the base top surface. Alternatively, the first positioning means can comprise a socket located on the deck bottom surface, a ball operably secured to the base top surface and a first securing means for selectively fastening the ball to the socket in a desired location. The first securing means can comprise hook and loop fasteners.
Preferably a second positioning means raises and lowers the deck in relation to the base. The second positioning means can comprise an intermediate platform having a top surface that is operably secured to the deck bottom surface and a bottom surface including at least one projection. At least one socket can be located on the base top surface for accommodating the at least one projection of the intermediate platform. A second securing means selectively fastens the intermediate platform at least one projection at a desired level in the base at least one socket.
The deck top surface can include an indented section for accommodating a pad, such as a mouse pad. The deck can further comprise a rail extending from the top surface. The rail can have a slot for accommodating a communications wire of the data input device. The base top surface can be substantially planar whereas its bottom surface can be shaped to conform to a body surface of the user. For example, the bottom surface can be indented to conform to a thigh of the user. The base bottom surface can include a bevelled or indented corner in order to accommodate a lap of the user. The bottom surface can also include a friction generating means for preventing a sliding movement of the base on the user's thigh.
The rest for the operator's appendage can be selectively securable to the deck. The rest can comprise a wrist rest having a concave top surface and a bottom surface including a third securing means for securing the rest to the deck. The third securing means can comprise either cooperating hook and loop fasteners or a tether.
The fastening means for securing the deck to the base can comprise a socket operably secured to the deck bottom surface, a ball having a top surface, fitting in the socket and being selectively securable thereto, and a bottom surface and an intermediate platform having a top surface to which the ball bottom surface is selectively secured. The intermediate platform also can have a bottom surface comprising at least one projection with at least one socket being located on the base top surface. The at least one socket accommodates the intermediate platform at least one projection.
The data
Fay, Sharper, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP
Stodola Daniel P.
LandOfFree
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