Supports – Armrest or headrest – Armrest for writer
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-21
2001-08-21
Ramirez, Ramon O. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Armrest or headrest
Armrest for writer
C400S715000, C132S073000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276647
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of hand and wrist support devices for receipt of nail care services and for performance of manual tasks. More specifically the present invention relates to an ergonomically designed hand elevation apparatus for elevating and supporting the hand, wrist and fingers of a person while nail care or medical service is given or received, or while the person operates a computer keyboard or mouse, or does work using repetitive hand, wrist or finger motions. The apparatus includes a spool-shaped frame structure in the form of two spaced apart disk end portions interconnected by an axial wrist support shaft, and further includes a frame support surface. It is preferred that an O-ring fit into a circumferential groove around each disk end portion to provide traction between the apparatus and the frame support surface and to protect the surface from abrasion damage. A flexible, planar cushion removably wraps around the wrist support shaft and is secured in place with fastening means. The cushion can be replaced periodically and the frame cleaned for proper sanitation. An elongate version of the frame structure is provided so that keyboards and mouse pads fit between the disk end portions and underneath the wrist support shaft and cushion, for rolling access to all areas of the keyboard or mouse pad.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There have in recent years been a variety of devices for supporting the hand and wrist of a person while a manicure is performed. The known prior art wrist support devices all include a platform which rests flat against a horizontal support surface such as a table top and which remains stationary. Most of these prior devices have complex wrist, hand or finger support structures which extend upwardly from the platform. All are relatively costly and cumbersome, and the platform itself can obstruct air vents typically built into nail service tables or work stations.
Becker, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,331, issued on Apr. 10, 1990, discloses such a structure which includes a cylindrical wrist support cross-member mounted on spaced apart posts extending upwardly from a platform. A notched finger supporting rack is mounted on a bracket connected to the platform adjacent to the cross-member. This appears to be the apparatus marketed by EASELTECH™ in its brochure.
Sexton, U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,795, issued on Feb. 9, 1993, teaches a manicure stand having arched arm and hand support panels each mounted on angled posts affixed to a platform. One of the posts telescopes to any of several selectable lengths.
Jimenez, U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,103, issued on Dec. 8, 1992, reveals a handstand for nail work. Jimenez includes a ribbon of material molded into a configuration having an angled arm support plate extending upwardly from a platform. A padded elbow support region is provided on the platform.
Kitrell, U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,263, issued on Jun. 1, 1982, teaches a manicure easel. Kitrell includes a platform from which adjustable finger and wrist support channels extend on pivotable rods. A finger support channel elevation lever mechanism is provided, part of which is contained within the platform.
Vu, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,036, issued on Nov. 28, 1995, discloses a wrist/hand support for keyboards. Vu includes a platform having wrist support elements mounted on pads which are movable over part of the platform upper surface.
NAILSMART™ is marketing a hand rest which appears to comprise a disk shaped hand support platform. See NAILS™ magazine, May 1999, advertising page immediately before page 132.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus including a frame structure support surface and a hand and wrist supporting frame structure which moves with the hand and wrist over the support surface, for ready placement at a comfortable location relative to the user for wrist and hand support during administration of nail service, during use of a computer or typewriter keyboard or mouse, or during repetitive work.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus in which the frame structure rolls over the support surface to the desired location, and simultaneously rolls along the lower surface of the wrist and palm of the user hand for ready positioning of the frame structure underneath the wrist and hand to angle and position the hand as desired, and which relaxes and stabilizes the user hand, wrist or fingers.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which is simple in design, compact and light weight for convenient transport and storage.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which does not include a platform or other structure that significantly obstructs air flow through a vent in the support surface.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus in which the frame structure places the recipient wrist and hand at an elevation which is close enough to the support surface that a service provider can administer nail service, or medical service where the hand is stabilized such as in instances in which hand tremors are present, while resting his or her elbow on the support surface or resting his or her wrist on an edge of the support surface, such that the service provider can work with comfort and minimal fatigue, and at an elevation close enough to the support surface that the hand can readily access and operate a computer or typewriter keyboard or mouse.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus in which the frame structure has a circumferential wrist support cushion which is removable and replaceable for proper sanitation and comfort.
It is finally an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which is inexpensive to manufacture, easy to operate and durable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention accomplishes the above-stated objectives, as well as others, as may be determined by a fair reading and interpretation of the entire specification.
A hand elevation apparatus is provided, including a substantially horizontal frame support surface; a frame structure for supporting a user wrist and having two spaced apart disk end portions resting on the frame support surface for rolling across the frame support surface; and a wrist support shaft extending axially between and interconnecting the disk end portions.
The disk end portions preferably each have an outwardly directed circumferential surface and each circumferential surface includes a circumferential traction groove; the apparatus additionally including an O-ring removably fit into each of the traction grooves for providing traction between the disk end portions and the frame support surface. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a wrist cushion fit around the wrist support shaft. The wrist cushion preferably includes a foam interior and a flexible outer skin. The wrist cushion is removably wrapped around the wrist support shaft and secured with a cushion fastener. The cushion fastener preferably includes a hook and loop fastener.
The apparatus optionally additionally includes a keyboard having a keyboard length and a keyboard longitudinal axis extending between keyboard lateral ends, and resting on the frame support surface. The wrist support shaft preferably is at least as long as the keyboard length and substantially parallel with the keyboard longitudinal axis, and in this instance the keyboard is positioned between the disk end portions, so that the disk end portions are free to roll on the frame support surface beside each of the keyboard lateral ends to position the wrist support shaft and a user hand over a desired portion of the keyboard.
The frame support surface optionally includes a support surface edge substantially parallel to the wrist support shaft for supporting an arm of a nail service provider.
The apparatus alternatively additionally includes a computer mouse and a computer m
Oltman Flynn & Kubler
Ramirez Ramon O.
Szumny Jon A
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