U.S. patent application number 09/746479 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-03 for keyboard pad with reversible mouse pad.
This patent application is currently assigned to Haworth, Inc.. Invention is credited to Alexander, Brian D.T., LeClair, Jim, Ola, Mihai L., Roslund, Richard N. JR., Tonizzo, David, Vanderloo, Ron, West, Daniel C.K..
Application Number | 20010000616 09/746479 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22634401 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010000616 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
West, Daniel C.K. ; et
al. |
May 3, 2001 |
Keyboard pad with reversible mouse pad
Abstract
A keyboard support arrangement which includes both a main
support pad for supporting a computer keyboard and an auxiliary
support pad for supporting a computer mouse. The auxiliary pad is
removably and angularly positionable adjacent either side of the
main keyboard pad to provide increased convenience and flexibility
of use. The auxiliary mouse pad is totally separable from the main
keyboard pad, and a multi-positionable connecting structure enables
the auxiliary pad to be positioned relative to the main keyboard
pad at one of a plurality of angular positions.
Inventors: |
West, Daniel C.K.; (Grand
Rapids, MI) ; Roslund, Richard N. JR.; (Jenison,
MI) ; Alexander, Brian D.T.; (Douglas, MI) ;
LeClair, Jim; (Ontario, CA) ; Vanderloo, Ron;
(Ontario, CA) ; Tonizzo, David; (Ontario, CA)
; Ola, Mihai L.; (Kitchener, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLYNN, THIEL, BOUTELL & TANIS, P.C.
2026 Rambling Road
Kalamazoo
MI
49008-1699
US
|
Assignee: |
Haworth, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22634401 |
Appl. No.: |
09/746479 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09746479 |
Dec 27, 2000 |
|
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09174000 |
Oct 16, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/118 ;
248/346.01; 248/918 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0395 20130101;
Y10S 248/918 20130101; A47B 21/0314 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/118 ;
248/346.01; 248/918 |
International
Class: |
B68G 005/00; B65D
019/00; A47B 091/00 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A support pad arrangement for a computer keyboard, comprising: a
main keyboard support pad having first and second ides and a
generally horizontally enlarged upper surface adapted for
supporting a computer keyboard thereon; an auxiliary support pad
having a generally horizontally enlarged upper surface adapted for
supporting a computer mouse thereon; a supporting structure
connected to said main pad for movably supporting said support pad
arrangement from a work surface, said supporting structure being
free of connection to said auxiliary pad; and a connecting
structure connecting said auxiliary pad directly to said main
keyboard support pad, said connecting structure including first and
second connecting members respectively mounted on said first and
second sides of said main pad, and a third connecting member
mounted on said auxiliary pad configured to cooperatively engage
with one of said first and second connecting members to create a
plurality of discrete angular positions of said auxiliary pad with
respect to said main pad when said auxiliary pad is positioned
adjacent one of said first and second sides, respectively.
2. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein said connecting structure
defines a generally horizontal pivot axis which extends
transversely of said main and auxiliary pads, said auxiliary pad
being positionable in a plurality of discrete angular positions
about the pivot axis.
3. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein said third connecting member
of said auxiliary pad is mounted on a first side thereof, and said
auxiliary pad further includes a fourth connecting member mounted
on a second side of said auxiliary pad, said fourth connecting
member being configured to cooperatively engage with the other of
said first and second connecting members to create a plurality of
discrete angular positions of said auxiliary pad with respect to
said main pad when said auxiliary pad is positioned adjacent the
other of said first and second sides of said main pad.
4. The arrangement of claim 3 wherein said connecting structure
includes first and second elongate connecting elements slidably
supported on said main pad and extendible outwardly from the
respective first and second sides thereof into an extended
position, said auxiliary pad being removably supported on one of
said first and second connecting elements when in said extended
position.
5. The arrangement of claim 4 wherein each said first and second
connecting element includes a connecting member at an outer
terminal end thereof, each said connecting member of said first and
second connecting elements being configured to cooperatively engage
with one of said third and fourth connecting members of said
auxiliary pad to lock said auxiliary pad in a desired angular
orientation relative to said main pad.
6. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein said supporting structure
includes a support arm having a first end associated with said main
pad and a second end remote therefrom, and a bracket disposed
adjacent the work surface and associated with said second end of
said support arm, said bracket non-rotatably mounting thereon a
circular member defining a vertical axis, said supporting structure
further including a frame-like arrangement movably disposed within
an elongate track fixedly mounted to a lower surface of the work
surface, said frame-like arrangement being slidably disposed within
said track for permitting movement of said support pad arrangement
toward and away from the work surface, and said frame-like
arrangement being configured to confine said circular member
therewithin such that said circular member is rotatable relative to
said frame-like arrangement to permit said support pad arrangement
to be pivoted about the vertical axis with respect to the work
surface.
7. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein said supporting structure
includes a support arm assembly adapted to permit said support pad
arrangement to be positioned in a plurality of vertical positions
with respect to the work surface, and to permit said main pad to be
positioned in a plurality of angular positions with respect to a
generally horizontal plane defined by the work surface.
8. The arrangement of claim 7 further including an actuator
assembly having an actuator lever movably mounted on said main pad
and being movable into a first position for permitting said main
pad to be positioned in said plurality of angular positions and a
second position for permitting said support pad arrangement to be
positioned in said plurality of vertical positions.
9. The arrangement of claim 8 wherein said support arm assembly
includes a support arm having a first end pivotably connected to
said main pad and a second end remote therefrom, said connecting
structure including a support member connected to the work surface
and pivotably supporting said second end of said support arm, said
support arm assembly further including a first braking member
associated with said first end of said support arm adapted to fix
said main pad in one of said angular positions, and a second
braking member associated with said second end of said support arm
adapted to fix said support pad arrangement in one of said vertical
positions, said actuator lever when moved into said first position
releasing said first braking member to permit movement of said main
pad into a selected one of said angular positions, and said
actuator when moved into said second position releasing said second
braking member to permit movement of said support pad arrangement
into a selected one of said vertical positions.
10. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein said first and second
connecting members each include a toothed portion, and said third
connecting member includes a toothed portion configured to
cooperatively engage with said one first and second connecting
member to create said plurality of discrete angular positions.
11. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein said connecting structure is
configured and disposed to permit removal and separation of said
auxiliary pad from said one first and second side and reattachment
of said auxiliary pad to the other of said one first and second
sides.
12. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein said connecting structure
includes first and second elongate connecting elements slidably
supported on said main pad and extendible outwardly from the
respective first and second sides thereof into an extended
position, said auxiliary pad being removably supported on one of
said first and second connecting elements when in said extended
position.
13. A support pad arrangement for a computer keyboard, comprising:
a main keyboard support pad having first and second sides and a
generally horizontally enlarged upper surface adapted for
supporting a computer keyboard thereon; an auxiliary support pad
having a generally horizontally enlarged upper surface adapted for
supporting a computer mouse thereon, said auxiliary pad being
wholly and readily separable from said main pad; a supporting
structure connected to said main pad for movably supporting said
support pad arrangement from a work surface; and a connecting
structure configured to detachably connect said auxiliary pad to
said main pad adjacent either of said first and second sides and
defining a generally horizontal pivot axis which extends
transversely of said first and second sides, said connecting
structure including an elongate support element having a first end
slidably supported on said main pad and a second end for supporting
said auxiliary pad, and a locking arrangement cooperating between
said main and auxiliary pads to permit said auxiliary pad to be
positioned in a plurality of discrete and fixed angular positions
with respect to said main pad by pivoting said auxiliary pad about
the pivot axis.
14. The arrangement of claim 13 wherein said connecting structure
includes a pair of said elongate support elements each slidably
supported on said main pad, a first of said support elements being
extendible outwardly from said first side of said main pad into an
extended position, and a second of said support elements being
extendible outwardly from said second side of said main pad into an
extended position for supporting said auxiliary pad thereon
adjacent the respective said first and second side of said main
pad.
15. The arrangement of claim 14 wherein said first and second
support elements are longitudinally aligned with one another and
are slidably mounted on a bottom surface of said main pad.
16. The arrangement of claim 13 wherein said locking arrangement
includes first and second connecting members mounted adjacent said
first and second sides of said main pad, respectively, and a third
connecting member mounted on said auxiliary pad configured to
cooperatively engage with one of said first and second connecting
members to provide the plurality of discrete angular positions of
said auxiliary pad relative to said main pad.
17. The arrangement of claim 16 wherein each said first and second
connecting member includes a toothed portion configured to engage
with a correspondingly configured toothed portion of said third
connecting member.
18. The arrangement of claim 13 wherein said auxiliary pad is
slidably supported on said elongate support element for pivoting
about the pivot axis.
19. A keyboard support pad arrangement for connection to a work
surface, comprising: a main keyboard support pad having first and
second sides and a generally horizontally enlarged upper surface
adapted for supporting a keyboard thereon; an auxiliary support pad
having a generally horizontally enlarged upper surface adapted for
supporting a computer mouse thereon; first and second elongate
support elements slidably supported on said main pad, each said
first and second support element being extendible outwardly from
the respective first and second sides of said main pad into an
extended position, said auxiliary pad being supported on one of
said first and second support elements when in said extended
position, and said auxiliary pad being detachable from the
respective said support element and positionable adjacent either of
said first and second sides of said main pad; and a fixing
structure adapted for holding said auxiliary pad in an engaged
position on said one first and second support element.
20. The arrangement of claim 19 wherein said fixing structure
includes a first and second connecting members respectively mounted
adjacent said first and second sides of said main pad, and third
and fourth connecting members respectively mounted adjacent first
and second sides of said auxiliary pad, each said third and fourth
connecting member being configured to cooperatively engage with one
of said first and second connecting members.
21. The arrangement of claim 19 wherein said auxiliary pad includes
a generally flat surface for supporting the computer mouse thereon
and accommodating movements thereof, a shoulder which projects
upwardly from and substantially surrounds said flat surface to
confine the mouse on said auxiliary pad.
22. The arrangement of claim 21 wherein said auxiliary pad includes
a front edge portion having a generally concave configuration in
transverse cross-section and generally convex configuration in
longitudinal section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
1. This invention relates to a keyboard pad arrangement for a
computer and, more particularly, to an improved keyboard pad
arrangement employing separate keyboard and mouse support pads
which are positionable in adjacent and interconnected
relationship.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
2. Articulated keyboard mechanisms are typically mounted on and
associated with work surfaces and desk tops to support a computer
keyboard. Such mechanisms are also often provided with an
associated support pad for a computer mouse, and this associated
support pad is either integrally related to the keyboard support
pad so as to have minimum flexibility, or in the alternative
includes a wholly independent mouse support pad which, while
providing greater flexibility, nevertheless results in additional
complications with respect to both structure and mounting.
3. It is an object of the invention to provide an improved keyboard
support arrangement which accommodates both a keyboard and a mouse,
but which greatly improves upon both the structure and the
convenience and flexibility of use in comparison to known
structures.
4. Prior copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/866 137,
which is owned by the same assignee of the instant application and
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, relates to a
keyboard pad arrangement with a separate and detachable mouse pad.
In an effort to improve on this type of keyboard pad arrangement,
the present invention was developed.
5. In this regard, the present invention relates to an improved
keyboard support arrangement which includes both a main support pad
for the keyboard, as well as an auxiliary support pad for the
mouse, with the auxiliary support pad being removably and multiply
positionable on and relative to the main support pad so as to
provide increased convenience and flexibility of use with respect
to the mouse support pad and the mouse positionable thereon.
6. In the improved support pad arrangement of the invention, the
mouse or auxiliary pad is totally separable from the keyboard
support pad, and a connecting structure is provided for permitting
the auxiliary pad to be mounted directly from the keyboard support
pad adjacent either side edge thereof as selected by the user. In
addition, the connecting structure enables the auxiliary support
pad to be positioned relative to the keyboard support pad at one of
a plurality of different angular relationships so as to provide for
increased comfort during use. The connecting structure also permits
the auxiliary support pad to be totally and easily detached from
the keyboard support pad and moved about as a portable unit,
thereby enabling it to be carried about for use as a writing
surface, or enabling it to be positioned on a desk top or work
surface.
7. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
support pad arrangement includes a main keyboard support pad and an
auxiliary support pad adapted to support a computer mouse thereon.
The auxiliary pad is detachably supported at either side of the
main pad by one of two elongate support elements slidably supported
on the main pad and extendible outwardly therefrom. The support pad
arrangement additionally includes a fixing structure adapted to
hold the auxiliary pad in an engaged position on one of the support
elements.
8. Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent
upon reading the following specification and inspecting the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
9. FIG. 1 is a perspective view which illustrates the keyboard
support arrangement according to the invention and its attachment
to and position adjacent a conventional work surface;
10. FIG. 2 is a top view which illustrates the pad assembly
including the main keyboard pad and the auxiliary mouse pad;
11. FIG. 3 is a fragmentary left side elevational view of the
keyboard support arrangement of FIG. 1;
12. FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary left side view of the
keyboard support arrangement similar to FIG. 3 with the bottom
cover removed therefrom;
13. FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary top view illustrating the
right support beam in an extended position;
14. FIG. 6 is a fragmentary bottom view of the keyboard support
arrangement of FIG. 1, but with the bottom cover removed and
without the auxiliary mouse pad;
15. FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 7--7 in FIG. 3;
16. FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 8--8 in FIG. 7;
17. FIG. 9 is a fragmentary bottom view of the support arm and
carriage;
18. FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 10--10 of FIG. 2;
19. FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 11--11 of FIG. 2;
20. FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 12--12 of FIG. 5;
21. FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 13--13 of FIG. 5;
22. FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 14--14 of FIG. 5;
23. FIG. 15 is a front end view of the auxiliary pad taken
generally along line 15--15 of FIG. 5;
24. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
16--16 of FIG. 5;
25. FIG. 17 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 17--17 of FIG. 6;
26. FIG. 18 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 18--18 of FIG. 6; and
27. FIG. 19 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 19--19 of FIG. 6.
28. Certain terminology will be used in the following description
for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For
example, the words "upwardly", "downwardly", "leftwardly" and
"rightwardly" will refer to directions in the drawings to which
reference is made. The word "forwardly" will be used in conjunction
with the portions of the keyboard arrangement positioned closest to
the user, and similarly the word "rearwardly" will refer to
portions of the keyboard arrangement positioned remote from the
user. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions
toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the
overall arrangement and designated parts thereof. Said terminology
will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof,
and words of similar import.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
29. Referring to the drawings, and specifically FIGS. 1 and 3,
there is illustrated an articulated keyboard support arrangement 10
according to the present invention. The arrangement 10 is adapted
to be mounted on a conventional work surface or table top 11, the
latter having generally horizontal and substantially planar upper
and lower surfaces 12 and 13, respectively, with the work surface
11 terminating at a free front edge 14.
30. The keyboard support arrangement 10 in the illustrated
embodiment includes an elongate support arm 15 which at the rear
end thereof couples to a carriage 16 which is positionable under
the table top 11. The carriage 16 is preferably confined for
sliding movement in a front-to-back direction of the table top 11
by means of an elongate track 17 stationarily and horizontally
mounted on the lower surface 13 of table top 11. The forward end of
the support arm 15 mounts thereon a pad assembly 20, which pad
assembly 20 includes a main keyboard support pad 21 and an
auxiliary support pad 22 for supporting a computer keyboard and a
computer mouse, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the main pad 21
preferably includes a bottom cover 22A.
31. With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 9, the carriage 16 is
preferably embodied by a bracket 18 which is substantially U-shaped
in cross-section. Bracket 18 includes a top wall 23 and a pair of
side walls 24 which extend generally perpendicularly and downwardly
from opposite sides of top wall 23. Top wall 23 includes an
upwardly projecting boss portion 25 which substantially defines the
upper surface thereof and which nonrotatably mounts thereon a
circular plate or disc 26 (FIG. 7). The bottom surface of top wall
23 fixedly mounts thereon a rear brake bracket 27 (FIGS. 4 and 9)
for a purpose as discussed below.
32. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, carriage 16 additionally
includes a frame-like slide arrangement 28 having a pair of
generally parallel and elongate guide members 30 and a pair of
generally parallel and elongate cross members 31 which extend
perpendicularly to guide members 30. Each cross member 31 extends
between adjacent ends of the respective guide members 30, and
terminal ends 32 of each cross member 31 extend into an inwardly
opening recess 33 located adjacent the ends of the guide members
30. Each guide and cross member 30 and 31 respectively includes an
inwardly opening, semi-circular groove 34 in which the outer
periphery of disc 26 engages to fixedly but rotatably confine disc
26 within frame-like arrangement 28.
33. As best shown in FIG. 7, the frame-like slide arrangement 28 is
confined within track 17. Specifically, guide members 30 slidably
engage within track 17 and enable slidable movement of the keyboard
support arrangement 10 relative to the work surface 11 in a
front-to-back direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3.
Further, the above-discussed grooved configuration of members 30
and 31 allows rotation of the disc 26 therewithin about a generally
vertical axis 37, which permits the keyboard support arrangement 10
to be angularly displaceable relative to the work surface 11. In
this regard, depending upon the particular length and width
dimensions of the work surface, the keyboard support arrangement 10
according to the invention may horizontally swivel 360.degree.
relative to the work surface.
34. The guide and cross members 30 and 31 are preferably
constructed of a hard plastic so as to properly function as slide
or bearing members.
35. Considering now the construction of the support arm 15, same
includes an outer or upper arm 40 which is generally U-shaped in
cross-section and has an upper wall 41 which is arcuate when viewed
from the side (FIG. 3), and a pair of generally parallel and flat
side walls 42 which extend generally perpendicularly and downwardly
from opposite longitudinal edges of upper wall 41. The upper wall
41 preferably terminates at an edge 43 which is recessed with
respect to side walls 42 (i.e. side walls 42 project in the forward
direction further than upper wall 41) to provide outer arm 40 with
a forked front end 44 (FIG. 6). Each side wall 42 of outer arm 40
includes a generally arcuately shaped slot 46 (FIG. 4) at a rear
end 45 of outer arm 40.
36. Support arm 15 also includes an inner or lower arm 50 which is
also U-shaped in transverse cross-section and has an upper wall 51
having a generally arcuate shape when viewed from the side (FIG.
4). Planar side walls 52 preferably extend transversely and
downwardly from opposite longitudinal edges of upper wall 51. Upper
wall 51 terminates at an edge 53 which is recessed to provide inner
arm 50 with a forked front end 54 (FIG. 6). For added rigidity,
inner arm 50 also includes a rear wall 55 (FIG. 9) which extends
downwardly from upper wall 51 and transversely between side walls
52, which rear wall 55 defines a rear end 55A of inner arm 50. A
rear brake bracket 56 (FIGS. 4 and 9) is fixedly mounted on a
bottom surface of upper wall 51 and projects generally downwardly
therefrom.
37. Rear end 45 of outer arm 40 is joined to carriage bracket 18 by
generally horizontal upper and lower pivots 58 and 60 (FIGS. 4 and
9). Lower pivot 60 preferably extends through slots 46 of outer arm
40. Front end 44 of outer arm 40 is joined by a generally
horizontal pivot 62 (FIG. 6) to a pair of spaced-apart support
brackets 61, which support brackets 61 are stationarily mounted to
a lower surface 63 of main pad 21. A coil spring 64 is preferably
disposed about upper pivot 58 to surround same. One end 64A (shown
in dotted lines in FIG. 4) of coil spring 64 engages with a lower
surface of upper wall 41 of outer arm 40 and the other end 64B is
fixedly held in an opening in side wall 24 of carriage bracket 18
(FIG. 9). Rear end 55A of inner arm 50 is joined to carriage
bracket 18 by lower pivot 60 (FIG. 4), and front end 54 of inner
arm 50 is joined to an inner arm bracket 67 (FIG. 6) by a pivot 66.
The inner arm bracket 67, in the illustrated embodiment, is
preferably movably disposed between the pair of stationary support
brackets 61 on main pad 21, and is arranged so as to be pivotable
about pivot 62. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, inner arm 50 nests
within outer arm 40, i.e. between the side walls 42 thereof.
38. The pivot arrangement defined by the outer and inner arms 40
and 50 effectively defines a four-bar linkage so that the entire
pad assembly 20 can be vertically raised and lowered to a suitable
height by upward and downward swinging of the support arm 15 about
pivots 58 and 60, as discussed in further detail below. The
four-bar linkage preferably substantially defines a parallelogram
when the main support pad 21 is horizontally oriented or is in
reasonably close orientation thereto.
39. Keyboard support arrangement 10 additionally includes a brake
assembly including front and rear brakes 70 and 71, each of which
has a housing 72, a shaft 73 slidably disposed within housing 72,
and a generally circular clamping member 74 located within housing
72 and in surrounding relation to shaft 73. Clamping member 74 is
preferably normally biased into frictional contact with shaft 73 to
lock same in a desired position relative to housing 72 and is
releasable for shaft 73 as discussed below. Brakes such as those
discussed above are conventional, and are commonly known and
commercially available as PL Porter Brakes. As shown in FIGS. 4 and
9, housing 72 of rear brake 71 at one end thereof is joined to rear
brake bracket 27 of carriage bracket 18 by a generally horizontal
pivot 75, and the terminal end of shaft 73 of rear brake 71 located
exteriorly of the housing 72 thereof is joined to rear brake
bracket 56 of inner arm 50 by a generally horizontal pivot 76.
Housing 72 of front brake 70 at one end thereof is joined to inner
arm pivot bracket 67 by pivot 66, and the terminal end of shaft 73
of front brake 70 is joined to a front brake bracket 77 fixedly
mounted on lower surface 63 of main pad 21 adjacent a forwardmost
edge 78 thereof by a pivot 80. Brake assembly also includes
conventional sheathed flexible cables 81 and 82 each having a
terminal end fixed to the clamping member 74 of one of the
respective front and rear brakes 70 and 71. Thus, when cables 81
and 82 are actuated, the respective clamping member 74 releases
shaft 73.
40. With reference to FIG. 6, keyboard support arrangement 10 also
includes an actuator assembly 83 having a generally L-shaped
actuator lever 84 and an actuator bracket 85. Actuator bracket 85
is preferably U-shaped and is fixedly mounted on the lower surface
63 of main pad 21 adjacent front edge 78 thereof. Actuator lever 84
is pivotably mounted between respective legs of actuator bracket 85
by a generally vertical pivot 86. A front portion 87 of actuator
lever 84 preferably extends outwardly past front edge 78 of main
pad 21 to provide ready access to actuator lever 84, and a recessed
finger grip 88 is formed in the front portion 87 for the
convenience of the user. The actuator lever 84 additionally
includes a rear portion 92 opposite front portion 87, which rear
portion 92 fixedly mounts thereat terminal ends of cables 81 and
82.
41. The actuator 84 lever is movable about pivot 86 within a plane
which is generally parallel to the plane defined by main pad 21. In
this regard, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,
the actuator lever 84 is preferably pivotably movable inwardly
(i.e. towards the front edge 78 of main pad 21) into one of two
actuating positions as indicated by dotted lines 84A and 84B in
FIG. 6. Actuating positions 84A and 84B respectively permit tilting
of main pad 21 with respect to the horizontal, and vertical height
adjustment of the keyboard support arrangement 10 with respect to
the work surface 11, as discussed below.
42. The inner arm bracket 67 enables main pad 21 to be vertically
tilted into a desired position about horizontal pivot 62 as
indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 3. The degree of tilt of main pad
21 is in a range of between about 10.degree. to about 20.degree.
upwards or downwards from the horizontal, and is preferably
tiltable about 15.degree. upwards or downwards from the horizontal.
In order to adjust the angular position of main pad 21 with respect
to the horizontal, pressure is exerted by the user on front portion
87 of actuator lever 84 to pivot lever 84 inwardly a small amount
into position 84A (FIG. 6). This pivoting movement of lever 84
actuates front brake cable 81 which operates to release clamping
lever 74 of front brake 70 from shaft 73 thereof and allows tilting
of main pad 21 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction
about pivot 62. In order to lock the main pad 21 in the selected
angular position, the actuator lever 84 is released, which causes
clamp 74 to reengage with shaft 73 and lock front brake 70.
43. This pivoting movement of actuator lever 84 into position 84A
(i.e. the "tilt" position) also actuates rear brake cable 82.
However, rear brake cable 82 preferably includes a sufficient
amount of slack so that pivoting actuator lever 84 into position
84A does not release the rear brake 71.
44. In order to adjust the vertical height of the keyboard support
arrangement 10, the actuator lever 84 is pivoted inwardly a greater
amount into position 84B by exerting pressure on the front portion
87 thereof, which serves to release both front and rear brakes 70
and 71 and allows either upward or downward swinging movement of
support arm 15 with respect to the work surface 11. In this regard,
the slot 46 of outer arm 40 preferably defines and limits the
upward and downward movement of support arm 15. During upward and
downward movement of the support arm 15, the inner arm bracket 67
pivots about pivot 62 to enable the inner arm 50 and the front
brake 70 to move as necessary with respect to outer arm 40.
Further, the coil spring 64 preferably biases the support arm 15
upwardly with respect to work surface 11, and therefore assists the
user in raising the keyboard support arrangement 10 from a lowered
position.
45. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention,
the slack in rear brake cable 82 may be removed, and both front and
rear brakes 70 and 71 may be released upon a single actuating
movement of actuator lever 84 so that the tilt of main pad 21 and
the vertical height of keyboard support arrangement 10 can be
adjusted simultaneously.
46. Considering now the construction of the pad assembly 20 and
specifically the main pad 21 thereof, same includes a generally
horizontally enlarged and substantially planar upper surface 94 for
supporting a conventional computer keyboard 95 thereon (shown in
dotted lines in FIG. 4). The main pad 21 is also preferably
provided with an elongate wrist or palm rest 96 disposed adjacent
the front edge 78 thereof. The wrist rest 96 is preferably embodied
by an elongate foamed or gel cushion which may be supported
directly on the main pad 21 so as to project upwardly above upper
surface 94, whereby the wrist rest 96 defines an upwardly
projecting abutment surface 97 on the rear edge thereof, the latter
functioning to confine the keyboard 95 on the main pad 21. If
desired, the wrist rest 96 may be adjustable in height to suit the
individual operator, and for this purpose may be provided with one
or more adjustment levers or knobs (not shown) adjacent the front
edge 78 of the main pad 21, for example.
47. Main pad 21 additionally includes, substantially midway along
each of right and left side edges 100 and 101 thereof, a recess 102
(FIG. 3) and a connecting member 103 (FIG. 4) located within recess
102. Each connecting member 103 includes a serrated or toothed
sector 104. Each toothed sector 104 includes a plurality of teeth
105 (FIG. 5), with a space 105A between adjacent pairs of teeth
105. The toothed sectors 104 are generally arcuate in configuration
when viewed from the side as illustrated in FIG. 4. Each of the
connecting members 103 also includes a shroud 106 disposed above
the respective toothed sector 104 to cover same as shown in FIGS.
11 and 13. Shroud 106 is shown in broken section in FIG. 5 to more
clearly illustrate teeth 105. In accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention, the shrouds 106 each include an
inwardly extending recess 107, along the edge of which recess 107 a
plurality and preferably five position markers 108 are located on
shroud 106 for a purpose discussed below.
48. The auxiliary pad 22 of the pad assembly 20 includes a
generally horizontally enlarged upper surface 110 which has a
suitable smoothness and softness so as to provide optimum support
and performance for a conventional computer mouse. A raised
shoulder 110A (FIG. 5) preferably substantially surrounds surface
110 so as to confine the mouse (not shown) on pad 22. Shoulder 110A
preferably extends along right and left side edges 111 and 112 of
pad 22 and also along a rear edge 111A of pad 22. With reference to
FIG. 2, the right and left side edges 111 and 112 which are
configured so as to be positionable adjacent and compatible with
respective corresponding left and right side edges 101 and 100 of
main pad 21. That is, the edges 111 and 101 are of corresponding
and complementary configuration so as to be positionable directly
adjacent one another substantially as shown in FIG. 2, and the
remaining edges 112 and 100 are also of similar configuration so as
to be positionable directly adjacent one another. As such, the
auxiliary pad 22 can be disposed closely adjacent the right side
edge 100 of main pad 21, as shown in FIG. 2, or alternatively the
auxiliary pad 22 can be positioned directly adjacent the left side
edge 101 of main pad 21 as indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 2.
49. As best shown in FIG. 15, the auxiliary pad 22 preferably
includes a front edge portion 112A which, in transverse
cross-section as shown in FIG. 15 is generally concave in a middle
region thereof such that smoothly curved and convex shoulders 112C
are formed at opposite ends of front portion 112A. As shown in FIG.
16, the front edge portion 112A of auxiliary pad 22 in longitudinal
cross-section curves smoothly downwardly in a generally convex
configuration.
50. The auxiliary pad 22 may, if desirable, also include a or palm
wrist rest 112B (FIG. 16) of a soft cushion construction adjacent
the front edge thereof similar to wrist rest 96 of the main pad 21.
The wrist rest 112B can preferably be held on pad 22 by resilient,
lower clips 112D which engage the lower surface 117 of pad 22.
Wrist rest 96 can preferably have an inner contour which conforms
to front edge portion 112A of pad 22.
51. The auxiliary pad 22 additionally includes right and left
connecting members 113 and 114 (FIG. 5), each having a toothed
sector 115 including a plurality of teeth 116, with four such teeth
116 included in the illustrated embodiment. The toothed sectors 115
preferably have a generally arcuate configuration when viewed from
the side as best illustrated in FIG. 14. More specifically, toothed
sectors 115 lie along a similar curve as toothed sectors 104 of
main pad 21 (both curves being generated about a common axis). The
lower surface 117 of auxiliary pad 22, as shown in FIG. 14,
preferably has an elongate channel 118 formed therein which is
generally arcuate in cross-section and extends in a generally
linear manner transversely across lower surface 117 and between the
connecting members 113 and 114.
52. The auxiliary pad 22 according to the invention is detachable
from main pad 21 and mountable directly thereon by means of a
support assembly including right and left elongate and generally
linear support beams 120 (FIG. 6). Each support beam 120A and 120B
is generally arcuate in transverse cross-section with the
longitudinal edges thereof preferably facing downwardly.
53. The support beams 120A, 120B are preferably slidably mounted so
as to engage with an elongate guide member or track 121 (FIG. 6)
which is disposed on the lower surface 63 of main pad 21 and is
oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal dimension thereof.
The guide track 121 is preferably arcuate in transverse
cross-section as illustrated in FIG. 10, so as to generally conform
to the arcuate shape of the support beams 120A, 120B. Guide track
121 preferably includes a pair of parallel guide ribs or ridges 123
(FIG. 10) which extend along the length thereof and make contact
with the upper surface of the support beams 120A, 120B. Further, as
shown in FIG. 18, guide track 121 and ridges 123 thereof are
configured so as to allow the overlap of the beams 120A, 120B, i.e.
the ridges 123 project further downwardly adjacent support beam
120A so that beam 120A can ride beneath or over beam 120B.
54. Each support beam 120A, 120B is slidably secured to the lower
surface 63 of main pad 21 by means of a beam support bracket 124
(FIGS. 6 and 10) two of which are located adjacent a respective
side edge 100 and 101 of main pad 21, and a third of which is
located in a middle region of lower surface 63. The beam support
brackets 124 each include a middle portion 125 having a similar
contour as the lower surface of the respective support beam 120A,
120B, and terminal ends 126 which are secured to lower surface 63
by means of appropriate mounting projections 130 and fasteners 131.
The support beams 120A, 120B are thus individually slidable
outwardly relative to the respective side edge 100 and 101 into an
extended position, and are individually slidable inwardly into a
retracted position so that the support beam 120A, 120B is located
substantially completely beneath the main pad 21. In this regard,
three pairs of holes 132, 133 and 134 are provided in each support
beam 120A and 120B. Holes 132 are preferably located adjacent the
outer terminal end of each beam 120A and 120B, holes 133 are
located approximately midway along each beam 120A and 120B, and
holes 134 are located adjacent holes 133. With reference to FIG.
19, main pad 21 preferably includes a pair of bosses 135 adjacent
end brackets 124 which project generally downwardly from main pad
21. Each boss 135 confines therein a coil spring 136, which coil
spring 136 preferably biases a spherical roller bearing 137
adjacent the upper surface of the respective support beam 120A and
120B. When the support beam 120A, 120B is moved into a fully
retracted position under main pad 21, each roller bearing 137 is
biased by spring 136 so as to partially project into the respective
hole 132 of the support beam which serves to hold the support beam
in the retracted position. The roller bearings 137 also serve to
hold the respective support beam in extended and partially extended
positions for mounting auxiliary pad 22 on main pad 21 as discussed
further below.
55. Each support beam 120A, 120B preferably includes a cap or
handle 140 fixedly mounted at the outer free end thereof by a
mounting flange 142 which extends inwardly and generally
horizontally along the lower side of the respective support beam
120A, 120B and is fastened thereto. Mounting flange 142 preferably
has an arcuate cross-sectional shape which conforms to the arcuate
cross-sectional shape of the support beam 120A, 120B. As best shown
in FIG. 5, each handle 140 includes an arcuate toothed sector 143
having a plurality of teeth 144 with spaces 144A therebetween, and
a shroud 145 (FIGS. 11 and 12) which extends inwardly and above
teeth 144 to cover same. Each shroud 145 also includes a plurality
of position markers 148 which generally longitudinally align with
markers 108. For the convenience of the user, each handle 140 also
includes a lower portion 147 which can be utilized to assist the
user in moving the respective support beam 120A, 120B.
56. Main paid 21, including brackets 61 and 77 and guide track 121
may be formed as a one-piece injection molded plastic component, or
may be separate components and appropriately fastened to one
another. Similarly, auxiliary pad 22 may be formed as an injection
molded plastic component. Support beams 120A, 120B, support arm 15
and carriage 16 may be formed of a lightweight metal such as
aluminum.
57. To mount the auxiliary pad 22 on the main pad 21, and for
example on the right side 100 of the main pad 21, the handle 140 of
the right support beam 120A is grasped and support beam 120A is
pulled outwardly into its fully extended position (FIG. 5) so that
the roller bearings 137 disengage from holes 132, slide along beam
120A and then engage in the respective holes 133 of beam 120A. The
auxiliary pad 22 is then lowered towards the support beam 120A
until the upper surface of beam 120A engages in the correspondingly
configured recess 118 of the auxiliary pad 22. To lock the
auxiliary pad 22 into position with respect to the main pad 21, the
support beam 120A is then pushed inwardly into a partially
retracted position until the teeth 144 of the support beam handle
140 engage with the correspondingly configured teeth 116 of the
auxiliary pad 22 located along the right side edge 111 thereof, the
teeth 116 of the auxiliary pad 22 located along the left side edge
112 thereof engage with the teeth 105 located along the right side
edge 100 of the main pad 21, and the roller bearings 137 engage in
the respective holes 134 of beam 120A.
58. As shown in FIG. 2, when the auxiliary pad 22 is locked in
place along one side of main pad 21, the shroud 145 of support beam
handle 140 covers and thus hides the teeth 144 thereof and teeth
116 of auxiliary pad 22, and the shroud 106 of main pad 21
preferably covers and thus hides the teeth 105 thereof and teeth
116 of auxiliary pad 22.
59. To adjust the angular position of the auxiliary pad 22 with
respect to the main pad 21, the support beam 120 is again moved
outwardly relative to right side edge 100 of main pad 21 a
sufficient amount so that both pairs of teeth (i.e. teeth 105 of
main pad 21 and left-side teeth 116 of auxiliary pad 22, and
right-side teeth 116 of auxiliary pad 22 and teeth 144 of beam
handle 140) disengage from one another, the auxiliary pad 22 is
then pivoted on the beam 120A into the desired position, and the
support beam 120A is then pushed inwardly until the pairs of teeth
re-engage one another and lock the auxiliary pad 22 in the newly
selected angular orientation. The position markers 108 of main pad
21 and the position markers 148 of handle 140 can preferably assist
the user in selecting the desired position of pad 22.
60. The auxiliary pad 22 may be repositioned adjacent the left side
101 of the main pad 21 simply by sliding the right support beam
120A outwardly to disengage the pairs of teeth from one another,
lifting pad 22 away from beam 120A, and positioning auxiliary pad
22 on left side beam 120B in a similar manner as described
above.
61. Due to the ease with which the auxiliary pad 22 can be mounted
on and interchanged from either a right side 100 to a left side 101
position relative to the main pad 21, or in fact detached totally
from the main pad 21, the auxiliary pad 22 hence can be readily
used for other purposes or conveniently repositioned. For example,
the auxiliary pad 22 may be completely removed from main pad 21 in
the manner discussed above, and positioned on an adjacent work
surface or desk top if so desired. In this regard, auxiliary pad 22
can be provided with support feet 117A (FIG. 15) adjacent front and
rear corners of pad 22 which project downwardly from the lower
surface 117 of the pad 22. Alternately, the auxiliary pad 22, when
detached from main pad 21, can be carried about and used separately
as a writing surface or otherwise.
62. Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has
been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be
recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed
apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the
scope of the present invention.
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