U.S. patent application number 10/624780 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-29 for keyboard wrist support.
Invention is credited to Sheppard, Robert J..
Application Number | 20040144900 10/624780 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22939354 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040144900 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sheppard, Robert J. |
July 29, 2004 |
Keyboard wrist support
Abstract
A keyboard wrist support including a platform adapted for being
in a first, deployed position adjacent to the keyboard or a second,
storage position in a plane below the keyboard. The wrist support
further includes a pair of elongated support brackets, each having
a first portion coupled to the platform and a second portion
movably attached to a base. The wrist support provides the
additional benefits of counterbalancing the weight of the computer
display when the wrist support is used with a portable computer and
providing leverage to the user for stabilization. The platform is
pivotable with respect to the support brackets in order to permit
the platform to be angled relative to the keyboard for optimum
comfort and the base is slidable with respect to the support
brackets in order to reduce the footprint of the support when the
keyboard is not in use. Also described are embodiments in which the
platform is slidable with respect to the keyboard.
Inventors: |
Sheppard, Robert J.;
(Boston, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DALY, CROWLEY & MOFFORD, LLP
SUITE 101
275 TURNPIKE STREET
CANTON
MA
02021-2310
US
|
Family ID: |
22939354 |
Appl. No.: |
10/624780 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10624780 |
Jul 22, 2003 |
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09499434 |
Feb 7, 2000 |
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6619597 |
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09499434 |
Feb 7, 2000 |
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09248485 |
Feb 11, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/118 ;
248/118.1; 248/918; 361/679.19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1616 20130101;
G06F 1/1656 20130101; A47B 21/0371 20130101; Y10S 248/918
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/118 ;
248/118.1; 248/918; 361/683 |
International
Class: |
B68G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable computer comprising: a chassis containing a data
processor, an alphanumeric keyboard, a display and a support
structure; a wrist support comprising a platform adapted to support
a user's palms or wrists, wherein said platform is slidably coupled
to the support structure in said chassis and wherein, when in use,
said wrist support is movable with respect to said keyboard such
that said wrist support moves in a plane above a plane in which the
keyboard is disposed and said wrist support can move over a surface
of said chassis which is in the same plane as the keyboard, and
wherein said wrist support is provided having a width substantially
equal to the width of said chassis and having a length such that
when said wrist support is in a closed position the wrist support
covers a surface of said chassis which is in the same plane as the
keyboard; and a platform which is substantially coplanar with
respect to said keyboard.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/499,434 filed on Feb. 7, 2000, entitled
KEYBOARD WRIST SUPPORT, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent Ser. No. 09/248,485 entitled KEYBOARD WRIST SUPPORT, filed
on Feb. 11, 1999.
STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As technology advances continue to permit significant
reductions in the size and cost of computer components, portable
computers (sometimes referred to as "laptops" or "notebooks") have
become increasingly popular. Also responsible for the growing
popularity of portable computers is the mobile culture of much of
the business community. The relatively small size and light weight
of portable computers makes them a valuable part of many businesses
since they permit data processing to be accomplished at locations
remote from an office with minimal inconvenience.
[0004] Keyboards of any type, including those associated with
portable computers, non-portable (or "desk top") computers, and
even typewriters, are notorious for causing hand and wrist injuries
to frequent users due, in large part, to the position of the user's
wrists relative to the keyboard. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one such
injury in which damage is caused to finger tendons passing through
the wrist.
[0005] Wrist supports, which are sometimes referred to as palm
supports, or rests, can help to minimize and even prevent such
injuries by elevating the user's palms and/or wrists with respect
to the keyboard. For example, some keyboard operators use a padded
support positioned adjacent to the front edge of the keyboard. In
fact, many keyboard support trays include an integral padded
support positioned adjacent to the front edge of the keyboard in
order to elevate the user's palms and wrists. While these
conventional wrist supports can be useful in alleviating carpal
tunnel syndrome and similar injuries, generally, they are not
conducive to portable computers due to their size and bulk.
[0006] One keyboard palm rest for a portable computer described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,481 to Liu et al. includes a palm support which
is pivotable with respect to the computer chassis between a
covering position and an elevated, palm support position. Another
portable computer palm rest described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,482 to
Horikoshi includes a palm rest which can be used as both a computer
handle and as a palm rest. The Horikoshi palm rest can also be
rotated to an upright positioned for storage under the lid of the
computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention is directed to a keyboard wrist support for
use with both portable computers having integral keyboards and
"stand-alone" keyboards of the type typically used with desk top
computers. The wrist support includes a pair of support brackets
and a platform attached to a first portion of the support brackets
to support a user's palms and/or wrists. The platform is adapted to
be in a first, wrist support position adjacent to the keyboard when
the keyboard is in use or in a second, storage position in a plane
below the keyboard. In applications in which the wrist support is
used with a portable computer, the platform is positioned below a
portion of the computer chassis when in the second, storage
position.
[0008] In one embodiment, the wrist support further includes a base
coupled to the portable computer or stand-alone keyboard. The base
is pivotably coupled to a second portion of the support brackets,
such as with the use of hinges. With this arrangement, the platform
and support brackets are rotatable relative to the base, thereby
permitting movement of the platform between the first and second
positions.
[0009] The platform may be attached to the support brackets in a
fixed manner or, alternatively, may be movably attached in order to
permit certain position adjustments to be made for maximum user
comfort and injury prevention. For example, in one embodiment, the
platform is pivotable with respect to the support brackets, thereby
enabling the platform to be positioned at a desired angle relative
to the keyboard. The platform may also be vertically movable with
respect to the support brackets, thereby enabling the platform to
be raised and lowered with respect to the keyboard.
[0010] The wrist support may be separate from the stand-alone
keyboard or portable computer or, alternatively, may be integral
with the keyboard structure. For example, in one embodiment, the
wrist support is removably attached to the chassis of a portable
computer, such as with the use of pins.
[0011] The wrist support embodiments described herein
advantageously provide wrist comfort and injury prevention benefits
without increasing the overall size of the keyboard structure, both
in the case of a stand-alone keyboard and a portable computer. This
is achieved by moving the wrist support platform to the second,
storage position in which the platform is disposed below the plane
of the keyboard when the keyboard is not in use.
[0012] An additional advantage is achieved when the wrist support
is used in conjunction with a portable computer; namely to provide
leverage and a counterbalance to the weight of the top portion of
the computer chassis containing the display. In this way, the
portable computer becomes more stable and balanced during use. The
dimensions and, in particular, the depth of the wrist support
platform may be increased in order to enhance the leverage and
counterbalance effects of the wrist support.
[0013] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the
platform is slidable with respect to the keyboard when in the
first, wrist support position. In one such embodiment, the platform
includes a first portion of a sliding mechanism, such as rails, and
the support brackets include a second portion of the sliding
mechanism, such as complementary grooves within which the platform
rails are positioned. In an alternative slidable embodiment, the
portable computer chassis includes grooves along opposite edges of
the top surface of the chassis which are sized and shaped to
receive rails extending from a bottom surface of the platform. With
these arrangements, the user can slide the platform closer to or
further away from the keyboard to achieve maximum comfort.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, may be more fully understood from the following
description of the drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a wrist support according to
the invention, with the platform in a first, wrist support
position;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the wrist support of FIG. 1
with the platform in a second, storage position;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an illustrative hinge coupling
the base of the wrist support to a support bracket;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the wrist support platform and
a support bracket illustrating a pivotable feature of the
platform;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternate wrist support
platform and support bracket illustrating a height adjustability
feature of the platform;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the wrist support base and a
support bracket illustrating a movable feature of the base;
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a portable computer having an integral wrist
support according to a further aspect of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of a portable computer
having an integral wrist support;
[0023] FIG. 9 shows a further alternate embodiment of a portable
computer having an integral wrist support;
[0024] FIG. 10 shows the wrist support of FIGS. 1 and 2 in use with
a stand-alone keyboard;
[0025] FIG. 11 shows a further alternate wrist support having a
slidable wrist support platform;
[0026] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the wrist
support of FIG. 11 taken along line 11-11;
[0027] FIG. 13 shows the wrist support of FIG. 11 in use with a
portable computer;
[0028] FIG. 14 shows an alternate wrist support embodiment having a
slidable wrist support platform; and
[0029] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the wrist support and
computer of FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 in which like elements are
designated with like reference numbers, a wrist support 10
according to the invention includes a platform 12 adapted for being
in a first, palm or wrist support position, as shown, or in a
second, storage position, as shown in FIG. 2 and described below.
In the first position, referred to alternatively as the deployed
position, the platform 12 is adapted to support the user's palms
and/or wrists. While the structures described herein are referred
to as wrist supports, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art that they also may be accurately referred to as
palm supports or rests. The wrist support 10 further includes a
pair of elongated support brackets 18, 19, each having a first
portion 18a, 19a and a second portion 18b, 19b, respectively, and a
base 14. The first and second portions of the support brackets may
be located adjacent to, or spaced from respective ends of the
brackets.
[0031] The platform 12 is coupled to the first portion 18a, 19a of
each of the support brackets 18, 19 and the base 14 is coupled to
the second portion 18b, 19b of each of the support brackets 18, 19,
as shown. More particularly, the base 14 is pivotably attached to
the second portion of the support brackets as may be achieved with
the use of hinges 40a, 40b. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that although hinges are shown here, the selection of a
particular type of pivotal fastener such as hinges 40a, 40b depends
upon a variety of factors including but not limited to cost, ease
of manufacture, aesthetics and dimensions of the individual
portable computers. In some applications, it may be desirable to
provide one or more portions of platform 12 as integral pieces. For
example, platform 12 and brackets 18, 19 may be provided as a
unitary piece using injection molding techniques.
[0032] The wrist support 10 is well suited for use with a portable
computer 20 or with a stand-alone keyboard but is illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 in use with a portable computer 20. The computer 20
has a chassis 22 in which a keyboard 28 and a display 26 are
contained. The keyboard 28 contains a plurality of alphanumeric
keys 28a and may also include a mouse 28b or other user interface
device. The chassis 22 includes a bottom portion 24 which is
movably coupled to the top, or display portion 30 by a hinge so
that the keyboard 28 and display 26 can be accessed when the bottom
chassis portion 24 and top chassis portion 26 are separated by
action of the hinge (i.e., when the portable computer is "open")
and so that the keyboard 28 and display 26 can be covered and
protected when the bottom chassis portion 24 and top chassis
portion 26 abut one another (i.e., when the portable computer is
"closed"). The bottom chassis portion 24 has a bottom surface 24a
having a length "1" and a width "w" defining the footprint of the
computer.
[0033] The wrist support 10 is adapted to support the portable
computer 20, with at least a portion of the bottom surface 24a of
the chassis positioned on the top surface 16 of the base 14.
Preferably, the computer is positioned on the base 14 such that the
back edge 36 of the platform 12 abuts the front edge 24b of the
computer chassis bottom 24. Preferably, the height of the platform
12 is selected to provide the top surface 17 of the platform in or
close to the same horizontal plane as the keyboard 28, such as
within a few centimeters. In accordance with further aspects of the
invention, the platform position may be adjustable, as described
below in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5. With this arrangement,
when portions of the user's palms and/or wrists rest on the top
surface 17 of the platform during keyboard operation, stresses on
the hands and wrists are advantageously reduced.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the portable computer 20 is
positioned on the top surface 16 of the base 14, with a front edge
24b of the chassis bottom 24 adjacent to the platform 17. However,
it will be appreciated that the computer 20 may be placed in
various positions relative to the base 14 and the platform 12. For
example, the front edge 24b of the computer chassis bottom 24 may
be positioned forward of the front edge 34 of the base, closer to
the platform 12 or behind the front edge 34 of the base.
[0035] In some instances, it may be desirable to removably secure
the computer 20 to the base of the wrist support 10 in order to
prevent movement of the computer relative to the wrist support.
This removable attachment may be achieved in various ways, such as
with the use of a strap, a Velcro.TM. fastener, a detent mechanism,
or an adhesive to hold the computer in place on the wrist support
10.
[0036] In use, portions of the palms and/or wrists of the computer
operator rest on the platform 12, thereby maintaining a comfortable
position relative to the keyboard.
[0037] Further, an additional benefit to the wrist support 10 is
that the base 14 provides additional support and stability for the
computer 20 in use. Since portable computers are often placed on a
user's lap during use, additional support can be helpful to
stabilize the computer in order to prevent it from tipping or
otherwise moving on the user's lap. Further, the weight of the top
chassis portion 30 may be large relative to the overall weight of
the computer, thereby resulting in a tendency of the computer to
tilt or tip backwards. When a user places their palms/wrists on the
platform, the force applied to the support 10 by the user provides
leverage to balance the computer and to counterbalance the weight
of the top chassis portion 30.
[0038] Furthermore, in some embodiments it may be desirable to
weight the support 10 itself so that the wrist support itself
provides or aids in providing support, both in the first, deployed
position of FIG. 1 as well as in the second, storage position of
FIG. 2. In some applications, it may be desirable to increase the
depth "d" of the platform beyond that necessary to comfortably
support the user's palms and/or wrists in order to provide
additional counterbalance to the weight of the display chassis
portion 30.
[0039] When the wrist support 10 is used with a portable computer
which provides access to disk drives, CD-ROM drives, PCMCIA cards,
batteries, and other computer peripherals and accessories via the
front of the chassis, then the user can access such accessories by
reaching below the deployed platform 12. For portable computers in
which one or more such accessories are accessible through the sides
of the chassis, it may be desirable to minimize the height "H" of
the support brackets 18, 19 and thus, to provide the support
brackets 18, 19 in the form of relatively thin rods which span only
a small portion of the height of the chassis bottom 24. With this
arrangement, access to such accessories is possible even when the
wrist support is in the first deployed position shown in FIG. 1.
Alternatively, openings provided in selected regions of the wrist
support can provide access to accessories or portions of the
portable computer which may otherwise be blocked. Such openings may
be exposed or covered by removable covers.
[0040] As noted, the wrist support 10 is also adapted for being in
a second, storage position as shown in FIG. 2. The wrist support 10
is moved between the first, deployed position of FIG. 1 and the
second, storage position of FIG. 2 by rotating the support brackets
18, 19 and the platform 12 around the pivot point of the hinges
40a, 40b. More particularly, the computer 20 can remain in position
on the base 14 while the support brackets 18, 19 and the platform
12 are rotated as shown by arrow 42 (FIG. 1) to provide the
arrangement of FIG. 2.
[0041] In the storage position, the surface 15 of the platform 12
is positioned under a rear portion of the chassis bottom 24.
Preferably, the wrist support components are dimensioned so that,
in the storage position, the edge 38 of the platform 12 does not
extend past a rear edge 24c of the chassis bottom 24. Thus, the
footprint of the wrist support in its stored position is the same
as, and possibly smaller than, the footprint of the computer
chassis. With this arrangement, the wrist support 10 provides all
the benefits of conventional wrist supports, and the additional
benefits of leverage and counterbalance, but without affecting the
size and thus, portability of the computer 20.
[0042] The wrist support 10 may be manufactured from various
materials and its components may be comprised of the same or
different materials. For example, preferably the platform surface
17 is padded for user comfort. Preferred materials for the wrist
support are lightweight and sturdy and include, but are not limited
to, plastics, metals, and fiberglass.
[0043] The pivotable attachment between the base 14 and the support
brackets 18, 19 may be achieved in various ways. Referring also to
FIG. 3, illustrative hinge 40a is shown to include a flange 50
extending substantially normal to the base surface 16 and having an
aperture 52, a complementary aperture 54 through the support
bracket 19, and a fastener 56. In the illustrative embodiment, the
fastener 56 includes a screw 56a, which may be a captive screw, and
a nut 56b. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art however, that the fastener hardware described in conjunction
with this and other embodiments may take various forms. For
example, members 18, 19 can be coupled to base 14 using a rivet,
epoxy, ultrasonic or other bonding techniques, or welding
techniques. Typically, captive hardware is preferable in order to
prevent the hardware from falling out and being lost.
[0044] In assembly, the base 14 and support bracket 19 are aligned
so that the base flange aperture 52 is aligned with the support
bracket aperture 54. The screw 56a is then guided through the
aligned apertures and secured with the nut 56b. The fastener 56 is
tightened to an extent sufficient to prevent unassisted movement of
the base 14 relative to the support brackets 18, 19 and platform,
but also to permit assisted movement of the wrist support between
the first and second positions. It will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art however, that various hinge and other
types of arrangements are suitable to movably couple the base 14
and the support brackets 18, 19 in such a way that the support
brackets 18, 19 and platform 12 can be rotated about an axis 66 to
move the platform 12 between the first position of FIG. 1 and the
second position of FIG. 2.
[0045] The platform 12 may be fixedly attached to the first
portions 18a, 19a of the support brackets 18, 19, respectively.
Alternatively however, the platform 12 may be movably attached to
the support brackets in order to permit certain position
adjustments to be made. Such movable attachments include but are
limited to a slotted arm and pin or a linkage type structure.
[0046] Referring also to FIG. 4, a pivotable coupling of the
platform 12 to the support brackets 18, 19 is illustrated. The
platform 12 includes a flange 60 having a first aperture 62 and a
second, elongated aperture 64. The portion 19b of the support
bracket 19 to which the platform 12 is attached includes apertures
68, 70, respectively. Also provided are fasteners 72, 74, each
including a screw 72a, 74a and a nut 72b, 74b. The platform
apertures 62, 64 are aligned with the support bracket apertures 68,
79 and the screws 72a, 74a are guided through the respective
apertures. The user can tilt the platform 12 to a desired angle and
then tighten the screws 72a, 74a to maintain the desired position.
In particular, the screws are tightened to an extent sufficient to
prevent the platform from moving from the desired angle, even under
the weight of the user's palms and wrists. With this arrangement,
the platform surface 17 can be angled relative to the keyboard for
maximum comfort. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art however, that various arrangements are suitable for
movably coupling the platform 12 to the support brackets in order
to thereby permit the platform surface 17 to be angled relative to
the keyboard.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, platform embodiment 12' illustrates a
height adjustment feature of the platform. The platform 12'
includes a flange 60' having a pair of slots 76, 78. Each of the
slots 76, 78 has a pattern which permits the platform to be raised
and lowered for maximum comfort.
[0048] In use, the platform slots 76, 78 are aligned with the
support bracket apertures 68, 70 and the screws 72a, 74a are guided
through the respective slots to a user selected position. That is,
each of the slots 76, 78 defines a plurality of positions 76a, 76b,
76 and 78a, 78b, 78c, respectively, corresponding to respective
height of the platform 12'.
[0049] The user selects a desired platform position by moving the
platform 12' relative to the support brackets 18, 19 causing the
screws 72a, 74a to slide through the slots 76, 78 to one of the
slot positions. Once the platform is located in the desired height,
the screws are tightened to an extent sufficient to prevent the
platform from moving from the desired height, even under the weight
of the user's palms and wrists. With this arrangement, the platform
surface 17 can be vertically adjusted for maximum comfort. It will
be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art however, that
various arrangements are suitable for movably coupling the platform
12' to the support brackets in order to thereby permit the platform
12' to be raised and lowered relative to the keyboard. Further, it
will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
pivotable attachment of the platform to the support brackets shown
in FIG. 4 may be combined with the vertically movable attachment of
the platform and the support brackets shown in FIG. 5 in order to
provide a platform that is both pivotable to a desired angle and
vertically moveable to a desired height relative to the keyboard.
It will also be appreciated that it is within the scope of the
present invention to use alternative attachment mechanisms to
achieve substantially the same relative motion between the
components.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative hinge 40b' for coupling
the base 14 to the support brackets is shown. The hinge 40b'
differs from the hinge 40b of FIG. 3 in that the aperture at the
portion 19b of the support bracket 19 is a horizontally elongated
aperture or slot 58 having vertical slot positions 58a, 58b, and
58c. In assembly, the base 14 and support bracket 19 are aligned so
that the base flange aperture 52 is aligned with the support
bracket aperture 58. The screw 56a is then guided through the
aligned apertures and secured with the nut 56b. The elongated
bracket aperture 58 permits the base 14 to be slidably moved
relative to the support brackets, as is illustrated by the arrow 80
in FIG. 2. This feature advantageously permits the support to be
compacted for storage. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art, that it may also be desirable to permit the
platform 12 to be slidably moved relative to the support brackets
in order to even further reduce the footprint of the wrist support
10. The vertical slot positions 58a-58c further permit the base 14
to be moved vertically relative to the support brackets.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, a portable computer 100 having an
integral wrist support 102 is shown. The portable computer 100 has
a chassis 104 containing a data processor, a keyboard, and a
display, as is conventional. The chassis 104 further includes a
hinge 106 about which a top chassis portion 108 containing the
display rotates relative to the bottom chassis portion 110 to open
and close the computer.
[0052] The wrist support 102 includes a platform 116, a pair of
support brackets 112 (only one of which is shown in the side view
of FIG. 7), and a fastener 114. The fastener 114 couples the wrist
support 102 to the bottom chassis portion 110 and may take various
forms. As one example, the fastener is provided in the form of a
pin 114 which extends into the chassis bottom 110. The wrist
support 102 may be removably coupled or fixedly attached to the
computer chassis. That is, in some instances it may be desirable to
permit the computer operator to remove the pins 114 and thereby
remove the wrist support 102.
[0053] The wrist support 102 is rotatable, as illustrated by arrow
118, about the pin 114 between a first, deployed position (shown in
dotted lines) in which the platform 116 is disposed adjacent to the
keyboard contained in the chassis bottom 110 and a second, storage
position (shown by solid lines). In the storage position, the
platform 116 is positioned adjacent to a bottom surface portion of
the chassis bottom 110.
[0054] With this arrangement, the portable computer 100 is provided
with the advantages of a "built in" wrist support, leverage and
counterbalance for enhanced stability, but without increasing the
footprint of the computer as defined by the length "1" and width
"w" of the chassis bottom (see FIG. 1). Only the height of the
computer assembly is slightly increased due to the height "h" of
the platform. This is achieved by providing a movable wrist support
which, in use, is in a first deployed position adjacent to the
keyboard and which is capable of being stored in a second position
underneath the computer chassis.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of a portable
computer 120 having an integral wrist support 130 is shown.
Portable computer 120, like computer 100 of FIG. 7, has a chassis
122 containing a data processor, a keyboard, and a display. The
chassis 122 includes a hinge 124 about which a top chassis portion
122 rotates relative to a bottom chassis portion 128 to open and
close the computer.
[0056] The wrist support 130 includes a platform 132, a pair of
support brackets 134 coupled to the platform with a pair of
platform fasteners 138 and a pair of chassis fasteners 136. Only
one chassis fastener 136, one support bracket 134 and one platform
fastener 138 are shown in the side view of FIG. 8. The chassis
fastener 136 couples the wrist support 130 to the chassis bottom
128 and may take various forms. In the illustrative embodiment, the
chassis fastener 136 is provided in the form of a pin which extends
into the chassis bottom. The pin 136 may or may not be removable in
order to permit removal of the wrist support 130 from the computer
120.
[0057] The wrist support 130 is rotatable about the pin 136,
thereby enabling the support to be in a first, deployed position
(shown by dotted lines) in which the platform 132 is disposed
adjacent to the keyboard contained in the chassis bottom 128 and a
second, storage position (shown by solid lines).
[0058] The chassis bottom 128 differs from the chassis bottom 110
(FIG. 7) in that the former includes an indentation 140. The
platform 132 is positioned in the indentation 140 when the support
130 is in the second, storage position. With this arrangement, the
advantages of an integral wrist support which also provides
leverage and counterbalance for enhanced stability are provided
without increasing the overall dimensions of the computer.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 9, a further alternate embodiment of a
portable computer 150 having an integral wrist support 160 is
shown. The portable computer 150 is substantially identical to the
computer 120 of FIG. 8 and includes a chassis 152 having a bottom
portion 154 and a top portion 156.
[0060] The wrist support 160 includes a platform 162, a pair of
support brackets 164 coupled to the platform with a pair of
platform fasteners 168 and a pair of chassis fasteners 170. Only
one chassis fastener 170, one support bracket 164 and one platform
fastener 168 are shown in the side view of FIG. 9. The chassis
fastener 170 couples the wrist support 160 to the chassis bottom
154 and may take various forms. In the illustrative embodiment, the
chassis fastener 170 is provided in the form of a pin which extends
into the chassis bottom 154. The pin may or may not be removable in
order to permit removal of the wrist support 160 from the computer
150.
[0061] The wrist support 150 is rotatable about the pin 180,
thereby enabling the support to be in a storage position (shown by
solid lines) in which the platform is positioned below a portion of
the chassis bottom 154 or a deployed position (shown by dotted
lines). More particularly, to move the wrist support 160 from the
storage position to the deployed position, the platform 162 is
rotated outward to an intermediate position labeled 188. The
platform 162 can then be rotated relative to the support bracket
164 about the pin 168 to the outward, deployed position labeled
190.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 10, the wrist support 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2
is shown for use with a stand-alone keyboard 200. The mode of
operation of the wrist support 10 in connection with the keyboard
200 is substantially identical to its use with the portable
computer 20 (FIG. 1). In particular, the keyboard 200 is placed on
the surface 16 of the base 14 and the user's palms and/or wrists
can rest on the surface 17 of the platform 12 when the platform is
in the deployed position shown in FIG. 10. When the wrist support
is moved to the storage position (FIG. 2), the platform 12 is
positioned in a plane below the keyboard 200. As with the portable
computer, when used with a standalone keyboard 200, the wrist
support 10 provides advantageous wrist support benefits (increased
user comfort and injury prevention) and also provides leverage to
stabilize the keyboard.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 11-13, a further wrist support 210
according to the invention includes a platform 214 and a pair of
elongated support brackets 216, 218. The platform 214 is slidably
attached to the support brackets 216, 218 in order to permit the
platform to be moved in and out along an axis 220 (FIG. 13)
relative to a keyboard, such as the illustrated keyboard 222 of a
portable computer 224. In some embodiments, the platform can also
move between deployed and storage positions as discussed above in
conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0064] The particular location of the brackets and platform are
selected such that the platform provides an ergonomically preferred
position for a user's hands, wrists and arms. For example, the
height of the platform above the keyboard as well as the angle of
the top surface of the platform 214 is preferably selected with
ergonomic considerations.
[0065] This arrangement advantageously accommodates different
preferences amongst users as to the most comfortable distance for
one's palms, or wrists to be located with respect to the keyboard
222 as well as different keyboard positions relative to the chassis
234 of the portable computer. That is, different computer
manufacturers position the keyboard 222 at different locations
within the footprint of the computer chassis. It may be desirable
to slide the wrist support inward, toward the open screen 236 when
the keyboard is positioned relatively close to the open screen;
whereas it may desirable to pull the wrist support outward in cases
in which the keyboard is positioned toward the middle of the
computer chassis or near its front edge.
[0066] Each of the support brackets 216, 218 includes a pivot
mechanism 230 by which the wrist support 210 is movably coupled to
the computer chassis 234. In the illustrative embodiment, the
mechanism 230 corresponds to a pivot mechanism provided in the form
of a pin which is sized and shaped to engage a respective detent in
the computer chassis. Like the above-described arrangements, with
this particular pivot arrangement, the platform 214 is adapted for
being in a first, wrist support position in which the platform is
disposed adjacent to the front edge 226 of the computer chassis 234
or in a second, storage position in which the platform is disposed
below the chassis (not shown).
[0067] Rails 240, 242 extend from the bottom surface 248 of the
platform 214 adjacent to respective edges. The rails 240 are sized
and shaped to engage respective grooves 250238, 242 in the top edge
of support brackets 216, 218, respectively. In use, the rails 240,
242 are movable within the respective grooves 238, 242 to permit
the platform 214 to slide relative to the support brackets 216,
218.
[0068] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the rail and groove arrangement shown and described on
conjunction with FIGS. 11-13 is one of many possible engagement
mechanisms that can be used to achieve sliding engagement of the
platform 214 relative to the support brackets and thus, also
relative to the computer chassis 230 to which the support brackets
are pivotably coupled. It will also be appreciated that the
location of the sliding mechanism with respect to the support
brackets 216, 218 and the platform 214 may be varied. As one
example, the platform 214 may have sides overhanging the edges of
the support brackets in which the slidable mechanism is
positioned.
[0069] It will further be appreciated that the forwardmost position
of the platform (nearest the open screen 236) and the rearmost
position of the platform (furthest from the open screen) can be
varied by varying the length of the grooves 238, 242 in the support
brackets. In general, it is desirable that the forwardmost platform
position be toward the middle of the chassis and that the rearmost
position of the platform be such that at least part of the platform
extends beyond the forward edge 226 of the chassis. Thus, the
platform 214 is movable over and in front of the chassis.
[0070] An additional feature of the wrist support 210 is provided
by a cutout 246 in the rear edge 244 of the platform 214. The
cutout 246 permits access to a mouse mechanism, such as the
illustrated touch pad (FIG. 13), without requiring that the rear
edge 244 of the platform be positioned forward of the mouse
mechanism. In this way, maximum flexibility of wrist position
relative to the keyboard is provided.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a further alternate wrist
support 250 includes a slidable coupling between the wrist support
platform 252 and the chassis 256 of a portable computer 258. The
wrist support 250 differs from wrist support 210 of FIGS. 11-13 in
that the platform 252 is slidable with respect to the chassis
itself (as opposed to being slidable with respect to the support
brackets, as in the case of wrist support 210).
[0072] The wrist support 250 includes brackets 260, 262, each
having a first end 260a, 262a pivotably coupled to the chassis 256
and a second end 260b, 262b coupled to the platform 252. Again,
various mechanisms are suitable for pivotably coupling the first
bracket ends 260a, 262a to the chassis, including a pin
arrangement. With this arrangement, the platform 252 is adapted for
being in a first, wrist support position in which the platform is
disposed adjacent to the front surface of the computer chassis 256,
as shown in FIG. 14 or in a second, storage position in which the
platform is disposed below the chassis (not shown). The coupling
between the second ends 260b, 262b of the brackets and the platform
252 may be fixed or pivotable [CORRECT?].
[0073] A pair of rails 264, 266 extends from the bottom surface 268
of the platform 252 as shown in FIG. 15. Grooves 270, 272 are
provided in the top surface of the chassis along either edge, as
shown. When the platform is in the wrist support position, the
platform rails 264, 266 engage respective chassis grooves 270, 272
permitting the platform to be moved in and out along axis 274 in
order to permit optimum placement of the user's wrists relative to
the keyboard 280 of the portable computer. The platform 256
includes a cutout 276 through which a mouse mechanism 282 can be
accessed. [PLEASE DESCRIBE AND SHOW DETAILS AS TO HOW THE PLATFORM
RAILS DISENGAGE THE CHASSIS GROOVES TO PERMIT THE PLATFORM TO BE
ROTATED FOR STORAGE]
[0074] It will be appreciated that in all of the above-described
embodiments, various factors, such as the position of the pivot
point between the support brackets and the computer chassis and the
thickness of the platform, can be readily varied in order to vary
the height of the platform relative to the computer keyboard. For
example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15, the top surface of the
platform sits above the top surface of the chassis and the keyboard
by approximately the thickness of the platform and thus, varying
the thickness of the platform will vary the height of the user's
wrists relative to the keyboard.
[0075] Having described the preferred embodiments of the invention,
it will now become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
that other embodiments incorporating their concepts may be
used.
[0076] For example, it may be desirable to provide a locking
mechanism to permit the wrist support 10 to be locked in either the
first, deployed position or the second, storage position in order
to prevent inadvertent movement of the wrist support between the
two positions.
[0077] It is felt therefore that these embodiments should not be
limited to disclosed embodiments but rather should be limited only
by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All publications
and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
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