U.S. patent application number 11/122995 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for ergonomic keyboard holder apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Acco Brands, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brophy, Timothy James, Carr, Adam Ackley, Elgie, Richard James, Lore, Vito, Pitcher, David.
Application Number | 20050284996 11/122995 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35320877 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050284996 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elgie, Richard James ; et
al. |
December 29, 2005 |
Ergonomic keyboard holder apparatus
Abstract
A keyboard holder apparatus is disclosed. The keyboard holder
apparatus includes a panel for supporting a keyboard, and an
adjustment mechanism associated with the keyboard. A plurality of
codes is associated with the adjustment mechanism, where the codes
within the plurality of codes correspond to dimensions of body
parts of different users.
Inventors: |
Elgie, Richard James; (Los
Gatos, CA) ; Brophy, Timothy James; (Redwood City,
CA) ; Carr, Adam Ackley; (Brookline, MA) ;
Pitcher, David; (Worcester, MA) ; Lore, Vito;
(Providence, RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Acco Brands, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
35320877 |
Appl. No.: |
11/122995 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60612280 |
Sep 21, 2004 |
|
|
|
60569031 |
May 6, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/274.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/0314 20130101;
G06Q 10/00 20130101; G06F 1/1601 20130101; A61B 5/1072 20130101;
G06F 3/0216 20130101; G16H 20/30 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/274.1 |
International
Class: |
B68G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A keyboard holder apparatus comprising: a panel for supporting a
keyboard; an adjustment mechanism associated with the keyboard; and
a plurality of codes associated with the adjustment mechanism,
wherein the codes within the plurality of codes correspond to
dimensions of body parts of different users.
2. The keyboard holder apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a
frame, wherein the panel is insertable in the frame.
3. The keyboard holder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality
of codes comprises a plurality of colors.
4. The keyboard holder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the adjustment
mechanism allows a person to adjust an angle of the keyboard.
5. The keyboard holder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the adjustment
mechanism is a first mechanism that allows a person to adjust a
height of the keyboard and wherein the apparatus further comprises
a second adjustment mechanism that allows a person to adjust an
angle of the keyboard.
6. The keyboard holder apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a
mouse support coupled to the panel.
7. A system comprising: the keyboard holder apparatus of claim 1;
and at least one work tool selected from the group consisting of an
adjustable mouse, an adjustable monitor stand, an adjustable
monitor arm, and an adjustable mouse pad, wherein the at least one
work tool and the keyboard holder apparatus are capable of being
used together in the same setting.
8. A system comprising: the keyboard holder apparatus comprising
(i) a panel for supporting a keyboard, (ii) an adjustment mechanism
associated with the keyboard, and (iii) a plurality of codes
associated with the adjustment mechanism, wherein the codes within
the plurality of codes correspond to dimensions of body parts of
different users; and a reference guide comprising the plurality of
codes.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the reference guide comprises a
plurality of handprints, or measuring elements corresponding to
forearm lengths or user heights.
10. The system of claim 8 wherein the reference guide comprises a
plurality of handprints with different colors.
11. The system of claim 8 wherein the system further comprises: a
validation element for validating an ergonomic position.
12. The system of claim 8 wherein the plurality of codes is in the
vicinity of the adjustment mechanism.
13. A method for using a keyboard holder apparatus comprising:
obtaining a keyboard holder apparatus comprising (i) a panel for
supporting a keyboard, (ii) an adjustment mechanism associated with
the keyboard, and (iii) a plurality of codes associated with the
adjustment mechanism, wherein the codes within the plurality of
codes correspond to dimensions of body parts of different users;
and adjusting the keyboard holder apparatus using a code in the
plurality of codes.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the keyboard holder further
comprises a frame, and wherein adjusting the keyboard holder
apparatus includes inserting the panel into a slot in the
frame.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the codes comprise different
colors.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein adjusting the keyboard holder
apparatus comprises adjusting a height of the keyboard holder
apparatus and wherein the method further comprises adjusting an
angle of the keyboard holder apparatus.
17. The method of claim 13 further comprising: using a validation
element to validate an ergonomic position after adjusting.
18. The method of claim 13 further comprising: placing a hand
against a reference guide comprising a plurality of handprint
images, wherein the reference guide includes the plurality of
codes.
19. The method of claim 13 further comprising: using a reference
guide to determine the code.
20. The method of claim 13 wherein the keyboard holder apparatus
further includes an optical element, and wherein the method further
includes: using the optical element to adjust the keyboard holder
apparatus.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This patent application is a non-provisional of and claims
the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. provisional patent
application Nos. 60/612,280 filed on Sep. 21, 2004 and 60/569,031
filed on May 6, 2004, all of which are herein incorporated by
reference in their entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Ergonomics relates to a discipline of dealing with the
interaction between a worker and the worker's work environment. An
ergonomic hazard is a workplace condition that places a worker at
an increased risk of developing a musculoskeletal injury or which
would otherwise increase the likelihood of other work performance
problems. For example, one ergonomic hazard is an improperly
positioned computer keyboard. It is well known that an improperly
positioned keyboard and continuous typing using the improperly
positioned keyboard may result in carpal tunnel syndrome.
[0003] To address the problem of ergonomic hazards, workplace tools
such as chairs, trays, monitors, etc. are desirably positioned in
an ergonomically optimized manner. Many large corporations hire
ergonomic specialists to help workers adjust their work tools to
optimal ergonomic positions to minimize injury and maximize
comfort.
[0004] While ergonomic specialists are effective, many average
consumers cannot afford to hire ergonomic specialists. Moreover,
even if they could afford ergonomic specialists, ergonomic
specialists are not always readily available. Even if they are
available, the process of adjusting (and installing) each and every
workplace tool for a worker is a time consuming process even for an
ergonomic specialist. Also, even if an ergonomic specialist is
used, workplace tools can be moved over time due to cleaning
personnel, etc. After the tools have been moved, a user will have a
difficult time re-adjusting those workplace tools to their optimal
ergonomic positions.
[0005] While many commercially available products are characterized
as "ergonomic," they are in fact often used improperly, because
consumers do not have enough guidance on how to properly position
or use them. For example, there are many commercially available
"ergonomic" chairs, which are capable of being adjusted to
different heights. However, the chair manufacturers do not tell the
consumers how their chairs should be adjusted so that they are
positioned in the most ergonomically effective manner. Consumers
often think that their chairs are being used in the most
ergonomically effective way. However, they may not be used in the
most ergonomically effective way. For example, although a consumer
may be using an ergonomic chair, the worker may improperly position
the chair too high or too low. The chair may thus be positioned in
an ergonomically improper way, even though the worker is using an
"ergonomic" chair. Consumers are thus left to guess as to how to
position their "ergonomic" workplace tools.
[0006] Embodiments of the invention address these and other
problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the invention are directed to workplace tools
and methods that are used to help a user obtain an optimal
ergonomic setup.
[0008] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a keyboard
holder apparatus comprising: a panel for supporting a keyboard; an
adjustment mechanism associated with the keyboard; and a plurality
of codes associated with the adjustment mechanism, wherein the
codes within the plurality of codes correspond to dimensions of
body parts of different users.
[0009] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a system
comprising: the keyboard holder apparatus comprising (i) a panel
for supporting a keyboard, (ii) an adjustment mechanism associated
with the keyboard, and (iii) a plurality of codes associated with
the adjustment mechanism, wherein the codes within the plurality of
codes correspond to dimensions of body parts of different users;
and a reference guide comprising the plurality of codes.
[0010] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method
for using a keyboard holder apparatus comprising: obtaining a
keyboard holder apparatus comprising (i) a panel for supporting a
keyboard, (ii) an adjustment mechanism associated with the
keyboard, and (iii) a plurality of codes associated with the
adjustment mechanism, wherein the codes within the plurality of
codes correspond to dimensions of body parts of different users;
and adjusting the keyboard holder apparatus using a code in the
plurality of codes.
[0011] Other embodiments of the invention are directed to systems
including the keyboard holder apparatus in combination with other
work tools such as monitor stands, computer mice, etc. Details of
such other work tools are provided below.
[0012] These and other embodiments of the invention are described
in further detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1(a) shows a guide including plurality of handprints of
different sizes. The handprints may be used to determine a code in
a coding scheme according to an embodiment on the invention.
[0014] FIGS. 1(b)-1(c) respectively show schematic drawings of
various computer monitor heights and chair heights corresponding to
optimal ergonomic positions.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows an adjustment guide that shows a coding scheme
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3(a) shows a portion of a keyboard holder apparatus
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 3(b) shows another keyboard holder apparatus according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIGS. 4(a)-4(f) show images corresponding to a method
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 shows a validation element that can be used in a
method according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 shows a hologram on an articulating arm of a keyboard
holder apparatus.
[0021] FIGS. 7(a)-7(d) show a monitor apparatus in various
ergonomic positions.
[0022] FIG. 8(a) shows a perspective view of a monitor stand
apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 8(b)-8(c) respectively show a leg of the monitor stand
apparatus shown in FIG. 8(a) in an assembled and an exploded
configuration.
[0024] FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of a document copyholder
apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 9(b) is a close-up frontal view of an adjustment
element and an adjustment guide in the document copyholder
apparatus shown in FIG. 9(b).
[0026] FIG. 9(c) is a perspective view of another document
copyholder apparatus according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] FIGS. 10(a)-10(b) shows an adjustable keyboard holder
apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 11(a) shows a bag apparatus according to embodiment of
the invention.
[0029] FIG. 11(b) shows a close up view of the strap of the bag
apparatus shown in FIG. 11(a).
[0030] FIGS. 12(a)-12(b) show a mouse apparatus according to an
embodiment of the invention with an inflatable exterior.
[0031] FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view of a mouse apparatus
according to an embodiment of the invention. The mouse apparatus
can include differently sized housings.
[0032] FIG. 13(b) is a perspective view of a mouse apparatus
according to an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the
mouse apparatus can have differently sized housings and may also
have an adjustable wrist-rest region.
[0033] FIG. 13(c) is an exploded view of the mouse apparatus shown
in FIG. 13(b).
[0034] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a footrest apparatus
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a mousepad apparatus
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 16(a) is a perspective view of another keyboard holder
apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 16(b) is a perspective view of a mouse support that can
be used in the keyboard apparatus shown in FIG. 16(a).
[0038] FIG. 17(a) is a perspective view of a monitor stand
apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 17(b) is a perspective view of a base of the monitor
stand apparatus shown in FIG. 17(a).
[0040] FIG. 17(c) is a perspective view of a container with an
adjustment guide in the base shown in FIG. 17(b).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses,
systems, and methods that are used to obtain optimal ergonomic
setups.
[0042] One embodiment of the invention is a directed to a method.
The method includes obtaining an apparatus comprising a product and
a plurality of codes, wherein the codes correspond to the
dimensions of different users' body parts and optimal ergonomic
setups for the users. The plurality of codes form a coding scheme,
which may in turn be part of an adjustment guide that may be
associated with the product.
[0043] The plurality of codes may also be on a reference guide
along with measuring elements for measuring a dimension of a body
part. A person can then compare a dimension of a body part such as
a hand to a plurality of measuring elements on a reference guide
comprising the plurality of codes. The measuring elements may be
handprints that are used to measure the size of the hand. After the
person determines the optimal measuring element for the body part,
the person may then identify a code corresponding to the selected
measuring element. Different codes are respectively associated with
the different measuring elements. After the person's code is
identified, the person can then adjust the adjustable product
according to the identified code. Once the adjustable product is
adjusted to the person's identified code, the user may optionally
use a validation element to verify and/or optimize an optimal
ergonomic setup.
[0044] Illustratively, a person may obtain a card-shaped reference
guide with a yellow handprint, a green handprint, a red handprint,
and a blue handprint, wherein each handprint has a different size.
The different handprints may be measuring elements, and the
different colors associated with the different handprints may be
different codes in a coding scheme. The person may determine that
his hand size is about the same size as the size of the red
handprint in a group of handprints. That person may thereafter
identify the color "red" as that person's color for ergonomic
adjustment. After the person's color is identified, the person may
then adjust his chair apparatus, mouse apparatus, keyboard holder
apparatus, and monitor apparatus to a "red" mark in an adjustment
guide in each of these adjustable apparatuses. Each adjustment
guide comprises a yellow region, a green region, a red region, and
a blue region. Each colored region corresponds to a particular
adjustable position or adjustable setting in the adjustable
apparatus. Once this is done, the person's chair apparatus, mouse
apparatus, keyboard holder apparatus, and monitor apparatus are all
adjusted so that they are ergonomically optimized for that
person.
[0045] Any suitable product may be used in embodiments of the
invention. Preferably, the product is adjustable. Examples of
adjustable products include adjustable chairs, adjustable mice,
adjustable keyboard holders, adjustable monitors, adjustable
wrist-rests, adjustable portable computers, adjustable keyboards,
adjustable handles, adjustable bags, adjustable straps, etc. The
adjustable product may be an entire consumer product or a part of a
consumer product. For example, an adjustable product according to
an embodiment of the invention could be a strap for a bag, or the
bag including a strap. In embodiments of the invention, the person
using the product or another person (e.g., a manufacturer) may
adjust the product.
[0046] As noted above, the apparatus may include an adjustment
guide that is at or adjacent to the adjustable region of the
adjustable product. Together, the plurality of codes in the
adjustment guide and the adjustable product may form an adjustable
apparatus. Using the adjustment guide on the adjustable product, a
person may select the code that is associated with that person and
may thereafter adjust the adjustable product to the optimal
ergonomic position using the adjustment guide.
[0047] The adjustable product may be adjusted in any suitable
manner using any suitable adjustment mechanism. For example, in
some embodiments, an adjustable product may have at least two
connected members that move relative to each other so that a
dimension or configuration of the adjustable product is changed.
One connected member may be stationary while the other one moves,
or both connected members may be movable. An adjustment guide may
be provided near a region where the at least two connected members
would be adjustable. For example, a chair may have two connected,
but adjustable poles, which allow a user to adjust a height of the
chair. An adjustment guide with colored regions may be at the
region where the two poles are joined and are adjustable to guide a
person to the correct ergonomic setting. In yet other embodiments,
the adjustable product may have a body and one or more parts that
are separable from the body. The parts can be detachably coupled to
the body. The one or more parts may be coupled to (e.g., placed on
the body, connected to the body, etc.) the body so that the product
has the optimal ergonomic setup for a particular person. For
example, a mouse may be adapted to use different removable
ergonomic gripping structures of different colors and different
sizes. Each ergonomic gripping structure may be designed for hands
of different sizes. Once a person identifies a particular color
associated with that person, one of the ergonomic gripping
structures can be coupled to a main body of a mouse to form an
ergonomically optimized mouse apparatus. In yet other embodiments,
the adjustable product may be moved along an adjustment guide that
may be associated with the adjustable product. Examples of
different adjustment modes are provided below.
[0048] Any suitable reference guide may be used in embodiments of
the invention. The reference guide may be two or three-dimensional
and typically includes measuring elements and a corresponding
coding scheme comprising a plurality of codes. In preferred
embodiments, the reference guide is in the form of a card. However,
the reference guides according to embodiments of the invention are
not limited to cards with hands. For example, instead of a
two-dimensional card with images of hands, other reference guides
and codes could be used. For instance, another exemplary reference
guide could be a ruler with numbers. The numbers may be the codes
in this instance, and may be present on various adjustable
products. If the user determines that his hand has a height of 5
inches, the user may thereafter locate a "5" mark on an adjustable
product and then may adjust the product to an optimal ergonomic
position or configuration using the "5" mark. In another
embodiment, differently sized three-dimensional grips could be used
to measure the dimensions of a hand. The codes may be letters
respectively associated with the various grips. These letters can
also be present on the adjustable products, and the person can
adjust products using a particular letter that is associated with
that person.
[0049] Any suitable type and/or combination of codes may be used in
embodiments of the invention. Examples of codes may include colors,
letters, figures, numbers, or other indicia. These may be used by
themselves or together with other codes. The codes provide linking
information between a person's body part dimension and an
adjustment of an adjustable product or a specifically shaped or
configured non-adjustable product. The codes may also link
different measuring elements associated with body part dimensions
to different adjustable positions or configurations for the
adjustable products.
[0050] The use of a coding scheme with a plurality of codes is
particularly advantageous. First, using codes such as color codes,
it is easy for a person to link a measured body part dimension to
an adjustable position on a product or to select a particular
product that is of a suitable size or configuration. Colors, in
particular, are easy for a person to visually identify and easy for
a person to use as a means for adjustment or selection. Second,
once the person determines his or her code, that code may
thereafter be used by that person to adjust any adjustable
products, or select other products. In embodiments of the
invention, once a person determines that the person's code is
"blue", that blue color can thereafter be used by that person to
adjust all future apparatuses to their optimal ergonomic positions.
Third, the codes can be used by a person even if the initial code
determined for that person is incorrect. For example, a male may
have a "yellow" handsize, but yellow may not be the correct color
for that person. Using a validation element (discussed below), the
person may determine that the optimal color for that person may be
red. That person may then know that the person's proper code is
"red" for the adjustment of future adjustable products.
[0051] The measuring elements on the reference guide may correspond
to the dimensions of predetermined body parts of different users.
In some embodiments, the measuring elements may be used to measure
a part of a person's body, and may correspond to the outline of a
body part. Examples of different body parts that can be measured
include hands, feet, arms, legs, etc. The dimensions may correspond
to the width, height, circumference, etc. of a particular body
part.
[0052] Any suitable measuring element may be used in embodiments of
the invention. For example, the measuring elements may be intended
to circumscribe a body part. For example, the measuring elements
may be in the form of outlines of differently sized hands. In other
embodiments, the measuring elements may be compared to specific
body parts, but need not circumscribe a persons' body part. For
example, the measuring elements may be in the form of lines that
represent different arm, leg, thigh, etc. lengths. However, the use
of the handprints (or other hand dimension(s)) as measuring
elements is advantageous, since handprints are easy and intuitive
for a person to use.
[0053] Humans have different sizes and shapes. However, in a
population of users with similar body part dimensions, a
substantial majority of those users will use the same ergonomic
adjustments. For example, for most individuals, the size of a
user's hand approximates other dimensions of the user's body. For
example, users having hands with heights (as measured from the
longest finger to the crease of the hand) of 7.64 to 7.91 inches
can all use the same general ergonomic setups. The measurement of
the user's hand will allow the user to not only adjust hand work
tools such as computer mice, but also non-hand related work tools
such as chairs and computer monitors. Thus, with a single
measurement of a single body part, a person can determine optimal
adjustments for virtually all of that person's work tools.
[0054] In a small number of cases, the ergonomic setup determined
using the reference guide may not be optimal. As will be discussed
below, in other embodiments of the invention, validation elements
may be used by those users to obtain optimal ergonomic setups.
Validation elements are discussed in further detail below.
[0055] Embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages.
First, the concept is simple, intuitive and effective for users.
For example, as noted above, a single hand measurement will allow a
person to adjust multiple hand-related and non-hand-related work
tools to their optimal ergonomic positions. Second, all of the
ergonomic adjustments can be performed without the need for an
ergonomic specialist. The ergonomic solution described herein is
therefore cost effective and convenient for users. Third, the
adjustments can be performed more quickly than in the past. For
example, an ergonomic specialist need not measure a user and then
adjust each and every work tool in a custom manner. In embodiments
of the invention, codes can be already present on the adjustable
products so all the user needs to do is adjust the products to the
code that is specific for that person. No specialized measurements
need to take place. The systems, methods, and products according to
embodiments of the invention allow a user to "custom fit" his or
her office with office products that are all in ergonomically
optimized positions. Lastly, adjustments can be made at any time.
If work tools move over time due to cleaning personnel, etc., a
person can easily re-adjust the work tools without the need for an
ergonomic specialist.
[0056] FIG. 1(a) shows a reference guide 100 comprising plurality
of handprints 102 that may be used to determine a code in a
plurality of codes. As shown, various handprints 102 are labeled as
handprints 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4. Although four handprints are
shown, it will be understood that any number of handprints 102 may
be provided.
[0057] Each handprint 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4 is associated with
a different code in a coding scheme and has a size that is
different than the other handprints. The outline 103 forming each
handprint 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4 may form a measuring element.
The handprints 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4 are associated with
different colors. For example, handprints 102-1, 102-2, 102-3,
102-4 may be associated with or are colored green, blue, red, and
yellow, respectively. More or less colors and measuring elements
may be used in embodiments of the invention.
[0058] Each handprint 102 may also correspond to a certain
percentage of males or females and may be sized to capture a range
of hand sizes. For instance, green handprint 102-1 may have a
height suitable for capturing users with hand sizes between about
6.18 inches and 7.39 inches. This may capture the 5th percentile of
the females and the 25th percentile of males. Blue handprint 102-2
may have a height suitable for capturing users with hand heights
between about 6.76 inches and 7.64 inches. This may capture the
25th percentile of the females and the 50th percentile of males.
Red handprint 102-3 may have a height suitable for capturing users
with hand heights between about 7.01 inches and 7.91 inches. This
may capture the 50th percentile of the females and the 75th
percentile of males. Yellow handprint 102-4 may have a height
suitable for capturing users with hand heights between about 7.28
inches and 8.35 inches. This may capture the 75th percentile of the
females and the 95th percentile of males. Although a single
reference guide may be used for both males and females in this
embodiment, in other embodiments, two or more reference guides may
be used (e.g., one for males and one for females).
[0059] As noted above, for most individuals, the size of a user's
hand approximates other dimensions of the user's body. For example,
a user's hand size may be used to approximate the user's height,
arm length, leg length, etc. The use of a user's hand as an
ergonomic measuring tool is particularly preferable because a user
can simply place his or her hand on the diagram shown in FIG. 1(a)
and can determine his or her code. This allows products, when sold,
to include diagrams like the one shown in FIG. 1(a) and a person
can easily determine the code that provides that person with the
optimal ergonomic adjustment.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 1(a), in order to determine a code, a user
can place his hand on the handprints 102 shown in FIG. 1(a). The
user then determines which handprint 102 most closely fits the
user's hand. As shown, handprints 102 are of different sizes. The
user may choose a certain handprint 102 if his/her hand
substantially fits within one of the handprints.
[0061] Once an applicable handprint 102 is determined, the color
associated with the handprint 102 is identified by the user. This
color is a code in a coding scheme that may be used to adjust
certain adjustable products or select a certain product. Sometimes,
the color codes may be printed on the products themselves, or may
be in the form of stickers on the products.
[0062] Other measurement systems may be used to determine a code in
a coding scheme. For example, the length of a user's arm from the
tip of the middle finger to the elbow may be used to determine the
code. Also, the length of a user's leg from the floor to the knee
may be used. In yet other embodiments, heights of the users may be
used. In these examples, different ranges of measurements may
correspond to different codes in a coding scheme. The
interrelationship between body part lengths for a majority of
individuals was previously determined by the U.S. Army (Natick
1989) in past studies.
[0063] FIGS. 1(b) and 1(c) show how work tools such as monitors and
chairs can be ergonomically adjusted using the hand chart in FIG.
1(a).
[0064] FIG. 1(b) shows a number of monitor apparatuses with viewing
heights associated with green, blue, and red color codes. The
height associated with green G can be 41.8 inches from the floor to
the person's eye level (which may line up with the topmost portion
of a viewing screen of the monitor apparatus). The height
associated with blue B can be 47.75 inches from the floor to the
person's eye level. The height associated with red R can be 54
inches from the floor to the person's eye level. In these
embodiments, it is presumed that a standard desk is used and that
most standard desks are of the same height. With this assumption,
the monitor apparatuses depicted may have stands that have color
codes on them. A person may use the color codes to adjust a monitor
to a correct viewing height.
[0065] FIG. 1(c) shows a number of chair apparatuses and
corresponding heights associated with green, blue, and red color
codes. In this example, the height associated with green G may be
15 inches. The height associated with blue B may be 17.25 inches.
The height associated with red R may be 19.5 inches. Once a person
has determined his or her color code, the person may adjust the
height of his or her chair apparatus using the color code. An
adjustment guide including green, blue, and red color codes may be
at an adjustable region of a base of the chair apparatus.
[0066] Using the reference guide shown in FIG. 1(a) and using a
person's hand, optimal monitor and chair positions can be obtained.
The adjustment of work tools such as chairs and monitors is simple,
efficient, and accurate.
[0067] FIG. 2 shows an adjustment guide 200 with a coding scheme
according to an embodiment of the invention. The adjustment guide
200 includes a plurality of colors 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, 202-4 which
are respectively labeled color 1, color 2, color 3, and color 4.
Each color in adjustment guide 200 is a different color. For
example, color 1 may be red, color 2 may be orange, color 3 may be
blue, and color 4 may be green. More or less colors can be used in
other embodiments of the invention. Other coding schemes may also
be used. For example, symbols, characters, or other indicia may be
used in place of colors.
[0068] Although the adjustment guide 200 shown is rectangular, it
is understood that other shapes, sizes and configurations of
adjustment guides may be used in other embodiments of the
invention. For example, the adjustment guide 200 may be shaped as a
circle or arc with radial colored bands. In another embodiment,
discrete ergonomic gripping structures with respectively different
sizes and color codes may be used in a mouse apparatus. The
color-coded gripping structures may form an adjustment guide in
this embodiment. In yet another example, different slots in a frame
of a keyboard holder apparatus may be color-coded. These color
coded slots can form an adjustment guide. The form and shape of the
adjustment guides according to embodiments of the invention are not
limited.
[0069] In some embodiments, the adjustment guide 200 may be placed
on an adjustable product so that a user may adjust the adjustable
product to positions corresponding to colors in the adjustment
guide 200. An indicator mark or structure (not shown) may be used
to indicate a selected color. For example, the indicator mark could
be an arrow pointing to one or more of the codes on the adjustment
guide 200. Alternatively, there can be a window (not shown) that
shows the code that is selected from the adjustment guide. Codes
that are not selected are not shown in the window.
[0070] FIG. 3(a) shows a keyboard holder apparatus 300 according to
one embodiment of the present invention. As used herein, a
"keyboard holder apparatus" includes any device that can support or
hold a keyboard. The keyboard holder apparatus 300 may be
adjustable using the coding scheme. As shown, different codes are
shown in one or more windows 302-1, 302-2 on an arm of keyboard
holder apparatus 300. In one embodiment, a first window 302-1 may
be used for the tilt adjustment of keyboard holder apparatus 300
and a second window 302-2 may be for the height adjustment of
keyboard holder apparatus 300.
[0071] A user can adjust the keyboard holder apparatus by adjusting
the tilt and/or height of the keyboard holder apparatus panel 303
which supports a keyboard (not shown). As the tilt and height of
the panel 303 changes, different colors in the coding scheme are
shown in windows 302-1, 302-2. When the person's color is shown in
windows 302-1, 302-2, the position of the keyboard holder apparatus
300 is ergonomically optimized. A user may then lock the keyboard
holder apparatus 300 into that position.
[0072] FIG. 3(b) shows another keyboard holder apparatus 340
according to an embodiment of the invention. It includes a
wedge-shaped platform 334 that includes a tilt adjusting mechanism,
which may include a tilt actuator 330. The upper portion of the
platform may be a panel. In this example, the tilt actuator 330 can
be squeezed by a person to raise or lower a rear portion of the
platform 334 so that the platform 334 tilts at an appropriate
angle. When the tilt actuator 350 is squeezed, a pneumatic pump
raises the rear portion of the platform. A lever (not shown) can be
used to lower the rear of the platform. In some embodiments, there
may be a pneumatic element between the upper and lower surfaces of
the wedge-shaped platform 330. Although a pneumatic raising element
is described, it is understood that any other suitable adjustment
mechanism may be used to raise or lower a rear upper panel portion
of the platform 334.
[0073] The keyboard holder apparatus 340 may also include an arm
335. The arm 335 may be like the previously described arm and may
allow a person to raise or lower the platform 334. A height
actuator (not shown) such as a knob or lever may be provided to
raise or lower the platform 334 by moving the arm 335 up or down.
Various height adjustment mechanisms are well known and are
commercially available. A foam padding border structure 331 and a
mouse support 332 are also shown in FIG. 3(b).
[0074] Advantageously, the keyboard holder apparatuses shown in
FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) allow a person to adjust both the height and
the tilt of a panel supporting a keyboard.
[0075] FIGS. 4(a)-4(f) illustrate a method according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0076] FIG. 4(a) shows a person opening a box containing a
reference guide like that shown in FIG. 1(a) and an adjustable
keyboard holder apparatus prior to installation on a desk. Like the
embodiment in FIG. 1(a), the reference guide has a hand chart. FIG.
4(b) shows the person measuring his hand against the hand chart.
After determining the hand image that is closest to the person's
hand image, the person then selects the color associated with the
hand image that best matches the shape of the person's hand. FIG.
4(c) shows the person installing a tilt keyboard holder apparatus.
As noted above, an adjustment guide including a plurality of codes
is on an arm of the keyboard holder apparatus. FIG. 4(d) shows the
person adjusting the tilt of the keyboard holder apparatus to the
proper color for the person. FIG. 4(e) shows the person using a
validation element in the form of a card to validate the distance
of the keyboard holder apparatus to the person's thigh. Exemplary
validation elements are discussed in further detail below. Then, as
shown in FIG. 4(f), any additional refinements can then be made by
the person. The person can adjust the height of the keyboard holder
apparatus to the height suggested by the validation element. As
illustrated by FIGS. 4(a)-4(f), the installation of a keyboard
holder apparatus and method for ergonomically adjusting the
keyboard holder apparatus is simple and efficient and does not
require an ergonomic specialist.
[0077] FIG. 5 shows a validation element 380 according to an
embodiment of the invention. The validation element 380 can be in
the form of a card and has a central portion 382 that can fit
between the legs of a person while the person is sitting down in a
chair while validating the height of a keyboard holder. As shown in
FIG. 5, there are also instructions on how to use the validation
element 380. As the instructions indicate, the person first assumes
a comfortable working position at a workstation. The person then
places the curved edge of the card on the person's thigh directly
beneath the keyboard drawer wrist rest. The card fills in the gap
between the person's thigh and the keyboard drawer. If the keyboard
is not at the proper height, then the height of the keyboard drawer
can be adjusted accordingly.
[0078] Other validation elements may be used for other adjustable
products. For example, a rectangular card may be used to validate
the distance between a person's eyes and a monitor. Regardless of
the form of the validation element, the validation element may have
a dimension corresponding to the optimized ergonomic position for a
variety of users.
[0079] The validation elements discussed above have been described
for use with an adjustment guide on an adjustable product and for
verification of a prior adjustment using color codes. However, in
other embodiments of the invention, the validation elements may
themselves constitute a coding scheme, and the adjustable product
need not have an adjustment guide including color codes on it and
the validation elements may be used independently of the adjustment
guide and may be used as a primary ergonomic adjustment tool. For
example, in some embodiments, a person can determine his or her
code as described above (e.g., using a reference guide including
color codes). After determining that person's code, that person can
select the validation element that is associated with that person's
code. Differently sized validation elements could included with an
adjustable product purchased by a person or may be separately
available from the adjustable product. For example, an adjustable
product may be associated with four card-shaped validation elements
with heights of 2, 3, 4, and 5 inches in some embodiments. One of
the validation elements can be selected by a person and used to
adjust the adjustable product to an optimal ergonomic position.
Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention is directed to a system
including an adjustable product and one or more validation
elements, wherein the one or more validation elements can have
different characteristics (e.g., different sizes, shapes, visual
properties, etc.).
[0080] Once the validation element is obtained, the user may then
adjust the adjustable product (as described above and below) using
the validation element without the need to reference an adjustable
guide on the adjustable product.
[0081] Thus, some embodiments are directed to obtaining a
validation element, wherein the validation element is one in a
plurality of validation elements, and wherein the plurality of
validation elements have dimensions or characteristics
corresponding to dimensions of different users and optimal
ergonomic setups for the different users, and then adjusting or
positioning the product using the validation element. The different
validation elements of different sizes may correspond to a coding
scheme. Embodiments of the invention may also include systems
including a single adjustable product along with a validation
element that is one of a group of possible validation elements.
[0082] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of keyboard holder apparatus
300 according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown, a
hologram 320 (or other visual element) is provided on the arm of
keyboard holder apparatus 300. A logo in hologram 320 appears when
the tilt and/or height for keyboard holder apparatus 300 are
properly adjusted.
[0083] Illustratively, a user can be positioned in relation to
keyboard holder apparatus 300. From this point, a user has a
certain viewing angle in relation to hologram 320. Hologram 320 is
configured to be visible at a certain viewing angle. Thus, as
keyboard holder apparatus 300 is adjusted, the viewing angle is
changed and hologram 320 becomes visible to the user at a certain
viewing angle. For example, the words "simple fit" may appear when
keyboard holder apparatus 300 is properly adjusted, but are not
shown when the keyboard holder apparatus 300 is not properly
adjusted. This mechanism can be used to find an optimal ergonomic
position for the user.
[0084] The hologram (or reflective material) 320 may be used in
place of or in addition to the previously or later described
adjustment guides and reference guides. The hologram 320 can also
be used with any other adjustable apparatus including those
described herein. For example, the hologram may be used on the
monitor apparatus 400 shown, for example, in FIG. 7(a) to provide
the proper viewing angle for a person. In this example, a hologram
may be placed on a flat panel display portion 400(a) of the monitor
apparatus 400 and the display may be tilted until an image appears
in the hologram. In this way, the flat panel display portion 400(a)
of the monitor apparatus 400 can be positioned in an ergonomically
optimal manner. In these embodiments, the hologram can make an
adjustable apparatus "self-adjusting" since the user need not use a
color coding system. The hologram could alternatively be used as a
validation mechanism in conjunction with the previously described
coding scheme.
[0085] FIGS. 7(a)-7(d) show a monitor apparatus 400 according to an
embodiment of the invention in different adjustable positions
corresponding to colors in an adjustment guide. The monitor
apparatus 400 has a flat panel display portion 400(a), a movable
arm 400(b), and a base 400(c) coupled to the movable arm 400(b). As
shown, the movable arm 400(b) can move with respect to both the
base 400(c) and the flat panel display portion 400(a). The base
400(c) may be secured to or simply placed on a desktop.
[0086] An adjustment guide 402 is at the bottom of the movable arm
400(b), and is around the adjustable region joining the movable arm
400(b) and the base 400(c). The adjustment guide 402 may be in the
form of a circular band including discrete colored sections such as
red, green, blue, and yellow sections. A person may use these
colored sections to adjust the movable arm 400(b) to a proper
radial position. To assist in this, a marker such as an arrow may
be provided on the base 400(c) so that the marker points to the
selected colored section.
[0087] FIG. 8(a) shows a monitor stand apparatus 411 according to
an embodiment of the invention. The monitor stand apparatus 411 has
a horizontal portion 412 that bridges two adjustable legs 410. A
monitor (not shown) may be placed on the horizontal portion
412.
[0088] FIG. 8(b) shows a leg 410 of the monitor stand apparatus in
an assembled state. FIG. 8(c) shows the leg 410 in an exploded
view. As shown in FIG. 8(c), the leg 410 includes a movable top
portion 410(a) and a lower portion 410(b) that houses the top
portion 410(a). The leg 410 has a number of apertures and colored
regions 410(d) forming an adjustment guide 200 may be around the
apertures 410(e). A button 410(f) present at the bottom of the top
portion 410(a) can be pushed inward so that the button 410(f) is in
the proper aperture 410(e). The button 410(f) secures the top
portion 410(a) at desired vertical position so that a monitor on
the horizontal portion 412 can be positioned at an ergonomically
correct height.
[0089] FIG. 9(a) shows a document copyholder apparatus 413
according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9(b) shows a
close up view of an adjustment element 416 and an adjustment guide
200 in the document copyholder apparatus. Referring to FIG. 9(a),
the document copyholder apparatus 413 has a base 419 and a document
holder 418 that is movably coupled to the base 419. An adjustment
element 416 in the form of a rotatable knob may be turned to change
the angular position of the document holder 418 with respect to the
base 419. An adjustment guide 200 comprising a plurality of colored
bands may be disposed around a cylindrical part, and the adjustment
element 416 can be turned so that an arrow 417 (or other indicia)
on the adjustment element 416 points to a colored band in the
adjustment guide 200. The selected colored band is associated with
a person's optimal ergonomic setting.
[0090] FIG. 9(c) shows another document copyholder apparatus 602
according to another embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment, the document copyholder apparatus 602 includes an
adjustable product 601 including a base 606 including a foot 606(a)
and a document holder 618 which are relatively movable with respect
to each other. The document copyholder apparatus 602 may further
include an adjustment element and an adjustment guide as described
in the embodiment in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b).
[0091] In the embodiment in FIG. 9(c), however, an additional
adjustment guide 604 can be used. Unlike the other embodiments, the
adjustment guide 604 is in the form of a flat sheet (with or
without an adhesive) with colored bands on it. The adjustment guide
604 is not securely attached to the adjustable product 601 and may
lie on a desk surface 608. In this example, the flat sheet is a
linear sheet. As shown, the foot 606(a) of the base 606 may be
adjusted so that it is placed on the appropriate color that is
associated with a person's optimal ergonomic setup.
[0092] FIG. 10(a) shows another keyboard holder apparatus 420
according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10(b) shows
a side, cross-sectional view of an adjustment region of the
keyboard holder apparatus 420. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the keyboard
holder apparatus 420 has an arm 427 that is coupled to the
underside of a desk 423. The arm is coupled to a frame 425 that has
an open front portion. A mouse support 424 may be attached to a
side of the frame 425. As shown in FIG. 10(b), a panel 426 for
supporting a keyboard (not shown) may slide into various slots 422
to allow the keyboard to be at various vertical positions. As in
prior embodiments, an adjustment guide (not shown) (e.g.,
comprising different colored regions) may be positioned near the
notches 422 so that a person can put the panel 426 into the slot
associated with the person's optimum ergonomic position.
[0093] FIG. 11(a) shows a bag apparatus 730 according to an
embodiment of the invention. The bag apparatus includes a bag 731
and an adjustable strap 734 coupled to the bag 731. The strap 734
has an adjustable region comprising an adjustment guide 736 on the
adjustable strap 734. As in prior embodiments, a person may adjust
the adjustable strap 734 using the adjustment guide 736 so that the
ergonomically correct strap position is being used. In this
example, the adjustable strap 734 may have a rectangular buckle 732
and the strap portion may be colored with different colors
corresponding to different ergonomic positions. The adjustable
strap 734 can be adjusted so that the person's code (e.g., the
person's color) shows up in the window defined by the buckle
732.
[0094] In some embodiments, the bag apparatus may have a side
contour that closely fits to the side of a person's body, a
cross-brace support, and/or an ergonomic handle. The ergonomic
handle may be a two piece handle that fits together to form a one
piece handle. A lower portion of the handle has a trough while an
upper part of the handle fits in the trough and can pivot in the
trough. Such embodiments are described in U.S. patent application
Ser. Nos. 10/717,215, 10/870,479, and 10/762,205, which are all
herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
[0095] FIG. 12(a) is a perspective view of a mouse apparatus 440
according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12(b) is a
close-up perspective view of the mouse apparatus 440 of a button
430 present in the mouse apparatus 440. The mouse apparatus 440
includes an expandable (e.g., inflatable) gripping region 432 that
surrounds a button 430. A conventional scroll wheel 431 is at the
front of the mouse apparatus 400.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 12(b), a color-coded adjustment guide 434
has a number of colored rings around the button 430. As the
expandable gripping region 432 inflates, different colored rings
appear adjacent to the button 430. The gripping region 432 is thus
relatively movable with respect to the button 430. After a person
determines the person's code using a reference guide (as described
above), the person may inflate the gripping region 432 by pressing
the button 430 until the colored ring associated with the user's
color is adjacent to the edge of the button 430. Then, the size of
the gripping region 432 of the mouse apparatus 440 is adjusted so
that it is at the optimal ergonomic configuration for the
person.
[0097] FIG. 13(a) shows another mouse apparatus 444 according to
another embodiment of the invention. In comparison to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 12(a)-12(b), in the embodiment in FIG.
13(a), the mouse apparatus 444 includes a number of parts that can
be detachably coupled to a main body 437 in the mouse apparatus
444. A scroll wheel 431 and buttons 435 are in the main body 437.
The mouse apparatus 444 also includes a main body 450. The gripping
structures 440 are different sizes and have different color codes
on them. The gripping structure 440 may be in the form of plastic
shells that include the outer gripping surface of an assembled
mouse apparatus. After a person determines the person's code using
a reference guide (as described above), the person may select the
appropriate gripping structure 440 and thereafter may attach it to
the main body of the mouse apparatus 444.
[0098] FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c) show another mouse apparatus 499
according to an embodiment of the invention. The mouse apparatus
499 includes buttons 435 and a scroll-wheel 431 at a front region
of the mouse apparatus 499. The scroll-wheel 431 is positioned
between the buttons 435. Like the mouse apparatus in FIG. 13(a), a
detachable gripping structure 438 may be detachably coupled to a
body 437 in the mouse apparatus 499. In the mouse apparatus 499
there can be many detachable gripping structures of different sizes
and the person using the mouse apparatus 499 can choose the
appropriate gripping structure 438 using a reference guide
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0099] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c), however,
the gripping structure 438 has a wrist region 438(a) for holding a
wrist-rest structure 439 for supporting the wrist of the person.
The wrist-rest structure 439 may be in the form of one or parts
that may be detachably coupled to the wrist region 438(a). For
example, the wrist-rest structure may be in the form of one or more
pieces of foam or one or more gel structures that can be assembled
together to provide a proper wrist height for the user. A person
may determine the appropriate number of pieces and/or may select
the appropriate piece for the wrist region 438(a) using a reference
guide according to an embodiment of the invention. In another
example, the wrist-rest structure 439 may be coupled to the
gripping structure 438 and/or the body 437. For example, the
wrist-rest structure 438 may be an inflatable structure like the
inflatable structure described above with respect to the mouse
apparatus shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b).
[0100] FIGS. 13(a)-13(c) show that apparatuses according to
embodiments of the invention can use different adjustable housing
mechanisms. The adjustable housing mechanisms can provide different
ergonomic shapes for different users.
[0101] FIG. 14 shows a footrest apparatus 450 according to another
embodiment of the invention. As shown, the footrest apparatus 450
is wedge-shaped. The footrest apparatus 450 includes foot placement
regions 458. A window 454 exposes a color from an adjustment guide
in the footrest apparatus. A hologram 452 or other visual device
may be used in addition to or in place of the window 454 to verify
the correct configuration of the footrest apparatus 450. A foot
pedal 456 actuated by a person to "pump" up the footrest to a
desired height, angle, or configuration.
[0102] As the person steps on the pedal 456, air may be forced into
the footrest apparatus 450 to increase the height angle formed by
the foot placement regions 458 and the bottom surface of the
footrest apparatus 450. As the angle changes, different colors from
the adjustment guide may show through the window 454. Once the
color associated with the person's optimal ergonomic setting
appears in the window 454, the user can stop and the configuration
of the footrest apparatus 450 can be set. Alternatively or
additionally, a user can step on the pedal 456 until an image shows
in the hologram 452. The appearance of the image in the hologram
452 will indicate that the footrest apparatus 450 is configured in
its optimal ergonomic position for the person.
[0103] FIG. 15 shows a mousepad apparatus 460 according to another
embodiment of the invention. The mousepad apparatus 460 includes a
wrist-rest portion 468 at a rear region, and a surface 466 at a
front region of the mousepad apparatus 460. The wrist-rest portion
468 allows lateral movement while supporting the person's wrist,
and may be inflated like the above described footrest apparatus
450. A window 464 is at the rear of the wrist-rest portion 468 and
exposes a colors in an adjustment guide that is in the mousepad
apparatus 460. For simplicity of illustration, the actuator(s) that
are used to raise and lower the wrist-rest portion 468 is not
shown.
[0104] FIG. 16(a) shows yet another embodiment of keyboard holder
apparatus 470 according to an embodiment of the invention. As
shown, slots 474, 476 are provided at the left and right side of
the keyboard holder apparatus 470, where each slot corresponds to a
code in a coding scheme. For example, there may be three slots
where any structure defining the slots may be colored red, green,
and blue, respectively. Each slot represents a different height
that corresponds to a different ergonomic setup.
[0105] The user may insert a panel 475 connected to a mouse tray
490 into a slot that corresponds to a determined code. A keyboard
(not shown) may rest on the panel 475. As shown, a front portion of
the panel 475 can remain stationary at the front of the keyboard
tray 476 while the back of the panel 475 is adjustable up or down
to provide a proper tilt angle for the panel 475 and any keyboard
that rests on the panel 475. As shown, the panel 475 may be
insertable on the right or left side of keyboard holder apparatus
470. The keyboard holder apparatus 470 has a soft full padded frame
472 and may be somewhat wedge-shaped.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 16(b), the tilt of mouse support 490 may
also be adjusted. An adjustment guide 492 on an arm extending from
the panel 475 may be used for this purpose. For example, mouse tray
490 may be rotated such that a color in the adjustment guide 492
lines up with an arrow on the arm 493. The mouse tray 490 may be in
an optimal ergonomic setup at this position.
[0107] FIGS. 17(a)-17(c) show a monitor stand apparatus 500
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a
base 504 and platform 502 are present in the apparatus 500. A
rotatable tray 509 is on the base 504.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 17(c), a container 510 is present in the
base 504 and has codes 508. A user can also insert blocks 506 on
within the container 510 until the height of the blocks 506 reaches
the person's code that is printed on the outer surface of the
container 510. Once the blocks 506 have reached their proper
height, a user may place the platform 502 on the stacked blocks 506
in the base 504. A user can thus raise or lower the platform 502 to
an appropriate position based on the person's determined code.
Thus, when a monitor (not shown) is placed on the apparatus 500,
the monitor is positioned in an optimal ergonomic setup for the
user.
[0109] In the various embodiments discussed above, adjustable
products are described in detail. However, in some embodiments,
adjustable products need not be used. For example, in one
embodiment, a code in a plurality of codes is determined by a
person. As noted above, the codes correspond to dimensions of
different users and optimal ergonomic setups for the different
users. The codes may be on a reference guide that correlates a
person's body part dimension to one of the codes. Any of the
above-described codes, reference guides, products, etc., or
characteristics thereof can be used in these embodiments and the
descriptions of them need not be repeated here.
[0110] Once the optimal code is determined by that person, that
person can select a product using the determined code. For example,
a manufacturer may produce computer mice of four different sizes,
and the mice may be respectively colored red, green, blue, and
yellow. The person may determine that his code corresponds to
"yellow" and that person may thereafter select the mouse with the
"yellow" color from among the differently colored and differently
sized mice. The person then has a mouse with an optical ergonomic
configuration, even though the mouse does not have an adjustable
housing. Thus, embodiments of the invention may or may not use an
adjustable product.
[0111] The process of identifying a code, and then selecting an
appropriately sized or configured product may be used for any
product. Exemplary products include those described above (e.g.,
keyboard holders, monitor arms, monitor stands, etc.). The
descriptions of such products need not be repeated here.
[0112] Thus, a system according to another embodiment of the
invention may include (i) a plurality of products, each product
including a single code from a plurality of codes in a coding
scheme, where the codes indicate an optimal ergonomic setup or
configuration for different users, and (ii) a reference guide
including the plurality of codes and measuring elements
corresponding to the plurality of codes. The measuring elements may
be adapted to measure dimensions of different users' body parts.
Measuring elements are described above.
[0113] Yet other embodiments of the invention are described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled "Method For
Determining An Optimal Ergonomic Setup" (attorney docket no.
14572P-072330US); U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled
"Apparatus For Determining An Optimal Ergonomic Setup" (attorney
docket no. 14572P-072320US); and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
______, entitled "Over/Underdesk Apparatus (attorney docket no.
14572P-074200US). Other embodiments of the invention are directed
to docking stations which are described in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______, entitled "Docking Station" (attorney docket no.
14572P-078400US), filed on ______. All of these patent applications
are being filed on the same day as the present application and are
herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
[0114] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein
are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there
is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of
excluding equivalents of the features shown and described, or
portions thereof, it being recognized that various modifications
are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.
[0115] Moreover, one or more features of one or more embodiments of
the invention may be combined with one or more features of other
embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of
the invention. For example, any of the embodiments described with
respect to FIGS. 1-2 can be combined with the embodiments described
with respect to FIGS. 3-17 without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0116] A recitation of "a", "an" or "the" is intended to mean "one
or more" unless specifically indicated to the contrary. For
example, "an adjustment guide" means that one or more adjustment
guides may be present.
[0117] All patents, patent applications, publications, and
descriptions mentioned above are herein incorporated by reference
in their entirety for all purposes. None is admitted to be prior
art.
* * * * *