WO2002015746A1

WO2002015746A1 - Support device

Info

Publication number: WO2002015746A1
Application number: PCT/GB2001/003661
Authority: WO
Inventors: Malcolm Shipman
Original assignee: Malcolm Shipman
Priority date: 2000-08-18
Filing date: 2001-08-16
Publication date: 2002-02-28
Also published as: AU2001279941A1

Abstract

A support device for use with a computer mouse device involving hand and/or finger movement. In use, a user's wrist rests on the support device, with their hand extending in front of the support and over the mouse for operation and movement thereof. The support device further comprises at least an outer cover in which a plurality of polystyrene beads are contained, and in use, the device not only provides support for the wrist, but the beads have the effect of massaging the wrist while the user is operating the mouse. In this manner, the probability of any injury to the wrist, hand or fingers of the user over a prolonged time period is reduced. The support device is releasably secured around the user's wrist by means of a suitable VELCRO® strap.

Description

Support Device

This invention relates to a wrist/ forearm support device for use with a data input component of an electronic device.

The frequency at which people are using computers and other electronic devices in everyday life is increasing rapidly. Most of these devices operate by the user having to type commands or information into the device using a keyboard or selecting functions on a display screen of the device using a mouse.

Due the position of a user's wrist and/or hand during use of a keyboard or mouse, extended periods of use have been found to result in injuries to the user's hand. For example, repetitive stress disorder (RSI) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) are two of the possible conditions that may arise from regular use of a keyboard and/or mouse. Both of these conditions result in restricted movement and pain to the sufferer and may result in increased absenteeism from work, medical treatment or possibly surgery.

Wrist supports for use with computers are available to help prevent conditions such as RSI or CTS. One of these supports includes a cushioned protrusion fixed to a mouse mat. The user rests his or her wrist on the protrusion whilst gripping the mouse. However, since the support is fixed to the mouse mat, the mouse movement which can be accomplished with the wrist on the support is restricted.

Other supports are known for use with keyboards and include a strip of cushioned fabric placed in front of the keyboard, on which the user's wrist rests whilst typing. For example, US5730711 discloses a wrist support device including a compressible support configured for positioning under the hand and wrist of a user. A glide plate is disposed below the compressible support to enable the support to glide over a planar surface. However, the user still has to reposition their wrist on the support means of the mouse if moving between the keyboard and the mouse and/or moving to different workstations. It is unlikely that the user will position their wrist comfortably on the support when moving frequently between the supports of the keyboard and mouse mat. Thus the posture of the wrist and hand is poor and injuries are still likely to be sustained. Other known support devices, such as those disclosed in WO99/05062 and US6082682, provide a strap which allows the device to be secured to the user's wrist in use, thereby allowing the device to be transported with the user between workstations and/or between the keyboard and the mouse of a computer, whilst being maintained in a suitable position on the user's wrist. However, even when these devices are used, extended periods of use of a computer keyboard and/or mouse can still result in strain injuries to the user's wrist or forearm.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved wrist/forearm support device for use with a data input component of an electronic device, such as a mouse or keyboard, which can reduce the likelihood of sustaining RSI type injuries through extended use.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a support device for use with a data input component involving hand or finger movement, said data input component being used to input data into an electronic device, said support device provided for resting a user's wrist thereon during use of the data input component, said support device being secured to the user's wrist/forearm during use and wherein said support device further comprises at least an outer cover in which a plurality of ball members are contained therein. Preferably the ball members are free moving within the outer cover.

Preferably the ball members are made from a plastics material, such as polystyrene beads.

An advantage of the present invention is that in addition to providing support and cushioning, the plurality of ball members produce a massaging effect on the wrist of a user as the support device is moved back and forth on a surface. This massaging effect is caused by the free moving ball members moving against adjacent ball members and against the user's wrist. In addition to the massaging effect being relaxing to the user, it results in an increase in blood flow at the user's wrist, thereby reducing the likelihood of cramp and strain in the user's hand and/or wrist.

In one embodiment the support device is contoured on at least an upper surface to allow the user's wrist/forearm to be located comfortably thereon during use.

In one embodiment the support device includes a recess portion on an upper surface to receive the user's wrist/forearm therein.

Preferably the support device is releasably secured to the user's wrist/forearm by securing means, preferably by means of, at least in part, an elasticated member and the user's wrist/forearm sits between the support device below and a whole or part of the elasticated member above.

In one embodiment the securing means is in the form of a strap and is attached to opposite side walls of the support device. An elasticated portion is provided at at least one end of the strap and is connected to an adjustable VELCRO portion located via at least one attachment member. One end of the VELCRO portion is typically fed through an aperture of the attachment member and positioned so as to overlap with the remainder of the VELCRO portion which has not been inserted through the attachment member, thereby allowing engagement/adherence between the overlapping portions. The degree to which the VELCRO portion overlaps allows the length of the strap to be adjusted, such that the device can be adjusted to fit a number of different sizes of user's wrists /forearms.

In one embodiment the support device can be provided with an upper layer of ball members and a lower layer of resilient material. The resilient material can include sponge, foam, rubber or some other cushioning material, such as strips of fabric or gel and provides increased support on which the ball members are located.

Preferably the outer cover is made from a soft fabric to further enhance the comfort of the user when their wrist is located on the support means.

Further preferably the cover is removable to allow the same to be cleaned, changed and/or repaired.

In one embodiment the support device is provided with a "breathing" hole or holes at one or more locations on the top surface or side walls of the support to allow air to circulate through the same. The one or more "breathing" holes also enhance breathability of the support, increase comfort and reduce perspiration between the contact region of the support and the user's skin.

In one embodiment the one or more breathing holes are of such a size so as to prevent the ball members from escaping from the support device. In an alternative embodiment the one or more breathing holes are provided with a grille covering the same to prevent the ball members from escaping.

In a further embodiment the support device is provided in the design of a particular soft toy or teddy bear.

Preferably the data input component is a mouse or a keyboard.

In an alternative embodiment the bottom surface of the support device is provided with material of low resistance, to reduce the friction between the work surface and the support, thereby allowing the support to be moved easily across the work surface. This is particularly advantageous when the wrist support is being used both as a keyboard wrist support and a mouse wrist support, the user regularly moving between the keyboard and mouse.

In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the support device is provided with one or more rollers to allow the support device to move across the work surface with ease.

The advantages of the present invention include the massaging effect provided by the free movement of the ball members against the user's wrist as the support device is moved across a surface. In addition, the ball members allow maintenance of the position and comfort of the user's wrist on the support device. The support device is releasably secured to the user's wrist or forearm, thereby allowing the user to move the support device relative to the surface with movement of their wrist/forearm. Furthermore, the support device can easily be moved as the user moves from one computer workstation to another, without the user having to take the mouse mat or keyboard support with them. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the support device shown in figure 1 in use with a mouse;

Figure 3 is a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 4 is a yet further embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a wrist support device 2 for use with a mouse 4. The wrist support device 2 has a top surface 6, a bottom surface 8 and side walls 10, 12, 14 and 16.

A recess portion 18 is provided on the top surface 6 of the device 2 and the user's wrist 19 is located in the same during use of the support 2.

A securing member in the form of an elastic strip 20 sits across the top surface 6 and is attached to side walls 10 and 14. The user's wrist 19 is placed between the top surface 6 and the elastic strip 20 to secure the support to the user's wrist.

The mouse 4 is held in a user's hand 22 and is movable across a work surface 24 or a mouse mat. The mouse communicates with a computer and movement of the mouse across the work surface 24 controls the movement of a cursor/pointer on the computer screen. The mouse 4 has button 26 which the user can press using his or her fingers. Depression of button 26 can result in the selection of a particular function or performance of a particular operation when the cursor is moved to a desired location on the display screen.

As more and more people use computers and other electronic devices utilising a hand operated mouse with greater regularity and for longer periods of time, the frequency of repetitive strain type wrist injuries are also becoming more common. The wrist support device 2 of the present invention reduces the strain placed on the user's wrist during use of the mouse 4.

The support 2 can also be used for supporting the wrist during use of a keyboard. The bottom surface 8 of the support can be made from a material having reduced friction properties or rollers can be used to allow the user to move the support from the keyboard to the mouse as and when required, whilst maintaining the comfort of the user's wrist.

Breathing hole 30 is provided on side walls 12 and 16 to allow air to circulate through the support 2. Perforated cloth can also be used to increase the circulation of air and "breathability" of the support and reduce perspiration caused in the contact region of the user's skin with the support means . A grille 30' can also be provided over the breathing hole, as shown in figure 3.

The support device 2 can be contoured in any shape required for the comfort and support of a user's wrist. The support can also come in any number of different sizes or designs to suit the user.

For example, it is possible that the support device can be in the design of a soft toy or teddy bear, thereby increasing the aesthetic appeal of the support and making the same more interesting for use by children or people interested in particular cartoon characters or the like.

The securing means can include any or any combination of a buckle, press-studs, VELCRO® and/or the like as an alternative to or in addition to an elasticated strip.

In accordance with the present invention, the support device comprises an outer cover in which a plurality of free moving ball members 32 are contained therein, an example of which is shown in part in Figure 3. The cover can be provided over the support and this is typically made from a material which is both breathable, to prevent a build up of sweat on the user's wrist, and soft, to provide additional comfort to the user and reduce friction caused by the wrist moving against the cover.

The plurality of ball members provide a massaging effect on the user's wrist as the support is moved across a surface. This is caused by movement of the support causing the ball members to move against adjacent ball members and against the user's wrist. This increases the blood flow to the user's wrist and/or hand, thereby reducing the likelihood of the user getting cramp or straining a part of the wrist and/or hand. In addition, the ball members maintain the position of the user's wrist on the support and provide cushioning for the user's wrist.

The cover can be removable to clean, change or repair the same. Zips, press-studs, clips, VELCRO® or the like can be used to attach the cover around the support device.

The ball members can be made from wood, plastic, glass, stone and/or the like. In a preferred embodiment the ball members are made from polystyrene. The ball members can be provided in an upper portion of the support and a resilient member, such as foam or rubber can be provided in a lower portion of the support means. Different combinations of the abovementioned layers can also be provided The movement of the user's wrist in the support results in a massaging effect of the ball members against the user's wrist.

The ball members are typically small in diameter to obtain an increased massage effect and to reduce the unevenness of the ball members against the user's wrist.

In the embodiment shown in figure 4, the securing means includes an elasticated portion 102 looped through an aperture 103 of an attachment member 104, the elasticated portion 102 having its ends attached along the edge of side wall 14 and top surface 6. The securing means further includes a VELCRO® belt 106 attached at end 108 along edge of side wall 10 and top surface 6.

It will be appreciated that the strap can be attached to the side wall and/or base surfaces of the device, thereby providing wider access for the user to place their wrist/forearm therethrough or therebetween. In addition, this arrangement allows the strap to lie flat against the device when the strap is pulled taut against the user's wrist/forearm.

In use, a user locates their wrist in recess 18 and inserts end 110 of belt 106 through aperture 112 of attachment member 104, as shown by arrow 114, with the VELCRO® surface 116 uppermost. The user then overlaps end 110 with surface 116 until the lower positioned portion 118 is pulled taut or at least adjacent the user's wrist (not shown) . Upper positioned portion 120 is then secured to lower positioned portion 118 via VELCRO® surfaces 116, 116', thereby securing the strap at a position required by the user, as shown by arrow 122.

The use of only a small portion of elasticated material prevents restriction of blood supply to the wrist and the VELCRO® belt allows the strap to be adjusted according to the size of the user's wrist/forearm.

The base 8' of the support in Figure 4 is provided with a layer of low resistance material which is different to the material forming the remainder of the support.

Thus it can be seen from the above description that the present invention provides an improved wrist support device for use with a mouse and/or a keyboard.

Claims

Claims:-

1. A support device for use with a data input component involving hand and/or finger movement, said data input component being used to input data into an electronic device, said support device provided for resting a user's wrist thereon during use of said data input component, said support device being secured to the user's wrist/forearm during use, and wherein said support device further comprises at least an outer cover in which a plurality of ball members are contained therein.

2. A support device according to claim 1 wherein the ball members are free moving within the outer cover.

3. A support device according to claim 1 wherein the ball members are made from any or any combination of plastics material, wood, glass and/or stone.

4. A support device according to claim 3 wherein the ball members are made from polystyrene.

5. A support device according to claim 1 wherein the device is contoured on at least an upper surface thereof.

6. A support device according to claim 1 wherein a recess portion is provided on an upper surface thereof.

7. A support device according to claim 1 wherein securing means are provided to releasably secure the device to the user's wrist/ forearm.

8. A support device according to claim 7 wherein the securing means includes one or more straps joined to the device at opposite edges/walls thereof and secured using any or any combination of press-studs, VELCRO and/or buckle and strap.

9. A support device according to claim 7 wherein the securing means is an elasticated strap.

10. A support device according to claim 8 wherein the one or more straps includes an elasticated portion provided at at least one end of the strap and connected to an adjustable VELCRO portion via at least one attachment member, said VELCRO portion in use being inserted through an aperture of the attachment member and overlapped and secured with the remainder of the VELCRO portion not inserted through the attachment member.

11. A support device according to claim 1 wherein at least an upper layer of ball members and a lower layer of resilient material are provided therein.

12. A support device according to claim 1 1 wherein the resilient material includes any or any combination of sponge, foam, gel, fabric strips and/or rubber.

13. A support device according to claim 1 wherein the outer cover is made from a soft fabric.

14. A support device according to claim 1 wherein the outer cover is removable from said device.

15. A support device according to claim 1 wherein one or more "breathing" holes are located on top or side walls of the support device.

16. A support device according to claim 15 wherein the one or more breathing holes have smaller dimensions than the dimensions of the ball members contained in said support device.

17. A support device according to claim 15 wherein one or more grille covers are located over said one or more breathing holes.

18. A support device according to claim 1 wherein the device is provided in the design of a particular soft toy or teddy bear.

19. A support device according to claim 1 wherein the data input component is a mouse and/or a keyboard.

20. A support device according to claim 1 wherein the base surface is provided with a material displaying low friction characteristics.

21. A support device according to claim 1 wherein one or more rollers and/or wheels are provided on a base surface of said device.