AU2001100125B4 - Ergonomic device for use by a computer terminal user - Google Patents

Description

Our Ref:7615520 P/01/009

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Applicant(s):: Grant Richter 9/27 Sherbrook Road Hornsby New South Wales 2077 Australia Address for Service: Invention Title: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Ergonomic support device The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 5020 Ergonomic Device For Use By A Computer Terminal User Technical Field The present invention relates to a new type of ergonomic device for use by a computer terminal user. In particular, the present invention relates to an ergonomic support device for use with a personal computer that can support a computer keyboard and mouse. It has ergonomic benefits for a user of the personal computer.

Background Art With the advent of personal computer systems, computer users both at home and at the work place are spending an increasing number of hours sitting at personal computer systems (or terminals) and operating the personal computer system by utilising a keyboard and/or moving a computer mouse device. Medical professionals have accepted that significant medical problems can result from the prolonged use of personal computer systems at home or in the work place.

To prevent repetitive strain injuries and general discomfort associated with the use of computer keyboards and the like, attempts have been made to create ergonomic keyboards and associated devices. There are many varieties of shaped computer keyboards and associated computer devices. However, there is presently no device available which adequately addresses the issue of repetitive strain injury with a convenient and simple solution.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), a form of tendinitis within the arms and wrists, is caused when a person is required to use certain manually actuated devices for extended periods of time. A common cause of CTS is when a computer operator -2- (user) is required to use a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.

Furthermore, ligament friction and joint stress can cause temporary or permanent injury or discomfort and can be brought on by extended periods of computer use with poor posture.

Presently, office furniture and office computer product manufacturers have offered a wide variety of products which are asserted to be of ergonomic benefit. However, many of these items fail to meet criteria for ergonomic soundness, and some even worsen the situation by encouraging operators to assume unhealthy postures and positioning. Additionally, many of these items can be relatively complex, cumbersome and expensive.

This identifies a need for an ergonomic support device for use with a personal computer that can support a computer keyboard and mouse, has ergonomic benefits for a user of the personal computer and helps overcome at least some of the problems inherent in the prior art.

Disclosure Of Invention In a broad form of the present invention, the invention addresses certain issues pertaining to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), cervico-brachial disorders and occupational overuse syndromes and general discomfort or other injury associated with the use of a computer, computer keyboard, cursor position control device such as a computer mouse, computer and/or other similar equipment.

The present invention seeks to provide a convenient, practical, and relatively simple device which is comparatively easy to manufacture.

In a further broad form of the present invention, the invention seeks to provide an ergonomic support for positioning a computer keyboard, computer mouse and/or computer monitor which overcomes problems related to computer operator discomfort and injury in arm, shoulder, head, wrist, neck, back and/or other body regions during operation of a computer and associated devices.

The present invention seeks to provide an ergonomic device for association with a computer keyboard and mouse which provides ergonomic benefits to a user of a computer, the ergonomic device including the features of: a substantially planar or recessed first under surface adapted to reside on an upper surface of a desk; a second surface inclined with a recess to support the computer keyboard and mouse from the first surface and adapted at an acute angle to the upper surface of the desk; lateral wing regions upon which the user can rest their forearms/elbows and hand pads so as to provide support to at least the user's forearms during operation of the computer, the lateral wing regions integrally formed as part of the ergonomic device; and, a contoured edge formed by the lateral wing regions which provides a region into which at least part of the user's torso can fit during operation of the computer.

The second surface is provided with recesses to hold the computer keyboard and a computer mouse or computer mouse pad. This helps keep the wrists in a flat position thus taking pressure away from the median nerves in the wrists and helping distribute the pressure onto the pads of the hands which will help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

According to a further aspect a computer monitor support may be additionally provided to keep the top of the monitor at eye level. According to a further aspect, the second surface supports the computer keyboard by the keyboard being integrally formed within the second surface.

In another form of the present invention the second surface is additionally provided with padding members.

The present invention further seeks to provide that the device may be provided as two separate members such that the first surface is separated into two areas and the second surface and the third surface are not joined. The present invention further seeks to provide that the two separate members can be adapted to abut one another. The present invention further seeks to provide that the two separate members can be fixedly joined together.

The present invention according to another aspect seeks to provide that the device is manufactured from a synthetic polymeric substance, ABS plastic or any other type of plastic or other material which is able to be rotationally moulded or injection moulded. The present invention according to yet another aspect provides that the device can be a solid or a hollow body.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides that the device is adapted to support/hold two mouse pads and/or computer mice.

In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first surface, second surface, third surface and/or lateral wing regions are adjustable.

In accordance with a further specific embodiment of the present invention, the second surface platform means is adjustable. In accordance with yet a further specific embodiment of the present invention, the device can be fixedly associated with the desk. In a further broad form of the present invention, the present invention also provides that the device can support a computer user's shoulders while using the keyboard. In a broad form of the present invention, the present invention also provides that a computer user's forearm/elbow regions rest on the lateral wing regions while using the keyboard.

In another preferred form of the invention there is provided a device, substantially as herein described in the specification with reference to the accompanying figures.

Brief description Of Figures The present invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein, the figure shows a top view of the device; Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein, the figure shows a side view of the device; Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein, the figure shows a three dimensional perspective of the device; Figure 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention, showing a variation without the monitor support; Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention, showing a variation of the computer keyboard support; Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention, showing the top view of a variation of the computer keyboard support; and, Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, showing the side view of a variation of the computer keyboard support corresponding to figure 6.

Modes For Carrying Out The Invention The present invention provides an ergonomic device for use by a computer terminal user, which has ergonomic benefits. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate the features of the present invention, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

A preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 1 and figure 2. In figure 1 the device 1 is shown from a top view, in figure 2 the device 1 is shown from a side view. The device 1 is adapted to reside on the surface of a desk 2 (or table, bench, or the like). The device 1 can be provided as a single unit or a two separate members as shown in the figures.

In the figures the device 1 is illustrated as being separated into an ergonomic computer keyboard support 3 and a computer monitor support 4.

It should be noted that the ergonomic computer keyboard support 3 and the computer monitor support 4 could be fixedly joined to each other by various clamping or interlocking means, or simply located in an abutting or non-abutting fashion in proximity to each other. Reference to the device 1 is taken to be a reference to either or both of the supports 3 and 4 either in association, as a single unit or separately (for example if the monitor support 4 is not provided).

The device 1 is provided with a recessed or substantially planar first under surface 5 which associates with the desk surface 6 of the desk 2. A second surface 7 of the ergonomic computer keyboard support is inclined to the first surface 5 at an acute angle. The second surface 7 is provided with second surface platform means 8 which associate with a computer keyboard and at least one computer mouse pad and/or computer mouse.

In the embodiment illustrated the second surface platform means 8 is provided as a tray or recess feature which can hold two mouse pads and a computer mouse residing thereon. Typically, only one mouse pad and computer mouse will be used, either on the left or right of the computer keyboard according to which side is preferred by the user. A vacant mouse pad platform means 8 could be used for any other desirable means, for example a phone or writing pad etc.

A substantially planar third surface 9 is adapted to support a computer monitor and would typically be provided level with the first surface 5, although this need not be the case.

Lateral wing regions 10 are integrally formed by at least part of the first surface and at least part of the second surface 7 as shown in the figures. The lateral wing regions should not be taken to be limited to the geometry shown as they can equally be formed in other configurations. The lateral wing regions protrude over the desk edge 11 so that a user's forearm/elbow region is supported by the lateral wing regions 10. A user's torso fits into the region defined by the contoured edge 12 so that the user's arms are able to be placed in a more natural position at the side of the torso rather than being forced to be somewhat in front of the torso as with a convention keyboard/desk arrangement.

In a further preferred embodiment the components of the device 1 are adjustable, for example, the first surface 5, the second surface 7, the third surface 9 and the second surface platform means 8 can be provided with mechanisms facilitating the adjustment of the height or slope of these members.

Furthermore, the lateral wing regions 10 can be provided with mechanical means to adjust their orientation with respect to a user, thereby allowing different users to customise the device 1.

Additionally, the device 1 or any of its member components can be provided with means to attach to the desk 2. For example, a surface having a high coefficient of friction may be disposed on at least part of the first surface 5 or clamping means can be provided.

Shown in figure 3 is a possible variation of the configuration or geometry of the device 1. Shown in figure 4 is a further alternate embodiment of the computer keyboard support 3. In this example the support 3 may be supplied to a user with or without a corresponding monitor support.

In figure 5, a further example of the computer keyboard support 3 is illustrated.

In this example each wing region 10 is provided with a padding member 14.

Member 14 can also help prevent slipping of a users arm on the support 3 by increasing frictional forces and provide additional cushioning which is important for ergonomic reasons. A further padding member 13 is provided at a location proximate to the user's wrists. Naturally, the members 13 and 14 can be geometrically varied and still serve there purpose. Furthermore, additional padding and/or frictional members may be provided about the support 3.

In figure 6 and figure 7, different views are shown of the same further example of the computer keyboard support 3. In this version the keyboard 15 and mouse unit 16 are still supported by the support 3 but are also integrally formed as part of the support 3. The mouse unit 16 is provided as a stationary unit having a tracking ball 17 thereby facilitating movement of a cursor on a computer monitor. Various arrangements and configurations of keyboard and mouse/tracking ball units could be relatively simply realised in practice.

Thus, there has been provided in accordance with the present invention, an ergonomic device for use by a computer terminal user which has ergonomic benefits for the user of the computer which satisfies the advantages set forth above.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (4)

1. An ergonomic device for association with a computer keyboard which provides ergonomic benefits to a user of a computer, the ergonomic device including the features of: a recessed or substantially planar first under surface adapted to reside on an upper surface of a desk; a second surface inclined from the first surface and adapted to support at least the computer keyboard at an acute angle to the upper surface of the desk; lateral wing regions upon which the user can rest their forearms/elbows so as to provide support to at least the user's forearms during operation of the computer, the lateral wing regions integrally formed as part of the ergonomic device; and, a contoured edge formed by the lateral wing regions which provides a region into which at least part of the user's torso can fit during operation of the computer.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second surface is provided with recesses to hold the computer keyboard and a computer mouse or computer mouse pad.

3. The device as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the computer keyboard and/or computer mouse is integrally formed within the second surface.

4. The device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the second surface is additionally provided with padding members. -11- A device, substantially as herein described in the specification with reference to the accompanying figures. Dated this 28 th day of June 2001 GRANT RICHTER By His Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE