DK2583587T3

DK2583587T3 - Peripherals support for computer equipment

Info

Publication number: DK2583587T3
Application number: DK12007110T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Mut Christian Sturmberg
Original assignee: Mut Christian Sturmberg
Priority date: 2011-10-17
Filing date: 2012-10-12
Publication date: 2015-03-09
Also published as: ES2531576T3; PL2583587T3; EP2583587B1; DE102011116043A1; EP2583587A1

Description

The invention relates to a peripherals support with two cushion-like carriers for computer equipment, in particular such as a keyboard, mouse and/or joystick, the peripherals support being of board-like design and the peripherals support interacting with the two cushion-like carriers.

Such a board-like peripherals support interacting with two cushion-like carriers is known from US 2011/0155022 A1. The two carriers in the form of side elements are securely connected, in this case by means of a horizontal panel, to an individual table in the form of a work table. The side elements can in addition exhibit recesses, in order to permit the table to be attached to the arm rests of a wheelchair, for example. A tray is arranged so that it is rotatable or longitudinally displaceable on the table. A notebook, for example, can be placed on the tray. When it is not being used, the table with the tray can only be stored together.

Document US 2002/0002935 A1 discloses a tray which is attached to a device, in particular a beanbag. The beanbag is filled with a filling material, which adapts to the body contour of a user. The user can thus place the beanbag with the tray attached to it on his/her thighs, for example, in which case the beanbag is deformed so that the tray ultimately adopts a defined and fixed position.

The object of the invention is to make available a peripherals support with two cushion-like carriers, which is improved with respect to its ergonomics of use.

This object is accomplished in that the peripherals support rests directly and loosely on and transversely to the two individual carriers, which are capable of being positioned to the right and left of a user, in particular in the direction of sitting, on a couch-like piece of furniture such as a couch, a sofa, an armless chair, a lounger or a bed. In this case, the peripherals support and the two cushion-like carriers are matched to one another, to the user and to the couch-like piece of furniture in such a way that the cushionlike carriers in particular, on the one hand, represent the support for the peripherals support, without the peripherals support coming into contact, for example with the thighs of the user, and, on the other hand, the cushion-like carriers form an arm rest or an arm support, for example an elbow rest, for the user. If, for example, it is used on a couch, a sofa, an armless chair or also on a lounger or a bed, a substantial improvement is thus made in the operation of the keyboard, a mouse or a joystick, for example, since the user is no longer required to balance a board-like underlay on his/her thighs with the result that the underlay can tilt in the event of any movements by the user. What is more, fatigue is also avoided in particular in the arms of the user, which, in the case of an underlay balanced on the thighs, are obliged, on the one hand under permanent strain, to support the balancing process and, on the other hand, to operate the keyboard, the joystick and the mouse. In particular in the case of a computer connected to a large-screen monitor, which is also set up as a substitute for a television, for example in a living room, and where computer games are to be played or other applications, for example Office programs, are to be executed with this installation, for example from a couch, a sofa or an armless chair, the interaction according to the invention of the peripherals support with the two cushion-like carriers offers a much more comfortable way of operating the keyboard, the mouse and/or the joystick.

In a further development of the invention, each carrier is of cuboidal design. The cuboidal design ensures a secure location respectively of the two carriers on the piece of furniture and of the peripherals support on the carriers. In the case of a roll-shaped design of the carrier, for example, rolling away to the side and associated rolling off of the peripherals support from the roll-shaped carrier would not be excluded.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the carrier has a length corresponding at least more or less to the seat depth of the couch-like piece of furniture. Such a length is particularly advantageous for comfortable operation, since the user is able as a result to change his/her position on the piece of furniture, in particular with respect to the depth of his/her seated position, but without having to vary the position of the carrier.

In a further development of the invention, the carrier has a height of 10 cm to 30 cm, in particular of 15 cm to 25 cm. In yet a further development of the invention, the carrier has a width of 10 cm to 50 cm, in particular of 20 cm to 30 cm, and quite preferably of 25 cm. These dimensions are applicable to popular designs of couch-like pieces of furniture and normalsized users, although they are capable, within the scope of the invention, also of exhibiting other values for special requirements. Furthermore, the carrier can exhibit a decreasing height in the direction towards the user, in order to produce an inclined arm rest surface.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the carrier is produced from a foam material and is enclosed by a cover. The hardness of the foam is selected so the two carriers support the peripherals support at least in the absence of significant sinking into the two carriers. On the other hand, the hardness is selected so that a comfortable arm rest is provided. It is also possible to combine foams of different hardness with one another. A foam with a greater hardness than in the area of the arm rest thus finds an application in the area of the peripherals support. However, the carrier can also be produced in full or in part from other materials, for example plastic. It is thus possible, for example, to provide a plastic core which is enclosed at least partially by a foam material. Particular requirements with respect to rigidity in the area of the peripherals support and compliance in the area of the arm rest can be met in this way. Furthermore, a ventilation device, for example in the form of a small fan which is aimed at the arm or the body of the user, can be incorporated in particular in the area of the arm rest. The fan can be supplied with power, for example via a USB hub, as described below. Finally, a loudspeaker can also be built into the carrier, which is likewise connected to the computer, for example via the USB hub. The cover can be matched to the cover of the piece of furniture or can be of neutral configuration, for example, in the form of a leather-like cover.

In a further arrangement, the peripherals support has a length of 70 cm to 120 cm, a depth of 15 cm to 40 cm and a height of 0.5 cm to 5 cm. The peripherals support is produced from a plastic material, for example, in which case the peripherals support can have a rectangular form, for example, with rounded corners, for example. The peripherals support can also be of arc-shaped design, for example, and can be adapted to a corresponding keyboard arrangement.

In a further development of the invention, the peripherals support has a palm rest. This extends preferably for the entire length of the peripherals support, which, for example, can have a length of 90 cm, a depth of 35 cm and a height of 2 cm. These dimensions are variable, however, and are adaptable to the local characteristics or the dimensions of the keyboard and of the joystick, as well as to the necessary range of movement of the mouse. The palm rest has a length of 90 cm, a depth of 8 cm and a height of 2 cm, for example. The palm rest can also consist of a number of parts in particular with different depths. For example, the palm rest can consist of three parts, which are assigned respectively to the joystick, to the keyboard and to the mouse and are adapted to the arrangements of these components. The palm rest or its parts are capable of being removed from the peripherals support.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the peripherals support is provided with a loop-fastening or loop-shaped covering. The underside of the keyboard and the joystick provided with hook tape, for example glued in place, can be positioned securely on this loop-fastening covering. The loopshaped covering can be omitted in the area of the mouse mat, so that the mouse can be moved directly on the peripherals support. It is also possible, however, to arrange a separate mouse pad on the peripherals support provided with the loopfastening covering. Furthermore, the palm rest or its parts is/are capable of being attached reliably in this way to the peripherals support. Within the scope of the invention, however, other means of attaching the individual components to the peripherals support, for example with the help of magnets, are also possible.

In a further development of the invention, a cable duct and/or a cable entry is incorporated into the peripherals support. In this cable duct, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the peripherals support for its entire length, the corresponding connection cable can be introduced and secured against sliding out in the case of a cable-connected keyboard, mouse and joystick. The cable duct can be configured as a recess, which is incorporated into the upper side of the peripherals support, or can also be moulded as a notch in the front end face of the peripherals support. The connection cables can be introduced and routed further through the cable entry.

It is further proposed to provide the peripherals support with lighting. The lighting can be built into the peripherals support or can project from the peripherals support in the form of a swan neck. The lighting can be configured as LED or USB lighting. It is also proposed to incorporate a USB port, for example in the form of a USB hub, into the peripherals support (or also into a carrier) , which is connected to the computer in a wireless or wired fashion. The keyboard, the mouse and the joystick, for example, as well as the USB lighting, can be connected to this USB hub. A display, a clock, a stopwatch or the like can also be integrated into the peripherals support. The display communicates in particular with the computer and can be designed for the display of specific information.

Finally it is possible, within the scope of the invention, to attach a cup holder or glass holder, for example, as well as an ashtray, to the peripherals support in particular on the long side facing away from the user.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be appreciated from the description of the drawings, in which an illustrative embodiment of the invention depicted in the Figures is described in more detail.

In the figures:

Fig. 1 depicts a first view of a peripherals support arranged on a couch by means of two cushion-like carriers,

Fig. 2 depicts a second view of a peripherals support arranged on a couch by means of two cushion-like carriers.

Figure 1 depicts a first view of a section of a couch-like piece of furniture in the form of a couch 3, on which two cushion-like carriers la, lb are arranged at a distance apart from one another. The cushion-like carriers la, lb are arranged in the direction of sitting of a user (not illustrated here), who would sit on the couch 3 between the two cushion-like carriers la, lb. A peripherals support 2, which rests transversely in relation to the cushion-like carriers la, lb on the front end areas of the cushion-like carriers la, lb, is loosely positioned on the cushion-like carriers la, lb. The legs of a user project during use through the free space 4 formed between the couch 3, the cushion-like carriers la, lb and the peripherals support 2. The cushion like carriers la, lb are produced from foam and are enclosed by a cover. The carriers la, lb have a length more or less corresponding to the seat depth of the couch 3. Furthermore, the carriers la, lb have a height of, for example, 18 cm, a width of 25 cm and a length of 60 cm. These dimensions are particularly suitable for popular designs of couch-like pieces of furniture and for normal-sized users, although they are capable, within the scope of the invention, also of exhibiting other values for specific requirements and, in particular, the length of the carriers la, lb in adaptation to the seat depth of the couch 3.

The peripherals support 2 is of board-like design and is produced from plastic or wood, for example. The peripherals support 2 has a length of 90 cm, a depth of 35 cm and a height of 2 cm, for example. A palm rest 5 is attached to the peripherals support 2 with hook tape on a loop-fastening covering, for example in the form of a velvet-like covering of the peripherals support 2. A keyboard 6 for operating a computer is likewise mounted centrally thereafter with hook tape on the peripherals support 2. A mouse pad 7 attached with hook tape to the peripherals support 2 is likewise arranged on the left side of the keyboard 6. A mouse 8 is freely movable on the mouse pad 7. A joystick 9 held by hook tape on the peripherals support 2 is likewise arranged on the right next to the keyboard 6. A cable duct 10, in which connection cables 11a, lib, 11c for the mouse 8, the keyboard 6 and the joystick 9 are embedded, and which is positioned approximately in the area of the front end, descending to the floor, of the couch, is incorporated into the peripherals support 2 along the front edge of the peripherals support 2.

Figure 2 depicts identical elements to those described in Figure 1 in a second view, which corresponds approximately to the viewing positions of a user sitting on the couch 3. The user thus sits on the couch 3 in the area of the reference designation 3 leaning against the backrest of the couch 3 and rests his/her arms on the free ends of the carriers la, lb facing towards the backrest, while his/her thighs project beneath the peripherals support 2 through the free space 4 to the front end of the couch 3, while his/her lower legs rise from the floor at an angle.

List of Reference Designations: la, lb cushion-like carrier 2 peripherals support 3 couch 4 free space 5 palm rest 6 keyboard 7 mouse pad 8 mouse 9 joystick 10 cable duct 11a, lib, 11c connection cable

Claims

A base for peripheral equipment (2) with two cushion-like carriers (1a, 1b) for computer equipment, such as in particular keyboard (6), mouse (8) and / or joystick (9), wherein the base for peripheral equipment (2) is configured in board form, and wherein the base for peripheral equipment (2) cooperates with the two cushion-shaped carriers (1a, 1b), characterized in that the base for peripheral equipment (2) lies directly and loosely on and across the two individual carriers (1a, 1b), which can be positioned to the right and left of a user on a divan-like piece of furniture such as a sofa, a sofa, an armchair without an armrest, an ottoman or a bed.

Support for peripheral equipment (2) for computer equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that each carrier (1a, 1b) is formed squared.

The base for peripheral equipment (2) for computer equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each carrier (1a, 1b) has a length which corresponds at least approximately to the seat depth of the divan-like furniture.

Computer peripheral peripherals (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each carrier (1a, 1b) has a height of 10 cm to 30 cm, especially of 15 cm to 25 cm.

Support for peripherals (2) for computer equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each carrier (1a, 1b) has a width of 10 cm to 50 cm, especially of 20 to 30 cm, preferably preferably of 25 cm. .

Computer peripheral peripherals (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each carrier (1a, 1b) is made of a foam material and is surrounded by a cover.

Computer peripheral peripherals (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral peripherals (2) have a length of 70 cm to 120 cm, a depth of 15 cm to 40 cm and a height of 0 , 5 cm to 5 cm.

Computer peripheral periphery (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral peripheral (2) support has a palm rest.

Computer peripheral periphery (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral peripheral (2) substrate is provided with a cage-containing coating.

Computer peripheral peripherals (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mouse mat is attached to the peripheral peripherals (2).

Computer peripheral peripherals (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cable channel (10) is included in the peripheral peripherals (2).