GB2335025A

GB2335025A - Computer mouse mat with inflatable wrist support

Info

Publication number: GB2335025A
Application number: GB9914670A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Mark Cainer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-06-24
Filing date: 1999-06-24
Publication date: 1999-09-08
Anticipated expiration: 2019-06-24
Also published as: GB2335025B; GB9914670D0

Abstract

The mouse mat is in the form of a generally rectangular transparent plastics envelope that is heat sealed at its four edges 3. A transverse seam 4 divides the envelope into an inflatable wrist support member 2 and a pocket 5. The wrist support member 2 may be inflated by the user to the desired pressure for optimum support and comfort. The pocket 5 may have an upper transparent surface and may contain card or other material bearing information or further supportive material eg foam. The underside of the mat is coated with a non-slip material 7 eg flocked vinyl; alternatively, non-slip feet may be provided.

Description

1 2335025 A COMPUTER MOUSE MAT The present invention relates to a computer

mouse mat.

It is well known to operate a personal computer by use of a mouse in conjunction with or, in isolation from, a conventional keyboard. Such a mouse is connected to the computer by a cable and, in operation is used to move a cursor on the computer visual display screen by reference to the distance and direction travelled by a tracking ball on the underside of the mouse. In order to ensure that there is adequate friction between the tracking ball and the surface on which it is used a foam-based mat (known as a "mouse mat") is generally interposed between the mouse and the table top on which the computer is disposed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for an improved computer mouse mat.

According to the present invention there is provided a computer mouse mat with an integral inflatable wrist support member.

The wrist support member may be detachable.

The mouse mat may have a pocket in which there is disposed a planar member bearing information the upper surface thereof, the pocket being transparent to enable the user to view the information.

A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which the mouse mat is shown in perspective view. An inset to the figure shows detail on the reverse of the mat.

The exemplary mouse mat has a mouse supporting surface 1 and an integral wrist support member 2. The mat is constructed from a generally rectangular transparent plastics envelope that is heat sealed at its four edges 3. A transverse seam 4 such as a heat seal divides the envelope into the wrist support member 2 and a pocket 5 the upper face of which defines the mouse supporting surface 1.

In the interior of the pocket 5 there is received a substantially rigid, planar supportive member 6 such as a piece of thick card. In the drawing the pocket is shown partially cut away to expose the supportive member which is itself shown cut 2 away. Alternatively, the pocket 5 may be filled with other supportive material such as foam or the like. The upper surface of the supporting member 6 is provided with information such as the manufacturer's details, trade marks or other instructive details.

The underside of the pocket 5 is coated with a non-slip material 7 such as a flock-vinyl material or the like. In alternative embodiments (not shown) there may be provided non-slip plastics or foam feet.

The underside of the wrist support member has an inlet nozzle 8 (shown in the inset to the accompanying figure) with valve by which air is introduced or expelled to inflate or deflate the member. The valve is typically one that allows inflation simply by blowing into the nozzle.

In use, the computer user manipulates the mouse over the mouse supporting surface 1 of the mouse mat in the usual way whilst at the same time resting his/her wrist on the inflated wrist support member 2. The wrist support member 2 not only provides support to the wrist which may be desirable during prolonged use of the mouse but also provides comfort for the user's wrist. The support member may be selectively inflated by the particular user to a desired pressure that provides most comfort.

It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above described design may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the pocket may be filled with any appropriate supporting material such as foam or a compressible plastics material. It may also be openable at one edge to permit insertion of an existing mouse mat or other support material. Alternatively, the pocket may be replaced by a solid piece of mouse supporting material. Finally, the wrist support member may be designed so as to be detachable from rest of the mouse mat by for example a zip or other releasable connector.

3

Claims

1. A computer mouse mat with an integral inflatable wrist support member.

2.

A computer mouse mat, according to claim 1, wherein the wrist support member is detachable.

A computer mouse mat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mouse mat has a pocket in which there is disposed a planar member bearing information the upper surface, the pocket being transparent to enable the user to view the information.

4. A computer mouse mat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an underside of the mat has a non-slip surface.

A computer mouse mat according to claim 4, wherein the underside of the wrist support member has an inlet/outlet valve by which it is inflated or deflated.

A computer mouse mat according to any preceding claim, wherein the wrist support member is divided from the rest of the mouse mat by a seal.

7. A computer mouse mat substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.