GB2361293A

GB2361293A - A mouse mat assembly with accessory supports

Info

Publication number: GB2361293A
Application number: GB0114806A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Paul Moss
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-06-15
Filing date: 2001-06-15
Publication date: 2001-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-15
Also published as: GB2361293B; GB0114806D0

Abstract

A mouse mat assembly 1 comprises an upper layer and a spaced apart lower layer. Extendable metal arms 5 are attached to a pivot 6, said pivot being attached to one of the layers. Accessory holding heads 2, 3, and 4 are stored in the space between the layers . In use accessory holding heads 2, 3 and 4 are attachable to and interchangeable between the extending arms 5. The heads may be for example used for supporting CD's, stationary or cups.

Description

2361293 MULTI FUNCTIONAL MOUSE MAT This invention relates to a

multi-functional mouse mat.

Mouse mats are everyday computer hardware accessories that are used in conjunction with a mouse. It is usually plastic based with a layer of foam material that helps the mouse to maneuver and also to provide it with protection. Subsequently, there have been many 'trendy' design variations but little in practicality and innovation.

An object of this invention is not only to meet the requirements of a standard mouse mat, but also to use it as a desk organizer. It will essentially comprise of a two-layered circular mouse mat, with three round accessory heads that will revolve and retract/ extend around a central pivotal base.

Preferably, the mouse mat is made of metal and plastic materials, but it may just comprise of plastics depending on the quality and durability that one wishes the final product to have.

An ideal embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanied drawings:

Figure 1 shows an underneath view of the mouse mat with its three accessory components.

Figure 2 illustrates a side-on perspective of the main mouse mat without accessories.

Figure 3 shows an overhead perspective of the mouse mat with its three accessories.

Figure 4 shows an overhead perspective featuring an example of how the invention can be used.

Figure 5 illustrates the underneath perspective of the mouse mat when all accessories have been stored and each accessory arm has been contracted.

Figure 6 shows the base of the mouse mat.

Figures 7, 8, 9, 10 show various perspectives and use of the CD Holder' accessory.

Figures 11, 12, 13, 14 show various perspectives and use of the 'Drink Holder' accessory.

Figures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 show various perspectives and use of the 'Stationery Holder' accessory.

1 As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 the mouse mat comprises of a circular base 1 containing three accessory components 2, 3 and 4. These are each connected to 1 with a metal arm 5, which extend and contract accordingly. These metal arms 5 are connected to the pivot base 6, and can be rotated around the base 1 in conjunction with the pivot base 6. There are small supports 7 that allow the mouse mat to balance. The whole base 1 can be moved or rotated depending on the user's preference i.e. Left-handed, right-handed. Each of the accessory components can be placed on any of the metal arms 5. Figure 2 shows the two layers of the mouse mat, with the top layer 1, the pivot base 6 and the bottom layer.

The multi- functional mouse mat can be used in a variety of ways, as shown in Figure 4. Only two of the accessory components 3 and 4 are displayed to show how versatile the mouse mat can be. Each of the metal arms 5 are at different lengths depending on how the user wishes to position the mouse mat. The accessory component 4 has been detached from the metal arms 5. This accessory component can now be either swapped to another metal arm 5, or put back in its storage place underneath the mouse mat as shown in Figure 5.

An example of how each accessory component 2, 3 and 4 is stored is shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 illustrates the detachable bottom layer, which can be removed to store each of the accessory components 2, 3 and 4. The space between the two layers is the same thickness as the accessory heads, so they are able to fit tightly and securely between the two layers.

One of these accessories is the 'CD Holder' accessory head, which Figure 7 shows in more detail. It comprises of the head 2, which is used with the metal arm 5. Also connected to the metal arm 5 is the pivot connector 8, which attaches to the pivot base so it can rotate. On all accessory heads, each pivot connector 8 is set at different levels according to the pivot base. Figures 8 and 9 show this concept from a side-on perspective. In Figures 8 and 9, we can see how the CD cases are positioned between the grooves 2. There are six slots available. Figure 10 illustrates the CD accessory head from an underneath perspective.

The i 'Cup Holder' accessory head can be seen from all perspectives in Figures 11-14. As previously shown in Figures 7-10, the accessory head 3 is placed onto the metal arm. This metal arm is in turn attached to the pivot connector. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate how the accessory head 3 is used, as it acts as a coaster for the container. Figure 14 illustrates the Cup Holder accessory head from an underneath perspective.

The final accessory attachment is the 'Stationery Holder', as shown in Figures 15-17. It is similar to the other accessory heads in so far as it has a head 4, which is attached to the metal arm and pivot connector. In figure 17, we can see how items can be placed within the holes provided. Figure 18 illustrates how the accessory head 4 is divided into its two parts, so that it can slot back between the two layers. Figure 19 is an underneath view of the 'Stationery Holder' accessory head.

2

Claims

1. A two layered circular mouse mat that has a pivot base attached to one layer, with three retractable metal arms that attach to the pivot base with three accessory heads placed within the space created between the two layers.

2. A two layered circular mouse mat as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the bottom layer can be removed so to reveal the accessory heads, pivot base and retractable metal arms.

3. A two layered circular mouse mat as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the three accessory heads can be placed onto each of the retractable metal arms.

4. A two-layered circular mouse mat as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the accessory heads can be removed or replaced with eachother.

5. A two layered circular mouse mat as claimed in Claim 3 and 4 wherein the retractable metal arms can be moved on its pivot axis and or retracted/ extended.

6. A two-layered circular mouse mat as claimed in Claim 5 that can be rotated or manoeuvred for user preference.

7. A two-layered circular mouse mat as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

3 Amended claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A circular mouse mat having two spaced layers, a pivot attached to one layer, with three retractable metal rods that attach to the pivot, and three accessory heads placed within the space between the two layers.

2. A two layered circular mouse mat as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the bottom layer can be removed so to reveal the accessory heads, pivot and retractable metal rods.

3. A two layered circular mouse mat as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the accessory head can be releasably attached to each of the retractable metal arms.

4.

4. A two layered circular mouse mat as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the retractable metal rods can be moved on its pivot and or retracted/ extended.

5. A two layered circular mouse mat as claimed in Claim 4 that can be rotated or manoeuvred for user preference.

6. A two-layered circular mouse mat substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.