GB2410721A - A typing frame to aid disabled/handicapped user - Google Patents

Abstract

The typing frame uses a wire framework to support the fingers of the typing hand and to support four rubber pads positioned ergonomically to cover all the keyboard. The framework will fasten to the plantar surface of the hand by a nylon and Velcro strap stitched around. The four rubber pads are used to depress keys on the keyboard. The typing frame can be used to aid users with disabilities such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Description

TYPING FRAME

The invention relates to a metal frame which is used to depress the keys on a keyboard where dexterity in the hands and fingers is impaired.

Loss of manual and or digital dexterity can be a consequence of tetraplegia multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Currently the best typing-aid appliance occupational therapy in spinal injury wards can offer is a pen attached to the palm of the hand. This makes typing very slow indeed. The typing frame is a metal framework which is attached to the hand by a nylon and Velerto'strap and has four rubber pads located around the hand.

The object of Me typing Dame is to allow the Lushly control in the shoulders upper arms and forearms to tales on the indicate task of typing which can be argued is more important nowadays than writing.

Accordingly, this invention enables people with reduced manual or digital dexterity to operate a keyboard to speeds approaching the speed they might do otherwise.

The typing frame is made from mild steel wire which is welded together and Hen plastic coated. Rubber stops are used where the frame is used to depress the keys.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 shows an aerial view of the metal framework FIGURE2 shows a below view of the metal framework FIGURES shows the Velcro strap used to fasten the framework to the palm of the hand.

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As shown in figurer the frame comprises of a palm support 1. This structure lies over the palm of the hand and provides reciprocation and bracing to the finger rest 2 and the middle pad 4. Attached to the palm support is the space bar pad 6 which is designed for operating the space bar only.

From the psalm support is the medial pad 3 and the lateral pad 5 which should operate prospective parts of the keyboard. The appliance is designed for single handed use only as opposed to both hands. The directive is to use the dominant hand.

Preventing the typists fingers from interfering with the keys during typing a finger rest 2 supports the Augers in a position clear of the keyboard.

The middle pad 4 and the spacebar pad 6 are dated away from Me palm of the hand to make direct contact with the keys h, owever the medial pad 3 and the lateral pad 5 make oblique contact with Me keys. A rotation of the wrist from the forearm would operate either of these pads. An)

Figure 3 shows a strap which is made of nylon and uses a Velcro,fastener.

The strap is stitched around the framework and fastens on the back of the hand.

There are Tree sizes: Small Glove sizes 4-6 Medium Glove sizes 6-8 Large Glove sizes 8-9

Claims (4)

1. A typing flame including four mbberpads with which to depress keys on a keyboard to assist people with reduced manual or digital dexterity in typing.

2. A typing frame as claimed in Claiml where the supports are mild steel wire, welded together and plastic coated.

3. A typing frame as claimed in any proceeding claim which is made Dom metal, plastic, and rubber, or from a combination of these materials.

4. A typing frame substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.