JP2003505776A - Apparatus for supporting a data input device such as a computer keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a data input device such as a computer keyboard. The device (1) includes a keyboard (10) integrally formed with a platform (2) having four legs. Each leg can be individually adjusted in length so that the device can be stabilized when placed on an uneven surface such as a bed. Each leg comprises a leg member (8) extending from a corresponding socket (3) provided on the underside of the platform (2). The height of the leg is determined by locking or unlocking the leg member by tightening or loosening a knob (4) provided on the side wall of the socket, thereby fixing or expanding or contracting the socket. A substantially rectangular document support flat member (13) is provided that is pivotally mounted to the platform and can be locked at an angle with the platform.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for supporting a data input device such as a computer keyboard, and more particularly to a supporting device that facilitates the use of a data input device placed on a non-planar surface such as a bed.

[0002]

[Prior art]

Computer keyboards are difficult to use because the computer keyboard is not stable and rattles on the bed whether it is lying down or sitting.

US-A-4848710 discloses a support device which holds a monitor and a keyboard for use on a bed. The support device has a body that supports the first and second shelves. Each shelf is inclined toward a person on the bed, and a monitor and a keyboard are attached to the first and second shelves, respectively. The body has a pair of side members that can straddle a person on the bed, and a wheel is provided on the bottom of the side members so that the supporting device can be moved along the bed. But,
Such a support device is bulky and difficult to move, especially when a monitor is attached. If the bed is not flat, the support device cannot provide the required horizontal surface for the keyboard. Moreover, the angle of the shelves cannot be adjusted.

[0004]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

  It is an object of the invention to provide a device which overcomes the above problems.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a device for supporting a data entry device, such as a computer keyboard, having a platform with a plurality of legs to allow the device to be stable when placed on uneven surfaces. An apparatus is provided in which the legs can be individually adjusted in length and the data input device is integrally formed with the platform.

That is, a stable platform can be provided on a bed whose surface is not flat due to bedding or a duvet. This is especially true when bedmaking is only partially done.

A computer keyboard can be used as the data input device, and if the legs of the device are properly adjusted with respect to an uneven surface, the user sitting on the bed can easily use the stable and horizontal keyboard. it can. Means may be provided for connecting the keyboard to a remote computer.

The device preferably includes a portion that supports the wrist of the keyboard user. The keyboard should be resistant to food debris or spilled drink.

[0009]   An electronic game console can be employed as the data input device.

A portion of the platform is pivotable relative to the rest of the platform, and the pivoting portion is locked at an angle to the rest of the platform for placing documents. Means for providing a suitable platform may be included.

The device may hold or include an operating lever. The device can also hold or include a mouse pad.

The device preferably comprises at least one receiving part for holding the removable container stable. The at least one receiver can have an inclined bottom. The device can include at least one groove.

Each leg of the platform comprises a leg member extending from the socket and having a length determined by releasable locking means, the locking means releasably locking the leg member in the socket and releasing the locking means. The leg member can be configured to be able to extend and contract with respect to the socket. Releasable locking means consists of a knob held by a socket, and when the knob is rotated in one direction, the knob acts on the leg member to lock the leg member in the socket and rotate the knob in the opposite direction. Then, the action of the knob on the leg member is released, and the leg member can be moved with respect to the socket.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

  The details of the present invention will be clarified by the description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The illustrated support device 1 for use on a bed comprises a rectangular platform 2. At each corner of the platform there is a leg socket 3 extending downwardly from the platform, with an adjustable knob 4 protruding from a hole in the side wall of each socket. The knob 4 has an outer thread 6 which is screwed into an inner thread 7 formed on the side wall of a hole 5 surrounding the knob. The knob 4 should be in the socket 3 until it contacts the leg member 8 protruding from the socket.
When screwed in, apply sufficient force to secure the leg member.

The platform 2 has a front edge portion 9 behind which is a keyboard 10 forming an integral part of the platform. The keyboard 10 is the support device 1
It connects to a computer (not shown) remote from the bed via a cable 11 extending from the rear. The keyboard is of a type that can withstand food scraps and spilled milk.

Behind the keyboard 10 is a recess 12 which forms a part of the platform 2 and accommodates a generally rectangular flat member 13 which is pivotable relative to the rest of the platform. The rectangular flat member 13 is connected to both side walls 15 of the recess via pivot connecting means 14 so that the rectangular flat member 13 can be tilted or upright with respect to the keyboard 10. The pivot connecting means 14 projects from both side edges of the rectangular flat member 13 and fits into corresponding holes formed in the recess side wall 15. Below the rectangular flat member 13, 2
A book arm 16 is pivotally mounted. The free end 17 of the arm is a recess 12
Can be engaged with the rack 18 formed on the bottom of the. The rectangular flat member 13 also has a notch 19 along the edge opposite the keyboard 10.

The support device 1 has a lever receiver 20 for accommodating an operation lever 21 on one side of the keyboard 10. The lever receiver 20 has an elastic clip mechanism (not shown) for releasably holding the bottom of the operation lever.

Behind the lever receiver 20, two circular receiving portions 22 and 23 are arranged toward one side of the platform 2. The first circular receiver 22 is suitable for holding the bottom of a glass, a mug or a can, and the second circular receiver 23 is suitable for holding the bottom of a large bottle such as a 2 liter sparkling beverage bottle or a wine bottle. Are suitable. First
Also, the bottoms of the second receiving portions 22, 23 are slightly inclined in order to enhance the stability of the articles that they respectively hold.

The platform 2 also has first and second rectangular grooves 24, 25. The first rectangular groove 24 is located at the inner corner of the platform 2, that is, behind the second circular receiving portion 23. The second rectangular groove 25 is located on the side of the first rectangular groove and behind the recess 12 that houses the flat rectangular member 13. Both grooves 24, 25 are deeper than the circular receiving portions 22, 23, and the second groove 25 is wider and deeper than the first groove 24. These grooves can be used to hold discs, books, etc.

In the preferred embodiment, the keyboard cable 11 is approximately 2.5 meters long and long enough to reach a computer remote from the bed. Therefore, the keyboard cable is longer than a normal keyboard cable.

In use, the supporting device 1 is placed so that at least three lower ends of the leg members 8 are fixed to the bed surface. The support device is positioned so that the two leg members are on each side of the user on the bed, even if one lower end of the leg member is not fixed to the bed. Then, in order to adjust the height of the leg member 8 from the leg socket 3, the knob 4 associated with the leg member to be adjusted is loosened and the clamp for the associated leg member 8 is released. Thereby, the leg member 8 can be expanded and contracted with respect to the socket 3. Once the leg member 8 has been adjusted to the required length, the knob 4 is tightened to lock the leg member in the socket. In this way, the support device 1 is stabilized by adjusting the leg members until the lower ends of all four leg members 8 are fixed on the bed surface, and the platform is prevented from wobbling.

When the platform 2 is stable, there is no risk of the contents spilling from the drink containers held in the receiving portions 22 and 23.

By adjusting the knob 4 such that the length of the leg members 8 extending from the two front leg sockets 3 is shorter than the length of the leg members extending from the remaining two rear leg sockets.
It is also possible to tilt the support device 1 towards the user.

The user tilts the member 13 from the storage position (see FIG. 2) by gripping the notch 19 with a finger and lifting the rectangular flat member 13. The rectangular flat member 13 is pivoted to the required angle with respect to the platform 2 and the free ends 17 of the arms 16 are brought into engagement with the teeth of the rack 18 to keep it at the required angle. The upright rectangular flat member 13 can be easily read and typed when it is used to support a document or a magazine. The bottom of the document or the like fits in a narrow gap 26 between the rectangular flat member 13 and the edge of the recess 12 closest to the keyboard 10.

The user on the bed puts the document supported by the rectangular flat member 13 in the upright state,
The keyboard 10 can be used for typing. The leading edge portion 9 of the platform 2 supports or protects the wrist during typing, thereby preventing or mitigating obstacles due to repeated strains.

In order to accommodate the rectangular flat member 13, the arm 16 is pivoted in the detaching direction from the rack 18 to disengage the free end 17 from the teeth of the rack, and the rectangular flat member 13 is recessed.
Place it flat inside. When the rectangular flat member 13 is stored, a suitable article such as a plate or a knife can be placed.

The support device 1 of the present invention is formed of hollow and / or lightweight parts to facilitate its placement on and off the bed.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described, various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the support device may incorporate a suitable data entry device. Instead of the keyboard cable connecting the keyboard and computer, a wireless communication device incorporating, for example, an infrared beam may be employed. The receiving portion and the groove may be arranged according to the left-handed user, for example.

Any adjustment structure may be used as long as the legs can be adjusted individually so as to obtain a support device that is highly stable for the user on the bed.

Instead of arms and racks, any other suitable mechanism that can lock the rectangular flat member at an angle with the rest of the platform can be employed.

Forming an integral part of the platform instead of the operating lever receiver,
Alternatively, a mouse pad that can be placed on the platform can be adopted.
A button mouse may be provided on the keyboard.

The support device may incorporate a game console rather than a keyboard so that the user on the bed can easily enjoy the computer game.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a supporting device of the present invention including a substantially rectangular flat member which is stood up in an inclined state.

[Fig. 2]   It is a perspective view of a support device shown in the state where the rectangular flat member was laid down.

[Figure 3]   FIG. 3 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 2.

[Figure 4]   FIG. 3 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 2.

[Figure 5]   It is sectional drawing which shows schematically the locking mechanism for locking the leg member of a support apparatus.

[Figure 6]   It is sectional drawing which shows roughly the mechanism which locks a rectangular flat member in an inclination position.

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Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A data input device (10) such as a computer keyboard.
A device (1) for supporting a device, comprising a platform (2) with a plurality of legs (3, 8), for stabilizing the device when mounting the data input device on an uneven surface. Preferably, the legs are individually adjustable in length and the data entry device is integrally formed with the platform. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the data input device is a computer keyboard (10). 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises means (11) for connecting the keyboard (10) to a remote computer. 4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the keyboard (10) comprises a part (9) for supporting the wrist of the user. 5. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the keyboard (10) is resistant to food waste or spilled drinks. 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the data input device is an electronic game console. 7. A part (13) of the platform (2) is pivotable with respect to the rest of the platform, locking the pivot part in a position at a required angle with respect to the rest of the platform. 7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (16, 18) for providing a suitable platform for placing documents according to. 8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it holds or comprises an operating lever (21). 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device holds or includes a mouse pad. 10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one receiving part (22, 23) for holding the removable container in a stable state. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one receiving part (22, 23) has an inclined bottom. 12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one groove (24, 25). 13. Each leg comprises a leg member (8) extending from the socket (3) and having a length determined by a releasable locking means (4), said locking means fitting the leg member into the socket. 13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the leg member is in a retractable state with respect to the socket when releasably locked and the locking means is released. 14. The releasable locking means comprises a knob (4) retained by a socket (3), when the knob is rotated in one direction, the knob acts on the leg member (8) to move the leg member into the socket. 14. Locking against and rotating the knob in the opposite direction releases the action of the knob on the leg member, allowing the leg member to move relative to the socket. The described device.