MXPA01003714A - Orthopedic computer mouse - Google Patents

Abstract

An orthopedic computer mouse has an electrical cable (30). The orthopedic computer mouse comprises a forward end (14), a rear end (16), an opposite sides (18 and 20). The generally hemispherical surface (22) blends into an extension(25) for supporting the hollow of the hand. A plurality of control buttons (23a, 23b, 23c) are disposed proximal to the forward end (14). A plurality of raised ridges (23) may be integrally formed with the hemispherical surface (22) define depressions to accomodate the fingers. A thumb supporting surface (26) is disposed opposite the generally hemispherical finger supporting surface (22). The thumb supporting surface (26) may be defined as a depression for holding the thumb against downward movement toward the side edge (20). In the preferred embodiment, the generally hemispherical surface (22) merges into a hypothenar depression (28) for supporting the hypothenar eminence of the hand. A raised fork (36) is disposed above the generally hemispherical surface (22) for placing the fingers of the hand in a pincer position.

Description

Orthopedic computer mouse. This invention refers generally to computer peripherals and specifically to an orthopedic mouse, specially designed to prevent conditions associated with the use of the computer mouse (eg: tendinitis, bursitis and / or carpal tunnel syndrome). Computer cursors are usually controlled by manipulating devices connected to it, such as mouses, trackballs, touch pads, etc. The mouse includes an external container, which is moved on a flat stationary surface. This contains, on its underside, a motion sensor, capable of recording them, as well as one or more buttons on, or near the front end, electrically connected to the computer they are accompanying. When the mouse is moved over the surface, the cursor moves in the same direction. When the buttons are activated, certain functions can be fulfilled, depending on the software used by the mouse. The internal mechanisms, electrical and operational softwares of the mouses, are well known by the current technique. Typical computer mouses, such as that shown in U.S. Patent No. D 302,426 to Bradley et al., Are basically wider than tall and have symmetrical sides, so that they can be used by both hands, right and / or left. Some mouses, are specially adapted for the use of the right hand. The mouse shown in the US patent No. D 328,597 of Clouss and sold under the registered trademark "MouseMan" by Logitech Inc. in Freemont California, possesses a surface superior to horizontal gently angled predominance, used to support the fingers and the palm of the right hand. The Mouse Version 2, from Microsoft Corp. in Redmond, Washington, includes a concave left side to support the base of the thumb and palm of the right hand. The mouse shown in the North American Patent No. 4,862,165 of Gart, has a support surface for some fingers of the hand in a basically curved shape. Some ergonomic mouses, including the Logitech MouseMan, are also manufactured in left hand versions. Most of the currently known mouses have a basic horizontal surface, which supports the hand in said position, as exemplified by the figures of Cheng U.S. Patent No. 5,157,381 and by the drawings of the Microsoft mouse user's manual. However, such mouses force the hand, wrist and forearm to rotate, from 80 to 90 degrees outside of their natural and unforced position, which requires constant muscular effort to be applied by hand, wrist and forearm to maintain them. For the three-button mouse, the ring, middle and index finger must remain in constant tension to avoid falling heavily on the buttons and triggering them involuntarily. The horizontal support of the hand in such mouses is performed on the table, by only a small part of the wrist and on the side of the little finger, which can cause pain over time. The effort and discomfort may not be important at the beginning, but when these mice are used for long periods of time, users may suffer conditions related to the use of the computer mouse (eg, tendonitis, bursitis and channel syndrome). carpal) experiencing fatigue, discomfort and even pain in the hand and wrist. U.S. Patent No. 5,576,733 discloses an ergonomic computer mouse that includes a surface for supporting all fingers of the hand in the basic shape of a vertical column. It also has, faced, a support surface for the thumb. This provision obviously provides more comfort. However, neither the mouse disclosed in patent No. 5,576,733 nor any other existing, will support the hand in perfect "position of function" (also called: "physiological position") in which the musculature of the hand and forearm are in total rest. Keep your hand in a clamp position to support both; hand and forearm in vertical position, requires effort. A detailed exposition of the "function position" can be found in, for example; "The Hand", Volume II., Chapter 53, pages 497-501, 1985, published by W.B. Saunders Company, of which, the concepts that serve as future reference on the subject, were completely extracted. "The 'position of function' refers to the position of the hand at rest, in which it assumes the correct form.This is approximately the middle position in the range of amplitude of movements of each and every one of the joints of the The wrist is at approximately 20 ° of dorsiflexion and 10 ° of ulnar flexion, the fingers are gently flexed in each of its joints, including the wrist and the forearm rotation.The forearm is halfway between pronation and supination. , the index to a lesser degree and the little finger more pronounced.The thumb is in partial opposition to the hand and its joints are partially flexed.A more accurate description of the position of function can be made with respect to the thumb. the angle formed between the first and second metacarpal is approximately 45. Each and every one of the "function positions" must, jointly, bring together a favorable number of conditions that are not always compatible with others. These are such that they place the joints in a position in which the grip is easy, in which the rigidity is unlikely and in the eventual case, it will allow the preservation of movements of small amplitude in the useful ranges. "From the medical field , to such a concept we can add: a work position used for prolonged periods of time, constitutes a form of immobilization (in function). "In immobility, the 'function position' does not exist, the function of the hand, necessarily involves movement "THE HAND, Vol II, Chapter 53, p. 501. In accordance with the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an orthopedic computer mouse that is designed to allow support of the hand in" function position "or "physiological position", that is, natural, not twisted and relaxed position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an orthopedic computer mouse, which is designed to prevent diseases (e.g., tendonitis, bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome) and which diminishes or eliminates fatigue, discomfort and pain, even after continuous and prolonged use. It is another objective of the present invention to provide an orthopedic computer mouse that can be adapted to different possible measures of the user's hand. It is another object of the present invention to provide an orthopedic computer mouse that can be intended for right or left hand use. It is another objective of the present invention to provide an orthopedic computer mouse that is "innocuous", that is: a computer mouse, which has no adverse effects and is healthy for the user. In accordance with the foregoing objectives and other successive ones that will be presented, the present invention provides an orthopedic computer mouse, which can be moved on the support surface, the mouse designed to support the hand in "physiological position" or "position". function". The shape of the orthopedic computer mouse according to the present invention has been developed from a hand-print mold in "function position". The mouse comprises a base or lower surface, an anterior end, a posterior end and two opposite sides and a basically hemispherical surface for supporting the fingers of the hand in a relatively high orientation with respect to the supporting surface, with the little finger located in a first elevation and the index finger in another, higher than the previous one with respect to the base. The basically hemispherical surface is specially adapted to support the hollow of the hand, in such a way that the hand rests at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the support surface (work table) and with respect to the forearm, in semipronation ( halfway between pronation and supination). The basically hemispherical surface for the support of the fingers, extends upwards from one of the opposite sides. A surface for the support of the thumb is provided, such that the mouse is firmly gripped between the thumb and the fingers where the surface for the support of the thumb is disposed in "opposition" with the basically hemispherical surface for the support of the thumbs. fingers, supporting themselves without effort. The basically hemispherical surface for the support of the fingers and the surface for the support of the thumb cooperate in such a way that the hand is supported on the mouse in a "physiological position". This aspect, which is a fundamental component of the "physiological position", is the most characteristic quality of the human hand. The work of the hand in "opposition" is a human characteristic and must be preserved at all costs. In the preferred form, the hemispheric surface is confused within a hypothenar depression for support of the hypothenar eminence of the hand and a thenar depression for support of the thenar eminence of the hand. Between the two eminences (tenar and hypothenar) there is a depression. This corresponds and complements the shape with the elevation that we call posterior prolongation, which is graphed in the section of figures and described in detail later. A fork arranged on the hemispherical surface to support the fingers in the "clamp position". In accordance with the foregoing, the present invention will now be described in detail with respect to the accompanying figures: -Fig. 1 is a drawing of the hand in forced position (pronation) when using the common mouse. -Fig. 2 is a drawing of the hand holding a common mouse, in a forced position. -Fig. 3 is a drawing of the hand in the opposite position to that of Fig. 1 (supination). -Fig. 4 is a view of the hand in flexion. -Fig. 5 is a view of the hand in extension. -Fig. 6 is an extension hand view when using a common mouse. -Fig. 7 a is a view of the hand in "position physiological. "-Fig.7 b is a drawing of the anatomical arches of the hand -Fig.7 c is a drawing of the oblique transverse arch of the hand -Fig.7 d is a schematic of the base of the orthopedic mouse According to the preferred form of the invention, Fig. 8 is an external side view of the orthopedic mouse according to the invention, Fig. 9 is a top view of the mouse, Fig. 10 is an internal side view thereof. -Fig.11 is a front view of it.- Figure 12 is a rear view of it.- Figure 13 is an anterior-external view at 45 ° -Fig.14 is a postero-internal view at 45 °. -Fig.15 is a postero-external view at 45 ° -Fig.16 is an anterior-internal view at 45 ° -Fig.17 is a 45 ° internal side view of a track-ball shape -Fig. 18 is a 45 ° internal side view of a form with internet search wheel.

-Fig. 19 is a view of the hand grasping the orthopedic mouse, in accordance with the present invention. Referring now to the various views of the drawings, an orthopedic computer mouse according to the present invention is described. Fig. 1 represents the hand in pronation, the forced position that is used with the common mouses (Fig.2). Fig. 3 is the hand in supination, the opposite of the position shown in figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4 shows the hand in flexion, with effort of the flexor muscle group. Fig. 5 represents the effort of the extensor muscle group when the hand is in extension. Fig. 6 represents the use of a common mouse with the hand in extension.

Fig. 7a represents the hand in the "physiological position" or "function position". The "position of function" is discussed in "The Hand" volume II, chapter 53, pages. 497-501, 1985, published by W. B. Saunders Company is fully incorporated here as a reference, as if it were written here. The skeleton of the hand has a transverse and longitudinal (double) concavity that gives it the shape of a cup of palmar concavity, as described in fig. 7 b. It is essential for the grip function of the hand that these concavities be preserved. The basically hemispherical surface 22 ensures that the proper position will be maintained. As shown in fig 7 c, the transverse axis is obliquus, being farthest in the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger and closest to the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger. An angle of approximately 75 ° is formed with the longitudinal axis, this angle is also present in the basic form of the invention. It is important to note that the ends of the orthopedic mouse have the same angulation with respect to the lateral ones, as shown in the scheme of Figs. 7 d and fig. 9. The "position of function" refers to the position of the hand at rest, which assumes a certain position. This is largely the average in the range of motion of each and every joint, including the wrist and forearm rotation. The forearm is halfway between pronation and supination. The wrist is at approximately 20 ° of dorsiflexion and 10 ° of ulnar flexion. The fingers are slightly flexed in each of their joints, with the index finger being less flexed and the little finger more pronounced. The thumb is facing the hand in partial "opposition" and its joints are partially flexed. A more accurate description of the "physiological position" can be made with respect to the thumb. In this position, the angle between the first and second metacarpal is approximately 45 °. The numerous ways of describing the "position of function" may lead one to believe that more than one "physiological position" could exist. "The Hand", Vol II, chapter 53, p. 494. Each and every one of the "positions of function" must, jointly, bring together a favorable number of conditions that are not always compatible with others. These are such that they place the joints in a position in which the grip is easy, in which rigidity is unlikely and in the eventual case, it will allow the preservation of movements of small amplitude in the useful ranges. The orthopedic computer mouse 10 according to the invention allows the hand to remain in the "function position" during use. Referring now to figs. 8-16, the orthopedic computer mouse 10 comprises a lower surface 12, a front end 14, a rear end 16 and opposite sides 18 and 20. The front and rear ends 14 and 16, respectively, are arranged at an angle of approximately 75 ° with respect to sides 18 and 20, as shown in the scheme of figs. 7 d and 9. The mentioned 75 ° angle is present in the basic form of the invention. A substantially hemispherical surface 22 is provided for supporting the fingers of the hand in a relatively high orientation with respect to the base with the little finger located at the first elevation and the index finger located at another elevation, higher than the first in relation to the lower surface. The basically hemispherical surface 22 is confused with an extension 25 to support the hollow of the hand in such a way that the hand rests at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the lower surface as shown in fig. 7. The basically hemispherical support surface of the fingers 22, extends upwards and to the side from one of the opposite sides 18. One or more buttons 23 a, 23 b, 23 c are disposed near the front end 14. Despite if presented with three buttons, the orthopedic computer mouse 10 can be provided with any number of buttons, or with only one if preferable. A number of high contiguous folds 23 are part of the surface 22 forming depressions to accommodate the fingers. A support surface for the thumb 26 is provided for the support of the thumb, such that the mouse is securely grasped between the thumb and fingers, as shown, remaining at rest without effort. The abutment surface of the thumb 26 is disposed "in opposition" to the substantially hemispherical bearing surface of the fingers 22. The thumb bearing surface 26 can be defined as a depression to hold the thumb against falling movements in the direction of the lateral 20. The basically hemispherical support surface of the fingers 22 and the surface of the thumb 26 cooperate so that the hand is supported at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the lower surface, in a physiologically relaxed position, without torsions and naturally steep . (Figs 7 and 19). In the preferred form, the substantially hemispherical surface 22 falls within a hypothenar depression 28 for supporting the hypothenar eminence of the hand and a tapering depression 32 for supporting the thenar eminence of the hand. The elevated fork 36 disposed on the basically hemispherical surface for support of the fingers in the "clamp position". This aspect, an important part of the "function position", is the most important qualitative characteristic of the human hand. The work of the hand in "opposition" is a human characteristic and must be preserved at all costs. The total support surface of the orthopedic computer mouse 10 can have different sizes, being able to be particularly adapted based on measurements of the hand taken from a palm print. In this way, distortions of the fingers and / or other parts of the hand are prevented. The lower surface of the mouse can be provided with supports (not shown) of low friction material such as Teflon MR and a motion sensor to record these on the work table. In the example shown, the motion sensor 38 is a conventional "ball" type device, although other types of motion sensors may be used. An electrical cable 30 communicates electrical signals between the orthopedic computer mouse 10 and the computer (not shown). Fig. 17 represents an alternative form in which a screen search ball 40 is provided in the thumb support area. The search ball 40 communicates with conventional circuits known in the art. This arrangement eliminates the need to physically move the orthopedic computer mouse 10; the control of the cursor is carried out only with the manipulation of the search ball 40. Fig. 18 shows a form with internet search wheel 42 in the area of support of the thumb. It is also possible to provide an additional button located on the thumb support surface 26 for any desired function. Differently from conventional ones, in which the hand grips the mouse horizontally, as shown in figs. 2 and 6, basically parallel to the work surface, in the orthopedic computer mouse, the hand remains in a "physiological position", relaxed and oriented basically steep as shown in fig. 19. When secured in this way, the orthopedic computer mouse 10 can be moved over long distances by hand and arm movements together, or the orthopedic computer mouse 10 can be manipulated with precision just by flexing the fingers and the thumb. The steep shape of the orthopedic computer mouse 10 allows the hand to support in a relaxed and natural position. This substantially eliminates the twisting of the hand, wrist and forearm that are common to users of conventional mouses. The weight of the steep hand is distributed along the entire outer edge and the bearing surfaces and hypothenar that act like this, eliminating annoying pressures on the wrist, which are usually caused by common mouses. Anatomically these areas (tenar, hypothenar and finger pads) are exactly padded to support, by nature. As a result, this physiological position minimizes or eliminates fatigue, discomfort and pain, even after prolonged periods of continuous use and relieves the user of conditions. Located between the two eminences (tenar and hypothenar) there is a depression. Its shape corresponds and complements the elevation that we call posterior prolongation, described in figs. 8-10 and 15 as 25. Finally, the orthopedic computer mouse 10 may have versions for right and / or left hand, depending on the preference of the user. The present invention was shown in what is considered its most practical and preferred form. We anticipate that other variants can be made from it and that obvious modifications can be made by people skilled in the art.

Claims (7)

Claims

1. An orthopedic computer mouse that can be moved on a support surface, the mouse adapted to support the hand in the "physiological position" comprising:

- A lower surface, a front end, a rear end and opposite sides;

- A basically hemispherical surface for support of the fingers of the hand in a relatively high orientation with respect to the support surface, with the little finger located at a first elevation and the index finger on another, higher than the previous one with respect to the base , the basically hemispherical surface, is specially adapted to support the hollow of the hand, in such a way that the hand rests at an angle with respect to the forearm in "physiological position", the basically hemispherical surface for the support of the fingers, extends up from one of the opposite sides; and - A surface for the support of the thumb, such that the mouse is firmly grasped between the thumb and the fingers, the surface for the support of the thumb is disposed in "opposition" with respect to the basically hemispherical surface for the support of the thumb. the fingers, the basically hemispherical surface for the support of the fingers and the surface for the support of the thumb, cooperate in such a way that the hand is supported on the mouse in a "physiological position". 2. The orthopedic computer mouse described in claim 1, in which the basically hemispherical surface is confused within a hypothenar depression to support the hypothenar eminence of the hand and a thenar depression to support the thenar eminence of the hand, between the two eminences (tenar and hypothenar) there is a corresponding depression and complementing the form with the elevation defined as a subsequent prolongation. 3. The orthopedic computer mouse described in claim 1, further including a raised fork, disposed on the substantially hemispherical surface for support of the fingers in the "clamp position".

4. The orthopedic computer mouse described in claim 1, wherein the lower surface, the anterior end, the posterior end and the opposite laterals define a trapezoidal shape seen from above.

5. The orthopedic computer mouse described in claim 1, further including an on-screen search device positioned on the thumb rest surface to be manipulated by the user's thumb.

6. The orthopedic computer mouse described in claim 1, further including one or more buttons positioned relatively to the substantially hemispherical support surface of the hand for engagement of the fingers of the hand when the hand is resting on the substantially hemispherical bearing surface.

7. The orthopedic computer mouse which can be moved on the support surface, the mouse adapted to support the hand in "function position", comprising: - a lower surface, a front end, a rear end and opposite sides; - a relatively high orientation with respect to the support surface, with the little finger located in a first elevation and the index finger in another, higher than the previous one with respect to the base, said basically hemispherical surface is specially adapted to support the hollow of the hand, in such a way that the hand rests at an angle with respect to the forearm in "physiological position", said basically hemispherical surface for the support of the fingers, extends upwards from one of the opposite sides, said basically hemispherical surface being confused within a hypothenar depression to support the hypothenar eminence of the hand and a tenar depression to support the thenar eminence of the hand; and a surface for the support of the thumb, in such a way that the mouse is firmly gripped between the thumb and the fingers, said surface for the support of the thumb is arranged in "opposition" with respect to the basically hemispherical surface for the support of the thumbs. fingers, said basically hemispherical surface for the support of the fingers and the surface for the support of the thumb, cooperate in such a way that the hand is supported on the mouse in "physiological position".