US20020070325A1 - Method of supporting a computer keyboard - Google Patents
Method of supporting a computer keyboard Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020070325A1 US20020070325A1 US09/733,208 US73320800A US2002070325A1 US 20020070325 A1 US20020070325 A1 US 20020070325A1 US 73320800 A US73320800 A US 73320800A US 2002070325 A1 US2002070325 A1 US 2002070325A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- keyboard
- support element
- forming
- substrate
- supporting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011359 shock absorbing material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000005802 health problem Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000003295 carpal tunnel syndrome Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to computer equipment and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a method of supporting a computer keyboard via a support element.
- personal computer keyboards are placed on a flat surface, such as for example a desk or a stand, to support the keyboard while a computer user is typing on the keyboard.
- a flat surface such as for example a desk or a stand
- personal computer keyboards are the primary means by which a personal computer receives computer user input and, thus, are often subjected to heavy use.
- keyboards tend to unfavorably move and slide about its supporting surface as the computer user types.
- support surfaces tend to be hard as well as flat.
- kinetic forces associated with typing on the keyboard are redirected from the support surface toward the computer user.
- Potential health problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, may arise from continuously absorbing kinetic forces associated with typing.
- a method of supporting a keyboard includes forming a support element, placing the support element preferably on a substrate, such as for example a desk top, shelf, or computer workstation, and placing the keyboard on the support element.
- the support element thus absorbs forces associated with typing on the keyboard.
- Forming a support element includes forming a body.
- the body is dimensioned so as to accommodate the keyboard.
- Indicia such as merchandising information or reference information useful to a computer user, may also be provided on the body.
- the body includes a first surface for engagedly contacting the keyboard and a depth extending from the first surface.
- the first surface may be formed of non-slip material for fixedly holding the keyboard to the support element.
- the depth is configured to optimally absorb forces associated with typing on the keyboard.
- the body is preferably composed of shock absorbing material, such as neoprene.
- the body includes a second surface for engagedly contacting the substrate.
- the second surface may be formed of non-slip material for fixedly holding the support element to the substrate
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a support element according to the preferred embodiment for supporting a computer keyboard.
- FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a method for supporting a computer keyboard via the support element of FIG. 1.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a support element 1 according to the preferred embodiment.
- the support element 1 is placed on a substrate 50 , such as for example a desktop, shelf, or computer workstation.
- a keyboard 40 is then placed on the support element 1 so that the support element 1 is positioned between the keyboard 40 and the substrate 50 .
- the substrate 50 is essentially flat, thereby allowing the keyboard 40 to rest thereon, while a computer user types on the keyboard 40 .
- the substrate 50 includes a support surface 55 along the top of the substrate 50 to ultimately support the keyboard 40 .
- the keyboard 40 comprises a keyboard of a type well known in the industry.
- the keyboard 40 includes a keyboard body 43 and keyboard keys 45 disposed on the keyboard body 43 for receiving computer user input, via typing thereon.
- the keyboard 40 further includes a resting surface 47 , formed along the keyboard body 43 , to ultimately rest on the substrate 50 .
- the support element 1 includes a body 5 .
- the body 5 is so dimensioned as to accommodate the keyboard 40 .
- the body 5 includes a first surface 10 for engagedly contacting the keyboard 40 .
- the resting surface 47 of the keyboard 40 contacts the first surface 10 of the support element 1 .
- the first surface 10 may include indicia 20 thereon, such as for example merchandising information or reference information useful to a computer user.
- the body 5 includes a second surface 14 for engagedly contacting the substrate 50 .
- the supporting surface 55 of the substrate 50 contacts the second surface 14 of the support element.
- the body 5 further includes a depth 12 formed along the body 5 between the first surface 10 and the second surface 14 .
- the depth 12 is so dimensioned as to favorably absorb kinetic forces associated with typing on the keyboard 40 .
- Kinetic forces such as compressive forces, are directed from the keyboard 40 through the depth 12 to the substrate 50 .
- Kinetic forces associated with typing are then redirected from the support surface toward the computer user.
- the support element 1 In addition to absorbing forces traveling from the keyboard 40 to the substrate 50 , the support element 1 , along the depth 12 , absorbs forces redirected from the substrate 50 to the keyboard 40 and ultimately to the computer user. By continuously absorbing kinetic forces associated with typing, the support element 1 favorably reduces the risk of health problems associated with using computer keyboards.
- the body 5 is preferably composed of a resilient, shock absorbing material, such as neoprene or any soft material suitable to provide a shock absorbing effect.
- the first surface 10 and the second surface 14 may each be composed of a non-slip material, such as neoprene, to fixedly hold the keyboard 40 to the substrate 50 while typing.
- the preferred embodiment contemplates both the first surface 10 and the second surface 14 composed of non-slip material.
- FIG. 2 depicts the preferred method for supporting the keyboard 40 via the support element 1 .
- the second surface 14 of the support element 1 is positioned on the supporting surface 55 of the substrate 50 , thereby contactedly engaging the supporting surface 55 .
- the resting surface 47 of the keyboard 40 is positioned on the first surface 10 of the support element 1 , thereby contactedly engaging the first surface 10 .
- the keyboard 40 thus rests on the substrate 50 while supported by the support element 1 .
- the support element 1 absorbs forces associated with typing.
- the support element 1 may be configured to fixedly hold the keyboard 40 to the substrate 50 while typing.
- the support element 1 may display indicia 20 along the first surface 10 .
Abstract
A method of supporting a keyboard includes forming a support element and placing the support element on a substrate. The keyboard is then placed on the support element so that the support element absorbs forces associated with typing on the keyboard.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention generally relates to computer equipment and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a method of supporting a computer keyboard via a support element.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Typically, personal computer keyboards are placed on a flat surface, such as for example a desk or a stand, to support the keyboard while a computer user is typing on the keyboard. Personal computer keyboards are the primary means by which a personal computer receives computer user input and, thus, are often subjected to heavy use.
- As such, keyboards tend to unfavorably move and slide about its supporting surface as the computer user types. In addition, support surfaces tend to be hard as well as flat. Thus, kinetic forces associated with typing on the keyboard are redirected from the support surface toward the computer user. Potential health problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, may arise from continuously absorbing kinetic forces associated with typing.
- Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a method of fixedly and ergonomically supporting a computer keyboard.
- In accordance with the present invention, a method of supporting a keyboard, includes forming a support element, placing the support element preferably on a substrate, such as for example a desk top, shelf, or computer workstation, and placing the keyboard on the support element. The support element thus absorbs forces associated with typing on the keyboard.
- Forming a support element includes forming a body. The body is dimensioned so as to accommodate the keyboard. Indicia, such as merchandising information or reference information useful to a computer user, may also be provided on the body.
- The body includes a first surface for engagedly contacting the keyboard and a depth extending from the first surface. The first surface may be formed of non-slip material for fixedly holding the keyboard to the support element. The depth is configured to optimally absorb forces associated with typing on the keyboard. As such, the body is preferably composed of shock absorbing material, such as neoprene.
- Similarly, the body includes a second surface for engagedly contacting the substrate. The second surface may be formed of non-slip material for fixedly holding the support element to the substrate
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for supporting a keyboard so that the keyboard is fixedly held to a substrate.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for supporting a keyboard that is ergonomically beneficial.
- Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art in light of the following.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a support element according to the preferred embodiment for supporting a computer keyboard.
- FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a method for supporting a computer keyboard via the support element of FIG. 1.
- As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms, the figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components or steps.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a support element1 according to the preferred embodiment. In general, as shown in FIG. 2, the support element 1 is placed on a
substrate 50, such as for example a desktop, shelf, or computer workstation. Akeyboard 40 is then placed on the support element 1 so that the support element 1 is positioned between thekeyboard 40 and thesubstrate 50. - The
substrate 50 is essentially flat, thereby allowing thekeyboard 40 to rest thereon, while a computer user types on thekeyboard 40. In particular, thesubstrate 50 includes asupport surface 55 along the top of thesubstrate 50 to ultimately support thekeyboard 40. - In the preferred embodiment, the
keyboard 40 comprises a keyboard of a type well known in the industry. Thekeyboard 40 includes akeyboard body 43 andkeyboard keys 45 disposed on thekeyboard body 43 for receiving computer user input, via typing thereon. Thekeyboard 40 further includes aresting surface 47, formed along thekeyboard body 43, to ultimately rest on thesubstrate 50. - Referring to FIG. 1, the support element1 includes a
body 5. Thebody 5 is so dimensioned as to accommodate thekeyboard 40. - The
body 5, in turn, includes afirst surface 10 for engagedly contacting thekeyboard 40. In particular, theresting surface 47 of thekeyboard 40 contacts thefirst surface 10 of the support element 1. As shown in FIG. 1, thefirst surface 10 may includeindicia 20 thereon, such as for example merchandising information or reference information useful to a computer user. - Similarly, the
body 5 includes asecond surface 14 for engagedly contacting thesubstrate 50. Inasmuch, the supportingsurface 55 of thesubstrate 50 contacts thesecond surface 14 of the support element. - The
body 5 further includes adepth 12 formed along thebody 5 between thefirst surface 10 and thesecond surface 14. In the preferred embodiment, thedepth 12 is so dimensioned as to favorably absorb kinetic forces associated with typing on thekeyboard 40. Kinetic forces, such as compressive forces, are directed from thekeyboard 40 through thedepth 12 to thesubstrate 50. Kinetic forces associated with typing are then redirected from the support surface toward the computer user. - In addition to absorbing forces traveling from the
keyboard 40 to thesubstrate 50, the support element 1, along thedepth 12, absorbs forces redirected from thesubstrate 50 to thekeyboard 40 and ultimately to the computer user. By continuously absorbing kinetic forces associated with typing, the support element 1 favorably reduces the risk of health problems associated with using computer keyboards. - It should be added that the
body 5 is preferably composed of a resilient, shock absorbing material, such as neoprene or any soft material suitable to provide a shock absorbing effect. Furthermore, thefirst surface 10 and thesecond surface 14 may each be composed of a non-slip material, such as neoprene, to fixedly hold thekeyboard 40 to thesubstrate 50 while typing. The preferred embodiment contemplates both thefirst surface 10 and thesecond surface 14 composed of non-slip material. - Inasmuch, FIG. 2 depicts the preferred method for supporting the
keyboard 40 via the support element 1. Thesecond surface 14 of the support element 1 is positioned on the supportingsurface 55 of thesubstrate 50, thereby contactedly engaging the supportingsurface 55. Theresting surface 47 of thekeyboard 40 is positioned on thefirst surface 10 of the support element 1, thereby contactedly engaging thefirst surface 10. Thekeyboard 40 thus rests on thesubstrate 50 while supported by the support element 1. - The support element1 absorbs forces associated with typing. The support element 1 may be configured to fixedly hold the
keyboard 40 to thesubstrate 50 while typing. Moreover, the support element 1 may displayindicia 20 along thefirst surface 10. - Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing description, rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.
Claims (11)
1. A method of supporting a keyboard, comprising the steps of:
forming a support element;
placing the support element on a substrate; and
placing the keyboard on the support element.
2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of absorbing forces associated with typing on the keyboard via the support element.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of forming a support element comprises the step of:
forming a body,
the body including a first surface for engagedly contacting the keyboard and including a depth extending from the first surface.
4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of forming a body comprises the step of configuring the body so dimensioned as to accommodate the keyboard.
5. The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of forming a body comprises configuring the depth so dimensioned as to optimally absorb forces associated with typing on the keyboard.
6. The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of forming a body comprises the step of forming the body from shock absorbing material.
7. The method according to claim 6 wherein the body comprises neoprene.
8. The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of forming a body comprises the step of forming the first surface from non-slip material.
9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of forming the support element comprises the step of providing indicia on the body.
10. The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of forming a body further comprises the step of forming a second surface on the body for engagedly contacting the substrate.
11. The method according to claim 10 wherein the step of forming a body further comprises the step of forming the second surface from non-slip material.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/733,208 US20020070325A1 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2000-12-08 | Method of supporting a computer keyboard |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/733,208 US20020070325A1 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2000-12-08 | Method of supporting a computer keyboard |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020070325A1 true US20020070325A1 (en) | 2002-06-13 |
Family
ID=24946663
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/733,208 Abandoned US20020070325A1 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2000-12-08 | Method of supporting a computer keyboard |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20020070325A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050078438A1 (en) * | 2003-10-10 | 2005-04-14 | Devolpi Dean | Article of manufacture that attaches to computer keyboards to add storage |
US8740166B2 (en) | 2011-02-17 | 2014-06-03 | Fellowes, Inc. | Keyboard and mouse support |
-
2000
- 2000-12-08 US US09/733,208 patent/US20020070325A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050078438A1 (en) * | 2003-10-10 | 2005-04-14 | Devolpi Dean | Article of manufacture that attaches to computer keyboards to add storage |
US8740166B2 (en) | 2011-02-17 | 2014-06-03 | Fellowes, Inc. | Keyboard and mouse support |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: E-COMMERCE XPRESS, INC., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ANGUIANO, RANDOLPH Z.;REEL/FRAME:011360/0589 Effective date: 20001201 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |