Ergonomic support for use with a computer input device
AssigneeACCO Brands Corporation
InventorsTim Brophy, Eric Ronberg, Donald G. Varga
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An ergonomic support is disclosed for use with a computer input device such as a mouse. Some embodiments allow the same support to be used with a wide range of mouse sizes. Some embodiments allow a user to make a customized fit between the user's hand, the support and the input device. Many embodiments include a deformable member which continues to apply force to the input device after being deformed by a user, thereby coupling the support to the input device without the need for external fasteners. In other embodiments, an attachment member couples the input device to a recessed area of the support.
Claims51
A support for use with a computer input device, comprising:
- deformable support means for supporting a user's hand;
- and
- shape retention means for coupling the support means to the computer input device by force which continues to be applied to the computer input device after the shape retention means is deformed from a first shape to a second shape.
A support for use with a computer input device, comprising:
- a cushion;
- a metal strip for coupling the cushion to the computer input device by force which continues to be applied to the computer input device after the metal strip is deformed from a first shape to a second shape;
- and
- a gripping surface disposed between at least a portion of the metal strip and the computer input device, the gripping surface applying friction to the computer input device.
A support for use with a computer input device, comprising:
- a cushion;
- a deformable member for coupling the cushion to the computer input device by continuing to exert force on the computer input device after the deformable member has been deformed;
- a base for supporting the cushion and deformable member, the base comprising a first surface for providing a low-friction interface between the support and a work area;
- and
- a second surface for applying frictional force to the computer input device, at least a portion of the second surface being disposed between the deformable member and an area for receiving the computer input device.
A support for use with a computer input device, comprising:
- a recessed area for receiving the computer input device;
- a first lobe which defines a first side of the recessed area;
- a second lobe which defines a second side of the recessed area;
- an attachment member for attaching the first lobe to the second lobe without connecting the attachment member directly to the computer input device, thereby securing the computer input device within the recessed area;
- and
- a fixed portion attached to the first lobe and a removable portion which is removably attached to the second lobe.
A support for use with a computer input device which is configured to be moved on a work surface, the support comprising:
- a recessed area for receiving the computer input device;
- an attachment member for extending along a side of the computer input device which is configured to face the work surface and for gripping the computer input device, thereby coupling the computer input device to the recessed area;
- and
- tensioning means for applying tension to the attachment member.
A method of forming a customized fit between an ergonomic support and a computer input device, comprising the steps of:
- positioning a portion of the ergonomic support proximate to the computer input device;
- and
- applying force to the ergonomic support to form it into a shape in conformity with a portion of the computer input device.
A method of forming a customized fit between a computer input device and an ergonomic support which comprises a deformable member having a glass transition point, the method comprising the steps of:
- heating the deformable member to a temperature above its glass transition point;
- positioning a portion of the ergonomic support proximate to the computer input device;
- applying force to the ergonomic support to form the deformable member into a shape in conformity with a portion of the computer input device;
- and
- cooling the deformable member to a temperature below its glass transition point.
A support for use with a computer input device comprising:
- a recessed area for receiving the computer input device,
- a first lobe which defines a first side of the recessed area;
- a second lobe which defines a second side of the recessed area;
- an engagement member adjustably fitted to an opening in the fist lobe wherein the engagement member is moved through the opening to engage the input device;
- and
- the engagement member is threaded.
A support for use with a computer input device, comprising:
- a recessed area for receiving the computer input device;
- a first lobe which defines a first side of the recessed area;
- a second lobe which defines a second side of the recessed area;
- a main portion which is engaged with the first lobe and adjustably engaged with the second lobe by means of a first set of teeth on the main portion which engage with a second set of teeth on the second lobe.
A support for use with a computer input device comprising:
- a recessed area for receiving the computer input device:
- a first lobe which defines a first side of the recessed area;
- a second lobe which defines a second side of the recessed area;
- an engagement member adjustably fitted to an opening in the fist lobe wherein the engagement member is moved through the opening to engage the input device;
- and
- the opening is threaded.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.