US 6,648,282 B1 · Platform for computer input device

Abstract

A platform for a computer input device includes a deck having a top surface on which an associated data input device can be selectively positioned and a bottom surface. Also provided is a base having a top surface, and a bottom surface that rests on a user's thigh. A fastening device, such as hook and loop fasteners or a screw, could be used to secure these two elements together. The deck can be selectively detached from the base in order to reverse its orientation with regard to the base and allow the platform to be switched from one thigh of the user to the other. A structure for preventing the input device from falling off the platform can be included. A rest for an operator's appendage can be located on the deck top surface. The height and angle of inclination of the deck can be adjusted, if desired, in relation to the base. Alternatively, the platform can include a support assembly having a top surface on which the associated data input device can be selectively supported and a contoured bottom surface wherein the bottom surface is adapted to rest on a thigh of the user. A structure for preventing the input device from falling off the top surface can be provided. A wrist rest can be located on the support assembly top surface. The latter embodiment can be of one piece.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A platform for a hand-controllable data input device used with a microprocessor and an operator's extremity associated with controlling said data input device, wherein said platform is adapted to stably rest upon a thigh of the operator, said platform comprising:

a deck having a top surface, on which said data input device and the extremity can be selectively positioned, and a bottom surface;
a base having a top surface, and a bottom surface that is adapted to rest upon a thigh of the operator;
a fastening means for securing said deck bottom surface to said base top surface, with said fastening means permitting the base to be fastened to said deck at a point on said deck bottom surface that falls on a longitudinal centerline of the deck;
wherein said deck comprises a side edge, an end edge and a connecting edge for connecting the side edge and the end edge, said side and end edges being substantially perpendicular to each other, wherein said connecting edge extends inwardly from the end edge to the side edge and defines with said side edge and said end edge, an indented portion accommodating at least some of a lower trunk of the operator;
and,
a protrusion extending upwards from said deck top surface for selectively further stabilizing said deck top surface when said platform is resting on a thigh of said operator, wherein a top surface of said protrusion comprises a head having a contact surface adapted for selective positioning against an associated inanimate structure, said contact surface comprising a layer of a material covering said head and selected to promote friction with said associated inanimate structure.

3 more elements

A platform for a hand-controllable data input device used with a microprocessor and an operator's extremity associated with controlling said data input device, wherein the platform is configured to stably rest upon a thigh of the operator, said platform comprising a support assembly including at least one piece and comprising:

a top surface, on which the data input device and the extremity can be selectively supported;
a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface comprises an indentation to accommodate a thigh of the operator and promote the stability of said platform when resting upon a thigh of the operator;
a rail for restraining said data input device from falling off said platform, wherein said rail extends upwardly from said support assembly past at least some of said support assembly top surface;
and,
a protrusion extending from said top surface of said support assembly for selectively further stabilizing said support assembly top surface when said platform is resting on a thigh of said operator, wherein said protrusion extends upwardly past said rail and is adapted for selective positioning against an associated inanimate object.

2 more elements

A platform for a hand-controllabe data input device used with a microprocessor and an operator's extremity associated with controlling said data input device, wherein the platform is configured to stably rest upon a thigh of the operator, said platform comprising a support assembly including at least one piece and comprising:

a top surface, on which the data input device and the extremity can be selectively supported;
a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface comprises an indentation to accommodate a thigh of the operator and promote the stability of said platform when resting upon a thigh of the operator;
and,
a first protrusion extending upward from said top surface of said support assembly for selectively further stabilizing said support assembly top surface when said platform is resting on a thigh of said operator, wherein a top surface of said first protrusion comprises a head having a contact surface adapted for selective positioning against an associated inanimate structure, said contact surface comprising a layer of material covering said head and selected to promote friction with said associated inanimate structure.

1 more element

A platform for a hand-operated pointing device used with a microprocessor and an operator's appendage associated with controlling said pointing device, wherein the platform is configured to stably rest upon a thigh of the operator, said platform comprising a support assembly including at least one piece and comprising:

a top surface, on which the pointing device and the appendage can be selectively supported;
a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface comprises an indentation to accommodate a thigh of the operator and promote the stability of said platform when resting upon a thigh of the operator;
and,
two protrusions extending from said support assembly for selectively further stabilizing said support assembly when said platform is resting on a thigh of said operator, wherein said protrusions are adapted for selective positioning against an associated inanimate structure, and wherein a first of said protrusions is located on one side of a longitudinal centerline of said support assembly top surface and a second of said protrusions is located on another side of said longitudinal centerline, each of said protrusions comprising a head having a top surface which comprises a layer of a material covering said head and selected to promote friction with said associated inanimate structure when in contact with said associated inanimate structure, and wherein said heads on said first and second protrusions are spaced from each other.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Platform for computer input device

Life of this patent

Platform for computer input device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20