Patent ID: 6648282
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
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.