Abstract:
A keyboard and mouse support having a keyboard platform with an elongate slide that extends laterally across the keyboard platform from left to right, the elongate slide having a left end and a right end, a mouse platform, a pivot that pivotally connects the mouse platform to the keyboard platform, which pivot slides and pivots in the elongate slide, and a radial position fixation mechanism for setting at least one radial position of the mouse platform with respect to the keyboard platform, and wherein the radial position fixation mechanism is located on both the left and right sides of keyboard platform.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to supports for a computer keyboard and mouse. More particularly, the present invention is a support for a computer keyboard and mouse that includes a keyboard support portion and a swiveling and sliding mouse support portion. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Personal computers are widely used around the world both at work and in the home. Two major input devices used with computer system are its keyboard and mouse. The keyboard and mouse usually rests on the desk in close proximity to the computer monitor or screen. However, it is not uncommon for the desk or work surface of the computer system to be cluttered or be just too small to be functional. Furthermore, it is generally more ergonomic to have the keyboard and mouse placed at a position lower than the desktop about the position of the user&#39;s hand when the user&#39;s forearms are approximately parallel to the floor. Therefore, it is important to be able to adjust the location and position of the keyboard and/or mouse to provide greater space to work and to optimize ergonomics. 
     Although there are existing keyboard and mouse supports that allow for flexibility in positioning the keyboard and/or mouse to suit a user&#39;s ergonomic requirements, none of the prior art keyboard and mouse supports of which the inventor is aware disclose a device where the mouse platform and keyboard platform are not permanently connected to one another but wherein the mouse platform can be slidable and pivotally positioned relative to the keyboard platform as the user so desires. Further, none of the prior art of which the inventor is aware discloses a device where the mouse platform will have a plurality of preset angular positions relative to the keyboard platform. 
     By being able to position the mouse platform on either the left or right side of the keyboard platform, the mouse platform can accommodate left hand and right hand users. Additionally, by supplying a plurality of preset mouse platform axial positions relative to the keyboard platform, an ideal position of the mouse platform can be achieved. 
     Further, none of the prior art has disclosed a mouse platform that is slidably and pivotally connected to a keyboard platform that is attached to a height adjustment mechanism. By being able to adjust the height of the keyboard platform relative to a desk or table surface, and also adjust where the mouse support device is slidably connected on the keyboard platform, a user&#39;s ergonomic needs can be constantly satisfied, where a user feels the need to adjust the keyboard support and/or mouse support devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A keyboard and mouse support having a keyboard platform, a mouse platform, a pivot that pivotally connects the mouse platform to the keyboard platform, and a radial position fixation mechanism for setting at least one radial position of the mouse platform with respect to the keyboard platform. 
     A keyboard and mouse support having a keyboard platform with an elongate slide that extends laterally across the keyboard platform from left to right, the elongate slide having a left end and a right end, a mouse platform, a pivot that pivotally connects the mouse platform to the keyboard platform, which pivot slides and pivots in the elongate slide, and a radial position fixation mechanism for setting at least one radial position of the mouse platform with respect to the keyboard platform, and wherein the radial position fixation mechanism is located on both the left and right sides of keyboard platform. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a keyboard platform and mouse platform that when assembled form a keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of  FIG. 1  with the mouse platform positioned on the right side of the keyboard platform. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of  FIG. 1  with the mouse platform positioned on the left side of the keyboard platform. 
         FIG. 4  is a front partially exposed view showing the exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of  FIG. 1  with the mouse platform positioned on the right side of the keyboard platform and showing the metal plate and magnet positioned in the keyboard platform and mouse platform, respectively, in their aligned position. 
         FIG. 5  is a front partially exposed view showing the exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of  FIG. 1  with the mouse platform being slid over from the right side of the keyboard platform towards the left side of the keyboard platform. 
         FIG. 6  is a front partially exposed view showing the exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of  FIG. 1  with the mouse platform positioned on the left side of the keyboard platform and showing the metal plate and magnet positioned in the keyboard platform and mouse platform, respectively, in their aligned position. 
         FIG. 7  is a detail showing the magnet, metal plate, and one embodiment of a sliding pivot holding the keyboard platform and mouse platform together. 
         FIG. 8  is a detail showing the magnet, metal plate, and another embodiment of a sliding pivot holding the keyboard platform and mouse platform together. 
         FIG. 9  is a detail showing the magnet, metal plate, and a further embodiment of a sliding pivot holding the keyboard platform and mouse platform together. 
         FIG. 10  is a detail showing the magnet, metal plate, and yet another embodiment of a sliding pivot holding the keyboard platform and mouse platform together. 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a keyboard platform and mouse platform that when assembled form a keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of  FIG. 11  with the mouse platform positioned on the right side and its rearmost position relative to the keyboard platform. 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of  FIG. 11  with the mouse platform positioned on the right side and its middle position relative to the keyboard platform. 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of  FIG. 11  with the mouse platform positioned on the right side and its frontmost position relative to the keyboard platform. 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support of  FIG. 11  with the mouse platform positioned on the left side and its middle position relative to the keyboard platform. 
         FIG. 16  is a detail showing another exemplary radial position fixation mechanism for the keyboard platform and mouse platform. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description and accompanying drawings are provided for the purpose of illustrating and describing presently preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in anyway. It will be understood that various changes in the details, material arrangements of parts or operational conditions which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art within the principles and scope of this invention. 
     Referring to the drawings, more particularly by reference numbers,  FIGS. 1-6  show a first exemplary embodiment of a support  10  for a computer keyboard and mouse that includes a keyboard support portion  12  and a swiveling and sliding mouse support portion  14 .  FIGS. 7-11  shown a second exemplary embodiment of a support  10  for a computer keyboard and mouse that includes a keyboard support portion  12  and a swiveling and sliding mouse support portion  14 . 
       FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the keyboard platform  12  and the mouse platform  14 , that when assembled form the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support  10  of the invention. The keyboard platform  12  comprises a generally flat section of material, such as high strength material, such phenolic laminate, particle board, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), or plastic. This material provides sufficient strength, even at thicknesses as thin as ¼″ (6 mm). A benefit of this material is that the thickness of the device is reduced, and this permits the keyboard and mouse support to be lowered more relative to a thicker platform such as formed of wood, particleboard, or other weaker materials. 
     In order to permit the keyboard platform to be manipulated relative to a desktop or other surface via a keyboard arm (not shown), mounting holes  16  are preferably formed on the keyboard platform  12 . Formed through the keyboard platform  12  is a longitudinal groove  18 . The groove  18  extends across the width of the keyboard platform  12 , from a right side  20  to a left side  22  thereof. The groove  18  has a right terminal end  24  and a left terminal end  26 . The groove  18  is shown as being straight, but can follow other contours. The keyboard platform  12  has a front edge  28  and a rear edge  30 . Although the rear edge  30  is shown as following a being generally curved or arched contour, it can be straight or follow other contours as desired.  FIG. 1  shows metal plates  32  positioned in the keyboard platform  12  near the terminal ends  24  and  26  of the groove  18 . For ease of description the metal plates  32  are revealed. However, as best shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , and particularly  FIG. 7 , the metal plates  32  are preferably retained in recesses  34  formed in a bottom surface  36  of the keyboard platform  12  so as not to extend outwardly therefrom. The metal plates  32  can be retained in the recesses  34  by adhesive  38  or can be mechanically attached, such as by screws, clips, or other known attachment devices (not shown). Although the metal plates  32  can be rectangular in shape, they can have other shapes if desired. The metal will preferably be a ferrous metal that attracts magnets. The mouse platform  14  comprises a generally flat section of material, such as high strength material, such phenolic laminate, particle board, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), or plastic. This material provides sufficient strength, even at thicknesses as thin as ¼″ (6 mm). The mouse platform  14  is shown as being generally rectangular, but can have other shapes if desired, such as generally circular, teardrop shaped, or other shapes (not shown). A permanent magnet  50  is located in the mouse platform  14 . As best shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , particularly  FIG. 7 , the magnet  50  is preferably retained in a recess  52  formed in an upper surface  54  of the mouse platform  14  so as not to extend outwardly therefrom. The magnet  50  can be retained in the recesses  52  by adhesive  56  or can be mechanically attached, such as by screws, clips, or other known attachment devices (not shown). In lieu of locating the metal plates  32  in the keyboard platform  12  and the magnet  50  in the mouse platform  14 , magnets  50  can instead be placed in the keyboard platform  12  with a metal plate  32  located in the mouse platform  14 . It is also possible that instead of using a magnet and metal plates, that magnets be placed in recesses in the keyboard platform aligned to attract the magnet  50  in the mouse platform  14 . If this is the case, the two magnets will be aligned N-S or S-N so that they attract each other. The mouse platform  14  has an inside edge  58 , an outside edge  60 , and two opposed side edges  62 . A pivot  64  is located on the mouse platform  14  between the magnet  50  and the inside edge  58 . The pivot  64  can comprise a hole formed through the mouse platform  14 , and can be sized to receive a sliding and pivoting fitting  70 . As best shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , and particularly  FIG. 7 , the sliding and pivoting fitting  70  can comprise a barrel bolt  72  with a sliding head  74  and internally threaded boss  76 , and a screw  78  with a head  80  and a male threaded shank  82  that is engaged with the internally threaded boss  76  of the barrel bolt  72 . A plastic bushing  84  can be provided. The sliding and pivoting fitting  70  will allow the mouse platform  14  to both pivot in the groove  18  relative to keyboard platform  12 , and also be moved from the left to the right side of the groove  18 . 
     Although the sliding and pivoting fitting  70  is shown as a barrel bolt  72  and screw  78 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , it can alternatively comprise a rivet  90  that is received in the hole  63  in the mouse platform  14  that slides and pivots in the groove  18 . Turning to  FIG. 9 , there is shown an alternate embodiment of a sliding and pivoting fitting  100  which comprises a screw  102  with a head  104  and threaded shank  106 . The head  104  sits on a top surface  108  of the keyboard platform  12  and the threaded shank  106  passes through the groove  18  and threads into a threaded fitting  110  located in the mouse platform  14 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 10 , the sliding and pivoting fitting  120  can comprise a protrusion  122  with an internally threaded opening  124  extending upwardly from upper surface  54  of the mouse platform  14 . A screw  126  with a head  128  and externally threaded shank  130  is screwed into the internally threaded opening  124 , and the protrusion  122  and the screw  126  will slide and pivot in the groove  18  with the protrusion  122  and the screw  126  shown in the rightmost position adjacent to the rightmost end  24  of the groove  18 . Other known structures can function as the sliding and pivoting fitting. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support  10  of  FIG. 1  with the mouse platform  14  positioned on the right side of the keyboard platform  10 . In this position, the sliding fitting  70  is adjacent to the right end  24  of the groove. 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support  10  of  FIG. 1  with the mouse platform  14  positioned on the left side of the keyboard platform  12  with the sliding fitting  70  adjacent to the left end  26  of the groove. 
       FIG. 11  is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment  200  of a keyboard platform  212  and mouse platform  214  that when assembled form a keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support  200  of the invention. The keyboard platform  212  comprises a generally flat section of material, such as high strength material, such as phenolic laminate, particle board, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), or plastic. This material provides sufficient strength, even at thicknesses as thin as ¼″ (6 mm). A benefit of this material is that the thickness of the device is reduced, and this permits the keyboard and mouse support to be lowered more relative to a thicker platform such as formed of wood, particleboard, or other weaker materials. 
     In order to permit the keyboard platform to be manipulated relative to a desktop or other surface via a keyboard arm (not shown), mounting holes  216  are preferably formed on the keyboard platform  212 . Formed through the keyboard platform  212  is a longitudinal groove  218 . The groove  218  extends across the width of the keyboard platform  212 , from a right side  220  to a left side  222  thereof. The groove  218  has a right terminal end  224  and a left terminal end  226 . The groove  218  is shown as being straight, but can follow other contours. The keyboard platform  212  has a front edge  228  and a rear edge  230 . Although the rear edge  230  is shown as following a being generally curved or arched contour, it can be straight or follow other contours as desired.  FIG. 11  shows a plurality of metal plates  232 A,  232 B, and  232 C positioned in the keyboard platform  212  near the terminal ends  224  and  226  of the groove  218 . The plurality of metal plates  232 A,  232 B, and  232 C are preferably arranged along a circular pathway shown by the dashed line with a given radius that preferably corresponds to the distance that the center point of the magnet  250  is spaced away from the pivot  264  on the mouse platform  214 . Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 12-14 , the magnet  250  in the mouse platform  214  can be aligned with a desired metal plate  232 A,  232 B, or  232 C as shown in  FIGS. 12 ,  13  and  14 , respectively. While three metal plates  232 A,  232 B, and  232 C are depicted, a greater number can likewise be used. For ease of description, the metal plates  232 A,  232 B, and  232 C are shown as being revealed. However, as in the same manner as with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , the metal plates  232 A,  232 B, and  232 C are preferably retained in recesses formed in a bottom surface of the keyboard platform so as not to extend outwardly therefrom. The metal plates  232 A,  232 B, and  232 C can be retained in the recesses by adhesive or can be mechanically attached, such as by screws, clips, or other known attachment devices. Although the metal plates  232 A,  232 B, and  232 C are shown as being circular in shape, they can have other shapes if desired. The metal will preferably be a ferrous metal that attracts magnets. The mouse platform  214  comprises a generally flat section of material, such as high strength material, such as phenolic laminate, particle board, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), or plastic. This material provides sufficient strength, even at thicknesses as thin as ¼″ (6 mm). The mouse platform  214  is shown as being generally rectangular, but can have other shapes if desired, such as generally circular, teardrop shaped, or other shapes (not shown). A permanent magnet  250  is located in the mouse platform  214 . As with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , the magnet  250  is preferably retained in a recess formed in an upper surface of the mouse platform  214  so as not to extend outwardly therefrom. The magnet  250  can be retained in the recesses by adhesive or can be mechanically attached, such as by screws, clips, or other known attachment devices (not shown). In lieu of locating the metal plates  232 A,  232 B, and  232 C in the keyboard platform  212  and the magnet  250  in the mouse platform  214 , multiple magnets  250  can instead be placed in the keyboard platform  212  with a metal plate  232  located in the mouse platform  214 . It is also possible that instead of using a magnet and metal plates, that magnets be placed in recesses in the keyboard platform aligned to attract the magnet  250  in the mouse platform  214 . If this is the case, the two magnets will be aligned N-S or S-N so that they attract each other. The mouse platform  214  has an inside edge  258 , an outside edge  260 , and two opposed side edges  262 . A pivot  264  is located on the mouse platform  214  between the magnet  250  and the inside edge  258 . The pivot  264  can comprise a hole formed through the mouse platform  214 , and can be sized to receive a sliding and pivoting fitting  270 . The sliding and pivoting pivot  270  can comprise the same type of pivot as shown in  FIGS. 4-7 . The sliding and pivoting fitting  270  will allow the mouse platform  214  to both pivot in the groove  218  relative to keyboard platform  212 , and also be moved from the left to the right side of the groove  218 . 
     While the embodiment of  FIGS. 11-15  shows a plurality of metal plates  232 A,  232 B, and  232 C, it is also possible to utilize a greater or lesser number of plates. Furthermore, a plate having a general arc shape can likewise be used in lieu of multiple plates. Such a shape would allow an unlimited number of set positions of the mouse platform  214  relative to the keyboard platform  212 . 
       FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support  200  of  FIG. 11  with the mouse platform  214  positioned on the right side adjacent to the right edge  220  and its rearmost position relative to the keyboard platform  212 . In this position, the magnet  250  in the mouse platform  214  is aligned below the metal plate  232 A. 
       FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support  200  of  FIG. 11  with the mouse platform  214  positioned on the right side adjacent to the right edge  220  and its middle position relative to the keyboard platform  212 . In this position, the magnet  250  in the mouse platform  214  is aligned below the metal plate  232 B. 
       FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support  200  of  FIG. 11  with the mouse platform  214  positioned on the right side adjacent to the right edge  220  and its lower position relative to the keyboard platform  212 . In this position, the magnet  250  in the mouse platform  214  is aligned below the metal plate  232 C. 
       FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support  200  of  FIG. 11  with the mouse platform  214  positioned on the left side adjacent to the left edge  222  and its middle position relative to the keyboard platform  212 . In this position, the magnet  250  in the mouse platform  214  is aligned below the metal plate  232 B. 
     With respect to both exemplary embodiment of the keyboard and sliding and swiveling mouse support  10  and  200 , it is possible to forgo with the position retention mechanism using magnets and metal plates (or magnets and magnets) and use other position retention mechanisms. 
       FIG. 16  shows another such radial position fixation mechanism, such as utilizing a spring clip mechanism  280  that includes a ball bearing  282  that is tensioned with a spring  284  and which engages with a recess  286 , such as located in a plate  288 . Rotating the mouse platform  14 / 214  relative to the keyboard platform  12 / 212  will cause the ball bearing  282  to move out of the recess  286  in the mouse platform  14 / 214 . A single plate  288  can have multiple recesses (not shown) to accommodate different axial positions of the mouse platform  14 / 214  relative to the keyboard platform  12 / 212 . Yet further position retention mechanisms can be used. 
     Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.