APPARATUS SUPPORTING A DATA ENTRY DEVICE SUCH AS A COMPUTER KEYBOARD

Abstract: An apparatus (1) comprises a keyboard formed integrally with a platform (2) having four legs. Each leg is individually adjustable in length so as to enable the apparatus to be stabilised when placed on an uneven surface, such as a bed. Each leg comprises a leg member (8) which extends from a corresponding socket (3) on the underside of a platform (2). The height of the leg is determined by tightening or untightening a knob (4) on the side of the socket in order to lock or unlock the leg member so that it can be fixed or extended/retracted in relation to the socket. A substantially rectangular flat member (13) for supporting documents is provided which is hinged to the platform and can be locked at an angle to the platform.

Description: APPARATUS SUPPORTING A DATA ENTRY DEVICE SUCH AS A COMPUTER KEYBOARD The present invention relates to an apparatus supporting a data entry device such as a computer keyboard and, more particularly, to such an apparatus which facilitates use of the data entry device when placed on an uneven surface, such as a bed. If a person is lying or sitting up in bed it is difficult for that person to use a keyboard for a computer as it is not sturdy and is liable to move about. US-A-4848710 discloses a support device for holding a monitor and a keyboard for use by a person lying on a bed. The support device has a main body which supports first and second shelves. Each shelf is inclined towards the person on the bed and a monitor and a keyboard is mounted on the first and second shelves respectively. The main body has a pair of side members so that the main body can span a person lying on the bed and wheels are provided on the base of the side members to enable the support device to be moved along the bed. However, such a support device is unwieldy, particularly with a monitor mounted on it. If the bed is uneven the support device cannot provide a level surface for the keyboard. Also, the angle of the shelves cannot be adjusted. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages. According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus supporting a data entry device, such as a computer keyboard, characterized by a platform having a plurality of legs, the legs being individually adjustable in length so as to enable the apparatus to be stabilised when placed on an uneven surface, and said data entry device being formed integrally with said platform. Thus, a stable platform can be provided on a bed where the bedclothes / duvet can provide an uneven surface. This is particularly so when the bed is only partially made. The data entry device may comprise a computer keyboard and a person who is sitting up in bed can easily use the keyboard as it is stable and level when the legs of the apparatus are suitably adjusted in relation to the uneven surface. Means may be provided for connecting the keyboard to a remote computer. The apparatus preferably includes a portion for providing wrist support for a person using the keyboard. The keyboard is desirably resistant to food crumbs or drink. The data entry device may comprise an electronic game console. A part of the platform may be pivotally movable relative to the rest of the platform and may include means for locking the pivotal part at an angle relative to the rest of the platform so as to provide a suitable support for documents. The apparatus may be adapted for holding or including a joystick. The apparatus may be adapted for holding or including a mouse pad. It may be desirable for the apparatus to include at least one receptacle for holding a removable container in a stable position. The at least one receptacle may have a tilted base. The apparatus may include at least one trough. Each leg of the platform may comprise a leg member which extends from a socket, the height of the leg being determined by releasable locking means which releasably locks the leg member in relation to the socket, the leg member being extendable or retractable in relation to the socket when the locking means is released. The releasable locking means may comprise a knob held by the socket, whereby rotation of the knob in one direction enables the knob to engage the leg member so as to lock the leg member in relation to the socket and rotation of the knob in the opposite direction enables the knob to disengage the leg member enabling the leg member to be moved in relation to the socket. In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is an isometric view of a support according to the invention including a substantially rectangular flat member shown in its tilted, raised position; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the support showing the rectangular flat member in its retracted position; Figure 3 is a plan view of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a side elevational view of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a locking arrangement for locking a leg member of the support; and Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of an arrangement for locking the rectangular flat member in a tilted position. Referring to the accompanying drawings, a support 1 for use on a bed comprises a rectangular shaped platform 2. At each corner of the platform there is a leg socket 3 extending in a downward direction in relation to the platform with an adjustable knob 4 extending from a hole 5 in the side of each socket. The knob 4 has an exterior screw thread 6 which is engaged by an internal thread 7 on the side of the hole 5 which surrounds the knob. The knob 4 extends sufficiently into the socket 3 to make contact with a leg member 8 which extends from the socket, the knob exerting sufficient force to hold the leg member in place. The platform 2 has a front portion 9 behind which there is a keyboard 1 0 forming an integral part of the platform. The keyboard 1 0 is connected to a computer (not shown) remote from the bed by means of a cable 1 1 which extends from the rear of the support 1 . The keyboard is of a type which is resistant to crumbs from food or spilt drink. Behind the keyboard 1 0 there is a recess 1 2 for receiving a substantially rectangular flat member 1 3 forming a part of the platform 2 and which is pivotally movable in relation to the rest of the platform. The rectangular flat member is connected by pivot connections 1 4 to opposite sides 1 5 of the recess enabling the rectangular flat member 1 3 to be tilted towards or away from the keyboard 1 0. The pivot connections 14 comprise a pair of cylindrical stubs which extend from the end portions of opposite sides of the rectangular flat member and are received by correspondingly shaped recesses in the recess sides 1 5. Hinged to the underside of the rectangular flat member 1 3 are two arms 1 6. The free ends 1 7 of the arms can engage racks 1 8 on the base of the recess 1 2. The rectangular fiat member 1 3 also has a notch 1 9 along the side furthest from the keyboard 1 0. The support 1 has a receptacle 20 on one side of the keyboard 1 0 for receiving a joystick 21 . The receptacle 20 has a resilient clip arrangement (not shown) for releasably retaining the base of the joystick in the receptacle. Behind the joystick receptacle 20 and towards one side of the platform 2 are two circular receptacles 22,23. The first circular receptacle 22 is suitable for holding the bottom portion of a glass, mug or can and the second circular receptacle 23 is suitable for holding the bottom portion of a large bottle, such as a 2-litre fizzy drinks bottle or a wine bottle. The bases of the first and second receptacles 22,23 are tilted slightly in order to provide better stability for the items that they are suitable for holding. The platform 2 also has first and second rectangular troughs 24,25. The first rectangular trough 24 is located in a far corner of the platform 2 and is behind the second circular receptacle 23. The second rectangular trough 25 is located to one side of the first trough 24 and behind the recess 1 2 for the flat rectangular member 1 3. Both troughs 24,25 are deeper than the circular receptacles 22,23 with the second trough 25 being larger and deeper than the first trough 24. These troughs may be used for holding disks, books or similar items. In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard cable 1 1 is approximately 2.5 metres long so that it is of a sufficient length to reach the computer which is remote from the bed. Thus, the keyboard cable is of a longer length than a cable for a conventional keyboard. In use, the support 1 is placed so that the bases of at least three of the leg members 8 rest on the surface of the bed. The support is positioned so that there are two leg members on either side of the body of a person when that person is in the bed even though the base of one of the leg members may not touch the bed. Any of the leg members 8 are then adjusted in height in relation to their leg socket 3 by the person untightening the relevant knob 4 so that the associated leg member 8 is freed. This enables the leg member to be extended further out of or retracted further into the socket 3. When the leg member 8 is of the desired extended length in relation to the socket, the knob 4 is tightened so that it locks the leg member to the socket. Thus, the leg members are adjusted until the base of all four leg members 8 are on the surface of the bed so that the support 1 is stabilised and provides a stable and secure platform. The stable platform 2 enables drink containers held in any of the receptacles 22,23 not to easily spill their contents. The support 1 can also be tilted towards the person by adjusting the knobs 4 so that the length of leg members 8 extending from the two front leg sockets 3 is less than the length of leg members extending from the two rear leg sockets. The person tilts the rectangular flat member 1 3 from its retracted position (see Figure 2) by using a finger to engage the notch 1 9 in order to lift the member 1 3. The rectangular flat member 1 3 is rotated to the desired angle relative to the platform 2 and is held substantially at that angle by the free ends 1 7 of the arms 1 6 engaging the teeth of the racks 1 8. The raised rectangular flat member 1 3 can then be used to support documents, such as books and magazines, for ease of reading or typing. The base of such documents rest in a narrow gap 26 between the rectangular flat member 1 3 and the side of the recess 1 2 closest to the keyboard 1 0. The person in the bed can then use the keyboard 1 0 to type the document supported by the raised rectangular flat member 1 3. The front portion 9 of the platform 2 supports the wrists when typing to prevent or reduce repetitive strain injury. To retract the rectangular flat member 1 3, the arms 1 6 are rotated away from the racks 1 8 so that their free ends 1 7 do not engage the teeth of the rack and the rectangular flat member 1 3 is placed flat in the recess 1 2. When the rectangular flat member 1 3 is in its retracted position a dinner plate and any associated cutlery may be placed on it, although any suitable item may be placed here. The support 1 described is formed from hollow and/or light components so that it can be easily lifted on or off a bed. Whilst a particular embodiment has been described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, any suitable data entry device may be incorporated into the support. The keyboard cable connecting the keyboard to a computer may be replaced by wireless communication apparatus, such as one incorporating an infra-red beam. The location of any of the receptacles and troughs may be located to suit and may be located to suit a left-handed person for example. Individually adjustable legs of any suitable arrangement may be provided in order that a person in a bed can have a stable support. The arms and racks may be replaced by any suitable arrangement for locking the rectangular fiat member at an angle relative to the rest of the platform. The receptacle for the joystick may be replaced by a mouse pad which may be either an integral part of the platform or may be placed on the platform. A mouse would also be provided which is connected to the remote computer by a cable. Alternatively, the keyboard may be provided with a button mouse. The support may be adapted to incorporate a game console instead of a keyboard so that a person who is in bed can easily play computer games.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1 . An apparatus ( 1 ) supporting a data entry device (1 0), such as a computer keyboard, characterized by a platform (2) having a plurality of legs (3,8), the legs being individually adjustable in length so as to enable the apparatus to be stabilised when placed on an uneven surface, and said data entry device being formed integrally with said platform. 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the data entry device comprises a computer keyboard ( 1 0). 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, including means ( 1 1 ) for connecting said keyboard (10) to a remote computer. 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, including a portion (9) for providing wrist support for a person using the keyboard (10). 5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the keyboard ( 1 0) is resistant to food crumbs or drink. 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the data entry device comprises an electronic game console. 7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a part ( 1 3) of the platform (2) is pivotally movable relative to the rest of the platform and includes means ( 1 6, 1 8) for locking the pivotal part at an angle relative to the rest of the platform so as to provide a suitable support for documents. 8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, adapted for holding or including a joystick (21 ). 9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, adapted for holding or including a mouse pad. 1 0. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, including at least one receptacle (22,23) for holding a removable container in a stable position. 1 1 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 0, wherein said at least one receptacle (22,23) has a tilted base. 1 2. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, including at least one trough (24,25). 1 3. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each leg comprises a leg member (8) which extends from a socket (3), the height of the leg being determined by releasable locking means (4) which releasably locks the leg member in relation to the socket, the leg member being extendable or retractable in relation to the socket when the locking means is released. 1 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 3, wherein the releasable locking means comprises a knob (4) held by the socket (3), whereby rotation of the knob in one direction enables the knob to engage the leg member (8) so as to lock the leg member in relation to the socket and rotation of the knob in the opposite direction enables the knob to disengage the leg member enabling the leg member to be moved in relation to the socket.

Inventors: PAYN ROGER DENNIS, PAYN, ROGER, DENNIS
Applicants: PAYN ROGER DENNIS, PAYN, ROGER, DENNIS
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A47B23
IPC codes: A47B23, G06F3