Abstract:
A keyboard support device provides a user with ergonomic positioning of the hands during keyboarding to prevent ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The support device provides surfaces to receive a keyboard and mouse. Wedge shaped inserts can be used to alter the particular angle of the keyboard and mouse thereby providing a user with flexibility to position the hands at a desired angle. A first embodiment can be constructed of a closed cell foam in a molding or injection molding process. A second embodiment provides an inflatable support device especially suited for users who travel.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     This invention relates to a keyboard support device, and more particularly, to a support device for supporting a keyboard or keypad at a reverse inclination to help prevent afflictions such as carpal tunnel syndrome experienced by keyboard users.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Alphanumeric keyboards used in typewriters, computers, and in certain scientific instruments are most often arranged such that the front edge of the keyboard surface is lower than the rear edge of the keyboard surface. Accordingly, a keyboard operator must elevate the hands with respect to the forearms in order to strike the keys. The medical community has become aware of an affliction known as “carpal tunnel syndrome” which effects the median nerve extending down the arm and out to the hand. This median nerve can be exacerbated by repetitive keyboard operation wherein the hands are elevated in comparison to the forearms.  
         [0003]     In order to overcome this undesirable affliction, it is known to provide a keyboard support at a reverse angle or inclination such that the hand and fingers are allowed to droop normally at a level parallel with or somewhat below the forearms. Performing keyboard operations while the hands are in this position can help to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. One example of a prior art reference which discloses such a reverse angled keyboard support apparatus includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,067. This invention discloses a keyboard positioning system in which the keyboard is positioned with its rear edge substantially lower than its forward or operator edge in order that the operator uses the keyboard with the plane of the operator&#39;s hands parallel to, or below the line of the operator&#39;s forearm, this reducing the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome. A hand support bar is provided to support the operator&#39;s hands while keyboarding.  
         [0004]     Another example of a keyboard support device utilizing a reverse inclination is that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,378. This reference discloses a keyboard support tray having folding legs. The legs have risers to enable adjustment of a support deck to a height so that a hinged tray depends at an approximate negative angle of 25°. The support deck has a height to support a wrist pad at just below the user&#39;s wrists to enable typing with a 0° angle from the wrist to the forearm.  
         [0005]     Our earlier U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,949 discloses a keyboard support apparatus to help prevent afflictions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The structure of this apparatus is characterized by a foldable support having a base panel, an incline panel, and means for adjusting the incline of the incline panel with respect to the base panel. The inclined panel is rotatably connected to the base panel, and a user may selectively adjust the inclination of the incline panel to best support the user&#39;s arms and wrists thereby placing the hands in a more natural position.  
         [0006]     While each of the aforementioned inventions may help to overcome carpal tunnel syndrome or other afflictions, there is still a need for a support apparatus that is of simple construction, and allows a user to adjust the angle at which the hands are positioned for keyboarding operations to optimize a natural position to prevent such afflictions.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention is a keyboard support device that places the keyboard at a desired reverse angle or inclination such that a user&#39;s hands are kept parallel with the forearms or can be bent at a slight downward angle to prevent afflictions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.  
         [0008]     According to one object of the invention, a keyboard support device is provided that is of simple yet durable construction. Another object of the invention is to provide a support device that may be adjustable with respect to the angle at which the keyboard is positioned thereby allowing a user to choose the most optimal position for keyboarding. Another object of the invention is to provide a keyboard support device that is easily transportable. Yet another object is to provide a device that is of unitary construction thereby simplifying use of the invention. The unitary construction is preferably achieved by constructing the device from a molding process.  
         [0009]     In accordance with these objects, the present invention in a first embodiment is a molded, single piece or unitary support device including a base or platform, an inclined surface that extends from the platform and serves as an elevated support for the forearms and wrists of a user, and a keyboard surface and mouse surface that accommodates a desired inclined positioning of a keyboard and mouse.  
         [0010]     The device may be molded from closed cell polyurethane foam, or other thermoplastics or polymers. Ideally, the support device should be lightweight, flexible, yet resilient to support a user&#39;s forearms and wrists, as well as to support a keyboard and mouse, or a laptop computer. Thus, the device will return to its undeformed shape after the user releases contact with the device.  
         [0011]     The first embodiment may be constructed from well known molding or injection molding techniques. Depending upon the materials used, the device may be constructed of more rigid material such as polyurethane, or may be made of more flexible material such as closed cell foam.  
         [0012]     The term “keyboard” as used throughout shall also be understood to include a laptop computer having an integral keyboard, or any other device having a keyboard or keypad such as a PDA.  
         [0013]     Wedge shaped inserts may be used to adjust the inclination of the keyboard and mouse thereby providing a user with the ability to best configure the device to match the user&#39;s particular anatomy. For some users, it may be desirable to position the keyboard at a greater angle with respect to the users hands. In such a case, the user may utilize one or more of the wedge shaped inserts to place the keyboard at the desired angle.  
         [0014]     In a second embodiment of the invention, a keyboard support device is provided that is inflatable for use. Accordingly, the device may be made of a plastic or polymer such as vinyl. Prior to use, the user would inflate the support apparatus. The particular shape and size of the apparatus of the second embodiment would be very similar to that of the device of the first embodiment. The rigidness of the second embodiment could be adjusted by varying the degree to which the device is inflated. If the user desired to adjust the position of the keyboard or mouse, a user could also utilize wedge shaped inserts.  
         [0015]     The particular details of the structure of the embodiments, along with other advantages of the invention, will become apparent to one skilled in the art in a review of the following description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings and the claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the keyboard support device of the invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the first embodiment;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the first embodiment;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a rear side elevation view of the first embodiment;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the first embodiment;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view like  FIG. 1 , but further illustrating the manner in which a user&#39;s forearms and hands may be positioned on the device;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the first embodiment and further illustrating various features which may be added to the first embodiment to include wedge shaped inserts and securing straps;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates the keyboard support device of the present invention. The device  10  includes a base or platform  12  having a length and width that may accommodate a keyboard K as well as a mouse M. Platform  12  also is sized to accommodate an elevated support  18  that is used to support a user&#39;s forearms and/or wrists. The platform  12  further includes a keyboard surface  14  that receives a keyboard K thereon, and a mouse surface  16  that receives a mouse M. The elevated support  18  extends above the level of the keyboard surface  14 . One way in which to create the elevated support  18  is simply to provide a raised portion having a triangular shaped cross-section, shown by triangular side edge  20 . The support  18  is also defined by a rear edge  22 , and an upper edge  24 . Preferably, rear edge  22  is arranged perpendicular with respect to the keyboard surface  14  thereby minimizing the required size of the support  18 .  
         [0026]     The platform  12  has a desired thickness to accommodate the manner in which the device is to be used. One common use for the device would be simply to place it on a flat surface, such as a desk, where the keyboard may normally be found. In this use, the thickness of the platform  12  may be minimized. Furthermore, the underside or bottom surface  25  may have a nonslip surface or layer (not shown) secured or sprayed thereto. However, it has been found that constructing the device from a closed cell foam typically provides enough frictional resistance so that the device will not slide, even on surfaces such as glass. Therefore, providing an additional nonslip surface to cover bottom surface  25  is optional.  
         [0027]     If the keyboard is to be used on the user&#39;s lap, the thickness of the platform  12  can be increased to accommodate the particular height which optimizes user comfort. In this regard, the user could also simply stack another object underneath the device  10  if the user wished to raise the level of the keyboard. For example, a pillow or other object can be placed under the device  10 .  
         [0028]     The device  10  may incorporate a pair of channels defined by curved surfaces  26 . These channels are spaced and sized to accommodate the thighs of a user, thereby enhancing the stability of the device when placed on the user&#39;s lap. These channels may be especially adapted to provide curved surfaces which best match the lap of the user by increasing or decreasing the size of the channels as well as changing the particular curvature of the channels.  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation illustrating the particular relationship of the support  18  with respect to the keyboard K as it rests on the keyboard surface  14 . The keyboard surface  14  is inclined at a downward or reverse angle in comparison to the support  18 . This arrangement therefore allows proper rotation of the user&#39;s wrists in a downward direction. The particular inclination or angle of the keyboard surface  14  may also be altered to accommodate a user&#39;s particular needs.  
         [0030]      FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the invention showing that there can be some space or gap G on both sides of the keyboard K thereby providing the user some options in placing the keyboard at the desired distance from the upper edge  24  of the support  18 . The width of the device  10  is also shown as being slightly less than the width of the keyboard K. However, it shall be understood that the width of the device  10  can be modified to correspond to the particular keyboard K used.  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  simply illustrates a rear elevation of the device and particularly showing the channels formed to receive a user&#39;s thighs.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view illustrating that the channels may extend the entire length of the device thereby enabling a user to place the device in close proximity to the user&#39;s torso or waist and allowing the knees of the person to extend beyond the rear edge  30  of the platform.  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates the device  10  in use wherein the wrists of the user are placed near the upper edge  24  of the support  18 . According to the position shown in  FIG. 6 , a user can help avoid such conditions as carpal tunnel syndrome because the hands H do not have to be maintained at an elevated position with respect to the forearms F, and some rotation of the wrists are allowed thereby placing the hands in a more natural position. The device can be made of foam or another resilient type of material. Thus, the support  18  also acts as a pad to provide a comfortable support for the user. Depending upon the type of material used, there will be some compression along the edge  24  as the weight of the user&#39;s hands and forearms are placed on the device.  
         [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates additional features of the first embodiment to include an optional slot  40  that may be formed on the support  18  as a means to conveniently store objects such as pens or pencils. Additionally,  FIG. 7  illustrates a plurality of wedge shaped inserts  42  that may be used to adjust the particular inclination of the keyboard K or the mouse M. As shown, the wedged shaped inserts  42  have an inclined surface  46  with one end bounded by vertical edge  44 , and the other end terminating at tapered edge  48 . The particular height of edge  44  may be modified to provide the user with the amount of additional inclination required to place the keyboard and mouse in the desired orientation. As shown, to support the keyboard at a different angle than simply placing the keyboard on the surface  14 , a pair of inserts  42  may be placed on the keyboard surface  14 . In order to better secure the inserts  42 , a means for securing  50  may be provided such as an adhesive material or hook and pile material placed on the keyboard surface and/or on the bottom surface of the inserts. The inserts  42  may also be stacked on one another to increase the inclination of the keyboard and mouse.  
         [0035]     It may desirable to secure the platform  12  to the user&#39;s legs. Accordingly, a pair of securing straps  60  may be provided with some attachment means  62  such as hook and pile material thereby holding the straps in place. Thus, the user has some ability to shift or move their body in the seated position, and such movement will not necessarily cause the platform  12  to fall off the user&#39;s lap.  
         [0036]      FIG. 8  illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention in which a keyboard support device  70  can be inflated for use. Accordingly, the device  70  may be made from a flexible vinyl, or other inflatable polymer or plastic material. Like the first embodiment, the device  70  of the second embodiment includes a platform  72 , a keyboard surface  74 , a mouse surface  76 , and an elevated support  78 . The elevated support  78  can be arranged by creating a raised portion having a triangular cross section, as shown by triangular side edge  80 . The device  70  may also include curved surfaces  86  that define channels to receive the thighs of the user. An inflation port  88  can be located along the side edge of the platform  12  allowing the user to inflate and deflate the device. The device  70  can be assembled from a number of die cut pieces of material that are joined to one another, for example by sonic welding. When the device is not in use, the operator can simply deflate the device and fold it for storage. Therefore, the device  70  is particularly adapted for a user to carry for traveling.  
         [0037]     The mouse surface  16  is shown as being substantially rectangular in  FIGS. 1-8 . However, it may also be desirable to provide a greater surface area for the mouse surface  16  by enlarging the portion of the platform  12  at the mouse surface. Referring to  FIG. 9 , an overhang or flange  89  can be provided which would enlarge the size of the mouse surface  16  both in length and width. Accordingly, the platform  12  would have an irregular shape by incorporation of the overhang or flange. Because the device can be molded, a number of other features can be easily incorporated within the unitary construction, such as a cup holder  90 .  
         [0038]     In accordance with a method of the present invention, a method is provided for reducing physical discomfort for a keyboard user. The method allows a keyboard user to adjust the keyboard support device so that the keyboard is placed at the desired reverse angle or inclination thereby enabling the user to rotate the wrists so the hands can be placed at a desired angle with respect to the user&#39;s forearms. Thus, the method includes providing the keyboard support device, positioning the keyboard support device in front of the user, placing a keyboard on the keyboard support device, adjusting the keyboard support device by optionally inserting one or more wedge inserts between the keyboard and the keyboard surface of the device, placing the user&#39;s wrists and/or forearms on an elevated support of the device, and using the keyboard in the selected inclined position. If the user desires to place the support device on the user&#39;s lap, then a user may wish to use the securing straps.  
         [0039]     By the foregoing, a keyboard support device is provided that is very simple in construction, yet is effective in providing a user a means to place the hands in a more ergonomic position during keyboarding. The device of both embodiments is lightweight, and easily stored.  
         [0040]     The device can be manufactured from known molding techniques and is therefore cost effective. The device is simple to use and is durable because it has no moving parts due to its unitary construction.  
         [0041]     This invention has been described in detail with reference to particular embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that various other modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.