Abstract:
The present invention is an article of manufacture, comprising a wrist pad having a pad base, a pad extension, and a wrist strap. The pad extension extends towards the palm from the wrist pad base. The article may also contain a vibrating mechanism and a support. The vibrating mechanism is typically one or more coin motors. The support is typically constructed of plastic. The invention is for use by data entry personnel and others who spend long periods using keyboards and computer mice. The goal of wrist pads and related devices is the prevention of repetitive motion injuries.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/065,983 filed Feb. 14, 2008, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    The invention relates to wrist pads, in particular for use by data entry personnel and others who spend long periods using keyboards and computer mice. The goal of wrist pads and related devices is the prevention of repetitive motion injuries. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Description of Related Art 
       [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,771 teaches a wrist support that is designed to maintain a typist&#39;s hand, wrist, and forearm in a neutral or aligned position. The wrist support includes a base member having an upper curved surface that partially conforms to the typist&#39;s wrist. The base member is preferably fastened to the user&#39;s wrist with a flexible strap having a plurality of hook and loop pile patches. An arm extends forward and upward from a front edge of the base member and has a support member at a distal end thereof. The support member is positioned under the user&#39;s palm to lightly support the user&#39;s hand without unduly restricting movement of the user&#39;s fingers. The support member preferably has an upper curved surface that is large enough to comfortably support the user&#39;s palm, but small enough so that the user may pivot his or her fingers up or down, backwards and forwards. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,655 teaches a wrist rest support for supporting a users wrist when he is performing tasks involving repetitive motion with the hands and fingers such as operating a computer keyboard or computer mouse which includes a base pad that is positioned partially under the keyboard and includes a section extending away from the keyboard that has a top surface above the level of the keys for supporting the wrists. The pad features an antistatic fabric lamisection that is separable from a base section when it is desired to substitute another riser section of different dimensions. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,349 teaches a wrist support apparatus for a person who performs activities requiring repetitive movement of the person&#39;s fingers which apparatus includes an elongated, flexible container of cloth and particulate material such as rice disposed within the interior of a tubular-shaped segment. The apparatus provides stable support for the wrist(s) and cooperates with each wrist to gently massage the wrists during finger movement. In addition, the apparatus can be cooled or heated to provide additional therapeutic effects during use. The invention also encompasses a method of employing the wrist support apparatus. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,537 teaches a wristpad apparatus includes a flexible wristband and a flexible pillow connected to the bottom wristband portion, either separably or permanently. With one embodiment, the wristband includes a plurality of wristband segments connected together with intersegment hinges. With other embodiments, a wristpad apparatus includes an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein a portion of the inner wall and the outer wall provide a flexible wristband, and wherein a portion of the inner wall and the outer wall define a first interwall chamber which contains a quantity of flexible filler material providing a flexible pillow. With another embodiment, the flexible wristband includes first and second wristband strap portions connect to each other when on a person&#39;s wrist. With another class of embodiments of the invention, a wrist pad apparatus includes a flexible pillow which includes wrist elevation adjustment means, e.g. water or air supplied through an attached valve assembly. 
         [0007]    Patent application 20060226305 teaches a wristband for use with a keyboard or mouse (or other applications). The wristband is provided with a padded area formed of foam, beads, or other materials, so as to rest beneath the wrist of the user. A strap is provided to attach the padded portion to the user&#39;s wrist such that the padded portion rests beneath the wrist of the user so as to elevate the wrist, reduce strain and the like. Several embodiments were disclosed, including a simple embodiment with an integral VELCRO wristband and simple foam padding. More elaborate versions included a beanbag type pad with a rubber base, and an integral version made from, (for example) fabric coated neoprene rubber (e.g., wetsuit material). 
         [0008]    None of the prior art discussed above teaches a wrist pad having a pad extension. The pad extension of the present invention prevents the user&#39;s wrist from flexing downward during use, reducing wrist strain and improving comfort to the user. The prior art above does not teach multiple layers of cushioning materials and a massaging vibrator, which extend into the palm area of the hand. None of the prior art addresses a unique feature of the present invention, which is the presence of motor-driven vibrators in the wrist pad to massage the wrist and lower palm. 
         [0009]    The present invention contains features that, when combined, provide more relief to the hand of an operator than any of the prior art devices described above. For instance, the foam pad conforms slightly and provides some cushioning to the wrist, while the gel pad provides further protection by adding more cushioning and yield. The vibrations emanating through the pads massage tired muscles, but the wrist is still supported in a way that is natural to the shape and movement of the hand. 
         [0010]    Although this invention is described primarily for users operating a computer keyboard or mouse, it can also be used in other applications, such as but not limited to, use of a manual typewriter, while driving a car with hands resting on the steering wheel, when knitting or crocheting, or for any type of work or hobby where the hand or wrists are strained, held in the same position for periods of time, or are engaged in repetitive motions, or just to massage a hand or wrist after activity of any kind or for any reason at all. 
         [0011]    It is an object of the invention to provide an improved wrist pad that increases comfort for the user and reduced wrist strain. 
         [0012]    It is another object of the invention to teach a wrist pad having a pad extension that provides additional support to a user&#39;s wrist. 
         [0013]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a vibrating mechanism which relaxes and soothes the users wrist. 
         [0014]    These and other objects will become clear from the description of the invention below. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    An article of manufacture comprising a wrist pad having a pad base and a pad extension and a wrist strap. The pad extension extends towards the palm from the wrist pad base. The article may also contain a vibrating mechanism and a support. The preferred vibrating mechanism is one or more coin motors. The support is preferably constructed of plastic. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view from the right of the wrist pad used on the left hand with a computer mouse. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view from the right of the wrist pad used on the left hand. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the wrist pad with wrist straps unattached. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the wrist pad with wrist straps unattached. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view looking slightly down at wrist pad with wrist straps attached. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view 45 degrees to the side looking slightly down at wrist pad with wrist straps unattached. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is an exploded top view of wrist pad. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  shows the wrist pad  100  on the wrist  110  of the user. The hand of the user  120  is shown holding the mouse  130 , in a way that is typical when conducting data entry on a computer. Gel pad  100  is attached to the user&#39;s wrist  110  by the right strap  1100 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrated the user&#39;s hand  120  with gel pad  100  on wrist  110 . Strap  1100  holds the gel pad  100  onto the user&#39;s wrist  110 .  FIG. 2  shows the user wearing the wrist pad on the user&#39;s left hand, but the invention may be worn on the right hand as well. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows the wrist pad  100  unattached to a wrist. The wrist pad  100  is shown from a front view, with right strap  1100 , which has a bottom  1120  and a top  1140 .  FIG. 3  also shows left strap  1200 , which has a bottom  1220  and a top  1240 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of the wrist pad  100  unattached to a wrist. The wrist pad has a pad base  200  which rests under the wrist, and a wrist pad extension  300  which extends into the palm of the hand. The pad extension of the present invention prevents the users wrist from flexing downward during use, reducing wrist strain and improving comfort to the user. Wrist pad extension  300  has width  320  and a length  340 . Wrist pad extension  300  can be any shape but is preferably conformed to fit into the palm of the users hand, and will preferably have a generally conical shape as seen in  FIG. 4 . Wrist pad extension has length  340 , which is at least 1.3 cm and preferably from 1.9 to 5.1 cm, and most preferably 2.5 cm to 5.1 cm in length. Wrist pad extension  300  also has a width  320 , which is from 1.3 to 7.5 cm, and may vary in width to a taper or conical shape as seen in  FIG. 4 . Wrist pad base  200  has a width  220  and a length  240 . Wrist pad base width  220  can be from 6.4 to 11.4 cm and is preferably about 8.9 cm, and wrist pad base length  240  is from 1.9 to 5.1 cm with 3.8 cm being preferred. The total length of the of the invention  225 , as seen in  FIG. 4 , will vary from 20.3 to 30.5 cm, which includes the strap lengths, with a preferred length of about 25.4 cm. The dimensions are above are mostly illustrative and could be varied depending on the size of the user&#39;s hand. Commercial models of the invention could, for example, be sold in small, medium and large sizes with the basic dimensions altered accordingly.  FIG. 4  also shows right strap  1100  and left strap  1200 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  illustrate the wrist pad  100 ,  FIG. 5  with straps attached to each other,  FIG. 6  with the straps not attached. The wrist pad  100  is not on the user&#39;s wrist.  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  show right strap  1100  and left strap  1200 , the canvas cover of the wrist pad  1000 , the pad base width  220 , the pad base length  240 , the pad extension width  320 , and the pad extension length  340 . In a preferred embodiment, the pad base width  220  is greater than the pad extension width  320 , with the pad extension width  320  being about ½ the pad base width  220 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 7  shows a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the wrist pad is constructed in layers of material which have the same shape. Each layer has a pad base  200  and a pad extension  300 . The pad base  200  has pad base width  220  and pad base length  240 . The pad extension  300  has a pad extension width  320  and a pad extension length  340 . In  FIG. 7 , and in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad extension width  320  is approximately half of pad base width  220 . The pad extension length  340  is at least half an inch. Typically, the pad base  200  and the pad extension  300  are made in a single piece, but could also be made from separate pieces and attached together using conventional means, such as glue or sewing. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 8 and 9  show views of an alternate embodiment of the wrist pad  1500  unattached to a wrist. The wrist pad has a pad base  200  which rests under the wrist, and a wrist pad extension  300  which extends into the palm of the hand. The pad extension prevents the users wrist from flexing downward during use, reducing wrist strain and improving comfort to the user. Wrist pad extension  300  has width  320  and a length  340  and wrist pad base  200  has a width  220  and a length  240 . 
         [0033]    Wrist pad extension  300  can be any shape but is preferably conformed to fit into the palm of the users hand, and will preferably have a generally conical shape. Note also in  FIG. 8  that wrist pad extension  300  may have a raised lip  350  that can give further support to the users hand. Raised lip can be beveled, as shown in the drawing or it can be any suitable shape, such as rectangular or triangular. Wrist pad extension has length  340 , which is at least 1.3 cm and preferably from 1.9 to 5.1 cm, and most preferably 2.5 cm to 5.1 cm in length. Wrist pad extension  300  also has a width  320 , which is from 1.3 to 7.5 cm, and may vary in width to a taper or conical shape as seen in  FIG. 4 . Wrist pad base  200  has a width  220  and a length  240 . Wrist pad base width  220  can be from 6.4 to 11.4 cm and is preferably about 8.9 cm, and wrist pad base length  240  is from 1.9 to 5.1 cm with 3.8 cm being preferred. 
         [0034]    Alternate embodiment  1500  could be inserted in bottom and top canvas covers which are in turn attached to straps. Alternatively, straps could be attached directly to the invention  1500 . Embodiment  1500  is preferably molded from gel, plastic, or rubber, but could be any material. The embodiment  1500  could be a solid piece or could be fabricated from a honey combed material. 
         [0035]    The total length of the of the invention  225 , as seen in  FIG. 4 , will vary from 20.3 to 30.5 cm, which includes the strap lengths, with a preferred length of about 25.4 cm. The dimensions are above are mostly illustrative and could be varied depending on the size of the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0036]    In this embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the pad base  200  and wrist pad extension  300  have material removed to form a cavity  360 . The cavity  360  makes the wrist pad lighter. Also, if wrist straps are attached directly to the pad base  200 , cavity  360  allows air to circulate to the user&#39;s palm, making the pad more comfortable. 
         [0037]    The preferred embodiment is constructed from five layers. A larger or smaller number of layers or no layers could be used to construct the invention. The layers may all be the same shape, may all be different shapes, or some could be the same shape while others are different shapes. A wide variety of materials may be used for the various layers, including but not limited to gels, made from materials including but not limited to, natural materials such as aloe vera, man made materials such as petroleum gels, or any combination thereof. Other materials for the wrist pad include but are not limited to foams, beads, soil, seeds, elastomers, plastics, rubbers, feathers, canvas, leather, fabrics, wood, paper, cardboard, glass, fiberglass, sand, metals, animal or plant components, fluids, such as but not limited to, oils or water or combinations thereof. The purpose of the multiple layers is to separate the inner components from one another to reduce wear and tear. The advantages of multiple layering is also to enhance users comfort. In addition, multiple padding serves to protect the users hand and or wrist in the event that the unit is exposed to extreme heat or cold. 
         [0038]    The wrist pad  100  may be formed as a single piece in the preferred embodiment. Alternatively, it is possible that the wrist pad  100  might be formed as multiple pieces. 
         [0039]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the preferred embodiment may consist of a bottom canvas cover  400 , plastic support  500 , cotton pad  600 , vibrating mechanism  700 , gel pad  800 , foam pad  900 , top canvas cover  1000  right wrist strap  1100  and left wrist strap  1200 . The plastic support  500  may be fastened to the bottom canvas cover  400  in any way, including but not limited to gluing, or sewing. Additionally, the plastic support  500  could be constructed with small holes so it could be more readily fastened to bottom canvas cover  400 . The plastic support could be replaced by a support made of other materials, including but not limited to, metal or wood. Plastic support  500  supports wrist pad extension  300 , and may be shaped in any manner that gives additional support to the user&#39;s wrist. Any of the components shown in  FIG. 7  can be made from any of the materials described above. 
         [0040]    Vibrating mechanism  700  may be one or more vibrating coin motors fastened into the cotton pad  600  by methods such as, but not limited to, sewing or gluing. Also other kinds of vibrating mechanisms could be used in place of vibrating coin motors, such as but not limited to miniature vibrating cylinder motors. Wires  720  may be connected to the vibrating coin motors  700  and lead to the on/off switch  740  and then onto the batteries  740 , which may be affixed to the right wrist strap  1100 . Alternatively the vibrating mechanism power source and switch could be completely contained in the wrist pad  100 . Other alternative arrangements for powering the vibrating coin motors  700  are possible, such as but not limited to rechargeable and solar powered units. Preferably, the unit is rechargeable and economical for the user. The rechargeable unit would have a LED light to indicate when the unit is fully charged and an automatic charge shut off. This will avoid overcharging and increase the batteries life. 
         [0041]    The bottom canvas cover  400 , cotton pad  600 , gel pad  800 , foam pad  900 , and top cover  1000  may be fastened together along their matching perimeters or at any place in their bodies by methods such as, but not limited to, gluing or sewing. The layers may be joined together in such a way as to allow for wires to emerge from the wrist pad. 
         [0042]    The right wrist strap  1100  and the left wrist strap  1200  may be made of rectangular pieces of elastic. Other materials that could be used for the right wrist strap  1100  and the left wrist strap  1200  include but are not limited to, fabrics such as leather, cotton, or nylon, or other materials such as but not limited to paper, plastic, metals, fiberglass, or wood. The right wrist strap  1100  has a right bottom surface  1120  and a right top surface  1140 . The left wrist strap  1200  has a left bottom surface  1220  and a left top surface  1240  Hook and loop fasteners may be attached to the right top surface  1140  and a left bottom surface  1220  forming closing and adjustment mechanism for the wrist straps. Other kinds closing and adjustment mechanisms include but are not limited to belt buckles, snaps, buttons, and slip buckles. Devices for containing batteries may be attached to the right wrist strap  1200  to power a vibrating mechanism. The right wrist strap  1100  and the left wrist strap  1200  may be fastened to wrist pad  100  by methods including but not limited to gluing or sewing. 
         [0043]    A wide variety of shapes can be accommodated by this specification. Compare  FIG. 4  to  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 4  the pad base  200  is almost rectangular as compared to the more rounded shape of the pad base  200  in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 4  the pad extension  300  had a complex curvature as compared to the simple curvature of the pad extension  300  in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, the strap is basically a metal band which is curved a certain way so when it is bent it will coil and wrap itself around the user&#39;s wrist. In this version the slap bracelet has an outer silicone rubber coating to provide comfort. This silicone rubber coating also would allow for the co-molding of the wrist pad and bracelet into one piece as opposed to the mockup sample in the pictures that is two pieces joined together. 
         [0045]    The gel wrist pad is attached to the slap bracelet through a backing which acts like a belt buckle and the slap bracelet is inserted into this opening and it allows the wrist pad to slide side to side on the bracelet so the user can position it where they want it. 
         [0046]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.