Patent Publication Number: US-2010127143-A1

Title: Keyboard support

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to keyboards and keyboard support devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Existing keyboard trays are provided to support keyboard devices at workstations. However, the design of existing keyboard designs do not facilitate ergonomically favourable conditions for using keyboards. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect there is provided a keyboard-keyboard support combination comprising: a keyboard including a keyboard housing; a keyboard support including a support surface, wherein the support surface is configured for supporting the keyboard; an engagement tab projecting from one of the keyboard and the keyboard support; and an engagement surface provided on the other one of the keyboard and the keyboard support; wherein the engagement tab is configured to co-operate with the engagement surface so that the engagement surface opposes movement of the engagement tab relative to the keyboard support when the keyboard is supported on the keyboard support. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a keyboard-keyboard support combination comprising: a keyboard; and a keyboard support; wherein the keyboard is configured to be coupled to the keyboard support by way of snap-fit engagement. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a keyboard comprising: a key section including a plurality of data input keys; a mousepad section including a mousepad surface; and a mouse retainer disposed peripherally relative to the mousepad surface; such that, when a mouse device is disposed on a portion of the mousepad surface, and the portion of the mousepad surface is substantially horizontal, and the keyboard is then re-positioned so that the portion of the mousepad surface becomes disposed at a sufficient angle relative to the horizontal such that gravitational force effects movement of the mouse device, the mouse device is prevented from sliding off the keyboard by the mouse retainer. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a keyboard-keyboard support combination, wherein the keyboard is supported by the keyboard support, comprising: a QWERTY key area including at least 50 keys; and a mousepad surface; wherein the maximum width of the keyboard support is less than about 19 inches. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a keyboard support configured for receiving and attaching to a mounting plate of a mounting plate of a keyboard mounting mechanism, comprising a recessed mounting surface corresponding to the mounting plate of the keyboard mounting mechanism, wherein the recessed mounting surface is configured to receive the mounting plate and effect coupling of the mounting plate to the mounting surface. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a workstation assembly comprising: a workstation; a keyboard support coupled to the workstation; a keyboard including a housing, wherein the keyboard is supported by and coupled to the keyboard support such that lateral movement of the keyboard housing relative to the keyboard support is thereby opposed, and further including: a QWERTY key arrangement including at least 50 keys; and a mousepad surface; wherein the minimum horizontal distance between: (i) the space between the “G” and “H” keys, and (ii) a vertical plane tangent to an edge of the mousepad surface closest to the key, is from about 5 inches to about 10 inches. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a keyboard support comprising: a plastic support assembly, including a support surface configured for supporting a keyboard; a ballast assembly including at least one ballast, wherein each of the one ballast is coupled to the plastic support assembly, wherein the keyboard support includes at least 25 weight percent of the at least one ballast based on the total weight of the keyboard support; and wherein the ballast assembly is provided to contribute additional weight to the keyboard support. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a A keyboard-keyboard support combination comprising: a keyboard support; a keyboard supported on the keyboard support; wherein the maximum thickness of the combination of the keyboard and the keyboard support is less than about 2 inches. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a combination of a keyboard coupled to a keyboard support; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the keyboard support illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the keyboard support illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary bottom front perspective view of the keyboard support illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the keyboard support illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a fragmentary top front perspective view of the keyboard support illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a rear section of the keyboard support including a retaining tab; 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary top rear perspective view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the coupling of the retaining tab, more particularly illustrated in  FIG. 6 , to a keyboard, and illustrating an engagement tab received within a receiving well; 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmentary sectional side elevation view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the coupling of the retaining tab, more particularly illustrated in  FIG. 6 , to a rear of the keyboard; 
         FIG. 9  is a fragmentary top front perspective view of the keyboard support illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a retaining tab and a receiving well at a front corner edge of the keyboard support; 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary top front perspective view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the coupling of a retaining tab to a recess provided in a front portion of the keyboard; 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmentary sectional side elevation view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1  of the same side as the fragment of which is illustrated in  FIG. 8 , illustrating the coupling of a retaining tab, disposed proximate to the front of the keyboard support, to the keyboard; 
         FIG. 12  is top plan view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1  coupled to a multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism; 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmentary top front perspective view of the keyboard support illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a front portion of the keyboard support including a receiving well; 
         FIG. 14  is a fragmentary top perspective view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the coupling of a retaining tab to a recess disposed at the front of the keyboard support; 
         FIG. 15  is a fragmentary sectional side elevation view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1  of a side opposite to the side whose fragments are illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 11 , illustrating a receiving well, disposed at a front portion of the keyboard support, receiving an engagement tab; 
         FIG. 16  is a top front perspective view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1  coupled to a multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear elevation view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 18  is front sectional side elevation view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1  coupled to a multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism; 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom front perspective view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1  coupled to a multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism; 
         FIG. 21  is a top front perspective view of the multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism; 
         FIG. 22  is an exploded bottom front perspective view of a combination of the keyboard, keyboard support, and the multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism; 
         FIG. 23  is a fragmentary top front perspective view of a rear portion of the keyboard illustrated in  FIG. 1 , including illustration of the mouse retainer; 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded fragmentary top perspective view of a rear portion of the keyboard illustrated in  FIG. 1 , including illustration of the mouse retainer, taken from a perspective opposite to that from which the view in  FIG. 23  is taken; 
         FIG. 25  is a fragmentary top front perspective view of a mousepad section of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 , including illustration of a mouse device disposed on a mousepad surface; 
         FIG. 26  is a top plan view of a human positioned at a workstation and using a keyboard and mouse device on a mousepad, wherein the keyboard and mousepad are supported on a conventional tray; 
         FIG. 27  is a top plan view of a human positioned at a workstation and using a keyboard and keyboard support combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a top plan view of a human positioned at a corner desk configuration of a workstation and using a keyboard and mouse device on a mousepad, wherein the keyboard and mousepad are supported on a conventional tray; 
         FIG. 29  is a top plan view of a human positioned at a corner desk configuration of a workstation and using a keyboard and keyboard support combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a side elevation view of a human positioned at a corner desk configuration of a workstation and using a keyboard and mouse device on a mousepad, wherein the keyboard and mousepad are supported on a conventional tray; 
         FIG. 31  is a side elevation view of of a human positioned at a workstation and using a keyboard and keyboard support combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded front elevation view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 , including illustration of how certain elements of the keyboard are received by the keyboard support; 
         FIG. 33  is an exploded rear elevation view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 , including illustration of how certain elements of the keyboard are received by the keyboard support; 
         FIG. 34  is a fragmentary sectional side elevation view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the retaining tab in a first position prior to coupling to a rear of the keyboard, and in a second position after having become disposed in a snap-fit relationship within a recess at the rear of the keyboard; 
         FIGS. 35 to 37  are sectional side elevation views of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating steps by which the keyboard becomes coupled to the keyboard support; 
         FIG. 38  is a fragmentary sectional side elevation view of the combination illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating an intermediate step in effecting coupling of the keyboard to the keyboard support, and particularly illustrating the guiding of the keyboard towards a position for effecting alignment between the keyboard recess and a rear retainer tab; and 
         FIG. 39  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a keyboard. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , there is provided a keyboard support  10  including a support surface  12 . The support surface  12  is configured for supporting a keyboard  14 . For example, with respect to the support surface  12 , the support surface  12  is configured to provide vertical support to the keyboard  14 . For example, the keyboard support includes a front  1001 , a rear  1003 , and opposite sides  1005 ,  10007 . 
     For example, the keyboard support is plastic and is manufactured by injection moulding. For example, suitable plastics include high impact polystyrene, PA6-Nylon, or fibre reinforce ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polymer. 
     For example, the keyboard  14  is coupled to the keyboard support  10  such that the keyboard  14  and keyboard support  10  is a coupled unit. The keyboard includes a front  1401 , a rear  1403 , and opposite sides  1405 ,  1407 . 
     For example, a suitable keyboard for integration with at least some of the described aspects herein is the Jasper freeBOARD™ distributed by 2057367 Ontario Limited o/a Jasper Designworks, Toronto, Ontario (www.jasperd.com). A further example of a suitable keyboard for integration with at least some of the described aspects herein is disclosed in International patent application no. PCT/CA2006/000289 (published as International publication no. WO/2006/099714 A1). In this respect, an example of a suitable keyboard is a keyboard including an integrated mousepad. Also in this respect, an example of a suitable keyboard is a keyboard including a retractable numeric keypad which is configured to nest within a cavity provided in the keyboard housing. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 16 , the keyboard  14  includes a housing  16  and a key area  20 . The keyboard housing  16  includes an upper surface from which the key area  20  is accessible. 
     For example, and referring to  FIGS. 16 ,  23 ,  24 , and  25 , the keyboard  14  includes an integrated mousepad  22 , wherein the mousepad  22  merges with the housing  16 . 
     For example, the keyboard housing  16  is injection moulded plastic. For example, a suitable plastic is high impact polystyrene. For example, with respect to the key area, the key area is a QWERTY key area including at least 50 keys. For example, with respect to each of the keys of the QWERTY key area, each of the keys includes a minimum width of at least about 0.4 inches. For example, the minimum width is about 0.71 inches. 
     The keyboard support  10  and keyboard housing  16  are co-operatively configured such that movement of the keyboard housing  16  is opposed when the keyboard  14  is supported on the support surface  12 . For example, the keyboard support  10  is configured to oppose lateral movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the keyboard support  10 . As a further example, the keyboard support  10  is configured to oppose movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to a support surface reference axis defined by an axis  200  which is normal to a plane  202  tangent to at least a portion of the support surface  12 , when the keyboard  14  is supported on the support surface  12 . As a further example, The keyboard support  10  is also configured to oppose movement of the keyboard  14  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the support surface  12 . For example, the keyboard support  10  is configured to oppose lateral movement of the keyboard  14  relative to the keyboard support  10 . As a further example, the keyboard support  10  is configured to oppose movement of the keyboard  14  relative to a support surface reference axis defined by the axis  200  which is normal to the plane  202  tangent to at least a portion of the support surface  12 , when the keyboard  14  is supported on the support surface  12 . As a further example, the keyboard support  12  is configured to oppose movement of the keyboard housing  16  which would be effected by an application of force to the keyboard  14  in a direction orthogonal to the support surface reference axis  200 . For example, with respect to each of the above-described movements, each of the above-described movements is limited. As a further example, with respect to each of the above-described movements, each of the above-described movements is substantially prevented. 
     For example, with respect to the key area  20  is a QWERTY key area. For example, the QWERTY key area includes at least 50 keys. For example, with respect to each of the keys, each of the keys as a minimum width of at least about 0.4 inches. For example, with respect to each of the keys, each of the keys has a minimum width of about 0.71 inches. 
     As the term is used herein, the mousepad  22  refers to a substantially flat designated area suitable for operating a mouse device  56 . For example, the mousepad surface  24  includes a surface area of at least 22 square inches. For example, the surface area is 36 square inches. For example, the mousepad surface  24  is manufactured from the same material as the keyboard housing. As a further option, a highly reflective veneer or film could be used to form the mousepad surface  24 . 
     As the term is used herein, the mouse device  56  is an input device which is configured for movement in a substantially flat plane on a corresponding substantially flat surface (ie. the mousepad). 
     For example, the keyboard support  10  is coupled to a workstation  26  and supports the keyboard  14  to provide a workstation assembly  28 . In this respect, for example, there is further provided a multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism  68  configured for attachment to the keyboard support  10 . Referring to  FIGS. 19 to 22 , the mechanism  68  includes a mounting plate  66  configured for attachment to a mounting surface provided on the keyboard support  12 . For example, the keyboard support includes two mounting surfaces  70   a,    70   b,  wherein each of them is configured for receiving a mounting plate  68 . For example, and referring to  FIGS. 20 and 22 , the mounting plate  68  can be attached to one of the mounting surfaces  70   a  or  70   b  with bolts  76 . The mounting surface  70   a  includes apertures  74   a,  while the mounting surface includes apertures  74   b,  and the apertures  74   a,    74   b  are configured to receive bolts  76  to effect coupling of the mounting plate  68  to one of the mounting surfaces  70   a,    70   b.  The mechanism  68  also includes a fastening bolt  69  configured for attachment to a workstation  26 . In this respect, when coupling of the keyboard support  10  to a workstation  26  is effected by the multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism  68 , and the keyboard  14  is coupled to the keyboard support  10 , there is provided a workstation assembly  28  including a workstation  26 , a keyboard support  10  coupled to the workstation  26 , and a keyboard  14  coupled to the keyboard support  10 . 
     The multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism  68  includes a mounting plate  68  which is biased upwardly to support a predetermined range of weight within a range of vertical dispositions. In this respect, the mechanism  68  includes a spring  6803  coupled at one end to a bracket located directly underneath a rail  6801 . The rail  6801  facilitates sliding movement of the mounting plate  66  forwardly and rearwardly relatively to the workstation  26 , when the mechanism  68  is coupled to the workstation  26 . The other end of the spring  6803  to an element  6805  and thereby transmit a biasing force to counteract weight being applied to the mounting plate  66 . Insufficient weight acting on the mounting plate  66  may cause the mounting plate  66  to inadvertently “jump up”. 
     Examples of suitable multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism  68  include Humanscale™ Model 5G keyboard support mechanism, Anatome™ Model CA300HG, Anatome™ Model CA200,Anatome™ Model CA100, or Anatome™ Model WallTrax # 1602 . 
     For example, with respect to the workstation  26 , the workstation  26  can assume any configuration know in the industry, and the workstation  26  includes a desk  27 . 
     (A) First Mode of Co-Operative Configuration of Keyboard and Keyboard Support for Opposing Movement of Keyboard Relative to Keyboard Support 
     A mode of the co-operative configuration of the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10  is provided. 
     The keyboard  14  includes the keyboard housing  16 , and the keyboard housing  16  includes an engagement tab  30 . 
     The keyboard support  10  includes the support surface  12 . 
     First Aspect 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 ,  13 ,  15 ,  32 , and  33 , in one aspect, an engagement tab  30  is further provided projecting from one of the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10 . An engagement surface  32  is also provided on the other one of the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10 . The engagement tab  30  is configured to co-operate with the engagement surface  32  so that the engagement surface  32  opposes movement of the engagement tab  30  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, with respect to the engagement tab  30 , the engagement tab  30  extends across a reference plane  202  which is tangent to a portion of the support surface of the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, and referring to  FIG. 13 , with respect to the engagement surface  32 , an engagement surface reference plane is defined by a plane  400  tangent to the engagement surface  32 , and the engagement surface reference plane traverses a horizontal plane when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  12 . As a further example with respect to the engagement surface  32 , the engagement surface  32  is configured to be disposed in opposition to the engagement tab  30  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . As a further example with respect to the engagement surface  32 , the engagement surface  32  includes a minimum surface area of at least about 0.03 square inches. For example, the minimum surface area is 0.05 square inches. 
     For example, with respect to the co-operation between the engagement tab  30  and the engagement surface  32 , the engagement tab  30  is configured to co-operate with the engagement surface  32  so that the engagement surface  32  opposes movement of the engagement tab  30  and thereby opposes lateral movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the keyboard support surface  10 , when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support surface  10 . For example, with respect to the lateral movement being opposed, the lateral movement being opposed is that movement which would be lateral relative to the support surface reference axis  200 . For example, with respect to the lateral movement being opposed, the lateral movement being opposed is sideways movement. For example, with respect to the lateral movement being opposed, the lateral movement being opposed is that movement which would be effected by an application of force to the keyboard in a direction orthogonal to the support surface reference axis  200 . 
     As a further example with respect to the co-operation between the engagement tab  30  and the engagement surface  32 , the engagement tab  30  is configured to co-operate with the engagement surface  32  such that the engagement surface  32  opposes movement of the engagement tab  30  and thereby opposes movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the support surface reference axis  200  when the keyboard is supported on the support surface. 
     As a further example with respect to the co-operation between the engagement tab  30  and the engagement surface  32 , the engagement tab  30  is configured to co-operate with the engagement surface  32  such that the engagement surface  32  opposes movement of the engagement tab  30  which would be effected by an application of force to the keyboard in a direction orthogonal to the support surface reference axis  200 , when the keyboard is supported on the support surface. 
     For example, with respect to the configured disposition of the engagement tab  30  relative to the engagement surface  32 , the engagement tab  30  is configured to be disposed in an interference fit relationship with the engagement surface  32  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . As a further example with respect to the configured disposition of the engagement tab  30  relative to the engagement surface  32 , the engagement tab  30  is configured to be disposed in a snap-fit relationship with the engagement surface  32  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . 
     Second Aspect 
     In another aspect of the co-operative configuration between keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10 , there is also provided a receiving well  38 , and the receiving well  38  includes the above-described engagement surface  32  to effect the opposition to the movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the keyboard support  10 . The receiving well is configured to receive the engagement tab when the keyboard is supported on the support surface. 
     Third Aspect 
     A further aspect of the co-operative configuration between the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10  is also provided. In this aspect, there is provided an engagement tab assembly  40  and an engagement surface assembly  42 . The engagement tab assembly  40  is configured to co-operate with the engagement surface assembly  42  such that the above-described opposition to the movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the keyboard support  10  is effected when the keyboard  14  is supported on the support surface  10 . 
     For example, the engagement tab assembly  40  includes at least one engagement tab  30 , and each one of the at least one engagement tab  30  projects from any one of the keyboard  14 , the keyboard support  10 , or a combination thereof The engagement surface assembly  42  includes at least one engagement surface  32 . Each one of the at least one engagement surface  32  is configured to oppose movement of a respective one of the at least one engagement tab  30  relative to the other one of the keyboard  14  or the keyboard support  10  from which the respective one of the at least one engagement tab  30  projects, when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, for each one of the at least one engagement tab  30  projects from the keyboard  14 , the respective one of the at least one engagement surface  32  is provided in the keyboard support  10 . For each one of the at least one engagement tab  30  projecting from the keyboard support  10 , the respective one of the at least one engagement surface  32  is provided in the keyboard  14 . 
     For example, each one of the at least one engagement tab  30  is projecting from the keyboard  14 , and each one of the at least one engagement surface  32  is provided in the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, each one of the at least one engagement surface  32  is configured to receive a respective one of the at least one engagement tab  30  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  such that each one of the at least one engagement surface  32  is disposed in an interference fit relationship with the respective one of the at least one engagement tab  30 . 
     Fourth Aspect 
     A further aspect of the co-operative configuration between the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10  is also provided. In this aspect, there is provided an engagement tab assembly  40  and a receiving well assembly  41 . The engagement tab assembly  40  is configured to co-operate with the receiving well assembly  41  such that the above-described opposition to the movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the keyboard support  10  is effected when the keyboard  14  is supported on the support surface  10 . 
     For example, the engagement tab assembly  40  includes at least one engagement tab  40  projecting from any one of the keyboard  14 , the keyboard support  10 , or a combination thereof, and the receiving well assembly  41  includes at least one receiving well  38 . Each one of the at least one receiving well  38  is configured to receive a respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  40 , such that each one of the at least one engagement tab  40  is configured to be received by a one of the at least one receiving well  38  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, for each one of the respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  40  projecting from the keyboard  14  and configured to be received by a one of the at least one receiving well  38  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 , the one of the at least one receiving well  38  is provided in the keyboard support  10 . As well, for each one of the respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  projecting from the keyboard support  10  and configured to be received by a one of the at least one receiving well  38  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 , the one of the at least one receiving well  38  is provided in the keyboard  14 . 
     For example, the at least one receiving well  38  is a plurality of receiving wells  38 , and the at least one engagement tab  30  is a plurality of engagement tabs  30 . In this respect, each one of the plurality of engagement tabs  30  corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of receiving wells  38 , such that each one of plurality of engagement tabs  30  is configured to be received by the respective one of the plurality of receiving wells  38  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . For each one of the plurality of engagement tabs  30  projecting from the keyboard  14 , the respective one of the plurality of receiving wells  38  is provided in the keyboard support  10 . For each one of the plurality of engagement tabs  30  projecting from the keyboard support  10 , the respective one of the plurality of receiving wells  38  is provided in the keyboard  14 . 
     For example, each one of the at least one receiving well  38  is configured to receive a respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  such that movement of each one of the respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  is opposed by the one of the at least one receiving well  38  which receives the respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . For example, the above-described movement is limited. As a further example, the above-described movement is substantially prevented. 
     For example, each one of the at least one receiving well  38  is configured to receive a respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  such that movement of each one of the respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  is opposed by the one of the at least one receiving well  38  which receives the respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30 , such that lateral movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the keyboard support surface  10  is thereby opposed when the keyboard  14  is supported on the support surface  10 . For example, the above-described movement is limited. As a further example, the above-described movement is substantially prevented. 
     For example, each one of the at least one receiving well  38  is configured to receive a respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  such that movement of each one of the respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  is opposed by the one of the at least one receiving well  38  which receives the respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30 , such that movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the support surface reference axis  200  is thereby opposed when the keyboard  14  is supported on the support surface  10 . For example, the above-described movement is limited. As a further example, the above-described movement is substantially prevented. 
     For example, each one of the at least one receiving well  38  is configured to receive a respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  such that movement of each one of the at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  which is effected by an application of force to the keyboard  14  in a direction orthogonal to the support surface reference axis  200  is opposed by the one of the at least one receiving wells  38  which receives the respective at least one of the at least one engagement tabs  30  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . For example, the above-described movement is limited. As a further example, the above-described movement is substantially prevented. 
     For example, each one of the at least one receiving well  38  is configured to receive a respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  such that each one of the at least one receiving well  38  is disposed in an interference fit relationship with the respective at least one of the at least one engagement tab  30 . 
     For example, each one of the at least one engagement tab  30  is projecting from the keyboard  14 , and wherein each one of the at least one receiving well  38  is provided in the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, in the illustrated embodiment, and referring to  FIG. 22 , there is provided four engagement tabs  30  (for the purpose of distinguishing between them, these are also identified with reference numerals  30   a,    30   b,    30   c,  and  30   d ) which depend from the keyboard  14 . Tab  30   a  depends from a generally centrally located front portion of the keyboard  14 . Tabs  30   b,    30   d  depend from opposite side portions of the keyboard  14  and closer to the front of the keyboard. Tab  30   d  depends from a generally centrally located rear portion of the keyboard  14 . For example, each one of the tabs  30  is in the form of a vulcanized rubber pad. Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is also provided four receiving wells  38  (for the purpose of distinguishing between them, these are also identified with reference numerals  38   a,    38   b,    38   c,  and  38   d ) in the keyboard support  10 . Referring to  FIGS. 32 and 33 , each of the receiving wells  38  is configured to receive a respective one of the tabs  30  in an interference fit relationship when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . The receiving of some of the retaining tabs  30  by some of the receiving wells  38  is illustrated in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  17 . 
     (B) Second Mode of Co-Operative Configuration of Keyboard and Keyboard Support for Opposing Movement of Keyboard Relative to Keyboard Support 
     A second mode of co-operative configuration of the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10  is provided. 
     The keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10  are provided. The provided keyboard  14  includes the housing  16 . 
     First Aspect 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 to 11 ,  32 , and  33 , in one aspect, the keyboard  14  is configured to be coupled to the keyboard support  10  by way of snap-fit engagement. In this respect, when coupled to one another, the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10  are coupled by way of snap-fit engagement. 
     For example, such coupling effects opposition to the movement of the keyboard housing  16  in substantially every direction relative to the keyboard support  10  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, with respect to the combination of the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  12 , there is further provided a retainer tab assembly  47 , and a receiving assembly  49 . The receiving assembly  49  is configured to receive the retainer tab assembly  47  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  so as to effect the coupling of the keyboard  14  to the keyboard support  10  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  such that movement of the keyboard housing  16  is opposed in substantially every direction relative to the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, the retainer tab assembly  47  includes at least one retainer tab  46 , and the receiving assembly  49  including at least one recess  48 . Each one of the at least one recess  48  is configured to receive a respective at least one of the at least one retainer tab  46  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 , such that each one of the at least one of the at least one retainer tab  46  is configured to be received by a one of the at least one recess  48  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  such that movement of the keyboard housing  16  is opposed in substantially every direction relative to the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, each one of the at least one retainer tab  46  projects from any one of the keyboard  14 , the keyboard support  10 , or a combination thereof. 
     As a further example, for each one of the respective at least one of the at least one retainer tab  46  projecting from the keyboard  14  and configured to be received by a one of the at least one recesses  48  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 , the one of the at least one recess  48  is provided in the keyboard support  10 . For each one of the respective at least one of at least one retainer tab  46  projecting from the keyboard support  10  and configured to be received by a one of the at least one recess  48  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 , the one of the at least one recess  48  is provided in the keyboard  14 . 
     For example, each one of the at least one retainer tab  46  projects from the keyboard support  10 , and wherein each one of the at least one recess  48  is provided in the keyboard  14 . 
     For example, each one of the at least one retainer tab  46  corresponds to a respective one of the at least one recess  48 , such that each one of the at least one retainer tab  46  is configured to be received by the respective one of the at least one recess  48  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  such that movement of the keyboard housing  16  is opposed in substantially every direction relative to the keyboard support  14 . 
     Second Aspect 
     In another aspect, the keyboard  14  and keyboard support  10  are co-operatively configured for coupling to one another such that, when the keyboard  14  is coupled to the keyboard support  10 , movement of the keyboard housing  16  is opposed in substantially every direction relative to the keyboard support  10 . In this respect, with respect to the combination of the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  12 , there is further provided a retainer tab assembly  47  and a receiving assembly  49 . The receiving assembly  49  is configured to receive the retainer tab assembly  47  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  so as to effect coupling of the keyboard  14  to the keyboard support  10  such that the movement of the keyboard housing  16  is opposed in substantially every direction relative to the keyboard support  10  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, the retainer assembly  47  includes at least one retainer tab  46 , and the receiving assembly  49  is configured to receive each one of the at least one retainer tab  46  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  so as to effect the coupling of the keyboard  14  to the keyboard support  10  such that movement of the keyboard housing  16  is opposed in substantially every direction relative to the keyboard support  10 . As a further example, the receiving assembly  49  includes at least one recess  48 , and each one of the at least one recess  48  is configured to receive a respective at least one of the at least one retainer tab  46  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  so as to effect the coupling of the keyboard  14  to the keyboard support  10  such that movement of the keyboard housing  16  is opposed in substantially every direction relative to the keyboard support  10 , such that each one of the at least one retainer tab  46  is configured to be received by a one of the at least one of recess  48  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard  10 . 
     As a further example, each one of the at least one retainer tab  46  projects from any one of the keyboard  14 , the keyboard support  10 , or a combination thereof. 
     As a further example, for each one of the respective at least one of the at least one retainer tab  46  projecting from the keyboard  14  and configured to be received by a one of the at least one recesses  48  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 , the one of the at least one recess  48  is provided in the keyboard support  10 . For each one of the respective at least one of at least one retainer tab  46  projecting from the keyboard support  10  and configured to be received by a one of the at least one recess  48  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 , the one of the at least one recess  48  is provided in the keyboard  14 . 
     For example, each one of the at least one retainer tab  46  projects from the keyboard support  10 , and wherein each one of the at least one recess  48  is provided in the keyboard  14 . 
     For example, each one of the at least one retainer tab  46  corresponds to a respective one of the at least one recess  48 , such that each one of the at least one retainer tab  46  is configured to be received by the respective one of the at least one recess  48  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10  such that movement of the keyboard housing  16  is opposed in substantially every direction relative to the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, the coupling of the keyboard  14  to the keyboard support  10  is effected by way of snap-fit engagement. In this respect, for example, at least one of the respective at least one of the at least one retainer tab  46  is configured to be disposed in a snap-fit relationship with a respective one of the at least one recess  48  which receives the respective at least one of the at least one retainer tab  46  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . As a further example, there is further provided a guide assembly  500  for facilitating the receiving of each one of the at least one of the respective at least one of the at least one retainer tab  46  configured to be disposed in a snap-fit relationship with a one of the at least one recess  48  which receives the respective at least one of the at least one retainer tab  46  when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, in the illustrated embodiment, and referring to  FIGS. 2 to 11 , there is provided four retainer tabs  46  (for the purpose of distinguishing between them, these are also identified with reference numerals  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,  and  46   d ). Tabs  46   a  and  46   b  are disposed at front portions of the keyboard support  10 . Tabs  46   c  and  46   d  are disposed at rear portions of the keyboard support  10 . In parallel, there is provided four recesses  48  (for the purpose of distinguishing between them, these are also identified with reference numerals  48   a,    48   b,    48   c,  and  48   d ). Recesses  48   a  and  48   b  are provided at front portions of the keyboard  14 . Recesses  48   c  and  48   d  are provided at rear portions of the keyboard. Referring to  FIGS. 32 and 33 , each one of the retainer tabs  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,  and  46   d  is configured to be received by a respective one of the recesses  48   a,    48   b,    48   c,  and  48   d.  Coupling of the keyboard  14  to the keyboard support  12  is effected by insertion of the retainer tabs  46  into the corresponding recesses  48 . Referring to Figures As a first step, the tabs  46   a,    46   b  are inserted within the recesses  48   a,    48   b,  respectively, to effect an interference fit between each one of the tabs  46   a ,  46   b  and a respective one of the recesses  48   a,    48   b.  Each one of the tabs  46   c,    46   d  is then bent rearwardly to permit the rear portion of the keyboard  14  to be lowered relative to the support surface  12  and thereby effect alignment between an operative protrusion  4601   c,    4601   d  of each one of the tabs  46   c,    46   d  and a respective one of the recesses  48   c,    48   d.  For example, each one of the retainer tabs  46   c,    46   d  includes a respective one of the guide  4611   c,    4611   d  for guiding movement of the keyboard  14  towards a respective one of the recesses  46   c,    46   d.  For example, each one of the guides  4611   c,    4611   d  presents a guide surface disposed at an angle X relative to the horizontal when the keyboard support is disposed on a horizontal surface. For example, the angle X at which the guide surface is disposed at is about 65 degrees relative to the horizontal when the keyboard support  10  is disposed on a horizontal surface. In co-operation, each one of the recesses  46   c,    46   d  extends from an external surface of the keyboard  14  and is defined by a respective one of upper recess surfaces  4801   c,    4801   d  disposed at an angle Y relative to the horizontal when the keyboard support  10  is disposed on a horizontal surface. For example, the angle Y at which each one of the upper recess surfaces  4801   c,    4801   d  is disposed at is about 65 degrees relative to the horizontal when the keyboard support  10  is disposed on a horizontal surface. This facilitates alignment of each one of the recesses  46   c,    46   d  with the respective one of the protrusions  4601   c,    4601   d.    
     Once alignment is effected, the tabs  46   c,    46   d  are released. By virtue of their resiliency, releasing the tabs  46   c,    46   d  effects return of the tabs  46   c,    46   d  to substantially their original condition. As a necessary incident, this causes the tabs  46   c,    46   d  to move forwardly relative to the keyboard  14 , and effect insertion of each one of the tabs  46   c,    46   d  into a respective one of the recesses  48   c,    48   d,  thereby effecting snap fit engagement of each one of the tabs  46   c,    46   d  with a respective one of the recesses  48   c,    48   d.    
     Each one of the tabs  46   c,    46   d  projects upwardly and is disposed vertically above a plane tangent to the upper surface of the key area  20  and rearwardly relative to the keyboard  14  when the keyboard  14  is supported by and coupled to the keyboard support  10 . The vertical and lateral disposition of the tabs  46   c,    46   d,  relative to the keyboard  14 , when the keyboard  14  is supported by and coupled to the keyboard support  10 , effects a guard functionality, such that the tabs  46   c,    46   d  function as guards, limiting or preventing contact between the desk of the workstation with the key area  20  of the keyboard  14  when the keyboard-keyboard support combination is moved towards the desk by effecting rearward movement of the multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanism  68  relative to the desk. The contact is limited or prevented because the tabs  46   c,    46   d  are configured to contact the desk before contact is made by the keyboard  14  by virtue of the vertical and lateral disposition of the tabs  46   c,    46   d  relative to the keyboard. Each one of the tabs  46   c,    46   d  also includes a respective one of the overhangs  4621   c,    4621   d  for further limiting vertical displacement of the keyboard  14  relative to the keyboard support surface  10 . 
     A second embodiment of a keyboard, identified with reference numeral  214   a , is illustrated in  FIG. 39 . Unlike the keyboard  14 , keyboard  214   a  includes retainer tabs  246   b,    246   d  configured for being received within corresponding recesses provided in a corresponding second embodiment of a keyboard support. In this respect, it is intended to illustrate that the retainer assembly or the retaining tabs are not required to be disposed on the keyboard support, and that the retainer assembly or the retaining tabs could be disposed on the keyboard and that corresponding recesses could be provided in the keyboard support to effect a snap-fit coupling of the keyboard to the keyboard support. 
     Third Aspect 
     In this respect, and referring to  FIGS. 35 to 38 , there is provided a method of attaching a keyboard  14  to a keyboard support  10 . 
     The method includes providing a keyboard  14  including a receiving assembly including a first recess  48   b  provided in a first keyboard surface portion  1401  of the keyboard  14  and a second recess  48   c  provided in a second keyboard surface portion  1403  of the keyboard  14 , wherein the second keyboard surface portion  1403  is disposed opposite to the first portion  1401 . 
     A keyboard support  10  is also provided and includes a support surface  12  configured for supporting the keyboard  14  and also includes a retainer tab assembly. The retainer tab assembly includes a first retainer tab  46   b  and a second retainer tab  46   c.  The first retainer tab  46   c  projects from a first keyboard support surface portion  1201 , and includes a protrusion  4601   c  configured for insertion into the first recess  1401 . The second retainer tab  46   d  projects from a second keyboard support surface portion  1203  and includes a protrusion  4601   d  configured for insertion into the second recess  1403 . The second retaining tab  46   c  includes resilient material for facilitating bending of the second retaining tab  46   c.    
     The protrusion  4601   c  of the first retaining tab  46   b  is inserted into the first recess  1401  of the keyboard  14 . The second retaining tab  46   c  is then bent out of the way of the keyboard  14  and, more particularly, the second keyboard surface portion  1203 . This permits the keyboard  14  to be lowered relative to the support surface  12  and thereby effect alignment of the projection  4603  of the second retaining tab  46   c  with the second recess  1403 . For example, the retainer tab  46   c  includes a guide  4611   c  for guiding movement of the keyboard  14  towards the recess  46   c.  For example, the guide  4611   c  presents a guide surface disposed at an angle X relative to the horizontal when the keyboard support is disposed on a horizontal surface. For example, the angle X at which the guide surface is disposed at is about 65 degrees relative to the horizontal when the keyboard support is disposed on a horizontal surface. In co-operation, the recess  46   c  extends from an external surface of the keyboard  14  and is defined by an upper recess surface disposed at an angle Y relative to the horizontal when the keyboard support is disposed on a horizontal surface. For example, the angle Y at which the upper recess surface is disposed at is about 65 degrees relative to the horizontal when the keyboard support is disposed on a horizontal surface. This facilitates alignment of the recess  46   c  with the protrusion  4601   c.    
     Once alignment is effected, the tab  46   c  is released from the deformed condition it has assumed after having been caused to have been bent. By virtue of its resiliency, releasing the tab  46   c  effects a return of the tab  46   c  towards its original condition prior to the deformation caused by the bending. As a necessary incident, this causes the tab  46   c  to move forwardly relative to the keyboard  14 , and effect insertion of a respective projection  4601   c  of each one of the tabs  46   c  into a respective one of the recesses  48   c  thereby effecting snap fit engagement of each one of the tabs  46   c  with a respective one of the recesses  48   c.    
     (C) Keyboard with Retainer for Limiting Mouse Travel 
     In another aspect, and referring to  FIGS. 12 ,  16 ,  23  to  25 , there is provided the keyboard  14  including the key section  18 , wherein the key section  18  includes a plurality of keys  80 , a mousepad section  52  including the mousepad surface  24 , and a mouse retainer  54  disposed peripherally relative to the mousepad surface  24 . When a mouse device  56  is disposed on a portion of the mousepad surface  24 , and the disposition of the portion of the mousepad surface  24  is substantially horizontal, and the keyboard  14  is then re-positioned so that the portion of the mousepad surface  24  becomes disposed at a sufficient angle relative to the horizontal such that gravitational force effects movement of the mouse device  56 , the mouse device  56  is prevented from sliding off the keyboard  14  by the mouse retainer  54 . 
     For example, with respect to the keyboard  14 , the keyboard  14  includes a front end  58  and a rear end  60 , wherein the mouse retainer  54  is disposed rearwardly relative to the mousepad surface  24 . When the mouse device  56  is disposed on a portion of the mousepad surface  24 , and the disposition of the portion of the mousepad surface  24  is substantially horizontal, and the keyboard  14  is then tilted so that the front end  58  is disposed at a sufficiently higher vertical position relative to the rear end  60  (see  FIG. 19 ) such that gravitational force effects movement of the mouse device  56  in the rearward direction, the mouse device  56  is prevented from sliding off the rear end  60  of the keyboard  14  by the mouse retainer  54 . 
     For example, with respect to the mouse retainer  54 , the mouse retainer  54  extends substantially across the rear edge  62  of the mousepad surface  24 . 
     For example, the retainer  54  is provided as part of a rail assembly  541  which coupled to the keyboard housing  16  by snap-fit engagement. For example, and referring to  FIG. 24 , the rail assembly  541  is provided including a retainer rail  54  extending from a mounting structure  543 . The mounting structure  543  includes a retention cavity  545  configured for becoming disposed in snap-fit engagement with a footpad  241  provided on the keyboard  14 . A slotted guide  243  is also provided on the keyboard  14 , and is configured to receive and vertically retain the mounting structure  543  as the cavity  545  is being snap-fit over the footpad  241 . 
     (D) Compact Keyboard-Keyboard Support Combination 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  12 ,  16 , and  18 , there is provided a keyboard-keyboard support combination including a key section  18  including a QWERTY key arrangement  20  and the mousepad surface  24 . The QWERTY key arrangement  20  includes at least fifty (50) keys  80 . For example, the minimum width of each of the keys is at least about 0.4 inches. For example, the minimum width is about 0.71 inches. 
     The maximum width  64  of the keyboard support  10  is less than about 19 inches. For example, with respect to the maximum width  64 , the maximum width  64  of the keyboard support  10  is less than about 17 inches. For example, the maximum width  64  is about 16 inches. 
     In another aspect, the keyboard-keyboard support combination having this compact functionality is provided in a workstation assembly  28 . In this respect, a workstation assembly  28  is provided including a workstation  26 , and the keyboard-keyboard support combination coupled to the workstation  26 , wherein the keyboard  14  is supported by the keyboard support  10 . 
     In another aspect, the keyboard  14  includes the QWERTY key arrangement  20  including at least 50 keys and the mousepad surface  24 . 
     (E) Mounting Functionality of Keyboard Support 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 , and  19  to  11 , there is provided a keyboard support configured for receiving and attaching to a mounting plate of a mounting plate  66  of the mechanism  68 , comprising a recessed mounting surface corresponding to the mounting plate  66  of the mechanism  68 , wherein the recessed mounting surface is configured to receive the mounting plate  66  and effect coupling of the mounting plate  66  to the mounting surface. For example, the keyboard support  10  is supporting a keyboard  12 . As a further example, the keyboard support is coupled to the mounting plate  66 . 
     There is further provided a keyboard support  10  which is configured for receiving and attaching to a mounting plate  66  of any one of a plurality of keyboard mounting mechanisms  68 . Each one of the plurality of keyboard mounting mechanisms  68  is configured for coupling to a workstation  26 . A respective mounting plate  66  of one of the plurality of keyboard mounting mechanisms  68  is shaped differently relative to a respective mounting plate  66  of each one of the other ones of the plurality of keyboard mounting mechanisms  68 . The keyboard support  10  comprises a plurality of recessed mounting surfaces  70 , wherein each one of the plurality of recessed mounting surfaces  70  corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of keyboard mounting mechanisms  68 , and wherein each one of the plurality of recessed mounting surfaces  70  is configured to receive a respective mounting plate  66  of a respective one of the plurality of keyboard mounting mechanisms  68 . For example, with respect to the relationship between at least one of the plurality of recessed mounting surfaces  70  and at least one other one of the plurality of recessed mounting surfaces  70 , at least one of the plurality of recessed mounting surfaces  70  is at least partially co-located with at least one of the other ones of the plurality of recessed mounting surfaces  70 . 
     For example, the keyboard support  10  includes two recessed mounting surfaces  70  disposed on a lower surface  72  of the keyboard support  10 . The recessed mounting surface  70  is configured for attachment to the mounting plate of any one of Anatome™ Model CA300HG, Anatome™ Model CA200, Anatome™ Model CA100, or Anatome™ Model WallTrax # 1602 . Bolt holes  74  are provided in the recessed mounting surface  70  so as to effect attachment of the mounting plate of any of the above-described Anatome™ products to the recessed mounting surface  70  by way of bolts  76 . The recessed mounting surface  70  is configured for attachment to the Humanscale™ Model 5G keyboard support mechanism. Bolt holes  74  are provided in the recessed mounting surface  70  so as to effect attachment of the mounting plate of the Humanscale™ Model 5G to the recessed mounting surface  70  by way of bolts  76 . 
     In one aspect, the keyboard support  10  is configured for supporting a keyboard  14  at a workstation  26 . In this respect, there is provided a workstation system including a workstation  26 , a keyboard mounting mechanism  68  configured for coupling to the workstation  26  and including a mounting plate  66 , a keyboard  14 , and a keyboard support  10  configured for receiving and attaching to the mounting plate  66 . The keyboard support  10  includes a recessed mounting surface  70  configured for receiving the mounting plate  66 , and also including a support surface  12  configured for supporting the keyboard  14 . The keyboard  14  is also configured for receiving and attaching to a mounting plate  66  of any one of at least one other keyboard mounting mechanism  68 . Each one of the at least one other keyboard mounting mechanism  68  is configured for coupling to the workstation  26 . A respective mounting plate  66  of a one of the combination of the keyboard mounting mechanism  68  and the at least one other keyboard mounting mechanism  68  is shaped differently relative to a respective mounting plate  66  of each one of the other ones of the combination of the keyboard mounting mechanism  68  and the at least one other keyboard mounting mechanism  68 . The keyboard support  10  further includes at least one other recessed mounting surface  70 , wherein each one of the at least one other recessed mounting surface  70  corresponds to a respective one of the at least one other keyboard mounting mechanism  68 . Each one of the at least one other recessed mounting surface  70  is configured to receive a respective mounting plate  66  of a respective one of the at least one other keyboard mounting mechanism  68 . For example, with respect to the relationship between the recessed mounting surface  70  and at least one of the at least one other recessed mounting surface  70 , the recessed mounting surface  70  is at least partially co-located with at least one of the at least one other recessed mounting surface  70 . 
     A workstation assembly  28  is formed by mounting the keyboard support  10 , including the above-described mounting functionality, to a workstation  26  with a mounting mechanism, such as mechanism  68 . 
     (F) Substantially Deterministic Ergonomic Positioning of Mousepad Surface  24   
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 16 , there is provided a keyboard-keyboard support combination, including a keyboard support  10  and a keyboard  14 . The keyboard support  10  is configured for coupling to the keyboard  14 , and includes a support surface  12  configured for supporting the keyboard  14 , such that a reference axis  34  is defined by an axis which is normal to a plane  36  tangent to at least a portion of the support surface  12 . The keyboard  14  includes a housing  16 . The keyboard  14  and keyboard support  10  are co-operatively configured such that movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the keyboard support  12  is opposed when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . The keyboard  14  further includes a QWERTY key area  20  including at least fifty (50) keys  80 , and a mousepad  22  including a mousepad surface  24 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the minimum horizontal distance  78  between: (i) the space between the “G” and “H” keys, and (ii) a vertical plane  82  tangent to an edge  84  of the mousepad surface  24 , is from about 5 inches to about 10 inches. For example, this minimum horizontal distance is from about 5 inches to about 9 inches. For example, this minimum horizontal distance is about 7.8 inches. 
     For example, with respect to the relationship between the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10 , the keyboard  14  and keyboard surface are further co-operatively configured such that, when the keyboard  14  is coupled to the keyboard support  10  and supported by the support surface  12 , and a force is applied to the keyboard housing  16  in an orthogonal direction relative to the reference axis  34 , movement of the keyboard housing  16  is relative to the keyboard support  10 . 
     For example, with further respect to the relationship between the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10 , the keyboard includes an engagement assembly  40 ; and the keyboard support  10  includes a retainer assembly  42 , wherein the engagement assembly  40  is configured such that, when the keyboard  14  is coupled to the keyboard support  10  and supported by the support surface  12 , the engagement assembly  40  co-operates with the retainer assembly  42  such that lateral movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the keyboard support  10  is opposed. 
     For example, with further respect to the relationship between the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10 , the keyboard housing  16  includes an engagement tab assembly  40 ; and the keyboard support  10  includes a engagement surface assembly  42 , wherein the engagement tab assembly  40  is configured to co-operate with the engagement surface assembly  42  such that movement of the keyboard housing  16  relative to the keyboard support is opposed when the keyboard  14  is supported on the support surface  10 . 
     For example, with further respect to the relationship between the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10 , the keyboard housing  16  includes an engagement tab assembly  40 ; and the keyboard support  10  includes a receiving well assembly, wherein the receiving well assembly is configured to receive the engagement tab assembly when the keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support. Further aspects of the engagement tab assembly  40  and the receiving well assembly are discussed above. 
     In one aspect, the keyboard  14  is coupled to the keyboard support  10  to form a coupled unit. 
     In another aspect, the keyboard support  10 , being coupled to and supporting the keyboard  14 , is coupled to a workstation  26  to form a workstation assembly  28 .  FIG. 26  shows a conventional keyboard on keyboard tray/mousepad configuration. The mechanism  68  is attached by way of a track system under the desk  341 . There are several ergonomic issues with this layout. The distance  431  between center line  331  and  411  denotes the user having to over-reach for the mouse  421  due to the location of the mousepad  371  to the far right of the user. This mousepad location is due to the very long keyboard tray  361  and the fact that the conventional keyboard  401  does not have provision for a mousepad. The stretching position of the user&#39;s right arm typically causes chronic pain in wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck. As well, the user&#39;s posture is thrown off which typically causes improper back positioning and possible chronic back pain. 
       FIG. 27  shows the user&#39;s improved positioning with the introduction of the keyboard  14  and keyboard support  10  combination (hereinafter “the combination”). The user is more centered in front of the QWERTY key area, the actual center being  561  between the “L” key  501  and the “;” key  511 . To this, the distance  531 , measured from the center line  551  to mousepad centerline  571  is a much smaller distance as compared to distance  431  in  FIG. 26  with the conventional arrangement. The user is in a comfortable, neutral position with the right arm more naturally bent at the elbow. This greatly reduces the strain placed on all critical points including neck, shoulder, elbow, forearm and wrist. 
     The overall length, and therefore footprint, is significantly less with the combination shown in  FIG. 27  as compared to the conventional tray/keyboard arrangement shown in  FIG. 26 . The overall length  521 , measured from  591  to  601  includes the keyboard  14 , mousepad  22  and numeric keypad  461  (this embodiment of the keyboard includes a retractable and nestable numeric keypad) in the OUT position. This distance is much less than that of  441  shown in  FIG. 26 , measured between  451  and  461 . This reduction in required length can equate to significant savings in the corporate world, whereby more workstations can be added to the office floor plan. 
       FIG. 28  shows another scenario often seen in an office environment—the corner desk  611 . This poses challenge to the conventional tray/keyboard/mousepad arrangement due to the overall length  441  seen in  FIG. 26 . The distance  671 , measured between  641  and  661 , denotes the part of the keyboard and mousepad that ends up under the corner desk arrangement. This forces the user to reach underneath desk to access the mouse, thereby either dropping their shoulder or pronating their right to an angle  791  seen in  FIG. 30 , both undesirable actions resulting in chronic pain.  FIG. 29  shows the distance under desk  611  denoted by  751 , measured between  731  and  741 , which is significantly less than the distance  671  as seen in  FIG. 28 . The strain placed on the user&#39;s right shoulder and wrist are eliminated and in a more natural, neutral position/posture. Access to both mouse  56  and numeric keypad  461  is greatly improved. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 28  is the position of the mousepad  371  directly beside the keyboard tray  36 . Keyboard trays like these in the market are sold with the integrated mousepad. This position of the mouse causes the user to stretch the right shoulder and arm in order to reach the mouse  421 . This stretching action causes the angle  691 , as measured between the lines  701  and  711 . The user&#39;s torso becomes twisted, which causes undue strain on the spine and neck. In  FIG. 29 , this strain is eliminated by the close proximity of the mousepad  22  to the user. The user&#39;s posture is corrected whereby the angle  691 , in  FIG. 28 , is brought to a perpendicular 90° angle which creates a natural, neutral posture and eliminates strain on all critical points. Also, the user&#39;s torso is no longer twisted, thus reducing strain on spine and neck. 
       FIG. 30  shows the conventional tray/keyboard arrangement from a side view perspective. The lower level position of the mousepad  371 , as measured by  811 , in relation to the keyboard tray and/or keyboard (depending on the vendor offering configuration) causes the user&#39;s wrist to pronate to an angle denoted by  791 . This results in undue strain placed on the right wrist and can lead to chronic paid. Also, because of the tray/keyboard arrangement&#39;s overall thickness, the legroom beneath the tray  821  is typically inadequate for the user. More importantly, it restricts the user in terms of the height setting of the tray in relation to the user&#39;s height. This is especially an issue for shorter users that need the tray be set in a very low position but can&#39;t do this because their legs hit the underside of the tray before the optimal setting is achieved. 
       FIG. 31  shows the above-described combination. With the tray mechanism  68  set to the proper height, the user&#39;s arm is bent at a natural, neutral 90° angle. In this position, the user&#39;s wrist is completely straight, with the pronation angle completely eliminated, as denoted by  831  and therefore the potential for chronic wrist pain is eliminated. Also in  FIG. 31 , the combination addresses the legroom issue seen in  FIG. 30 . This is made possible by the thinner profile of the combination since the tray is eliminated and the integrated mousepad  22  is the same height as the keyboard. This results in a greater legroom  851  and more setting options for the user, especially the shorter user. 
     For example, the mousepad surface  24  is disposed in substantially the same plane as an upper surface of the key area  20 . 
     (G) Ballast Provided in Keyboard Support 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a ballast assembly is provided to contribute additional weight to the keyboard support  12 . 
     The keyboard support  10  includes a plastic support assembly  1101 , including the support surface  12  configured for supporting the keyboard  14 . For example, the plastic support assembly  1101  includes a plurality of reinforcement ribs  1103 . 
     A ballast assembly is provided including at least one ballast  600 . For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the ballast assembly includes two ballasts  600 . Each one of the at least one ballast  600  is coupled to the plastic support assembly  1101 . The ballast assembly is provided to contribute additional weight to the keyboard support  10 , so that the keyboard support  10  can be mounted to and used with available multi-position adjustable keyboard supporting mechanisms  68  which have a tendency to. In this respect, a ballast can be provided such that the keyboard support includes at least about 25 weight percent of the at least one ballast based on the total weight of the keyboard support. In another respect, the provided ballast is a metal ballast, such as a steel ballast. 
     For example, with respect to the coupling of each one of the at least one ballast  600  to the plastic support assembly  1101 , each one of the at least one ballast is coupled to the plastic support assembly by way of snap fit engagement. For example, the snap-fit engagement is effected between opposing reinforcement ribs  1103  of the plastic support assembly  1101 . For example, the reinforcement ribs  1103  include tapered guides  1105  for guiding each of the at least one ballast  600  into snap fit engagement with the reinforcement ribs  1103 . 
     (H) Thickness of Keyboard-Keyboard Support Combination 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , there is provided a combination of the keyboard  14  and the keyboard support  10 . The keyboard  14  is supported on the keyboard support  10 . The maximum thickness of the combination of the keyboard support and the supported keyboard is less than about 2 inches. For example, the thickness is 1.69 inches. 
     While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments. Further, all of the claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the description of the preferred embodiments.