Patent Publication Number: US-2007114341-A1

Title: Wrist support

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/739,859, filed Nov. 23, 2005, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Technical Field  
      The present invention relates generally to office equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to wrist supports for computer users and the like. Specifically, the invention relates to a wrist support which may be retrofitted to an existing work surface, such as a table or desk.  
      1. Background Information  
      One aspect of modern life is the increasing use of computers in the home and in the office. It is common for people to spend long periods of time entering information into a computer via a keyboard and mouse or surfing the Internet looking for information. At a typical computer workstation, the keyboard is located near the front edge of the desk or other work surface and a mouse is ordinarily positioned adjacent the keyboard as an auxiliary input device to move a cursor around a computer screen. Traditionally, the user sits in front of the keyboard and mouse as the computer is utilized for work, play or for gathering general information. While a user may often use the computer for hours at a time, the user may also use the computer intermittently to perform specific tasks coming to and from the computer many times throughout the day.  
      The computer mouse mentioned above is a typical device used to aid the processing of information in a computer. Computer users typically use a mouse in combination with the computer keyboard. The computer mouse is normally operated on a flat work top surface that provides both the necessary space to maneuver the mouse and, in the case of a tracking ball type mouse, provides sufficient friction so that the tracking ball rotates appropriately as the mouse is navigated across the operating surface.  
      One of the problems associated with the use of a keyboard and mouse is the need to comfortably position the user&#39;s wrist and arm during operation. As the user positions their hands for typing on the keyboard or for utilizing the mouse, it is common that either their wrist or a portion of their forearm will land up resting on the sharp edge of the desk. Similarly, in the case of a laptop computer that incorporates a touchpad, the user&#39;s wrist or forearm will tend to rest on the edge of the computer keyboard. This causes the wrist to be held at an awkward angle and, in combination with the pressure exerted on the wrist or forearm by the edge of the desk or laptop surface, together with the extensive periods of time the computer may be used, may lead to repetitive stress injuries to the wrist and forearm such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Although it may be possible to smooth or round the edge of the desk, this normally requires significant skill and would substantially reduce the aesthetic appearance of the furniture on which the computer is placed.  
      Various devices have been provided in the prior art in an attempt to address this growing problem. These devices have included wrist supports that are strapped to the user&#39;s wrist and forearm, keyboard trays that incorporate a wrist rest, gel-filled or bead-filled pillows that are positioned adjacent the keyboard or mouse, and a concave arm rests that can clamp onto the edge of a desk and provide a resting place for the user&#39;s arm. A number of these previously known devices tend to shift in position relative to the keyboard or mouse over time and thereby exacerbate the problem.  
      While all of these devices are available on the market, existing medical and ergonomic literature does not address the kinesiology of motion in the operation of computer input devices that apply muscular skeletal forces in multiple directions and often with the result of opposing physiological forces. For example, lifting the wrist causes contraction on the top of the wrist and elongation on the underside thereof. Repetitive compound motion of the hand and the wrist of the user of a computer input device, such as a mouse, can cause muscular skeletal tension. In the case of operators of a computer mouse specifically, the index finger and associated muscles and tendons are holding the mouse button, while at the same time, the hand, thumb and other fingers are holding and causing the mouse to move. This latter motion also impacts the wrist and forearm that must twist on an axis to maintain pressure on the mouse and complete the desired action. A number of products exist, such as devices which are strapped to the user&#39;s wrist. While these strap-on wrist supports are presumably adequate for the purpose for which they are intended, they remain attached to the user during operation and should be removed if the user steps away from the computer to complete other tasks.  
      The need thus exists for a comfortable wrist support which will make the edge of the work surface more comfortable to the user and elevate the user&#39;s wrist to some extent in order to assist and support the user&#39;s forearm and wrist. Additionally, the need exists in the art for such a device which will remain attached to the desk so that the user may come and go from the workstation without continually removing a wrist support from the user&#39;s body or having to check on the correct orientation of the support relative to the computer keyboard or mouse.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The device of the present invention comprises an integral base that may be retrofit to an existing desk in order to assist in supporting the user&#39;s forearm and wrist. The base includes an arcuate upper surface and a rabbet formed into a portion thereof. An adhesive strip or other attaching device may be applied to the bottom of the rabbet to enable the unit to be attached to the edge of an existing work surface.  
      In an alternative embodiment, a clear cover may be positioned on top of the arcuate surface and factual information or advertising information may be positioned beneath the clear cover so that such information is readily available to the user. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best modes in which applicant contemplates applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a workstation with the wrist support of the present invention attached thereto;  
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the wrist support of the present invention attached to a work surface shown in section;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the wrist support of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the wrist support of the present invention with a portion of the adhesive cover removed;  
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of the wrist support of the present invention attached to a front edge of a work surface;  
       FIG. 6  is an exploded cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7  is an assembled cross-sectional side of the second embodiment of the wrist support shown in  FIG. 6 ;  
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of the area encircled in  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the wrist support shown in  FIG. 6 ;  
       FIG. 10  is an exploded cross-sectional side of a third embodiment of the wrist support of the present invention;  
       FIG. 11  is an assembled cross-sectional side of the wrist support shown in  FIG. 10 ;  
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional side view taken through line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 11  with portions cut;  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of wrist support of the present invention;  
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional front view of the wrist support through line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of the wrist support of  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 16  is a cross-section side view of the wrist support through line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 17  is a top plan view of a portion of a work station incorporating a fifth embodiment of wrist support in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of the wrist support of  FIG. 17 ;  
       FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional side view of the wrist support of  FIG. 17 ; and  
       FIG. 20  is a side elevational view of the portion of the work station shown in  FIG. 17 . 
    
    
      Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The improved wrist support of the present invention is indicated generally at  1 , and is adapted to be mounted on a work surface  2  such as desk or table. Work surface  2  is configured to hold a computer CPU  3 , a computer screen  4 , a keyboard  5 , a mouse  6  and a mouse pad  7 . Wrist support  1  is positioned along the edge  10  of work surface  2  and outwardly from mouse pad  7  and mouse  6 . This allows a portion of the user&#39;s forearm  8  and wrist  9  lie on top of wrist support  1  when operating mouse  6 .  
      Referring specifically to  FIGS. 2-5 , wrist support  1  includes a body  11  having an upper wall  12 , a leading edge  13  and a rear edge  14 . In accordance with one of the features of the invention, upper wall  12  is arcuate and extends between leading edge  13  and rear edge  14 . Body  11  is also formed with a pair of spaced apart side walls  15 , a rear wall  16  and a front wall  17 . Rear wall  16  and front wall  17  are substantially parallel and spaced apart and join side walls  15  to form a substantially rectangular cavity  18  beneath upperwaIl  12 . Rearwall  16  is shorter than front wall  17  and consequently if wrist support  1  is placed on a flat surface, upper wall  12  arcs upwardly and outwardly away from rear wall  16 . Bottom surfaces  15   a  of side walls  15  preferably are also arcuate and both leading edge  13  and rear edge  14  are gently rounded so that wrist support  1  does not present any sharp angles that may hurt the user.  
      Wrist support  1  preferably is injection molded from a suitable material such as plastic or graphite or any other material that is smooth to the touch and readily allows the user&#39;s wrist and forearm to slide thereover if need be.  
      Upper wall  12  includes a top surface  19  for supporting the user&#39;s wrist  9  and forearm  8  and a bottom surface  20  which extends between side walls  15 , rear wall  16  and front wall  17 . A portion of upper wall  12  extends outwardly beyond front wall  17  and terminates in leading edge  13 . This portion of upper wall  12  constitutes a mounting flange  21 . Front wall  17  extends outwardly away from bottom surface  20  of upper wall  12  in such a manner that flange  21  and front wall  17  are disposed substantially at right angles to each other. Flange  21  and front wall  17  define a rabbet  25  on the forward portion of body  11 . Rabbet  25  extends substantially the entire length of body  11  and is adapted to receive a corner edge  10  of work surface  2  therein. A two-sided adhesive foam tape  22  is applied to bottom surface  20   a  of mounting flange  21 . Adhesive tape  22  includes an adhesive portion  23  and a removable cover portion  24 .  
      In operation, cover portion  24  of adhesive foam tape  22  is removed to expose adhesive portion  23 . Body  11  is then positioned adjacent an outer corner edge  10  of work surface  2  such that front wall  17  abuts the edge  10   a  of work surface  2  while mounting flange  21  extends over the top portion of work surface  2  ( FIG. 5 ). When downward pressure is applied to mounting flange  21 , the adhesive portion  23  of foam tape  22  contacts work surface  2  causing wrist support  1  to be adhered thereto. In this manner, rabbet  25 , defined by front wall  17  and mounting flange  21 , is positioned complementary to the corner of work surface  2  so that wrist support  1  may extend in a cantilever fashion outwardly and away from the edge of work surface  2 .  
      A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 6-9  and is indicated generally at wrist support  30 . Wrist support  30  is similar to wrist support  1  as described above, with the exception that a cover plate  31  may be snap fittingly engaged over upper wall  12  of body  11 . Cover plate  31  is preferably manufactured from a clear material, such as plastic, and includes an arcuately extending top wall  32  which is complementary shaped to upper wall  12  of body  11 . Top wall  32  terminates at a front wall  33  and a rear wall  34 . Front wall  33  has an inwardly extending flange  35  such that flange  35 , front wall  33  and top wall  32  define a longitudinal cavity  36  therebetween. In accordance with one of the primary features of the second embodiment of the present invention, rear wall  34 , front wall  33  and top wall  32  define a bottom surface  37  that is complementary shaped to top surface  19  of body  11  so that when cover plate  31  is installed over body  11 , a relatively thin space  38  ( FIG. 7 ) extends therebetween. Space  38  may receive a graphics sheet  39  to display useful information such as weights and measures, advertising graphics, a company logo or any other appropriate or desired information.  
      In operation, cover plate  31  may be installed over body  11  by positioning flange  35  beneath the leading edge  13  of mounting flange  21 . In this manner, leading edge  13  of mounting flange  21  is held captive within cavity  36  and between flange  35  and bottom surface  37  of top wall  32 . Graphics sheet  39  may then be positioned intermediate cover plate  31  and body  11  with cover plate  31  being flexed to move rear wall  34  of cover plate  31  around complementary shaped rear wall  16  of body  11 , such that cover plate  31  is positioned on top of body  11  as shown in  FIG. 7 .  
      A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 10-12  and is indicated generally at wrist support  40 . Wrist support  40  is similar to wrist support  1 , except that it also includes a cover  41  which may be manufactured of any suitable material, and preferably a material that is clear. Additionally, wrist support  40  includes a pair of side walls  42  which are similar to side walls  15 , except that each side wall  42  is formed with a recess  43 , most particularly shown in  FIG. 12 . Recess  43  may be formed in any convenient location on side wall  42 , but is most preferably positioned so that it will be adjacent front wall  17  and spaced from upper wall  12 . Cover  41  includes an arcuately extending top wall  44  terminating at a front wall  45  and a rear wall  46 . Top wall  44  is arcuately shaped in such a manner so as to support the user&#39;s hands in a position that tends to reduce stress on the wrists by maintaining them in a substantially straight and non-flexed position. Top wall  44 , front wall  45  and rear wall  46  define an upper surface  47  to support the user&#39;s wrist  9  and forearm  8  and a bottom surface  48  which is complementary shaped to top surface  19  of body  11 . It will be noted that no inwardly extending flange is provided at the front wall  45  of cover  41 . Additionally, cover  41  includes a pair of parallel and spaced apart side walls  49  which extend downwardly from top wall  44  and are spaced to extend downwardly on either of side walls  42  when cover  41  engages body  11 . Each cover side wall  49  includes an inwardly extending boss  50  which has an upwardly and inwardly extending inner wall  51  and a shoulder  52 . Boss  50  is complementary shaped to interlock with recess  43  on side walls  42 .  
      In operation, cover  41  is installed over body  11  in much the same manner as previously described with the exception that the leading edge  13  does not engage a flange on the cover. The side walls  49  of cover  41  are flexed outwardly away from each other, the cover  41  is positioned over top surface  19  of body  11  thereby trapping a graphics sheet  39  therebetween. Side walls  49  are released and cover  41  is pushed downwardly until outwardly extending bosses  50  slide downwardly along side walls  42  of wrist support  40  and into engagement with the complementary shaped recesses  43 . Cover  41  is thereby secured to body  11  by these interlocking bosses  50  and recesses  43 . Cover  41  may be removed by flexing side walls  49  outwardly and pulling cover  41  upwardly and away from top surface  19  of body  11 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 13-16  there is shown a fourth embodiment of wrist support in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at  60 . Wrist support  60  is similar to wrist support  1 , except that the support  60  is manufactured as a frame  61  and a pair of separate side walls  62 . Side walls  62  are designed to snap-fit into frame  61 . Frame  61  includes a top wall  63 , a bottom wall  64  and a front wall  65  which define a substantially triangularly shaped cavity  66  therebetween. A portion of top wall  63  projects outwardly beyond front wall  65  to form a flange  67  which terminates in a leading edge  67   a . Side walls  62  are generally triangular in shape with gently rounded corners. Side walls  62  also include an inwardly extending peripheral lip  68  which is complementary sized and shaped to be received within cavity  66  of frame  61 . Lip  68  frictionally engages the inner surfaces of the top, bottom and side walls  63 ,  64 ,  65  of frame  61 . A strip of adhesive tape  69  is applied to the bottom surface  63   a  of flange  67 . Wrist support  60  is applied to a work station in a substantially similar fashion to wrist support  1  and is used in the same manner to support the wrist  9  and forearm  8  of the user.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 17-20  there is shown a fifth embodiment of wrist support in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at  80 . Wrist support  80  is substantially similar to wrist support  60  in that it includes a pair of side walls  81  which snap-fit onto a frame  82 . Frame  82  includes a top wall  83 , a bottom wall  84  and a front wall  85 , but a portion of both the top wall  83  and bottom wall  84  extend beyond front wall  85  so that the cavity  86  formed between top and bottom wall  83 ,  84  extends from rear edge  87  to leading edge  88 . Side walls  81  are complementary sized and shaped to attach to frame  82  and give wrist support  80  a finished appearance. Side walls  81  include a peripheral lip  89  that is complementary sized and shaped to be frictionally received within cavity  86  and engage top, bottom and front walls  83 ,  84 ,  85 . A strip of adhesive tape  90  is applied to the underside  84   a  of that portion of bottom wall  84  that extends beyond front wall  85 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , wrist support  80  is sized so as to be substantially the same length as a keyboard  91  and is applied to the edge  92  of a work surface  93  to support the wrist  9  of the user as they type on keyboard  91 . This type of wrist support  80  could also be used in conjunction with laptop type computers that include a touch pad (not shown) for moving the cursor on the screen.  FIG. 20  illustrates that wrist support  80 , together with adhesive strip  90 , is of a thickness “A” at its leading edge  88  that is substantially equivalent to the thickness of the front end  92  of the keyboard  91  or laptop computer (not shown). This allows the user to rest their wrist  9  and/or forearm  8  at a comfortable height for both typing and moving the cursor on a touchpad.  
      In summary, wrist supports  1 ,  30 ,  40 ,  60  and  80  each include an upwardly oriented arcuate surface to support a user&#39;s wrist  9  and/or forearm  8  as is particularly shown in  FIG. 2 . In this manner, the wrist  9  and forearm  8  are protected from the sharp edge of work surface  2  and provides spacing to assist in supporting the user&#39;s wrist to prevent repetitive use injuries which are common in data entry and the like. Additionally, wrist supports  30  and  40  provide a convenient way to store useful information, such as weights and measures or to provide advertising space that remains relatively permanently attached to the work surface.  
      As is apparent from a review of the invention, body  11  may be manufactured from any of a variety of materials, including graphite, wood, plastic and rubber, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, body  11  preferably is made from a substantially rigid material that maintains its shape when the wrist or forearm is resting thereon. Furthermore, the rigid material is provided with a smooth top wall that allows the user&#39;s wrist or forearm to glide thereover when their arm is moved. Similarly, cover plates  31  and  41  may also be manufactured from a variety of materials without departing from the spirit of the present invention, but a clear, transparent plastic with a smooth upper surface is preferred. Furthermore, while it has been disclosed that the wrist support of the present invention is attached to a work surface using an adhesive strip, any other suitable attachment mechanism may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention. So, for example, a plurality of fasteners or a clamping mechanism may be used for this purpose. Additionally, while the adhesive strip has been disclosed as mounted on the underside of the top wall of the body, it will be understood that the strip could alternatively be applied to the surface of the front wall that is adapted to abut the edge  10  of the work surface  2 . If attachment means such as screws are used, it would be preferably to insert said screws through the front wall and into the work surface. This would keep the fasteners hidden and keep the top wall free of obstacles to the user&#39;s hands as they slide thereover.  
      Accordingly, the improved wrist support is simplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive and efficient device which achieves all of the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior devices, solves problems and obtains new results in the art.  
      It should also be noted that the wrist support of the present invention, while being designed to be secured to an edge of a work surface, may be used in a similar manner to known wrist supports by merely placing the device on the top of a work surface. The gently contoured bottom surface  15   a  of the side walls  15  allows the device to assume the correct angle to effectively support the user&#39;s wrist or forearm.  
      In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.  
      Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.  
      Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the improved wrist support is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and the advantages, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.