Patent Publication Number: US-2007097080-A1

Title: Wireless keyboard for chair

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates generally to computer keyboard devices, and specifically to a computer keyboard device for a chair arm.  
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      N/A  
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH  
      This invention was not made under contract with an agency of the US Government, nor by any agency of the US Government.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Computer keyboards generally are attached to a computer by a wire or cable which limits the freedom of position of a user. One recent attempt to free users from this limitation is the wireless keyboard in which the computer and keyboard communicate by means of infra-red, radio frequency, visible light, etc. A transmitter in the keyboard sends a signal to the computer to communicate what the user is doing with the keyboard and/or analog input device (this mouse, touch pad, joystick, etc may be considered to be a separate device or part of the keypad.  
      However, the problem of placement of the keyboard remains. Proper typists generally place the keyboard on a low table in front of a computer monitor screen: some such low tables have a special shelf which may extend for use, with the keyboard set upon the shelf and thus stowed away when not in use. Less formal typists rest the keyboard on their laps during use, an advantage for certain very common types of eye conditions but a nuisance in that the keyboard slips off the lap, moves when the user moves their legs and so on.  
      It would be advantageous to provide a device which allows a wireless keyboard to be used without resting on the user&#39;s lap, but at a location removed from the computer monitor screen location.  
      It would further be advantageous to provide a device which allows the attachment of the keyboard to an office chair.  
      It would further be advantageous to provide a device offering at least two keyboard positions: generally in front of the user when seated, and generally out of the user&#39;s way for entry and exit from the chair.  
      The present invention provides these advantages and more by providing a keyboard device conveniently and rotatably attached to a chair arm.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      General Summary  
      The present invention teaches a wireless computer keyboard having a support, a keypad, an analog input device, and a hinged anchor allowing at least one degree of rotational motion of the device relative to a chair armrest to which it is secured by the hinged anchor. The keyboard may assume a first position in which it rests generally in front of a user seated in the chair, or a second position in which it rests on the outside of the chair arm, out of the user&#39;s way for standing up, sitting down, leaning forward, etc.  
      The anchor may have a set screw to clamp it securely to the chair, or it may have a set of jaws with grips allowing to easily be attached and removed. By this structure the device may be easily retrofitted to existing chairs having arms.  
      In an alternative embodiment, the device may be a chair having attached to one arm rest, a support, a keypad, an analog input device, and a hinged anchor allowing at least one degree of rotational motion of the device relative to the chair armrest.  
      Summary in Reference to Claims  
      It is therefore a first aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a wireless computer keyboard for use with a computer by a computer user seated in a chair having an armrest having sides distal and proximate such computer user seated in such chair, the keyboard comprising: 
          a keypad having a plurality of keys;     an analog input device;     an operative wireless connection allowing transfer of data from the keypad and the analog input device to such computer without physical electrical connection therebetween;     a support having a first surface to which the keypad and analog input device are secured;     a hinged anchor attached to the support, the hinged anchor also attached to such armrest;     the hinged anchor allowing rotational motion of the support from and to a first position in which the support, keypad and analog input device rest generally in front of such user seated in such chair.        

      It is therefore a second aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a wireless computer keyboard wherein the hinged anchor further allows rotational motion of the support from and to a second position in which the support, keypad and analog input device rest generally on the side of such armrest distal from such user seated in such chair.  
      It is therefore a third aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a wireless computer keyboard wherein the support further comprises: a lower surface, the hinged anchor attached to the support at the lower surface.  
      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a wireless computer keyboard further comprising: 
          a swivel allowing a second degree of rotational motion of the support, keypad and analog input device relative to such armrest.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a wireless computer keyboard wherein the analog input device is a part of the keypad.  
      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a wireless computer keyboard wherein the analog input device further comprises: 
          a mat secured to the support, and     a mobile device independent of the keypad, the mobile device secured to an attachment,     the attachment secured to the support, whereby the mobile device remains attached to the support when the support is rotated relative to the armrest.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a wireless computer keyboard further comprising: 
          a wrist support disposed upon the support in a location between the user and the keypad.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a wireless computer keyboard wherein the anchor further comprises: 
          at least one clamp having an aperture dimensioned and configured to engage such chair arm;     at least one set screw passing through such clamp, the set screw having a tightened position in which the clamp physically engages such chair arm to prevent motion of the clamp relative to the chair arm.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a wireless computer keyboard wherein the anchor further comprises: 
          at least one set of open able and close able jaws dimensioned and configured to engage such chair arm, the jaws having a spring urging the jaws into a closed position in which the jaws physically engage such chair arm to prevent motion of the jaws relative to the chair arm.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a wireless computer keyboard wherein the jaws further comprise: 
          at least one set of grips attached to the jaws, the grips having a relaxed position in which the jaws are urged into the closed position.        

      It is therefore yet another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a chair for a user comprising: 
          an armrest;     a hinged anchor attached to the armrest;     a support attached to the hinged anchor, the hinged anchor allowing rotational motion of the support relative to the armrest from and to a first position in which the support rests generally in front of such user seated in the chair, the support having an upper surface when in such first position;     a keypad having a plurality of keys attached to the first surface;     an analog input device attached to the first surface;     an operative wireless transmitter allowing transmission of data from the keypad and the analog input device.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a chair wherein the hinged anchor further allows rotational motion of the support from and to a second position in which the support, keypad and analog input device rest generally on the side of the armrest distal from a user seated in the chair.  
      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a chair wherein the operative wireless transmitter further comprises one member selected from the group consisting of: 
          radio frequency transmitters, infra-red transmitters, visible light transmitters, and combinations thereof.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide. a chair wherein the support further comprises: a lower surface, the hinged anchor attached to the support at the lower surface.  
      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a chair further comprising: 
          a swivel allowing a second degree of rotational motion of the support, keypad and analog input device relative to the armrest.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a chair wherein the anchor further comprises: 
          at least one clamp having an aperture dimensioned and configured to engage such chair arm;     at least one set screw passing through such clamp, the set screw having a tightened position in which the clamp physically engages such chair arm to prevent motion of the clamp relative to the chair arm.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a chair wherein the anchor further comprises: 
          at least one set of open able and close able jaws dimensioned and configured to engage such chair arm, the jaws having a spring urging the jaws into a closed position in which the jaws physically engage such chair arm to prevent motion of the jaws relative to the chair arm.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a chair wherein the jaws further comprise: 
          at least one set of grips attached to the jaws, the grips having a relaxed position in which the jaws are urged into the closed position.        

      It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention to provide a chair wherein the anchor and chair arm are a unitary body. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a chair keyboard according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a stowed position.  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device in an intermediate position.  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the device in a folded away position.  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the device in the position of use.  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a PRIOR ART chair the device might be retrofitted to.  
       FIG. 6  is a top platform view of a fourth embodiment of the device.  
       FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a fifth embodiment of the device having a screw on attachment to a chair arm.  
       FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a sixth embodiment of the device having a quick release grip attachment to a chair arm.  
       FIG. 9  is a top view of a seventh embodiment of the device in a stowed position.  
       FIG. 10  is a top view of an eight embodiment of the device in a position of use.  
       FIG. 11  is a front view of a ninth embodiment of the device in a position of use.  
       FIG. 12  is a side view of a tenth embodiment of the device in a position of use. 
    
    
     INDEX TO THE REFERENCE NUMERALS  
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Chair embodiment 
                 200 
               
               
                   
                 Computer keypad 
                 202 
               
               
                   
                 Mouse pad 
                 204 
               
               
                   
                 Swivel frame member 
                 206 
               
               
                   
                 Chair arm 
                 208 
               
               
                   
                 Chair 
                 302 
               
               
                   
                 Arm 
                 304 
               
               
                   
                 Keyboard (undersurface) 
                 306 
               
               
                   
                 Anchor 
                 308 
               
               
                   
                 Chair 
                 402 
               
               
                   
                 Arm 
                 404 
               
               
                   
                 Keyboard 
                 406 
               
               
                   
                 Chair 
                 502 
               
               
                   
                 Chair keyboard 
                 602 
               
               
                   
                 Wrist rest 
                 604 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 
                 606 
               
               
                   
                 Upper surface 
                 608 
               
               
                   
                 Mouse pad 
                 610 
               
               
                   
                 Mouse retainer 
                 612 
               
               
                   
                 Chair keyboard 
                 702 
               
               
                   
                 Lower surface 
                 708 
               
               
                   
                 Base plate 
                 720 
               
               
                   
                 Hinge 
                 722 
               
               
                   
                 Swivel 
                 724 
               
               
                   
                 First chair arm cuff 
                 726 
               
               
                   
                 Second chair arm cuff 
                 728 
               
               
                   
                 Aperture 
                 730 
               
               
                   
                 Set screw 
                 732 
               
               
                   
                 Knob 
                 734 
               
               
                   
                 Chair keyboard 
                 802 
               
               
                   
                 Under surface 
                 804 
               
               
                   
                 Base plate 
                 820 
               
               
                   
                 Hinge 
                 822 
               
               
                   
                 Swivel 
                 824 
               
               
                   
                 Mount 
                 840 
               
               
                   
                 Jaws 
                 842 
               
               
                   
                 Grips 
                 844 
               
               
                   
                 Chair 
                 902 
               
               
                   
                 Keyboard 
                 904 
               
               
                   
                 Anchor 
                 906 
               
               
                   
                 Armrest 
                 908 
               
               
                   
                 Chair 
                 1002 
               
               
                   
                 Armrest 
                 1004 
               
               
                   
                 Horizontal top surface 
                 1006 
               
               
                   
                 Computer keyboard 
                 1008 
               
               
                   
                 Wrist support 
                 1010 
               
               
                   
                 Computer mousepad 
                 1012 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a chair keyboard according to the invention, showing how the device may be swung at an angle down and backwards so as to be out of the way, and that the device is connected to the chair arm. The device thus sits outside the arms of the chair on one side.  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device in an intermediate position. Chair embodiment  200  has computer keypad  202  which may be a standard  83 + key computer keyboard,  100 + key computer keyboard and so on: keyboards having  120 + keys are common. Individual keys are omitted from the diagrams for the sake of clarity. Such keyboards may also include analog input devices such as mouses, touch pads, bars, pointers, joysticks and so on, or a separate mouse pad  204  may be included as shown for use by a standard computer mouse or similar independently mobile analog input device.  
      Swivel frame member  206  may project from or be part of chair arm  208  and may be manufactured as part of the chair embodiment  302 , in a unitary body not separable therefrom.  
      While the device is pictured in an intermediate position, it may be appreciated that it may swing, rotating from a first position generally in front of a user seated in the chair to a second position on the “outside” portions of the chair, generally defined as the sides of the chair arms  208  which is distal from the seated user.  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a third “retrofitted” embodiment of the device in a folded away position. Arm  304  supports the device as it hangs on the outer side of the chair arm.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the device in the position of use.  
      Chair  402  has arm/armrest  404  to which keyboard  406  has been attached by a hinged anchor. As may be seen, the device may assume at least two positions (and in embodiments a range of positions in between), the use position and the non-use position.  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a PRIOR ART chair to which the device might be retrofitted. Chair  502  is a generally standard office chair. By use of retrofitting embodiments of the invention, a wide range of customers who may not wish to invest in the chair embodiments are enabled to use the invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a top platform view of a fourth embodiment of the device. Chair keyboard  602  has an upper surface  608 , as well as a lower surface not seen in this diagram. A portion of the upper surface  608  may comprise wrist rest  604 . Wrist rests have proven ergonomic benefits to computer users. Another embodiment of a wrist rest may comprise an elevated and soft or conformable surface disposed upon upper surface  608  at the same location as wrist rest  604 .  
      Keypad  606  may include an analog input device, or separate mouse pad  610  may be employed. Mouse retainer  612  may be employed as well. This may comprise a small “mouse garage” into which a mouse is placed after use and before the keyboard is rotated, or a small retainer such as a clip or the like which holds the mouse cable, and thus the mouse, close to the chair keyboard  602  during rotations. Since a typical cable mounted clip would allow a mouse to suffer minimal motion and small impacts during rotation, the presently preferred embodiment and best mode now contemplated comprises a keyboard having a “built-in” analog input device such as a pointer, touch pad or the like instead of a mouse.  
       FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a fifth embodiment of the device having a screw on attachment to a chair arm. Chair keyboard  702  has lower surface  708  as well as an upper surface not depicted in  FIG. 7 . Base plate  720  connects swivel  724  to lower surface  708 . Hinge  722  connects swivel  724  to first chair arm cuff  726  and second chair arm cuff  728 .  
      Aperture  730  passes through first and second cuffs  726 ,  728 . Set screw  732  is threaded externally and passes through internally threaded cuff  726  and into cuff  728 . When knob  734  is turned in a first direction, the set screw  732  will rotate into a tightened position in which the cuffs  726 ,  728  are urged together, thus firmly affixing the device to any chair arm disposed therebetween in aperture  730 , which may be dimensioned and configured to engage a chair arm. When knob  734  is turned in a second direction, the set screw  732  will rotate into a loosened position in which the cuffs  726 ,  728  are no longer urged together and may be urged apart. By this means, a secure attachment to a chair arm may be secured, or the device may be removed for retrofit to a different chair arm.  
       FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a sixth embodiment of the device having a quick release grip attachment to a chair arm. Chair keyboard  802  has under surface  804 , base plate  820 , hinge  822 , and swivel  824  may be much as described in reference to  FIG. 7 . Note that the “ordering” of attachment of the components to each other, and thus their exact arrangement, may be altered in any embodiment. For example, the swivel  824  may connect baseplate  820  to lower surface  808  while baseplate  820  may connect swivel  824  to hinge  822 . The swivel may be disposed in yet other embodiments upon the “armrest” side of the hinge, additional base plates may be used to provide additional support and so on.  
      In the presently preferred embodiment and best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention, mount/spring  840  urges a pair of jaws  842  into a closed position and urges a pair of grips  844  into an open or relaxed position, such that the aperture between the jaws physically engages a chair arm. This embodiment of the invention allows convenient removal of the device from one chair and attachment to another chair.  
      Mount/spring  840 , is pictured extending away from the chair arm in the “inwards” direction (proximate the user) but for reasons of comfort and convenience may instead extend outwards (distal the user) so as to not extend under the keyboard  802  during use. Spring  840  may also swivel freely by itself or upon swivel  824 .  
       FIG. 9  is a top view of a seventh embodiment of the device in a stowed position. Chair  902  has armrest  908  to which the chair keyboard is attached by anchor  906 . Swung out of the way, anchor  906  does not move, but the keyboard falls downwards at an angle towards the back, outside of the arms of the chair, so as to be almost entirely out of the way of the keyboard user.  
       FIG. 10  is a top view of an eight embodiment of the device in a position of use. In this embodiment, chair  1002  has armrest  1004  much as previously described, but horizontal top surface  1006  (which may be the top of a support made of metal, plastic, polymer, wood or combinations thereof) has attached to it standard computer components acquired by the user. Keyboard  1008 , wrist support  1010  and mousepad  1012  may all be safely secured to the device by attachments provided with the device or by the user.  
       FIG. 11  is a front view of a ninth embodiment of the device in a position of use. In this embodiment, the device may not entirely traverse the distance from one chair arm to the next, however in alternative embodiments, the device may pass from arm to arm, thus realizing greater support.  
       FIG. 12  is a side view of a tenth embodiment of the device in a position of use. As the keyboard anchor may be moved towards the front or back of the chair along the arm, or by means of other devices allowing the anchor to remain still but the keyboard to move, the device may be moved forward or backwards to suit individual users. The angle of the device may be altered as well, in pitch, yaw or roll as needed for user comfort, and the anchor mechanism may also allow adjustment of the height of the device.  
      The disclosure is provided to allow practice of the invention by those skilled in the art without undue experimentation, including the best mode presently contemplated and the presently preferred embodiment. Nothing in this disclosure is to be taken to limit the scope of the invention, which is susceptible to numerous alterations, equivalents and substitutions without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be understood from the appended claims.