Platform for computer input device

{
  "publication_number": "US6648282B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Platform for computer input device",
  "abstract": "A platform for a computer input device includes a deck having a top surface on which an associated data input device can be selectively positioned and a bottom surface. Also provided is a base having a top surface, and a bottom surface that rests on a user's thigh. A fastening device, such as hook and loop fasteners or a screw, could be used to secure these two elements together. The deck can be selectively detached from the base in order to reverse its orientation with regard to the base and allow the platform to be switched from one thigh of the user to the other. A structure for preventing the input device from falling off the platform can be included. A rest for an operator's appendage can be located on the deck top surface. The height and angle of inclination of the deck can be adjusted, if desired, in relation to the base. Alternatively, the platform can include a support assembly having a top surface on which the associated data input device can be selectively supported and a contoured bottom surface wherein the bottom surface is adapted to rest on a thigh of the user. A structure for preventing the input device from falling off the top surface can be provided. A wrist rest can be located on the support assembly top surface. The latter embodiment can be of one piece.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A platform for a hand-controllable data input device used with a microprocessor and an operator's extremity associated with controlling said data input device, wherein said platform is adapted to stably rest upon a thigh of the operator, said platform comprising: a deck having a top surface, on which said data input device and the extremity can be selectively positioned, and a bottom surface; a base having a top surface, and a bottom surface that is adapted to rest upon a thigh of the operator; a fastening means for securing said deck bottom surface to said base top surface, with said fastening means permitting the base to be fastened to said deck at a point on said deck bottom surface that falls on a longitudinal centerline of the deck; wherein said deck comprises a side edge, an end edge and a connecting edge for connecting the side edge and the end edge, said side and end edges being substantially perpendicular to each other, wherein said connecting edge extends inwardly from the end edge to the side edge and defines with said side edge and said end edge, an indented portion accommodating at least some of a lower trunk of the operator; and, a protrusion extending upwards from said deck top surface for selectively further stabilizing said deck top surface when said platform is resting on a thigh of said operator, wherein a top surface of said protrusion comprises a head having a contact surface adapted for selective positioning against an associated inanimate structure, said contact surface comprising a layer of a material covering said head and selected to promote friction with said associated inanimate structure.",
    "2. The platform of claim 1 wherein said platform further comprises a rail for restraining said data input device from falling off said deck top surface, wherein said rail extends upwardly past said deck top surface and wherein said protrusion extends upward past said rail.",
    "3. The platform of claim 2 further comprising a restraining means secured to one of said deck and said base for restraining said data input device from falling off said deck top surface, said restraining means comprising a substantially closed aperture to accommodate a communications wire of said data input device.",
    "4. The platform of claim 1 wherein said base top surface is substantially rigid and wherein said base can be selectively fastened to said deck at more than one location on said base top surface.",
    "5. The platform of claim 4 further comprising a wrist rest extending upwardly from said deck, said wrist rest comprising a resilient material, said wrist rest being located adjacent to said void.",
    "6. The platform of claim 1 wherein said base comprises a side edge and an end edge which are substantially perpendicular to each other, and a connecting edge which extends inwardly from said side edge to said end edge, wherein said connecting edge defines with said side edge and said end edge, an indented portion for accommodating at least some of a lower trunk of the operator, wherein said deck bottom surface and said base top surface may be fastened to each other in a way that results in at least some of said base connecting edge being substantially within a boundary of said deck connecting edge.",
    "7. A platform for a hand-controllable data input device used with a microprocessor and an operator's extremity associated with controlling said data input device, wherein the platform is configured to stably rest upon a thigh of the operator, said platform comprising a support assembly including at least one piece and comprising: a top surface, on which the data input device and the extremity can be selectively supported; a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface comprises an indentation to accommodate a thigh of the operator and promote the stability of said platform when resting upon a thigh of the operator; a rail for restraining said data input device from falling off said platform, wherein said rail extends upwardly from said support assembly past at least some of said support assembly top surface; and, a protrusion extending from said top surface of said support assembly for selectively further stabilizing said support assembly top surface when said platform is resting on a thigh of said operator, wherein said protrusion extends upwardly past said rail and is adapted for selective positioning against an associated inanimate object.",
    "8. The platform of claim 7 wherein said support assembly top surface comprises a side edge and an end edge which are substantially perpendicular to each other and a connecting edge which extends inwardly from said side edge to said end edge, wherein said connecting edge defines with said side edge and said end edge, an indented portion for accommodating at least some of a lower trunk of the operator, said support assembly further comprising an aperture located in said rail for accommodating a communications wire of said data input device.",
    "9. The platform of claim 7 wherein said support assembly top surface comprises a first section of a first width and, extending therefrom in a plane of said first section, a second section of a narrower second width, and wherein said support assembly further comprises a wrist rest extending upwardly past at least some of said support assembly top surface, said wrist rest being located at least partly on said second section and comprising a resilient material.",
    "10. The platform of claim 7 further comprising a mouse pad and wherein said support assembly top surface comprises an indented section for accommodating said mouse pad.",
    "11. A platform for a hand-controllabe data input device used with a microprocessor and an operator's extremity associated with controlling said data input device, wherein the platform is configured to stably rest upon a thigh of the operator, said platform comprising a support assembly including at least one piece and comprising: a top surface, on which the data input device and the extremity can be selectively supported; a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface comprises an indentation to accommodate a thigh of the operator and promote the stability of said platform when resting upon a thigh of the operator; and, a first protrusion extending upward from said top surface of said support assembly for selectively further stabilizing said support assembly top surface when said platform is resting on a thigh of said operator, wherein a top surface of said first protrusion comprises a head having a contact surface adapted for selective positioning against an associated inanimate structure, said contact surface comprising a layer of material covering said head and selected to promote friction with said associated inanimate structure.",
    "12. The platform of claim 11 wherein said support assembly further comprises a second protrusion extending upwardly from said top surface of said support assembly for selectively further stabilizing said support assembly top surface when said platform is resting on a thigh of said operator, said second protrusion comprising a head having a contact surface adapted for selective positioning against an associated inanimate structure, wherein said second protrusion is of a different height than said first protrusion, and wherein said protrusion heads are spaced from each other, at least one of said protrusion heads being located on one side of a longitudinal centerline of said support assembly top surface.",
    "13. The platform of claim 11 wherein said support assembly comprises a rail for restraining said data input device from falling off said support assembly top surface, wherein said rail, extends upwardly from said top surface and wherein said first protrusion extends upwardly past said rail.",
    "14. The platform of claim 13 wherein said support assembly top surface comprises a side edge, an end edge and a connecting edge for connecting the side edge and the end edge, which are approximately perpendicular to each other, wherein said connecting edge extends inwardly from the end edge to the side edge and defines with said side edge and said end edge an indented portion for accommodating at least some of a lower trunk of the operator.",
    "15. The platform of claim 13 further comprising a wrist rest extending upwardly from said support assembly top surface, said wrist rest comprising a resilient material, said wrist rest being selectively securable to said support assembly top surface.",
    "16. The platform of claim 11 wherein said support assembly top surface comprises a first section of a first width and, extending therefrom in a plane of said first section, a second section of a narrower second width, and wherein said support assembly further comprises a wrist rest extending upwardly from said support assembly past said support assembly top surface, said wrist rest being located at least partly on said second section and comprising a resilient material.",
    "17. A platform for a hand-operated pointing device used with a microprocessor and an operator's appendage associated with controlling said pointing device, wherein the platform is configured to stably rest upon a thigh of the operator, said platform comprising a support assembly including at least one piece and comprising: a top surface, on which the pointing device and the appendage can be selectively supported; a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface comprises an indentation to accommodate a thigh of the operator and promote the stability of said platform when resting upon a thigh of the operator; and, two protrusions extending from said support assembly for selectively further stabilizing said support assembly when said platform is resting on a thigh of said operator, wherein said protrusions are adapted for selective positioning against an associated inanimate structure, and wherein a first of said protrusions is located on one side of a longitudinal centerline of said support assembly top surface and a second of said protrusions is located on another side of said longitudinal centerline, each of said protrusions comprising a head having a top surface which comprises a layer of a material covering said head and selected to promote friction with said associated inanimate structure when in contact with said associated inanimate structure, and wherein said heads on said first and second protrusions are spaced from each other.",
    "18. The platform of claim 17 wherein said support assembly top surface comprises a side edge and an end edge which are substantially perpendicular to each other and a connecting edge which extends inwardly from said side edge to said end edge, wherein said connecting edge defines with said side edge and said end edge, an indented portion for accommodating at least some of a lower trunk of the operator.",
    "19. The platform of claim 17 wherein said support assembly comprises a rail for restraining said data input device from falling off said support assembly top surface, wherein said rail extends upwardly from said support assembly past said support assembly top surface, and wherein at least one of said protrusions extends upwardly from said support assembly past said rail.",
    "20. The platform of claim 17 wherein said support assembly top surface comprises a first section of a first width and, extending therefrom in a plane of said first section, a second section of a narrower second width, and wherein said support assembly further comprises a wrist rest extending upwardly from said support assembly past said support assembly top surface, said wrist rest being located at least partly on said second section and comprising a resilient material."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/180,202 filed on Jan. 11, 1994 and now abandoned.\n\nThe present invention relates to platforms. More specifically, this invention relates to a platform for supporting a computer input device.\n\nA variety of data input devices for computers are known. These include, for example, a mouse, a track ball, a portable track ball, a stylus, a digitizer with a tablet, a light pen and the like.\n\nOne problem with using such data input devices is repetitive strain injury to the user. Straining to perform the same hand movements over and over again eventually leads to repetitive strain injury. The most common manifestation of repetitive strain injury among typists and data input device users is carpal tunnel syndrome. A similar ailment, wrist tendonitis, has also been associated with such use. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in one's wrist through which the median nerve passes. This nerve carries sensations for the entire hand. It also affects the finger flexor tendons which link one's fingers to the muscles in the person's lower arm. The tunnel is formed by walls of solid bone on three sides with the bottom enclosed by the transverse carpal ligament, a tough, inelastic cartilage. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tendons protect themselves from overuse. Each tendon is surrounded by a thick fluid filled sac called a synovial sheath, which swells with extra fluid to protect the tendon. Scientifically, this swelling is called tendonitis. When these sacs swell in the carpal tunnel, they can pinch the median nerve against the bones or the carpal ligament.",
  "cpc": [
    "G06F 3/0395"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "G06F 3/039"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Thomas D. Sykes"
  ],
  "filing_date": "1996-05-22",
  "publication_date": "2003-11-18",
  "grant_date": "2003-11-18",
  "priority_date": "1994-01-11",
  "application_number": "US-65175996-A",
  "family_id": "29419990",
  "cited_by_count": 19,
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  ]
}