CA2169186A1

CA2169186A1 - Palm rest for use with computer data entry devices

Info

Publication number: CA2169186A1
Application number: CA002169186A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Gregory H. Rice
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-08-09
Filing date: 1994-08-09
Publication date: 1995-02-16
Also published as: JPH09503968A; WO1995004662A1; EP0713451A1; EP0713451A4; US5490647A; US6075516A; US5788195A

Abstract

Disclosed is a palm rest (220) for use with a computer data entry devices such as a computer keyboard (222) that minimized an alleviated posture- and stress-related disorders associated with use of computer devices. The palm rest includes a hand-support section (226) that is substantially rectangular-shaped to allow the fingers of a user to readily access the computer keyboard, a base (224), and a curvilinear section (226) that couples the hand-support section to the base. The curvilinear section allows a user to adjust the height of the hand-support section according to user preference and the heights of individual data entry devices.

Description

WO 95/0466~ 21 69 1 ~ 6 PCT/US94/09082 PALM REST FOR USE WlTH
CO~U l~;K DATA ENTRY DEVICES
Related Application This application is a contin~tion-in-part of Application Serial 5 No. 08/104,365, filed August 9, 1993, the benefit of the filing of which is hereby imed under 3~ U.S.C. 120. United States Applic~tion Serial No. 08/104,365 is hereby incol~GlaLed by re~rel ce.
Field of the Invention The invention generally relates to data entry for colnputers and, more 10 particularly, to devices for ~ g work-related injuries that may result from use of computers, and to computer accesso,ies for op~;...;,;i-g a wurl~ace and improving user effir;ency.
Back~round of the Invention It is well known that the use of computer keyboards for extensive periods of 15 time can cause office WUlkel~ and others to develop posture- and stress-related injuries, in~ ing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome generally results from stress to the wrist area caused by a co",binalion of wrist posture and chronic rep~;Lili~e wrist and finger motions. In response to this phenomena, wrist/arm supports have been developed that consist of an elongated pad, which typically is 20 positioned along and ~ cent to the front of the keyboard. Instead of a sin~ r elongated pad, separate support pads for each wrist have also been employed. Prior art wrist rests help to relieve posture- and stress-related injuries of keyboard users by supporting the wrist in a position relative to the hand and arm so that the degree of bending at the wrist is decreased, thus decreasing the stress caused by repetitive 2~ motion.

Wo 95/04662 216 9 18 6 PCT/US94/09082 While prior art wrist rests may be suitable for use with keyboards, they are nots~ticf~ctory when used -with computer pointing devices. The popularity of several graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as Microsoft WindowslM, IBM OS/2~M and Apple System 7~ for use with personal computers has resulted in a dramatic increase 5 in the utili7~tion of computer pointing devices, and hence, related injuries. As an example, over 15 million copies of Microsoft WindowsTM operating systems have been sold. It has been suggested that Microsoft Windows has had the strongest singular impact on the sale and use of pointing devices in recent years.
While making comrllters easier to use, the increased use of pointing devices 10 has become a signifiç~nt co-corltlibulor to the widespread development of posture-and repetitive stress-related disorders. Such disorders typically develop in the neck, choul~rs~ and/or wrists. These disorders can impair comfort, health, and productivity to the point of being disabling. For more i,~l".ation on repetitive stress injuries, please see "The ~n~ling of an Epidemic," published in Worhng Woman, February 1993, pp. 60-65, which is hereby incorporated by reference. For i~ "ation on t.~;onolnics in the woll~lace, see "Video Display Terminal Ergonomics," pub!iched in Professional Safe~, June 1992, pp. 32-39, which is also hlcol~olated by lc;rere.lce.
Comruter pointing devices have evolved into several primary categories, inrlllrli~ the co~ er mouse, tra~h~, joysticks, pens, and additional keyboard 20 keys. The specific advantages and disadvantages of each category vary relative to the int~ntled use, design, and fi)nrtion~lity of the pointing device. For example, pointing devices vary relative to their shape, ergonomics, and the employed means of converting tracking movement of the device to movement of a cursor on a computerscreen. These characterictics determine the amount of space needed to use the 25 poinling device, the intuitiveness ofthe device, as well as the time required to p~lrullll a pointing task, i.e., the q~ n~ss of target acqllicition Greater intuitiveness in dile~,ling a cursor motion via the m~nip~ tion of a pointing device decreases the time to achieve a colllÇull~ble skill level with an l-nf~mili~r pointing device, and results in quicker target acql.icition speed. In many cases and for many uses, once a user is 30 coll~llable with a pointing device, the speed of the cursor can be accelerated to increase the speed of cursor movement relative to hand movement. This adj~lctm~nt is made by the user adjusting either the operating system software, through software that acco~ nieS the pointing device, or through a separate software utility. In summary, the speed of target acquisition and the overall ~offic.i~ncy of a pointing 35 device are dependent upon the intuitiveness of the device, the ergonomics of the device, and the relative cursor speed as set by software.

_ wo 95/04662 21 6 9 I 8 G PCT/US94/09082 Of the above-described pointing devices, the computer mouse has become the most popular. Computer mice have the advantages of user familiarity and of allowing moderately 4uick target acquisition. However, there are a number of disadvantages associated with their use. For example, computer mice are usually positiQrled on a 5 mouse pad or other level and flat surface next to the keyboard. This pl~cçmentuires a concide~able amount of ~ledic~ted desk space, which is a limited commr~ ty in typically crowded w~lk~pace e.,~ilu~ f ~ts As a further disadvantage, pointercontrol using a computer mouse often requires movement of the shoulder and arm, in ~dition to the wrist, hands and fingers. Furthermore, computer mice must often be 10 lifted and repositioned on the mouse pad in order to plop~.ly position the pointer.
These extra motions are f~ti~lin~ to the sh~ulder and neck areas and/or i.~ ing to the user's wrist, and can further contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Co~pulc.mice users tend to rest their wrists on a hard desk surface, the edge of the mouse pad, or the edge of a desk. Irrespective of the chosen resting position, the user's wrist 15 typically rests on a surface that is irritating to the wrist and in a position such that the wrist is forced to bend, both of which are contributing factors to Carpal TunnelSy..d,u",e.
In co.l,~ison to comput~r mice, tracLb~lls require less desk space and are easily incG,I,o,aled into computer keyboards and portable computers, e.g., laptop or 20 notebook computers. However, tr~cl~b~llc are typically considered to be less i"luilivt;
and more difficult to control than computer mice. Thus, trarl h~llc have slower target ~cq~iCitio~ than computer mice. Further, tr~ç~h~llc that are integral with or that attach to portable computers, i.e., mini~tllre tr~clh~llc and ball-point mice, have traditionally been of a relatively small size, in order to increase portability and to 25 conserve space around the keyboard. These small trael~h~llc are even more awkward to use than standard tracl~h~lle~ especially for habitual users of computer mice.
In U.S. Patent No. 5,131,614 to Garcia et al., a wrist support for alleviating some of the posture- and stress-related problems associated with the use of computer mice is suggested. While it is unclear from the patent, an illustration of a probable 30 construction and use of the Garcia et al. wrist support is shown herein with r~Çw nce to FIGURES 1 and 2A-2D. A wrist support 20 sug~ested by Garcia et al. incl~-de$ a longitudin~l pad 22 and base 24 that rests on a desk or other support surface. The longinl~in~l pad 22 apparently would extend along the front of a keyboard 26 and outwardly from an edge thereof, such that the longitudin~l pad 22 may be used in35 conjunction with a computer mouse 28. As is shown, the keyboard 26 and computer mouse 28 rest on the base 24.

wo 95/04662 ~6 PcT~s94/ogO82 Wrist rests such as that dicclQsed in Garcia et al. and similar devices have a number of disadv~nt~ges For eY~mrle, the lon~itudin~l pad 22 does not alleviate the need for chouldpr and arm movement during the course of moving the poilll;ng device, especially toward and away from the user. Such movement is illustrated in 5 FIG11RES 2A and 2B. This fo.~ard and backward movement creates friction b.,~ . the user's for~". and the wrist rest 20 which, co..~hi~ed with the p.~s~.l.e applied to the wrist area, irritates the wrist tissue and co~ ules to Carpal Tunnel S~,.dro",c. Fu.ll,ell"ore, movement of the arm and cho~ er can work the cht~ er and neck .~ s~ s to the point of aggravation. Also, the chronic rel)~ili~e lifting of 10 the arm while using the computer mouse 28 and moving between the keyboard 26 and computer mouse 28 often causes fatigue and aching of the sho~ldPr and neck muccles~
In addition to the disadvantages described above, prior art solutions such as the one suggested in Garcia et al. do not ~cGo.. odate variations in the vertical pocitioning of the pointing device and wrist rest relative to the user. This problem is 15 caused by the relative angles be~we~in the rore~" wrist, and the poinling device. In turn, the relative angles are ~ cled by the heights of the rest 20 and pointing device 28. Suppose a wrist rest is confi~red for a normal work surface height asshown in FIGI~RE 2A, but that the rest 20 and computer mouse 28 are moved to a lower po~;lion as shown in FIGllRE 2C, e.g., on the user's lap, or to a higher position as shown in FIGURE 2D, e.g., to a higher section of a desk, or on top of a book or other desk clutter. The rPl~tionchiE~ between the arm, the wrist rest, and the pointing device will change as the wrist rest and pointing device are moved from the worksl~rf~ce If the wrist rest and pointing device are positioned in a relatively low position, a wrist support that is too short will require the wrist to bend or flex upwardly. Additionally, in such a position the user's upper arm may be forced to lift othe rest in order to effectively use the pointing device, as is shown in FIGURE 2C.
Conversely, when the wrist rest 20 and pointing device 28 are used in a relatively high position, as shown in FIGI~RE 2D, there is an arching of the wrist and arm, which is ul-cO~ able, applies more p.~s~u~e to the wrist, and causes the wrist to bend.
Another disadvantage of prior art solutionc such as that described for Garcia et al. is that use of the wrist rest is inconvenient when the ke~l.oard/mouse is placed on the user's lap. Such rests are characteristically bulky and do not join the keyboard and pointing device in a way that is compact and stable on the user's lap. The advantages of placing the keyboard and pointing device on the user's lap are multifold, inf hlclin~ wo.l,space Oplill~aLion and improved ergonomics. The workspace is op~ii"ized by çlimin~ting the need for a desk to support the keyboard _ Wo 95/04662 1 69186 PCT/US94/09082 and pointing device, and by enabling the user to shift from one area to another within the work~pace. The elgonol,lics are improved by enabling the arms to hang relaxed, the wrists to posture straight, the elbows and legs to bend 90, and the feet to be poeitioned flat on the floor without the need for multiple elgonoll ic devices. The S user only re~uile;, a chair of proper height, a computer screen placed at proper height, and a means of ~lppolLIng the ke~G~d and pointing device on the lap.
In ~d~ition to the disadvantages desc.ibed above, prior art solutions are not c~..pa~l, portable and alorablc in a briefcase for mobile use with a portable computer.
Fu~lLcnllore, the wrist rest po.lions are not integrated into computer keyboards, 10 portable computers, or computer pointing devices.
There is a need for a support that may be used with cornputer pointing devices that will .~ ..;,e posture- and stress-related injuries, inrluding those injuries sl~.. il-g from shoulder movement and wrist extension/flexion, while still allowing quick target acqnieitiQn It would be advantageous to have a rest that is positioned 15 relatively close to the po;,.~;ng device. Further, it would be advantageous if the SulJpoll was confi~lrable to allow it to be joined or integrated into a keyboard, a portable computer, or a pu: n;~p device. Integration of a rest with poinLing devices will beco.lle increasingly illli~GlL~ll as the popularity of portable computers increases.
Further desirable fealures of a support are cOlllpa~ilility with laptop use, ease of 20 ass_.llbly/ lis~cse~llhly and storage, and portability.
Summary of the Invention The invention is an appar~l~ls for ...;..;...;,;.-g posture- and stress-related disorders associated with the use of cornpllt~r data entry devices. The apparatus comprises: (a) a base that incllldes an upper and a lower surface; (b) a palm support 25 section for ~upyOll;ilg a user's palm, the palm support section e~.ontlin~ over a portion of the upper surface of the base to allow at least a part of the data entry device to be positioned between the palm support section and the upper surface of the base; and (c) a component that couples the palm support section to the base.
In accordance with other aspects of the invention the lower surface of the base 30 is of sub~ lly low friction to allow the apparatus to be moved relative to the data entry device as data is being entered. Further, the coupling component is of a flexible material such that the rlict~nce between the palm support section and the base decreases under the weight of a user's arm.
In accordat ce with further aspects of the invention, the dict~nce between the 35 palm support section and the base varies as the appa-~lus is moved during data entry.
Further, the data entry device is a computer keyboard and the base is positioned W O 95/04662 ~CTnUS94/09082 ~,~69~ 6 underneath the keyboard during data entry. The lower surface of the base is of subst~nti~lly low friction to allow the apparatus to be moved relative to the computer keyboard as data is being entered.
In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the appa,~lus is adjustableto di~,rt.l~ heights so as to adapt to the heights of various po.~.lii g devices. The appalalus also may include a c~hion that is bonded thereto to provide added to the user.
In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the appa~a~us is adjoined to a computer k~il.oard or a portable computer:
BriefDes~ ion ofthe Drawings The fo-~goil,g aspects and many of the ~le~ nl advantages of this invention will become more readily apprcciated as the same beco...es better understood by .. f, rence to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the acco.npa..~il.g drawings, wherein:
FIGU RE 1 is a perspective view of a prior art rest for use with a computer mouse;
FIGIJFUE 2A is a side view ofthe rest shown in FIGlJRJe l;
FIGU R E 2B illustrates the rest and CGl ~ ~pl ~e~ mouse of FIG U R E 2A, where the co...puler mouse has been moved away from the user, FIGI~RE 2C illustrates the rest and cQmputrr mouse of FIGIJR E 2A, where the rest and comr~lter mouse are placed in a low position relative to the user;
FIGI~ E 2D illustrates the rest and computer mouse of FIGU R E 2A, where the rest and computer mouse are placed in a high position relative to the user;
FIGU RE 3A is a side view of a first ~,.e...pla y palm rest in accordance with the invention;
FIGIJFUE 3B is a plan view ofthe palm rest of FIGIJRUE 3~i FIGllR E 3C is a cross-section~l view of the palm rest of FIGI~RE 3B, taken along section line 3B-3B;
FIG U RE 4 illustrates use of the palm rest of FIG URE 3A with a computer 30 trackball;
FIGI~RE SA is an exploded, isometric view of a second exemplary palm rest in accordance with the invention, inr.lll~ing a spacer for adjusting the height of the palm rest to accommodate various computer pointing devices;
FIGllRE 5B illustrates the palm rest of FIG U RE SA in which the spacer has been joined with the r~ g sections of the palm rest;

_ WO 95/04662 2169 PCT/US94/09082 FIGURE 6A is a pe~ e~ e view of a third eYemrlAry palm rest in accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 6B illustrates the palm rest of FIGURE 6A without the hand of a user;
FIGURE 6C illustrates the underside of the palm rest of FIG11RE 6A;
FIGURE 6D is a cross-se~ ;onAI view of the palm rest of FIG~RE 6A;
FIGIJRE 7A is a plan view of a fourth P~ e. ~ palm rest in accordance with the i,l~,nliol~, in which a tracking coll.i)OnCnl has been hl~e~lated into the palm rest;
FIGURE 7B is a se~ ;ollAl side view of the palm rest of FIGURE 7A;
FIGURE 8 is a plan view of a fifth eYpmr!~ry palm rest in accordance with the invention in which the palm rest has been integrated into a computer keyboard;
FIGIJRE 9A is a plan view of a set of platform sections that may be ~Att~Chp~d to a computer keyboard in accG,dallce with the invention to provide stability to the co~ P,l kerlJoard when placed on a user's lap and which allow a palm rest to be Att~Açhed adjAcent the colnr~ltp~r keyboard;
FIG~1RE 9B illu~ es ~tt~chmPnt of the palm rest of FIGURES ~A-6D with the platform sectionc and computer kerboald of FIGURE 9A;
FIGURE 9C is a cross-section~l view of the plaL~ sectiQn~ of FIGllRE 9A, taken along section line 9C-9C;
FIG11RE 10A is a p~.spe~ e view of a sixth c ,~enl?l~y palm rest and motion tracking colllponcllL in accordal ce with the invention, in which the palm rest and motion tracking coml)oncnl are i"le~ated with a portable computer;
FIGURE 10B illustrates the motion tracking colllponent of FIGURE 10A in a stored position;
FIG~JRE 11 is an exploded isometric view of the palm rest and motion tracking component of FIGURE 10A;
FIG~RE 12 illustrates a cavity in the portable computer of FIGURES 10A, 10B and 11 for acce~ling the motion tracking colllponelll, FIGURE 13A is a perspective view of a pair of palm rests for use with a computer keyboard in acco~dance with the invention, with a user's hands shown inph~ntorn;
FIGURE 13B illustrates in greater detail one of the palm rests shown in FIGURE 13A, FIGURE 13C illustrates the underside of the palm rest of FIGURE 13B;
FIGIJRE 13D is a cross-sectional view ofthe palm rest of FIGURE 13B; and WO 95/04662 pcTluss4lo9o82 69~Q~6 8 FIG~RE 14 is a perspective view of a seventh exemplary palm rest in accordal~ce with the invention.
Detailed Description of the Prefe, l ed Embodiment FIGURES 3A-3C and 4 illustrate a first eYPmrl~ry embodiment of a palm 5 rest 50 in accordance with the invention. The palm rest 50 reduces posture- and stress-related injuries by encouraging an essçnti~lly straight path b~ ,el~ the elbow, wrist and hand as a comp~lter poinling device is m~nip~ te~ by providing support for the user's arm and palm, and by providing a raised fulcrum to enable finger control of a pOill~ing device. Without the palm rest, a user's wrist must bend to accomrnodate 10 the colllpulel poi..ling device. In FIGURE 3A, the palm rest 50 is shown in use with a cr~mrllt~r mouse 51. In FIGURE 4A, a trackball 52 is illustrated as the pointing device.
The palm rest 50 incl~ldes side walls 53 and 54 for supporting a curved-shaped hand-support surface 56. The hand-support surface 56 forms a back 58 and top 60 15 portion of the palm rest. The side walls and support surface collectively form a cavity 62 that can accept at least a portion of a computer pointing device, such as the CO~pLIl~r mouse 51 or the trackball 52. The cavity is prerelably of s~lffi~i~nt height to allow a poinl;ng device to slide undel..calh the palm rest, while not being so tall as to ecesc-.;ly ;.,c.ease bending ofthe wrist. A suitable d;~ ce belweel- the pointing 20 device and top of the palm rest is, for eY~mrle~ between 1 and 5 mi~ ele~ (mm).
i.,g a suitable ~is~ ce between the pointing device and the palm rest is illlpol~nl for ,,.;Il;...;,;.~g bending of the wrist and for allowing the fingers to CGIl~l lsbly reach and maneuver the pointing device.
Palm rest 50 further inrludes a bumper or stop 68 that extends from the 25 back 58 of the palm rest 50, along the side walls 53 and 54, and toward a front edge 69 of the palm rest. The stop 68 prevents the computer mouse 51 from being pushed too far under the hand-support surface 56 during mouse manipulations, andthus beyond the reach of a user's r~nge. li~JS, shown at 70 in FIGIJRE 3A. The length of the stop 68 may depend upon the particular pointing device to be used, and may be 30 adjll~t~ble by the user. A non-skid pad 71, partially shown in FIGURES 3A and 3C, is p~efelably ~tt~hed to the bottom portions of the side walls and back to prevent the palm rest from sliding around on a work surface 72.
The components comprising the palm rest 50 may be of a number of suitable materials. For r ~ .ple, the side walls 53 and S4, hand-support surface 56 and back 35 wall 58 may be formed as an integral unit from an injection-molded plastic such as polyc~l,ol1a~e and/or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic. It is noted that _ wO 95/04662 21 691 8 G PCT/US94/osO82 g the col.lponellls co~ g palm rest 50 may also be formed in sections, with the sections being subsequently joined together, e.g., by using a suitable adhesive.The palm rest provides a null~ber of advantages over prior rests to be used with comr~ltpr mice, and over the use of pointing devices without any type of rest.
S The palm rest 50 supports the palm slightly above the poillLu~g device while using a Co.~pl,llf mouse or trackball, thereby red~lcing wrist bend a known conl.;b.,lor to the dc~elop~ of Carpal Tunnel Sylldr~llle. Su~poll-llg the palm during po;-~l;ngdevice m~nip~ tirnc also suppolls part of the weight of the arm, thus re~e~,ih~g~hollldpr and neck ml-srles, which decreases stress- and work-related injuries to the sho~lldrr and neck areas. The hand-support surface 56 provides a raised fulcrum for the palm, thereby ~ n~ the range and degree of mouse control using the fingers.
In this manner, a user's fingers alone can move the colnruter mouse through appro,~ ely the full range of motion needed to access all areas of a computer screen with a cursor. As a result, a user can quickly direct the computer cursor to desired points on the computP-r screen without moving the elbow and arm to the extent e~ ed when the palm rest is not used. Thus, in ad~litiQn to decreasing factors that col,llil,ule to work-related injury, the palm rest increases user efficiency by increasing the speed of target acqlliQ;~ion Further, finger control is intuitive to users of the palm rest and a co,llpule~ mouse, enqhli~ quick target acql)icition times.
FIGURES 5A and SB illustrate a second eYempl~ry embodirnent of a palm rest 80 in accol dance with the invention. In this embodiment, the height of the palm rest is ndj~l~table to acco,.. ~d~te the vary;ing heights of di~ren~ computer pointing devices. The palm rest 80 inrl~ldes a top hand-support section 82, a height-adjustm~nt section or spacer 84, and a bottom section 86. The height of the palmrest 80 is adjustable by adding or removing one or more of the height-adjuctm~ntsection~ 84, although only one height-a~ tment section is shown in FIG~RES SA
and 5B. The bottom section 86 inrl~ld~s a non-skid pad 88 that is bonded to the underneath of the bottom section to prevent slipping of the palm rest on a workplace s--rf~r,e.
Each of the cç,nll)on~ s comprising palm rest 80 inrl~ldes either an interlocking ridge 90, a groove 92, or both, which enable the CGIllpOnenlS to be joined together. The top hand-support section 82 includes a groove 90a that interlocks with - a ridge 92a on the height-adj~lstm~nt section 84. The height adjustm~nt section 84 also includes a groove 90b that interlocks with a ridge 92b on the bottom section 86.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other means of attaçhing the sections may also be used. For example, the sections may be joined by screws, or by a hook WO 95/04662 ~ PCT/US94/09082 ?,~69~ -lo-and loop f~cten~-r, such as that m~nl-f~ctured under the trademark VelcroTM by Velcro USA Inc. of ~I-rhe~lP~, NH.
FIGURES 6A-6D illustrate a third eYçmplqry palm rest 94 in accoldance with the invention. Palm rest 94 fimrtiorlc in a manner similar to the palm rests 50 and 80 dicrlosed in FIGIJRES 3A-3C, 4, and 5A-5B, except that the palm rest 94 incllldes a numberof~lluclu~ liLr~ ,lces. Moreparticularly, the side walls 53 and 54 of palmrest50 have been removed to provide a cantilevered-type s~ ;lule that allows eYr~n~ed lateral nlovt.,..,.ll of a comrutrr mouse, shown most clearly in FIGURE 6A.
Also, the palm rest 94 has a coll~elLenl height-~djv~ feature, de3_,;bed below.
10 Other ~alull_s will become appa,~,.ll from the following ~iccllcsion The palm rest 94 incl~des a hand i~ppo,l section 96 that may be desc"il ed as having a "blunted" V-shape that allows the fingers 97 and thumb 98 of a user to bend around the palm rest to reach a computer mouse 99. This feature enables e~r~n~edmotion of the fingers 97 and thumb 98 while m~nir~ tin~ the pointing device. The15 blunted V-shape of the hand-support section also improves co..~.l for people with smaller hands.
The palm rest 94 further includes a plalru.". section 100 that is a st~bili7in~
base for the hand-support surface 96 and a so,..e-.l-at flexible curvilinear p~ .illl~ t~ ~
section 102 that couples the hand-support section 96 and the plalro~ section 100.
20 The plalrullll section 100 also serves as an integrated mouse pad for the computer mouse 99. A ridge 104 extends around the periphery of top surface 105 of the plalru.... section 100 to help keep the computer mouse on the platform section during mouse .~nip~ ;ons~ if the mouse is bumped, or if the palm rest 94 is resting at a moderate angle. The palm rest 94 also inrludes platform feet or pads 106a and 106b that support the phlrullll section 100. In cross-section, the palm rest 94 is shaped similar to a hook as is shown in FIGURE 6D. The hand-support section 96 and plà~llll sectionlO0 form an angle~ that is user adjustable to conlre~c~e for col..~ er poinl,ng devices of various heights, then benefits of which are described above with regard to FIGURES 5A & 5B. Although not shown, it is noted that some 3û users may also prefer to raise the end of the platform section that is opposite the hand-support section 96 because it may further decrease bending of or stress to the wrist. This may be ~cco~nrliched by providing adjustable platform feet 106, e.g., ~,.llo~a~'e and re~tt~rh~ble thicker and thinner platform feet 106b.
The basic cGlll?olle.lls of the palm rest 94 may be constructed using the 35 following: a rigid core lû8 that is fabricated in the general shape of the palm rest, a cushion 110 that is ~tt~rhed to an outer surface 112 of the rigid core to form the ~_ WO 95/04662 -11 ?1 69 1 8 ~ PCT~US94/09082 hand-rest section 96, and a fabric sleeve 114 that either partially or wholly encases the rigid core 108 and cl.chion 110. The rigid core 108 may be fabricated from ~1~,...;..~...., thermoforrn plastic or from other approp,;ately rigid, but so,.le~.lla~ pliant, material. The rigid core may also be constructed of the rigid materials that are joined 5 by a pliant material that forms the curvilinear section 102. In a pleÇ~l~,d embodiment, the rigid core 108 is fal~lica~ed from ~lllmimlm 5052 H32 that is 0.050 inch thick. It has been found that this particular grade, temper and thi~n~c of ~ . is of suffic~nt s~ ess to support the weight of the user's hand and anTI, and yet is suffi~ ntly pliant so that the user can bend the ~IIIminllm to modify the angle~, 10 thereby adju~ling the height of the hand-support section 96 to the optimal height for any particular poin~hlg device being used.
The cushion 110 may, for example, be of a pres~.l,e molde~ EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) that is bonded to the rigid core 108 Other materials that may be used to fabricate the cushion 110 include a loose fill material, soft-molded plastic, or a silicone 15gel packet. As an alternative to the cushion 110, the hand-support section 96 may be contoured alllmim.m in a shape that is comfortable and supportive to the user's palm.
In this case, cllchioning prerer~bly provided by a non-contoured EVA foam sheet, a neople,le sheet, an open cell foam, or other such resilient material. The fabricsleeve 114 may be fabricated primarily from a low-friction mnicture-ab5Gll,ing 20material, such as a four-way stretch sp~n~leY, e.g., LycralM or nylon. The fabric sleeve 114 may be ~ttached to the rigid core 108 by an adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape veneelt;d to all or a portion of the surfaces of the rigid core 108. In one embodiment, a section ofthe fabric sleeve 114iS releasably ~tt~ched to the rigid core 108 such that the sleeve may be removed, washed, and subsequently 25re~n~ h~
The perimeter ridge 104iS created by forming a seam in the fabric sleeve 114.
As an al~ .alive, the pe~i,llet-;r ridge 104 may be created, for example, by a ridge ed into or molded onto the material COlllplisitlg the rigid core 108, or a ridgethat is first fabricated of plastic, foam or other material and subsequently ~tt~ched to 30the rigid core. A bumper or stop 116 that prevents the computer mouse from being - pushed too far beneath the hand-rest section 96 may also be formed by a seam sewn into the fabric sleeve 114. The platform feet 106 are bonded or sewn to the outside of the fabric sleeve 114 and are preferably fabricated from a non-skid material such as synthetic rubber or closed cell foam.
35In the embodim~nts shown in FIGURES 6C and 6D, the portion of fabric sleeve 114 that covers a lower surface 118 ofthe platforrn section 100 is composed of Wo ss/o4662 PCT/US94109082 69~86 a hook and loop fastener 120, such as that sold under the trademark Velcro~M. The hook and loop fastener 120 may be used to aKach the palm rest 94 to a cantilevered platform section, as ~ rlosed below in FIGURES 9A and 9B and nGco~ .ying text.
Further, at the end of the platform section, opposite the curvilinear section, a top 5 portion of the fabric sleeve preferably eYtendc around the back edge of the palm rest and releasably ~tt~^hec to the bottom surface of the pl~lrUll,. section. The ~tt?~rhmPnt may be made, for example, with a suitable hook and loop f~ctener, such as VelcroTM.
This portion ofthe dow..l.J~.~ed sleeve defines a slot 122 and channel 124 to serve as a cord guide for a cord 126 that couples the p~in~ g device, e.g., CG.~ mouse 99, 10 to a c~...l..,lPr (not shown). This configuration is illustrated most clearly in FIG~JRE 6A. Other suitable means of cGnl~ ;ng and direc~ g the pointing device cord 126 may also be used, such as a channel molded into the end of the platformsection, a coil ~ rhed to the platform section, or reversed hooks contoured into the edge.
The illustrated design of the palm rest 94 has a number of features that ~grn~nt the fimctionc of the palm rest. The blunted "V" shape of the hand-support section and the side cutouts also provide for an PYp~nded range of motion, for a palm rest that adapts to a broader range of hand sizes, and allow a broader range of motion than the embodiment shown in FIGURE 3A. The pL~ ll section 100 provides a 20 SU~lpGll surface for the cG...~,ulel mouse and thus enables moving the palm rest and mouse as a unit. Further, the palm rest and colnrutPr mouse may be ~tt~rhed to acomputer keyboard or to a laptop computer, as ~isclosed below in FIGllRES 9A and9B and acco...panyi.lg text. The construction of the rigid core 108 allows a user to adjust the height of the palm rest to adapt to various heights of poil-lin g devices. The c -shio~ and fabric sleeve relieve stress to the palm tissues. The fabric sleeve also enh~ncPq user cOll~ll by absolb~1g pcr~ilalion and providing a co~ able low-friction sll~ce The fabric sleeve also provides a suitable degree of friction for the poinlil.g device. The pe.il--eler ridge 104 helps to prevent the pointing device from falling offthe section platform 100. The platform feet 106 help to prevent the palm rest from sliding around on a work surface. Finally, the cord guide created by channel 124 decl~,ases the torquing and tug acting upon a mouse by the cord 126 as the computer mouse is manipulated.
FIGURE 7A and 7B illustrate a fourth exemplary palm rest 130 in accordance with the invention. As in the embodiment shown in FIGURES 6A-6D, the palm rest inl~lvdes a hand-support section 132 and a platform section 134 that function in the same manner as those described above. In addition, the palm rest l30 integrates a _ WO 95/04662 -13- 2169~ PCT/us94loso82 mouse-like motion tracking col,lpone.-~ 136 that may be used in lieu of traditional computer poinl,l-g devices. The motion tracking component 136 rests on the platform section 134. The motion tracking con,poncnt inclvdes a tail-like projection 138 that extends from a back side 140 thereof toward a back end 142 of 5 the palm rest 130.
The projection 138 inrl-ldPc a vertical section 144 at the end thereof that eng~s a wall 146, which extends duw~vvaldly from an underside 148 of the hand-s-ll,?o,l section 132. The proj~ction 138 and wall 146 coopelali~ely work tû prevent the motion~ cLing col~lponc,.lt 136 from falling off the platform section 134 when 10 the plalÇull" is se~;ely bu~ped or tilted. As shown in FIGURE 6B, the platform section 134 also inrllldes a perimeter ridge 149 that limits movement of the motion tracking colllponent 136 caused by slight tilting or bumping of the palm rest 130. A
cord 150 couples the motion tracking component 136 to a computer (not shown).
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the motion tracking co""~)one"L
15 may have any of a number of tracking means currently known or not yet developed, inr.lu~in~ e~h~nic~l~ optical, opto-.. ecl-~ -ical, touch pad, tligiti7ing means and other means. Further, while the embodim~nt of the palm rest 130 and motion tracking colllponent 136 incolyolales a tail to prevent it from being separated from or falling off the platform section 134, other means of ~tt~rhm~nt or retention may be used.
20 Also, a motion tracking co..-l.onenl may be incorporated that rests above or that is wholly housed within the pla~l-l- section, such as a tiigjti7~r, or partially housed in the platform section in which moveable members are slidably ~tt~rhed to enable hGli~olllal planar motion and motion tracking within a housing. One example of this general calegoly of partially housed motion tracking devices is the FelixTM mouse by 25 AltralM. Finally, the motion llacl~illg co",l)on~.,l 136 can comm..nic~te through infrared co...~- .-;r~tions or radio frequency (R~) signals, rather than using the cord.
As a further o~ iorl of the cûncepts herein disclosed, the motion tracking colllponent 136 incol~,ora~ed into the palm rest 130 has a functional shape. Thepurpose of the shape is to allow the fingers, hand, wrist and arm to rest on the30 conlponent in a relatively non-stressful and non-f~ti~ling position. This function is acco...lliched by having the hand rest in a slightly rotated and laterally angled position. Further, the lateral and top surfaces of the motion tracking colllponel-l include a housing and button ~vilclles that have el~onGlllic function in their individual and cGlnl,;ned shape. The embodiment shown is an ergonomic shape for use by the 35 right hand. The tracking component may also be shaped for the left hand, or be shaped for ambidextrous use. The shape for ambidextrous use includes bilaterally wo 95/~62 ~,~6~- PCT/US94/09082 placed planar levels and depressions to engage the thumb, index, middle, ring and little finger distal phalangeal pads.
In a p,erelled embodimPnt support surfaces for the distal ph~l~P~l pads include depressions that engage the distal phalangeal pads of the fingers, such that 5 light passive pressure of the fingers laying on the motion tracking coll.ponent 136 can ~deql)~tPly position the motion tracking component during control movements. A
depre~;on 152a, on a medial lateral hou5in~ wall 154, receives the thumb distal phalangeal pad. A depression 152b, on a higher plane 158 of upper surface of themotion tracking colllt)on&ll 136, receives the distal ph~l~ng~o~l pad of the index finger.
A depression 152c, on a mid-level plane 160 of the upper surface of the trackingcomponent 136, receives the distal phalangeal pad of the middle finger.
Depressions 152d and 152e, on a lower plane 162 of the upper surface of the motion tracking component 136, receive the distal phalangeal pads of the ring and smallfingers.
The illustrated palm rest 130 with its integrated motion tracking coll,yonenl 136 has a number of advantages over a separate palm rest for use with tra-iitiQn~l pointing devices. For example, the size and shape of each component, and the materials used for each cGll,pollenl may be o~ ed The ergonomic shape allows the fingers, hands, wrists and arm to rest in a supported, relatively non-20 f~ti~ling position, with the wrist straight, the fore~"~ slightly rotated and angled laterally, and the fingers naturally falling onto corresponding ergonomically positioned and shaped surfaces. The palm of the hand is thus supported by the palm rest 130, and the distal ph~l~nge~l pads of the fingers are supported such that the hand spans the motion tracking colll?on~l~ in an unrestricted manner. This layout enables user 25 control movements limited to flexion, extension, abd~ on and ~dd~letion of the fingers to move the motion tracking component through a full range of motion. In a p,.,ft;lled embodiment, the upper surface of the motion tracking col,lponent 136 has depressions or finger wells 152 for eng~ging the fingers. These finger wells 152enable the fingers to more effectively control the movement of the motion tracking 30 co",ponen~. Thus, the intuitive pointing of the fingers for controlling cursor movement is further o~l;...;~ed It is noted that the palm rest 130 with integrated motion tracking component has applicability outside of traditional computer oriented applications, and may be used in various applications, e.g., industrial, military, games, and as a general system control device.
FIGURE 8 illustrates a palm rest 170 that is similar to the palm rest 94 of FIGURES 6A-6D except that it is integrated into the midsection of a split WO 95/~4Cfi2 -15- ~1 69186 PCTN594/0908~

(elgono.. ic) keyboard 172. In nddition to a hand-support section 174 that functions in the same manner as those described above, the palm rest 170 also inr.ll~des left 176 and right 178 k~ oa-.l palm rest sectionc Preferably, non-skid rubber pads (not shown) are ~ttaçhed to the boKom of the keyboard 172 to prevent the keyboard from 5 sliding around on a work surface or on a users lap. Also, either the palm rest 170 or the bottom of the kt~Ga~d (not shown) may include means to level the ke~oald 172on a user's lap, as dc3~ ed below in FIGI~RES 9A and 9B and acc~...pAl.~i"g text.
The h.~e~ ion of the palm rest 170 with the ke~oald 172 enables using a tra~lition~l pointing device and ke~il,oa~d as an integral unit, thereby incorporating at 10 least some of the adval,ldges ~licrlosed above. Also, such a cQnfi~,~ration may be consL~u~iLed to be of a sllfficiently low profile and narrow length so as to fit into standard suspended keyboard work platforms common to many computer wc~h~,L~Lions Pl~cçnnPnt of the palm rest 170 between the keyboard sections 176 and 178 enables ambidextrous use of the poinLing device on the palm rest.
lS Configured as a unit, the r~l~tionchir between pointing device and keyboard is more easily learned and thus increases worker çfficiency. Many w~.k~2.ces are spread-out, cluueled, or co~n~d The integrated unit enables moving the keyboard and a prere.led poinling device together about the workspace from one work area to another. The co.nl~ f,d unit can be used on a clulleled work surface, on top of 20 papers and books or used while cantilevered over the edge of a desk. ~dition~lly~
the cor..bi.lcd unit is stable, co--~o- Lable, and ergonomic~lly correct on the user's lap (i.e., it encou.ages the users arms to hang relaxed, with the wrists straight, elbows and legs bent 90, and feet flat on the floor) Furthermore, the need for de~ic~ted keyboard wo~h.,lJace is Pli...;,~cd by enabling the keyboard and pointing device to 25 operate on the user's lap. The low profile of this configuration enables it to function on the desktop, on a sub-desk suspended keyboard platform, or on the user's lap near a desk A co,..,-~on characteristic of the large number of computer keyboards and portable col~p.Jlf;., in use is that they do not sit coll~.Lably or with stability on a 30 typical user's lap. In ~d~litio~, for laptop use, computer users have traditionally been forced to colllpro.,llse by using computer pointing devices that are relatively awkward to use, or which must be positioned in inefficient or stress-inducing locations relative to the keyboard and the user. Additionally, pointing devices that have been developed for portable computer users are typically disadvantageous because they require a35 transition from non-laptop pointing devices, have slower target acquisition times, and as a result of their size, are typically f~ti~-ing to use. Conventional keyboards and wo 9S/04662 ~,~6~ PCTtUS94/09082 portable colllyulel~ also generally do not have the capability of being i,lleglated with the more popular and user-friendly computer pointing devices, e.g., computer mice and cGll~e .l;on~l tMçl~h~ FIGURES 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate a device for adapting conventional ke~Ga~ds and portable computers to operate adjoined with pointing 5 devices on a user's lap.
FIGI~RES 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate a pair of left and right platform sections 161 and 163 that may be used with a computer keyboard 164 or portable cG...~ er (not shown) to provide stability when the computer keyboard or portable colllpuler is used on the lap. Further, as disclosed below, the platform sections allow 10 the h~leg~lion of computçr accessories with the computer keyboard 164 or a personal comr~ltçr. For ~-;....ple, by allowing att~chmer-t to the palm rest 94 ~i~c1csed in FIGURES 6A-6D, the platform sections enable the advantages of the palm rest to be enjoyed while using a ke~il,Ga,d or portable computer on the lap. This feature is shown in FIGURE 9B.
As shown in FIGURE 9C, each platform section 161 and 163 inrludes a rigid core 166 that may be fabricated of any suitable material, such as all-mim-.n, pr~ l,oar.l,-e.g., tel"pc~d masonite, or a glass-filled nylon. To increase stability as the unit rests on the work surface or a user's lap, a nonskid material 168, such as synthetic rubber or ncopre.le is bonded to the underside of the rigid core 166. To further increase stability, the left platform section 161 has an offset section 170 that position~ the platform section nearer to a user's left knee (not shown) when theco...l~.,ler k~;~oard is placed on the lap. The right platform section 163 also incllldes an offset section 172 that provides greater stability when ~tta~hinp computer ~cce~G.les such as the palm rest 94, as opposed to simply having a platform section 25 that is straight and thus that extends outwardly from the middle of the computer ke~oard. As will be appreciated, the platform sections are small and light-weight so as to be portable and compactly storable with a portable computer.
The ,Clal~llll sections 161 and 163 preferably attach to the computer keyboard 164 or personal computer using a hook and loop fastener 174 such as 30 VelcroTM. The hook and loop fastener is bonded to the top surface of the platform sections as well as to the underside of a computer keyboard 164 or a portable computer. In addition to the palm rest 94, other attac~hle accessG.;es may includ~, for example, document holders, AC adapters, floppy disk boxes, lamps, joysticks or other game controllers. Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, a platform 35 section that extends elsewhere from underneath the computer keyboard or a portable computer may be implernented as desired for the particular accessory to be used.

_ wO 95/04662 -17- 21 691 PCT/US94/09082 The use of a releasably att~c~ ble mech~ni~m to fasten the platform sections to the computer keyboard and to couple computer accessories, such as the palm rest 94, to the platform sections allows users to position the device where it is most cG~ able for each workplace setting. Moreover, the palm rest 94 can be quickly assembled and ~is~cs~mhled from the platform section 163 for comra~t and portable storage in a briefcase. This portability enables the use of a conv~ntion7l co~ rmouse with a portable conlputer in the varied set~ gC typical of po~lable CG~p~ g, with many of the desirable attributes disclosed above in regard to FIG~JRES 3A-8. It is noted that the pla~llll sections 161 and I63 may be dçci~ed to allow pl~,c~
of the palm rest 94 or other ~ccessolies on either side of a computer keyboard or portable computer. One way to enable ~mbi~eYtrous pl~cem~nt is to shape the leftplatform section 161 to mirror the right platform section 163, thus enabling either side to support the palm rest.
FIGIJRES 10A, 10B, 11, and 12 illustrate the integration of a pointing device 180 into a portable computer 182 in accordance with the invention. The portable computer 182 inclodes a base component 184 and a right telescoping coll,pon~ 186 that is slidably coupled to the base component. Each of the base and tdescoph~g col"polle.,ls 184 and 186 inchldçs a palm rest 188 and 190, respectively, that helps to alleviate posture- and stress-related injuries while using the portable col"y~ler 182 and pointing device 180. The right tclescopillg component 186 further inr.l-ld~s an upper surface 191 that supports the pointing device 180 both when the poillling device is being used and in storage. The pointing device 180 is coupled to the portable computer 182 by a cord 192.
The portable computer 182 further incllldes a cavity 194 for accepling the pointing device 180 when the pointing device is not being used and the telescoph-g component 186 is in a closed position, as shown in FIGURE 10B. To use the pointing device 180, a user simply extends the telescoping con")ol-ent 186 from the base col,.pone"l 184, c A~,Gsing the poi,.ling device 180 and a portion of the cord 192.
The cavity 194 is shown most clearly in FIGURE 12. As will be appreri~te~l the size and shape of the cavity may be adapted to the particular pointing device that is to be - utilized with the portable computer 182. The decreasing size of computer co",ponenls, inrlllding computer boards, hard drives, and disk drives, enables a cavity such as the cavity 194 to be incorporated into portable computers.
Looking more particularly at the base and telescoping components, the telescoping component 186 inr.ll~des front and back rails 196 and 198 that engage front and back slots 200 and 202, respectively, in the base component 184. The WO 95/04662 o~ PCT/US94/09082 C~ _ telescop;l-g component 186 also inrludes an endwall 204 that co,-l~it-c the pointing device 180 during use and when positiQ~in~ the pointing device into the cavity 194 during storage. When the telescoping colllyonent 186 is in its closed position, it will nearly abut the base col-,po~ 184. As will be appreciàled, means for keeping the5 tclescopll-g CGlllyO~ t in a closed position, and for ensuli..g that the telescoping colllyone~lt does not inadvertently sepalale from the portable col..p.~ 182, may also be incl~-ded Further, the space208 between the palm rests 188 and 190 that is cAyosed when the telescop;llg colllyonent is e~ on~led outwardly is prt;~elably also padded to provide support for the wrists should they come into contact with this area 10 during comrlltçr use. The edges surrounding the space 208, which are illustrated as angular to more clearly illustrate the dis~losed feal-lres, may be smoothly curved to decrease irritation to the hands or wrists should they come into contact with those areas.
Those skilled in the art will apylec;ale that the motion tracking component 15 within the pointing device 180 may have any of a number of tracking means currently known or yet to be developed, in~hl~ing ...Pch~nical, optical, opto-...P~hAn;sAl touch pad, di~;l; ;..g means, or other means. Further, the pointing device 180 can interface with the portable cGlllpuler 182 with infrared or radio frequency (RF) signals rather than by using cord 192.
The illleglalion of the laterally deployable palm rest section 186 and pointing device 180 into a pollable computer incol~.oldtes many of the features disclosed in FIGI~RES 3-8 above in a confi~)ration that is easily portable, storable, and quickly deployable.
FIGURES 13A-13D illustrate a pair of left and right palm rests 220a and 220b in accGldance with the invention that reduce posture- and stress-related injuries ~ssoci~ted with use of computçr data entry devices, such as a computer ke~oard 222. In the embo~imçntc dicrlosed in FIGURE 13A, the left and right palmrests220 have no si~ific~nt structural di~rences. As is shown most clearly in FIGURE 13B, each palm rest220 is a cantilevered-type structure that incl~ldes a base 224 and a hand-support section 226 that is ~tt~ched to the base by a resilient, cur~ilinear perimeter section 228.
The base 224 is deci~ned to fit between a keyboard and a desk or other surface SU~JpGI~hlg the keyboard, as is shown in FIGI~RES 13A and 13D. An advantageous feature of the invention is that the base of each palm rest incl~ldPs a non-stick surface, allowing it to slide across the surface of the desk, i.e., between the keyboard and the desk, as data entry is accomplished. In this manner, the palm _ wO 95/04662 1 6918~ PCT/US94/09082 supports will follow a typist's wrists as the typist's fingers move from one area to another on a keyboard, e.g., from the alph~n.-mçric key-entry pad to the numeric key-entry pad, and back. The non-friction properties of the base 224 may be achieved, for example, by ~tt~t~hin~ a set of low-friction pads 230 to the bottom thereof. Also, it is 5 noted that at least some keyboards will require pl~cçm~nt of legs 232 (only one is shown) underneath the front comers of the keyboard to lift the bottom of the k~oard off of the desk? thereby providing adequ~te space under the k~ oa.d for ".o~elllell~ of each base. If pr~.led, the legs 232 may be placed underneath all four corners of the k~y~o~d.
The pads 230 may be fabricated of a material having a smooth, low-friction surface such as Teflon (TM). In an alternative embodiment, for those typists that prefer a stable palm rest, the pads 230 may be removed and repl~ced with non-skid pads. Otherwise, the bottom surface of each base itself may have non-slip features.
The hand-support section 226 is generally rect~n~ r in shape. At an end 232 15 opposite the curvilinear section 228, the hand-support section is rounded to provide a rather blunt edge where the fingers come in contact with the hand-support section.
The basic col,lpone..ls of the palm rests 220 may be constructed using the following:
a rigid core 234 that is fabricated in the general shape of the palm rest, a cushion 236 that is att~hed to an outer surface of the rigid core to form the upper surface of the 20 hand-rest section 226, and a fabric sleeve 238 that either partially or wholly encases the rigid core 234 and cushion 236.
As was described above with respect to the palm rest 94, the rigid core 234 of each palm rest 220 may be fabricated from ~lllmim-m thermoform plastic or from other aE")ropliately rigid, but solllewllat pliant, material. The rigid core may also be 25 constructed of the rigid materials that are joined by a pliant material that forms the curvilinear section 228. In one embodiment, the rigid core is fabricated from alu...;....,.. 5052 H32 that is 0.040 inch thick. It has been found that this particular grade, temper and thic~n~oss of ~ min--m is of sufficient stiffnesc to support the weight of the user's hand and arm, and yet is s~lfficiçntly pliant so that the user can bend the ~lumin~m to modify the angle a between the base 222 and hand-support section 226, thereby adjusting the height of the hand-support section to the optimal height for any particular data entry device being used. The cushion 236 and fabric sleeve may be fabricated and att~ched in a manner similar to the methods described above relative to the cushion 110 and fabric sleeve 114.
The pliant aspects of the rigid core234 provides other features that are beneficial to many users. For example, a relatively thin core will be somewhat oo~
wo g~/04662 ~9~`,, PcT/usg4/ogO82 ~ ' yielding to the weight of a users arm, providing a "c~lshio~ing" effect that keeps the hands gently suspended above the ke~oard and helps to ~l~Ai~ ;n contact with thepalm rests. As another t -i..llplP:, a user may wish to "bend" the hand-support section so that it is rotated relative to the base. This allows the device to better accolnnlodate 5 the natural rotation of the hand as data is being entered and the position of the hands relative to the palm rests and the k~.~Gal~. Further, it will be applecialed that the palm rests 220 may be attached to the bottom of the ke~oard using VelcroTM or other means to acco....~.odate laptop computers and users who prefer a stable hand rest.
The palm rests provide a number of advantages over the prior art. The cantilevered aspect of the palm rests allow a users hands to be closer to the upper rows of keys on a keyboard and to the fimction keys on computer keyboards, whichare typically at the very top of the k~ oard. Recently, there have been a number of comrutPr keyboards that have their a concidçrable dist~nce from the bottom edge of 15 the keyboard, e.g., p~;~l.aps two inches or more. An example of one such keyboard is the Apple PowerbookTM. In these types of keyboards, a cantilevered rest is useful in placing the hands nearer to the bottom row of keys than would be possible with typical hand rests.
Looking to other advant~Ps it will be apl)rec;aled that the palm rests 220 20 allow what is in essence three-~impncion~l motion of the hands relative to a data entry device. The non-stick base allows movement of the palm rests in both the x and ydirections accG-di.lg to user plêre~nces~ while the flpyibility built into the curvilinear section 228 allows mo~."llelll in the z direction. The z-direction movement allows a "flo~ting" of the hands as data is being entered. Moreover, more pellllanent up and 25 down r.l~A..ges may be made by increasing and decl~ as~g the angle a between the base 224 and the hand-support section 226.
FIGURE 14 illustrates a seventh exemplary embodiment of a palm rest 260 in accordance with the invention. The palm rest 260 has colllponcnls that are essçnti~lly idPntic.~l in construction and function to the palm rest 220 of FIGURES 13A-13D,30 in~.lvdin~ the hand-support section 226 and curvilinear section 228. However, the base 224 of the palm rest 220 has been modified to form an appro~ tely U-shaped base section262 that accepts a computer pointing device, such as the computer mouse 263 shown in phantom in FIGIJRE 14.
The base section 262 has two outwardly e~ctçn~ing legs 264a and 264b that 35 form an area266 therebetween on a desk or other surface to allow a user to manipulate the computer mouse 263. Preferably, the area 266 is of sufficient size to _ WO 95tO4662 PCT/US94/09082 2l69l8 allow a relatively large degree of motion. In this manner, a large portion of the screen - will be accPssihle by using finger-only mouse manipulations. However, depending upon the configured speed of the cursor relative to movement of the mouse and other factors, a user may want to (or occasionally have to) move the entire palm 5 support260 during mouse manipul~tion~ This type of movement may readily accon~,lodated if low-friction pads are att~ched to the bottom of the base section 264.
The palm rest 260 may also be ~tt~rhed to a keyboard or portable computer using the pla~rul.ll sc~il;o~ 161 and 163 illustrated in FIGURES 9A-9C.
While prerelltid e..ll)od;.. r ~l~ of the invention have been illustrated and 10 described, it will be app-ecialed that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. An apparatus for minimizing posture- and stress-related disorders associated with the use of a computer pointing, device, comprising:
a base that includes an upper surface upon which the computer pointing device may rest;
a palm support section for supporting a user's palm, the palm support section extending over a portion of the upper surface of the base to allow at least a part of the pointing device to be positioned between the palm support section and the upper surface of the base; and means for coupling the palm support section to the base.

2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the palm support section is generally V-shaped.

3. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the means for coupling is adjustable to allow a distance between the palm support section and the upper surface of the base to be varied in response to user preferences and to accommodate different sizes and types of pointing devices.

4. The apparatus of Claim 1, further including means for limiting movement of the pointing device beneath the palm support section.

5. The apparatus of Claim 1, further including an integral motion tracking component.

6. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the base comprises a single substantially elongate metal strip, including a planar section; the means for coupling comprises a curvilinear section, extending from an end of the planar section; and, the palm support section comprises a triangular-shaped section that extends outwardly from the curvilinear section over the planar section.

7. The apparatus of Claim 6, further including a fabric sleeve that at least partially encases the metal strip.

8. The apparatus of Claim 7, further including a pad positioned between the fabric sleeve and the palm support section.

9. The apparatus of Claim 8, further including a ridge that extends around a periphery of the base.

10. The apparatus of Claim 1, further including means for coupling the base to at least one of a computer keyboard and a portable computer.

11. The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein the means for comprising includes a platform section, including a first area for contacting a bottom portion of the keyboard or computer, and a second area that extends outwardly from the first area to provide a surface upon which the base may rest.

12. The apparatus of Claim 11, wherein a hook and loop fastener is attached to the means for coupling and the base, to allow the base to be releasably attached to the means for coupling.

13. An apparatus for minimizing posture- and stress-related disorders associated with the use of computer pointing devices, comprising:
a hand support, including a front edge and a back edge, for elevating a user's hand to a level that is substantially equal to the height of a pointing device; and support means for buttressing the hand support, the support means including first and second sides which form a recess under the hand support, the first andsecond sides being a sufficient distance apart to allow the pointing device to extend at least partially underneath the hand support, between the first and second sides.

14. The apparatus of Claim 13, wherein the support means further includes a back wall that abuts the first and second sides of the support means and extends upwardly to the back edge of the hand support.

15. The apparatus of Claim 14, further including a nonskid pad positioned between the first and second sides of the support means and extending outwardly from the back wall of the support means.

16. The apparatus of Claim 15, further including means for limiting movement of the pointing device beneath the hand support.

17. The apparatus of Claim 16, wherein the means for limiting movement includes a stop, which extends from the back wall to a point intermediate the back wall and the front edge of the hand support.

18. The apparatus of Claim 13, further including means for adjusting the height of the hand support.

19. The apparatus of Claim 13, further including a cushion that is bonded to the hand support.

20. An apparatus for providing stability to a computer keyboard or a portable computer when the keyboard or computer is placed on the lap or legs of a user, the apparatus comprising a pair of left and right platform sections, each platform section including a first area for contacting a bottom portion of the keyboard or computer and a second section that extends outwardly from the first section to contact the legs of the user.

21. The apparatus of Claim 20, further including means, coupled to the platform sections, for releasably attaching the platform sections to the bottom of the keyboard or computer.

22. The apparatus of Claim 21, wherein the means for releasably attaching includes a hook and loop fastener.

23. An apparatus for use with a portable computer having a computer keyboard and a computer pointing device, comprising:
(a) a base that, in conjunction with the computer keyboard, provides a space for housing the computer pointing device when the pointing device is not in use;
and (b) a telescoping component that is slidably coupled to the base, the telescoping component including an upper surface that supports the computer pointing device, and a hand support section that provides support to a user's hand when using the computer pointing device.

24. The apparatus of Claim 23, wherein the base includes a hand support section for supporting the user's hands during use of the computer keyboard.

25. In combination with a portable computer that includes a computer keyboard, a computer screen, a computer pointing device, and associated internalcomputer components, including a processing unit, a random access memory, a read-only memory, and at least one disk drive, the improvement comprising:
(a) a base integral with the computer keyboard;

(b) a telescoping component that is slidably coupled to the base, the telescoping component including an upper surface that supports the computer pointing device, and a hand support section that provides support to a user's hand when using the pointing device; and (c) a cavity within the portable computer, disposed beneath the computer keyboard and configured to accept and store the pointing device when the pointing device is not in use.

26. The combination of Claim 25, wherein the base includes a hand support section for supporting the user's hands during use of the computer keyboard.

27. In combination with an ergonomic keyboard that includes a left keyboard section and right keyboard section, the improvement comprising:
a computer pointing device area disposed on the ergonomic keyboard, between the left and right keyboard sections, for placement of a computer pointing device; and a palm rest, coupled to the ergonomic keyboard, for minimizing posture- and stress-related disorders associated with the use of a computer pointing device by at least partly supporting a user's hand, the palm rest extending over a portion of the area of the ergonomic keyboard to allow at least a part of the pointing device to be positioned between the palm rest and the computer pointing device area during use of the pointing device.

28. The combination of Claim 27, wherein the palm rest is generally V-shaped.

29. The combination of Claim 27, wherein the palm rest is adjustable to allow a distance between the palm rest and the computer pointing device area to be varied in response to user preferences and to accommodate different sizes and types of pointing devices.

30. An apparatus for minimizing posture- and stress-related disorders associated with the use of computer data entry devices, comprising:
a base that includes an upper and a lower surface;
a palm support section for supporting a user's palm, the palm support section extending over a portion of the upper surface of the base to allow at least a part of the data entry device to be positioned between the palm support section and the upper surface of the base; and means for coupling the palm support section to the base.

31. The apparatus of Claim 30, wherein the lower surface of the base is of substantially friction to allow the apparatus to be moved relative to the data entry device as data is being entered.

32. The apparatus of Claim 31, wherein the means for coupling is of a flexible material such that the distance between the palm support section and the base decreases under the weight of a user's arm.

33. The apparatus of Claim 32, wherein the distance between the palm support section and the base varies as the apparatus is moved during data entry.

34. The apparatus of Claim 30, wherein the data entry device is a computer keyboard and the base is positioned underneath the keyboard during dataentry.

35. The apparatus of Claim 34, wherein the lower surface of the base is of substantially low friction to allow the apparatus to be moved relative to the computer keyboard as data is being entered.

36. The apparatus of Claim 34, further including means for coupling the base to the computer keyboard.

37. The apparatus of Claim 30, wherein the palm support section is generally rectangular-shaped.

38. The apparatus of Claim 30, wherein the means for coupling is adjustable to allow a distance between the palm support section and the upper surface of the base to be varied in response to user preferences and to accommodate different sizes and types of data entry devices.

39. The apparatus of Claim 30, wherein the base comprises a single substantially elongate metal strip, including a planar section; the means for coupling comprises a curvilinear section, extending from an end of the planar section; and, the palm support section comprises a rectangular-shaped section that extends outwardly from the curvilinear section over the planar section.