AEE (articulated, elevated, ergonomic) computer mouse

• US 20080186279A1
• Filed: 01/29/2008
• Published: 08/07/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Phillip Francois Van Dalen
• Original Assignee: Phillip Francois Van Dalen
• Inventors: Van Dalen, Phillip Francois
• Granted Patent: US 8,049,724 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/163
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks

Abstract

An ergonomic computer mouse whose design and function is solely dedicated to ergonomic benefit and optimal operator comfort for improved operator efficiency and avoided injury. The ergonomically formed mouse body is elevated from a base structure via a short pedestal where the ball-socket interface to the mouse body allows for an extensive range of adjustment across three axis of positioning. This adjustment is lockable into an operator-selected position which best meets individual operator'"'"'s ergonomic and comfort requirements. Once in locked mode, the operator'"'"'s arm, wrist and hand do not move to operate the standardized prior art wireless mouse controls. The current art ergonomic mouse solution provides any computer mouse operator with the ability to achieve optimal ergonomic form, comfort and operation under virtually any workstation condition.

Claims

1. ) An ergonomic computer mouse that allows for an infinite range of operator-adjustable positions-of-use comprising the following:

a) an ergonomic mouse body that may closely conform to the shape of the underside of the average human hand in a partially closed and relaxed, grasping position.

b) a fixed base structure that may be positioned next to a computer keyboard or as required by a specific computer mouse operator.

c) a short and generally vertically oriented pedestal that may be from two to three inches in height, affixed to said base structure with a ball-and-socket mechanism integral to the top of said pedestal and connected to said ergonomic mouse body thereby allowing for variable 3-axis of movement of the mouse body.

d) a locking mechanism as a component of said ball-and-socket structure which locks and prevents movement between said ergonomic mouse and said pedestal.

2. ) The device of claim 1 wherein one embodiment of an articulated mounting configuration to replace said fixed base structure may be comprised of the following:

a) a connecting arm structure of unspecified length attached to the bottom of said pedestal.

b) a receiving base and lock unit to said connecting arm that permits rotational movement of the connecting arm in a generally horizontal plane.

c) a rail-like component structure that may be attachable to a keyboard, laptop computer, or other unspecified workstation device that accepts said receiving base and lock unit such that the receiving base and lock unit may be slid and positioned along the length of said rail-like component and augmenting the movement afforded by the connecting arm.

d) a locking function in said receiving base and lock unit to lock the selected positions of both the connecting arm structure and the receiving base and lock unit relative to the rail-like component.