Adjustable ergonomic support for computer keyboards

• US 5,351,897 A
• Filed: 04/20/1992
• Issued: 10/04/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 04/20/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: 1320236 Ontario, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Proformix, Inc. (Kiwibox.com, Inc.)
• Inventors: Martin, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Watts, Douglas D.
• Application Number:
  US07/871,108
• Time in Patent Office: 897 Days
• Field of Search: 248/918, 248/231, 248/291, 248/118.3, 248/118
• US Class Current: 248/118
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/0307 Platforms for supporting office equipment and wrists
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/0321 Keyboard supports
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/0335 mounted under the worksurface
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/0342 having one double articulated arm
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/0314 Platforms for supporting office equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/0371 Platforms for supporting wrists
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/918 Ancillary device support associated with a video display screen

Abstract

A keyboard support assembly for computer keyboards which allows for multiple adjustments by the operator in order to accommodate operators of different anatomical sizes, the keyboard being fully adjustable in height, and angular tilt and providing a palm support in order to obtain a neutral forearm and wrist position thereby eliminating wrist and forearm stress and decreasing the potential for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Claims

1. An adjustable ergonomically-designed support assembly for support of a keyboard of the type associated with computers, the assembly comprising in combination:

a securing means engageable with a desk or counter top, said desk or table top supportive of a video monitor;

a support bracket attached to said securing means, said support bracket comprised of a fixed member depending from said securing means and a movable member secured to said fixed member and angularly positionable with respect to said fixed member;

an angular adjustment means cooperative with said fixed member and said movable member to selectively fix the angular relationship between said fixed member and said movable member, said angular adjustment means comprising a compression member selectively positioned from a locked to an unlocked position permitting the angular adjustment between said fixed member and said movable member;

a platform member slidably secured to said movable member in adjustable and vertical relationship to said movable member, said platform member slidably adjustable in height with respect to said movable member, said height adjustment means comprising a compression member engaged on a facing plate of said platform means, said compression member passing through said facing plate and engaging said movable member by means of a vertically-disposed channel aperture centrally disposed on said movable member thereby permitting vertical disposition of said platform means relative to said movable member;

a height adjustment means for selectively adjusting the height of said platform means;

a palm rest support secured to said platform means.

2. A keyboard support assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said palm rest contains a carbon impregnated conductor to restrict electrostatic discharges and low field discharges from the operator'"'"'s body.

3. A keyboard support assembly in accordance with claim 1 said securing means engageable with said edge of said table top or desk simultaneously engages a utility plate positioned on said table top or said desk, said utility plate having a peripheral edge wall, said peripheral edge wall cooperatively engageable with a mouse pad and document holder so as to position said mouse pad and said document holder on selected lateral sides of said utility plate.

4. A keyboard support assembly in accordance with claim 3 wherein said document holder comprises an arcuate planer base having an engageable flange positioned at each end, said arcuate planer base having an arcuate slot formed in the surface thereof for receipt of a securing means for slidably rotating a supporting post in vertical, perpendicular relationship with said arcuate base, said support post having slidably secured thereto, in vertical relationship therewith, a document holder for receipt and securing of documents.

5. A keyboard support assembly in accordance with claim 3 wherein said mouse pad comprises a base having engageable flanges positioned on the lateral edges thereof for selective engagement with said utility plate, said mouse pad having a receptacle area for receipt of a mouse engaging surface.

6. A keyboard support assembly in accordance with claim 3 wherein said document holder and said mouse pad are interchangeable with respect to the lateral sides of said utility plate.