| Ergonomic laterally-pitched pc-mouse w/magnetic-cling & retrofit-kit -> Monitor Keywords |
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  Ergonomic laterally-pitched pc-mouse w/magnetic-cling & retrofit-kitUSPTO Application #: 20070069096Title: Ergonomic laterally-pitched pc-mouse w/magnetic-cling & retrofit-kit Abstract: The notion of a unique ‘magnetic-cling’ PC-Mouse operating ergonomically in association with a special PC/Mouse-pad arranged at laterally-inboard angles of 23 to 95-degrees upward from the horizontal;—thereby facilitating drastic reduction in RMI-trama known by physio-therapists as CTS (carpal-tunnel syndrome)-disease, typically owing to stressfully torqued pronated hand/wrist orientation. The preferred-embodiment comprising a special ferrous-metal mouse-pad gliding-platen, in combination with a substantially conventional PC-mouse which bottom-side is provided with an optionally user-retrofitable PM/ferro-polymer glide-shoe. The MagneMouseRx™ aggregation is thus self-energized with ‘magnetic-cling’ as to thereby maintain any position upon the LIM (laterally-inboard mouse)-pad, which preferred circular sheet-steel traversing-surface preferably includes a contiguously formed support-base portion made finitely-adjustable as to degree of angularity, by simple method of manually re-bending to desired angularity along its longitudinal-crease. This LIM-pad support-base also preferably includes a selectively reversible pivot-tongue like extension, holding a longitudinal cushion-pad in ultimately comfortable support of user's left or right hand hypothenar-eminence;—thereby enabling mirror-image use at either L/R-side of a conventional PC-keyboard or PC-laptop. Other generic-variant embodiments include adaptations enabling alternate remote use of the MagneMouseRx™ relative to ones thigh, forearm, or waist;—as well as adaptions readily folding-away within a PC-laptop. (end of abstract)
Agent: Robert W. Vonheck - San Diego, CA, US Inventor: Robert W. VonHeck USPTO Applicaton #: 20070069096 - Class: 248346010 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Supports, Supporting Base The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070069096. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
I.) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of Invention [0002] This invention relates to Personal-computer (PC) Mouse and Mouse-pad apparatus for controlling of XY-axes positioning upon a PC's Display-screen; and more specifically, it relates to those said types of such devices employing improved ergonomic function. [0003] 2. Relevant Prior-Art [0004] Background research discovery provides some prior patent-art regarded as germane to this disclosure, chronologically for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,384 (filed: January 1992, incidentally prepared in its entirely for the inventors by applicant hereof) contemplates the notion of opposed vertical PC-keyboard half portions for word-processing, but was somewhat complicated by the use of visual-reference mirrors, yet did contemplate the notion of the operator's hand resting upon the hypothenar-eminence portion of their palm. However, the invention did not anticipate implementing of this therapeutically advantageous hand orientation relative to PC-Mouse usage, which is altogether different as shall be explained. [0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,800 (filed: October 1995) is shown an ergonomically designed PC/Mouse-pad having an inclined planar surface for gliding of a conventional PC-Mouse, plus the gliding-surface is adjoined on both sides by shorter and more steeply inclined hand-rest ramps;--which defines a symmetrical configuration that is substantially square in top/plan-view aspect, whereby the device may be used at either the left or right of a PC-keyboard simply by turning it around 180-degrees (the highest edge of the gliding-surface thus being adjacent the said PC-keyboard). In use, the claimed 10-20 degree inclination finds the users fingers placed upon the resultingly inclined PC-Mouse, while one's palm and wrist surfaces are supported upon the approach-ramp which defines a pronounced edge transition into the contiguously formed gliding-surface. Accordingly, while this device may offer some limited amount of relief from the problems inherent to the horizontally-pronated hand/wrist-orientation, the PC-Mouse is problematically free to slide out of position when users hand is removed therefrom, and it is spatially bulky while failing to provide more advanced improvements in user comfort as are to be set forth herein. [0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,504,528 (filed: January 2000) is shown a special electro-magnetic/PC-Mouse and associated ferro-magnetic/Mouse-pad combination; wherein the PC-Mouse portion is claimed electrically powered by an integrated electromagnet, and the Mouse-pad is inclined fore-to-aft (not laterally). A special feature of the electro-magnetic activation resides in the provision of an `induction touch-sensitive` variable magnetic-force, whereby removing one's fingers therefrom results in an instant increase of magnetic-attraction power,--thereby maintaining the PC-mouse from sliding aftwardly down the inclined gliding-surface. The inventor claims the relationships of the electro-magnet in combination with the ferro-magnetic Mouse-pad may be interchanged according to engineering design preference; however, the user ergonomics involved remain of the problematical horizontally-pronated orientation sort; which the instant-inventor hereof asserts is potentially injurious to those regularly subject to prolonged PC-Mouse usage. [0007] Therefore, in full consideration of the preceding patent review, there is determined a need for an improved form of device to which these patents have been largely addressed. The instant inventor hereof believes their newly improved PC-Mouse and Mouse-pad aggregation commercially referred to as the MagneMouseRx.TM., currently being developed for production under auspices of VonHeck-Innovations/Mfg./Mkt. Co., exhibits certain advantages as shall be revealed in the subsequent portion of this instant disclosure. II.) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] A.) In view of the foregoing discussion about the earlier invention art, it is therefore important to make it pellucid to others interested in the art that the object of this invention is to provide an improved method and associated apparatus by which to overcome the physiopathological problem commonly brought about during prolonged repetative-motion tasks such as is commonly encountered via one's upper extremities,--that being per'se the finger-thumb/hand-wrist/elbow-shoulder cooperatively articulated aggregation. Accordingly, it is widely understood today that a certain RMI (repetative motion injury)-disease can be induced, merely by long periods of operating a simple PC-mouse device relative to a `substantially horizontal` desktop surface *(ie:--whether even a desktop support that which is merely canted forwardly or aftwardly);--requiring what is to most persons, an unnaturally (ie: not relaxed) pronated orientation of one's hand & wrist, causing the users wrist/carpal-tunnel flexor-tendons to therefore critically become torsionally-stressed as to impingingly squeeze the median-nerve, ultimately leading to a malady referred to as CTS (carpal-tunnel syndrome). [0009] The efficacy of my remedy to this pervasive condition, can be readily understood as while sitting or standing for example,--by simply allowing one's arm to fall totally relaxed at one's side (thereby vertically toward the floor);--whereby one will observe your wrist to be canted at an approximate 45-degree angle (relative to a longitudinal plane of reference). Now simply raise your forearm upward at a right-angle to your torso, whereby one will observe the wrist is still canted at an approximate 45-degree angle (now relative to a desktop for example);--this therefore being identified as the inherently neutral, hence ideally unstressed attitude or angularity condition. Accordingly, if one next slowly urges their wrist into the usual pronated position, most individuals normally sense a slight, albeit critical, feeling they are indeed inducing at least a mild amount of stress into their wrist carpal-tunnel region. Note that the subtlety of this sensation is what rather insidiously leads the PC-mouse operator into a seemingly harmless phase of operation in which the ensuing damage becomes accumulative over a period of time (which duration varies with the individual). [0010] Moreover, still using the right-hand by way of example (a left-hand iteration simply being a mirror-image arrangement thereof), human-factors engineering-studies have revealed the horizontally-pronated wrist orientation is indeed residing at the threshold of stress, unfortunately the most extreme counter-clockwise wrist rotation obtainable by the average person;--yet upon then rotating ones right-wrist clockwise 90-degrees to a vertical position, one finds their wrist carpal-tunnel is entirely relieved of stress, owing the average person can still rotate their right-wrist substantially further clockwise toward the usual limit of another 45-degrees (at which approximate 135-degree point the induced-stress within the carpal-tunnel region of the wrist becomes substantially equivalent to that experienced by most persons in the afore discussed problematical horizontally-pronated position). [0011] Therefore, we see there is typically a total of approximately 135-degrees wrist-rotation between the two exemplified wrist rotation extremes; hence, based upon these studies, my Industrial-Design/Human-engineering research thus concluded that the `best-compromise` angle of wrist-rotation upward from the horizontal extrapolates to just half of that, or an optimal `zero-stress` wrist-angle of about 68-degrees (considered a typical average 90%-tile result; which is conclusive enough to solidly base product-development criteria upon). Accordingly, for the various generic-variant applications of the ensuing invention disclosure, i have arrived at a `preferred-range` of wrist-rotation angularity to be between 60-90 nominal degrees upward from the horizontally pronated orientation (regarded herein as a 0-degree point of reference); while i have found that even a `maximum-range` of 23-120 degrees (total of 97-degrees) can be regarded as a therapeutic `comfort-zone` in terms of establishing an easier transitional standard acceptable in terms of enabling the initial user of my Laterally-inboard Mouse-pad (LIM-pad) to become thereby progressively acclimated to my proposed ergonomically therapeutic hand/wrist-orientation in stages. While some users may indeed readily acclimate (ie:--physiologically adjust their hand-eye coordination) to a full 90-degree LIM (laterally-inboard mouse)-pad attitude,--yet it is found that others need time in making their transitional progression up toward the vertical attitude;--especially if being rotated to an extreme of 95-degrees. Indeed, in some cases the 95-degree verticalization has been found particularly suitable for a growing number of PC-laptop users, owing that the canted or vertical attitude of the platen like Mouse-pad can place the upright-edge of the LIM (laterally-inboard mouse)-pad in a position where it will interfere with convenient downwardly hinging closure of the PC-Laptop's display-screen/Lid (note:--many display-screens are automatically shut-off via this conveniently simple procedure, often such as when the operator desires to take a break, or stops to answer a phone-call for example). Therefore, it is found that an approximate attitude of 95-degrees is adequate to move the apex of the LIM-pad outboard sufficiently as to obviate any possibility of accidental impact by the closing lid, which remains well within my determined maximum of 120-degrees outboard/wrist-rotation. The same LIM-pad can be employed in mirror-image fashion by either a left or right handed PC-mouse operator by merely turning the LIM-pad around 180-degrees (Ref. its vertical-axis) proximally adjacent the left or right frontal-corners of a conventional PC-keyboard; whereto the LIM-pad's angularity may be set at any angle between 30-95 degrees according to user preference. However again, caution should be given when such an inboardly canted LIM-pad is employed in conjunction with conventional folding-lid Laptop-PC, whereby a 60-degree inboard LIM-pad angularity could (unless the LIM-pad were arranged well outset apart from the palm-rest/keyboard region) result in the PC-laptop's fragile display-screen being carelessly closed-down impinging upon the uppermost edge of the LIM-pad (which impact could result in costly repair of the display-screen). Therefore, when employed in conjunction with a PC-laptop, it is recommended the LIM-pad be either laterally set apart sufficiently outboard as to avoid possible damage to the PV-laptop lid's display-screen; or, otherwise the LIM-pad angularity should be set at 91-95 degrees in verticalized modality,--thereby negating any potential interference with the closing display-screen;--which in terms of ergonomics, remains well within the acceptable range of unstressed wrist-rotation orientation. [0012] Moreover in this regard, it is a further object of this invention disclosure to set forth a LIM-pad which is to be borne integrally with the PC-laptop, by simply folding the planar gliding-platen down flat intimately upon the PC-laptop's keyboard or proximal platform like palm-rest surface;--such an inwardly folding iteration, being adapted as either a fully integrated OEM (orig.-equip.mfg.) built-in embodiment, or as a PC-accessory retrofitable to old or new conventional PC-laptops. [0013] B.) Therefore, in view of foregoing item-A, an essential object of this invention disclosure is to thus facilitate practical implementation of my above identified novel ergonomic improvements through means of a specially adapted PC-mouse (either of the `hard-wired` type, or of the `wireless` type) and associated novel Mouse-pad combination. Hence, a novel therapeutically ergonomic LIM (laterally-inboard mouse)-pad and PM/PC-mouse ensemble uniquely employing a constant *self-energized "MagnetCling.TM." action *(ie:--a `natural electron-force` which activation is reliant upon neither drycell-battery nor line-current). It is therefore to be understood, that any conventional PC-mouse device normally working in conjunction with a conventional horizontal Mouse-pad (or often just a desk-top surface), can actually be adapted to my novel LIM-pad methodology;--once adapted with a suitable PM (permanent-magnet) device, and which can be implemented in ways heretofore unrealized. Thus another object of this invention, is to set forth the adaptation of a substantially conventional commercially available PC-mouse device (thereby herein becoming a PM/PC-mouse), to successfully work in cooperation with the special LIM-pad portion of this overall invention disclosure. It is however submitted that such PC-mouse adaptation be preferably directed implemented via the newer commercially available half-size mini-mouse type designs, some of which are only about 2-inches in length; such diminutive size is, owing their more technologically refined engineering, being found to nevertheless still embody most required operational PC-functions, yet desirably facilitate a commensurate down-sizing of the LIM-pad to present a much more elegant installation, which is most appealingly efficient as to space utilization. [0014] Accordingly, my most economical implementation of such adaptation, thus requires a simple PM/Retrofit-kit be provided, whereby a person can simply trace a pattern of their existing PC-Mouse's `foot-print` (ie:--that slide-surface portion of an ordinary optical-mouse unit interfacing upon the mouse-pad) unto the outwardly facing surface of a preferably 1/32'' to 3/32'' approximate thickness gauge of commercially available electro-magnetized to `ferro-polymer` PM/sheet-stock material; then a through-hole or reflex-relief is included (enabling normal unoccluded projection and retro-reflexion of the mouse's existing optical LED/light-beam); then, the adhesive-backing protective-film substrate is peeled from the resulting `PM/gliding-shoe`, whereupon the once trimmed to shape part is manually aligned and permanently pressed upon the bottom-side of the otherwise conventional PC-Mouse. Note that in lieu of an actual port like aperture, the PM/gliding-shoe may rather be made in two-pieces (ie: a fore-portion & an aft-portion),--thereby herein regarded as tantamount to providing an equivalent `reflex-relief` gap. [0015] Being that while the scope of this invention disclosure supports various sorts of commercially available PM (permanent-magnet) device implementations, owing its relatively no easy installation,--the most preferred type PM device adaptation is merely the common low-cost albeit relatively low-energy flexible ferro-polymer sheet-stock. This conventional commercially-available material has been extruded (or calendered) from a generally semi-anisotropic-grade ferrite strontium granulate admixture into a rubber-polymer resin, which resulting preferred 1/32''- 3/32'' guage sheeting upon cooling to near room-temperature, is easily enmass post/electro-magnetized via multi-pole method providing generally 4-12 neg(-) to pos.(+) alternate multipuls per inch (a generally preferred magnetic energy-level of about 0.63 to 0.73/MGOe's) is magnetically sufficiently strong as to hold a PM equipped PC-mouse stationary upon a vertical/ferrous-platen without its sliding-down via force of gravity, yet not so powerful as to pose an initial friction-breakaway resistance problem technically referred to as `striction`). The next optional procedure being to apply an adhesive-backing laminate upon one side, and an optional low-friction substrate film (which can be a laminate or spray-coating) such as Teflon.RTM. upon the obverse side,--prior to finally die-cutting the individual PM/gliding-shoes from the large sheet of prepared material. Note also, that another optional related method of producing a suitable PM/gliding-shoe, is to factory mold it in a suitable female-die via a similar ferro-polymer resin (or equivalent albeit generally relatively brittle ferrite-material) which is similarly post/electro-magnetized;--whereby the resultant finished component-part integrally forms the PC-mouse's underside to slide-surface. [0016] In this regard, the ability of my assembled PM/PC-mouse to remain sustained in place via magnetic-cling (ie:--not slipping nor creeping downward via gravity), is also effected by the surface-finish character of the LIM-pad's gliding-platen. Recognizing an LED/optical-tracker cannot function if interfacing a ferro-metal Mouse-pad gliding-platen having a highly polished or chrome-plated mirror-like finish, it is intended the gliding-platen face thus necessarily present a satin-finish or other surface exhibiting a fine-texture (such as attained via fine sand-blasting or bead-blasting). Moreover, if a similarly textured outer-facing substrate of Teflon.RTM. were coated upon the ferrous-polymer PM/glide-shoe or the ferrous-metal gliding-platen, the energy-level of the PM/ferrous-polymer material would need to be substantially increased, as compared to a specimen PM/PC-mouse employing a bare-faced PM/glide-shoe interfacing upon a LIM-pad gliding-platen having no substrate coating. In contrast, a more coarsely-textured surface (a large-grained sandblasted surface, or a surface brushed in the horizontal direction only, or in radial-swirls) for example, can suffice with a weaker PM-force (ie: self-energizing provided by a permanent-magnet medium, such as a ferro-polymer, ferrite, or rare-earth/magnet). Note also, that in experiments with the above extremely different surface-finish examples, it was found that most any of the specimens could be thus engineeringly `tuned` to provide a generally smooth gliding-action, not exhibiting excessive striction, nor user noticeable breakaway-force via hand manipulation;--yet some combinations of LIM-pad surface-quality vrs. PM/glide-shoe magnetic-force were indeed found to be superior; albeit for purposes of this disclosure shall remain within the realm of an engineering-design trade-secret. [0017] Moreover, a further engineering-design choice regarded as a viable equivalent arrangement is realized, and for sake of brevity if conciseness of disclosure, is set forth whereby the respective positioning of the stated ferro-magnetic component (ie: using ferro-metal instead as the gliding-shoe material) member, and the stated PM energizing component (ie: using the ferro-polymer instead as the gliding-platen material) member may be interchangeably juxtaposed;--thereby enabling essentially the same "magnetic-cling" effect, thus tantamount to resorting of a substantially equivalent structural apparatus. Accordingly, for the purposes of the claimed disclosure, the preferred arrangement as is primarily being set forth herein, is regarded by this instant inventor as engineeringly the more practical arrangement of materials, and as such shall be given the primary focus, albeit without prejudice against the possibility of in some cases implementing this invention via justaposing of the clearly identified magnetically attractive cooperative members. Therefore, general reference to the above described interchangeably combined permanent-magnet and ferrous-metal members comprising this invention disclosure is--"the PM-force components". [0018] C.) Therefore, in view of foregoing items-A&B, yet another essential object of this invention is to provide generic variations of my LIM-pad, which includes a very basic if low-cost so-called L-shaped configuration, preferably constructed in one-piece from approximately 1/16-inch guage sheet-steel (ferro-metal), which can be stacked and high-pressure hydro-cut (using water) as a rather figure-8 shaped flat-pattern, which matrix is longitudinally-scored so as to create a predisposition to yielding in a well defined manner when the matrix is subsequently bent to the desired gliding-platen portion angularity along the preferably longitudinal-scored linear bend-point. However, as a concession to shipping-economy and retail/shelf-space, this post-forming bending procedure can be left for the retail-purchaser to finally bend from a flat-pattern into their preferred angularity (a simple procedure generally using the edge of their desk,--explained via an accompanying instruction-pamphlet). [0019] A more elaborate LIM-pad embodiment essentially expands upon the above basic L-shaped version, whereto is included a 180-degree opposing laterally outboardly directed support-foot member,--which preferably also includes a longitudinal rest-tongue extension portion that can be made in mirror-image versions dedicated to either right-hand or left-hand utilization. However, for sake of economy in retail-store inventory-stocking, it is preferred that this more elaborate iteration be made with a vertical pivot-mooring upon its approximate 3-inch stabilizer-foot, as to facilitate a conveniently pivotable rest-tongue;--thereby enabling the same LIM-pad to serve either left-hand or right-hand users. In either the dedicated version or the reversible version of the rest-tongue feature, the essential purpose is to provide a support for an elongate resting-cushion, preferably employing an approximately 3/4-inch deep longitudinal-trough providing ultimate ergonomic support of the user's aftward hand region, as well as their wrist and proximal forearm portion. III.) DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT DRAWINGS [0020] The foregoing and still other objects of this invention will become fully apparent, along with various advantages and features of novelty residing in the present embodiments, from study of the following description of the variant generic species embodiments and study of the ensuing description of these embodiments. Wherein indicia of reference are shown to match related matter stated in the text, as well as the Claims section annexed hereto; and accordingly, a better understanding of the invention and the variant uses is intended, by reference to the drawings, which are considered as primarily exemplary and not to be therefore construed as restrictive in nature; wherein: [0021] FIG. 1A, is a transverse cross-sectional semi-diagramatic view of an average right/human-wrist (as looking longitudinally toward the unshown hand) in a conventional problematically `pronated` orientation relative to an exemplified horizontal desktop surface, including indication as to the relationship of normal extreme-range of physical-rotation limitations, thereby dramatically demonstrating that the wrist is actually uncomfortably oriented at its approximate extreme CCW-position as when operating a keyboard for example, while the opposite 135-degree extreme CW-rotation is also indicated by way of arrow-reference; Continue reading... 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