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WO2000045366A9 - Souris perfectionnee et procede d'utilisation - Google Patents

Souris perfectionnee et procede d'utilisation

Info

Publication number
WO2000045366A9
WO2000045366A9 PCT/US2000/002295 US0002295W WO0045366A9 WO 2000045366 A9 WO2000045366 A9 WO 2000045366A9 US 0002295 W US0002295 W US 0002295W WO 0045366 A9 WO0045366 A9 WO 0045366A9
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
platform
mouse
hand
computer mouse
user
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2000/002295
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2000045366A1 (fr
Inventor
Mark Ashby
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU34763/00A priority Critical patent/AU3476300A/en
Publication of WO2000045366A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000045366A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Publication of WO2000045366A9 publication Critical patent/WO2000045366A9/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03543—Mice or pucks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
    • G06F2203/033—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/033
    • G06F2203/0333—Ergonomic shaped mouse for one hand

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a computer mouse, and more particularly, the invention relates to an improved computer mouse with a hand support platform which reduces user discomfort.
  • the computer mouse is an increasingly essential component in the operation of modern personal computers and workstations. For many applications, the mouse is the primary interface between operator and computer. Some examples of these are graphics and design programs, and menu and selection intense software such as those utilized in numerous search engines, and games.
  • the conventional computer mouse has a housing configured to be received in a user's fingers and a portion of the user's palm. A user places their hand on the mouse body with the second and third fingers positioned over the mouse selection buttons.
  • the basic design and method of use of the current mouse devices results in physical distress to the operator evidenced by a very high incidence of repetitive motion injuries, maintained stress injuries, and general user discomfort and fatigue.
  • Maintaining the mouse in an orientation intuitively associated with X-Y movement of the cursor requires clockwise rotation of the right hand. This adduction of the hand places muscles in and around the pisiform bone in a condition of maintained stress.
  • Augmented pronation of the forearm is commonly accomplished by lifting the elbow. This places muscles in the shoulder, neck, and upper back region in a condition of significant maintained stress.
  • Augmented pronation of the forearm as accomplished by lifting the elbow, also requires exaggerated extension of the hand and fingers in order to hold little or no pressure on the selection buttons. This creates even more significant maintained stress in the extensor muscles in the dorsal region of the hand and wrist.
  • Augmented pronation of the forearm as accomplished by lifting the elbow, translates to a more lateral elbow position, requiring additional clockwise rotation of the right hand. This exaggerated adduction of the hand places muscles in and around the pisiform bone in an even greater condition of maintained stress.
  • the present invention relates to a computer mouse and a hand support platform for reducing user discomfort and injury and for training a user to properly use a mouse.
  • a computer mouse includes a mouse housing containing a tracking system, two selection buttons positioned on an anterior portion of the mouse housing, and a platform secured to and extending from a posterior portion of the mouse housing.
  • the platform is configured to support portions of a user's hand and wrist.
  • a hand support platform for a computer mouse includes an anterior U-shaped surface configured to receive a posterior surface of a computer mouse, and a top surface extending from the anterior surface and configured to support portions of the third, fourth, and fifth metacarpal bones of the hand and the hamate, pisiform, and triquetral bones of the wrist.
  • a method of teaching a user to use a computer mouse includes the steps of attaching a hand support platform to a computer mouse; using the computer mouse with the hand support platform attached for a period of time; and removing the hand support platform.
  • FIG. 1 is an ulnar side view of a right hand of a user positioned for use over a mouse (shown in phantom lines) with a hand support platform according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a radial side view of the right hand of a user positioned for use over the mouse and hand support platform of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the right hand of a user positioned for use over the mouse and hand support platform of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the right hand of a user positioned for use over the mouse and hand support platform of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a hand support platform according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a top view of the hand support platform of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the hand support platform of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the hand support platform of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a hand support platform according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a top view of the hand support platform of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 11 is a side view of the hand support platform of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the hand support platform of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a hand support platform according to the present invention.
  • FIG.14 is a top view of the hand support platform of FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 15 is a side view of the hand support platform of FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the hand support platform of FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a hand support platform according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a top view of the hand support platform of FIG. 17;
  • FIG. 19 is a side view of the hand support platform of FIG. 17;
  • FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the hand support platform of FIG. 17;
  • FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of the hand support platform of FIG. 5 formed from a flat sheet
  • FIG. 22 is a plan view of a flat blank for forming the hand support platform of FIG . 21 ;
  • FIG. 23 is a top view of the right hand of a user positioned for use over the mouse and hand support platform of FIG. 13.
  • the improved mouse includes a hand support platform 30 which supports portions of the hand, wrist, and/or arm of a user above a surface on which the mouse rests.
  • the hand support platform 30 increases user comfort, prevents injury, and trains the user to properly use a mouse.
  • the platform 30 may be rigid or semi-rigid, and may be of unitary or multi-part construction.
  • the platform 30 may be part of the mouse housing or may be a separate piece removably or permanently attached to the mouse by any suitable means known to those skilled in the art. It is also appreciated that providing the platform 30 in different shapes and in different locations on the mouse can provide additional benefit.
  • FIGS. 1-4 show a mouse 20 with a hand support platform 30 in a user's right hand 10.
  • the hand 10 having first 1, second 2, third 3, fourth 4, and fifth 5 fingers is positioned over the mouse 20 (shown in double phantom lines) and the hand support platform 30.
  • the platform 30 is a three dimensional member with a top surface which is contoured to accommodate a user's hand.
  • An anterior portion 32 of the platform 30 has a recess which accommodates and is connected to the rounded rear surface of a conventional computer mouse 20.
  • the recess in the anterior portion 32 of the platform 30 is substantially U-shaped to accommodate the mouse.
  • the anterior portion 32 of the platform extends above the posterior portion of the mouse and comes to a peak 36 under the user's palm.
  • the platform 30 preferably tapers in height from a maximum height at the peak 36 near the anterior portion 32 to a minimum height at a posterior portion 34.
  • the platform 30 provides support and elevation of the hand generally under the third fourth, and/or fifth metacarpal bones of the hand.
  • the posterior portion 34 of the platform 30 extends generally under and provides support for the hamate, pisiform, and triquetral bones of the wrist and may continue generally parallel to and under at least the distal ulna of the arm.
  • the platform 30 may be made of a malleable material, such as mild temper metals, thermoformable plastics, foams, or gels. The malleable material will allow adjustment of the platform shape to the user's needs and contouring of the platform to a user's specific hand shape. Platforms may also be supplied with removable, break-away, or cut-away portions.
  • FIGS. 5-20 illustrate four different embodiments of the platform 30a, 30b,
  • Each of the platforms 30a-30d include a top surface 40a-40d, a bottom surface 38a-38d, and an anterior surface 42a-42d.
  • the embodiments of FIGS. 5-20 differ from the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 in that the hand and wrist rest on a thin sheet of material rather than the three dimensional platform of FIGS. 1-4.
  • the thin sheet of material of the platforms 30a-30d supports the hand and wrist for motion over a working surface on which the mouse is placed.
  • FIGS. 5-20 have been shown to be formed from a material having a uniform thickness, it should be understood that each of the platforms may be have a varying thickness.
  • the top surface 40a-40d may be contoured to the user's hand.
  • the top surfaces 40a-40d preferably include a surface feature which prevents the user's hand from slipping on the platform 30a-30d.
  • This surface feature may be a tractive surface, a tractive surface coating, a contoured surface, or a connecting member for connecting the user's hand to the platform.
  • the bottom surface 38a-38d may include a low friction material, coating, or friction reducing features.
  • the anterior surface 42a-42d is connected to an edge of the mouse 20 by adhesive, Velcro, fasteners, a snap fit, or other temporary or permanent attachment method.
  • FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a platform 30a having a U-shaped anterior surface 42a which extends along left and right sides of the mouse 20.
  • the platform 30a provides right and left side support members 44a, 46a for supporting the first, fourth, and fifth fingers of the user's hand.
  • the platform 30a also includes a rear support surface 48a for supporting the user's palm and/or wrist.
  • the platform 30a may be provided with break-away portions which allow the user to remove a portion of the platform to achieve configurations such as those illustrated in FIGS. 9-20.
  • FIGS. 9-12 show an alternative embodiment of a platform 30b in which the left side support 44b is smaller in width than the right support 46b.
  • the left side support 44b is provided for supporting the right handed user's first finger while the right side support 46b supports the fourth and fifth fingers.
  • FIGS. 13-16 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the platform 30c in which the left side support has been removed.
  • FIGS. 17-20 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the platform 30d in which the left and right side supports have been omitted.
  • the rear support portion 48d of the platform 30d supports the user's palm and wrist, and optionally the user's arm.
  • FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate the formation of the platform 30a from a blank
  • the blank 50 shown in FIG. 22 has a plurality of slits 52 formed around the interior U-shaped portion of the blank. As shown in FIG. 21, the anterior surface 42a is folded along a fold line 54 to form a substantially 90 degree angle with the top surface 40a.
  • the devices according to the present invention may further include any means known to one skilled in the art of maintaining the position of the user's hand with respect to the platform. This could include, but is not limited to extensions of the platform or mouse, tractive surfaces, adhesives, pressure sensitive tape, gloves, adjustable gloves, stretchable gloves, wraps, and the like.
  • the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 provides a platform with a contoured tractive top surface to maintain the position of the platform 30 with respect to the user's hand 10. Although the platform 30 has been described as attached to the mouse, it should be understood that the platform may also be attached to the user's hand and will move with the mouse due to the user holding the mouse.
  • Maintained stress associated with exaggerated pronation and augmented pronation is reduce or eliminated by the present invention as follows.
  • pronation of the user's forearm is accomplished or enhanced as follows.
  • the platform 30 creates an upward force against the outer-palmar side of the hand and ulna.
  • the unsupported weight of the inner hand combined with this upward force creates a moment sufficient to cause the pronation required for proper finger position over the selection buttons. In this way, the operator distress associated with exaggerated pronation of the forearm and augmented pronation is minimized or eliminated.
  • Maintained stress associated with extension and exaggerated extension of the hand and fingers is reduce or eliminated by the present invention as follows.
  • the user's relaxed selection fingers require significantly less, if any, hand and finger extension to be maintained over selection buttons. In this way, the operator distress associated with extension and exaggerated extension of the hand and fingers is minimized or eliminated.
  • Prior art devices do little or nothing to properly position the selection fingers, creating the need for extension of the hand and fingers.
  • Maintained stress associated with adduction and exaggerated adduction of the hand is reduced or eliminated by the present invention as follows.
  • the anterior portion of the platform extends upwardly, providing support and elevation generally under the third, fourfh, and/or fifth metacarpal bones.
  • the platform rear support 48 extends generally under the hamate, pisiform, and triquetral bones and may continue generally parallel to and under at least the distal ulna. The platform provides support and elevation in these areas. This results in an improved selection finger orientation (i.e. more clockwise for the right handed example being discussed). In this way, the operator distress associated with adduction and exaggerated adduction of the hand is minimized or eliminated.
  • Maintained stress associated with flexure of the palmer region is reduced by the present invention as follows. Trapping the sides of the mouse between the palmar-tip of the thumb and the inner /palmer tip of the fourth or fifth finger (within a space approximately equal to the width of three fingers) places the muscles required for flexure of the palmer region (i.e. flexor retinaculum) in a condition of maintained stress. When the user positions their hand for mouse operation with the platform 30, trapping is not necessary because the hand is retained by the platform. Accordingly, concurrent issues of extension and adduction are reduced or eliminated, making flexure of the palmer region significantly less taxing.
  • Distress associated with prolonged pressure on the palmar-pisiform region of the hand is reduced-eliminated by the present invention as follows.
  • the weight of the hand and arm is distributed across the hand and wrist by the platform 30 reducing the point pressure on the palmar-pisiform region. In this way, the operator distress associated with prolonged pressure on the palmar-pisiform region of the hand is reduced or minimized.
  • Repetitive motion injuries are reduced or eliminated by the present invention as follows.
  • the muscles of the fingers, hand, wrist, and forearm require little if any maintained stress.
  • the user's hand is essentially relaxed.
  • the repetitive motion commonly associated with mouse operation is less likely to create operator distress in this circumstance. In this way, repetitive motion injuries can be reduced.
  • the invention also forces or trains the user to move the mouse without finger movement which results in improved mouse technique when the mouse is used with or without the platform.
  • the platform prevents the user from moving the mouse with finger movement.
  • the invention reduces the chance of injury to structures involved with finger movement.
  • the need to trap the sides of the mouse between the first and fourth or fifth finger is greatly reduced. Much or all of the force required to move the mouse in translation is transmitted to the mouse via the hand on the platform.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une souris d'ordinateur (20) comprend une plate-forme support pour la main (30) en vue de réduire la gêne et le risque de torsion et de former un utilisateur à l'usage correct d'une souris. La plate-forme support soutient des parties de la main (10), du poignet et du bras de l'utilisateur. La plate-forme peut être rigide or semi-rigide, et peut être d'une seule pièce ou être constituée de plusieurs pièces. La plate-forme peut faire partie du boîtier de la souris ou peut être une pièce distincte amovible or fixée à demeure à la souris. Une surface supérieure de la plate-forme soutient les troisième, quatrième et cinquième métacarpes de la main et l'os crochu, l'os pisiforme et les os triquètres du poignet.
PCT/US2000/002295 1999-01-29 2000-01-28 Souris perfectionnee et procede d'utilisation Ceased WO2000045366A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU34763/00A AU3476300A (en) 1999-01-29 2000-01-28 Improved mouse and method of using

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11790299P 1999-01-29 1999-01-29
US60/117,902 1999-01-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000045366A1 WO2000045366A1 (fr) 2000-08-03
WO2000045366A9 true WO2000045366A9 (fr) 2001-10-25

Family

ID=22375435

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/002295 Ceased WO2000045366A1 (fr) 1999-01-29 2000-01-28 Souris perfectionnee et procede d'utilisation

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3476300A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000045366A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7378927B2 (en) 1998-08-24 2008-05-27 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Circuit breaker with independent trip and reset lockout
US7400477B2 (en) 1998-08-24 2008-07-15 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Method of distribution of a circuit interrupting device with reset lockout and reverse wiring protection
US7414499B2 (en) 2004-04-08 2008-08-19 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Circuit interrupting device with a single test-reset button
US7492558B2 (en) 2000-10-16 2009-02-17 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Reset lockout for sliding latch GFCI

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10127589C2 (de) * 2001-06-06 2003-09-11 Joerg Rehwald Bedienelement für Computer
FR2829339A1 (fr) * 2001-08-31 2003-03-07 Ergograf Sarl Repose talon de main mobile
RU2231109C2 (ru) * 2001-11-22 2004-06-20 Николаев Максим Евгеньевич Манипулятор для компьютера и козырек для манипулятора
US7455538B2 (en) 2005-08-31 2008-11-25 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Electrical wiring devices with a protective shutter
GB0915129D0 (en) 2009-08-28 2009-10-07 Posturite Uk Ltd Point and click device for a computer workstation

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5340067A (en) * 1992-03-27 1994-08-23 Martin Teresa A Hand and wrist support for computer mouse
US5490647A (en) * 1993-08-09 1996-02-13 Rice; Gregory H. Palm rest for use with computer data entry devices

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7378927B2 (en) 1998-08-24 2008-05-27 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Circuit breaker with independent trip and reset lockout
US7400477B2 (en) 1998-08-24 2008-07-15 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Method of distribution of a circuit interrupting device with reset lockout and reverse wiring protection
US7492558B2 (en) 2000-10-16 2009-02-17 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Reset lockout for sliding latch GFCI
US7414499B2 (en) 2004-04-08 2008-08-19 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Circuit interrupting device with a single test-reset button

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3476300A (en) 2000-08-18
WO2000045366A1 (fr) 2000-08-03

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