Computer work station (elastic or movable) arm rests

Abstract

A movable armrest is provided which has a floor support, a support element extending upwardly from the floor support, and a trough-shaped armrest member attached to a top end of the support element, the support element being arranged to move the armrest member horizontally relative to the floor support. The support element may be a rigid rod with at least one spring positioned between the rod and the floor support, or may be an elongated spring, such as a torsion spring, a coil spring, a flat spring or a spiral spring. The support element may have a telescoping feature to permit it to be collapsed for storage and a rotatable joint may be provided between the armrest member and the support element.

Description

DESCRIPTIONMoveable armrest for computer workplaces which have a vertical, elastic support element which moves parallel to the plane of the desk top, and at the upper end of the support element an elongated, trough-shaped armrest. The invention relates to moveable armrests for computer workplaces. The purpose is to assist protracted precise (mouse) working. But other activities that can be performed at desk level are also supported.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMany persons performing work on a keyboard and with a computer mouse suffer muscle cramp, with medical consequences. For ceramic decorators and goldsmiths there are benches (partially raised) which have a round cut-out at the front and so partially surround the persons working there. However, this arrangement cannot be used with computers and in offices as it would probably be considered unacceptable both for space and optical reasons in the case of computer workplaces.Devices have been invented to be placed on the desk in front...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention has the goal of providing a moveable armrest which facilitates the operation of a computer mouse or other control element at a computer workplace. The armrest should also be very easy to fold down and put away when not in use.

Problems solved by technology

Many persons performing work on a keyboard and with a computer mouse suffer muscle cramp, with medical consequences.

However, this arrangement cannot be used with computers and in offices as it would probably be considered unacceptable both for space and optical reasons in the case of computer workplaces.

However, this method is inflexible and, because of the friction and the posture of the hands, still unergonomic.

The moveable constructions of the types already invented for fitting on the work desk all suffer from the primary fault that they allow kinetic energy to be transmitted to the desk, that they are too massive and complicated, and that they require maintenance for proper functioning as they otherwise produce noises or do not move easily.

Also the mounting of the rest device on the desk often causes problems.

If the forearm is resting on this support and if, for example, it is desired to move the mouse in a linear direction towards the pivot, this support acts counter to the movement of the forearm by unavoidably moving the fore-arm in an arc, despite an intended straight line movement.

This support is therefore unsuitable.

The device transmits kinetic energy to the desk and so may disturb the monitor; therefore, sturdy desks are required, which also have to be specially shaped.

The device gets in the way of the user's body and also takes up space.

Being large, it is visually unattractive.

It is evident that this typewriting support is only designed for operating a typewriter keyboard and is neither intended nor suitable for using a computer mouse.

Problems are also to be expected in resolving the height differences between the desk and the chair, which can mean that only special furniture may have to be used.

The telescopic arm requires technical maintenance, otherwise it may easily jam, and it has to be a correspondingly heavy and expensive construction to ensure that it operates reasonably easily.

It is virtually obtrusive because of its sizes.

It is evident that this elbow support is not suitable for operating a computer mouse, as it even hinders the movement of the forearm required for moving the mouse.

As already detailed in the first reference described above an arrangement of this kind acts counter to the movement of the forearm during operation of a computer mouse, so that the user has to additionally concentrate on the "misguidance" caused by this construction, and has difficulty compensating this misguidance.

The clamp fixings on the desk can work loose and may damage the desk.

The construction can only be removed with difficulty by releasing the screws when it is not required.

It is obstructive and takes up space on the desk top.

This device is therefore likewise not suitable, and not intended, for the operation of a computer mouse.

This device has to be strapped to and unstrapped from the arm every time it is used, and it may cause problems to the skin of the user's wrist.

The height of the arm is not adjustable, or only to a limited extent.

Movement towards the back of the desk top is restricted, as the rollers are impeded by the keyboard or other objects.

The rollers have to be serviced because if they do not run easily, through soiling, they are more of a hindrance than a help.

This arm support is neither suitable nor intended for the operation of a computer mouse.

A wrist support of this kind on rollers would constantly come up against the mouse pad and would only hinder operation of the mouse.

This known forearm support is neither suitable nor intended for supporting the forearm during the operation of a computer mouse.

Moreover, it only supports a forward and backward movement of the forearm.

It is evident that such a support is unsuitable for the operation of a computer mouse and indeed would hinder such use, as the user is already sufficiently occupied with preventing the return of his forearm to the initial position.

It is evident that this device is neither suitable nor intended for supporting the forearm during the operation of a computer mouse.

This armrest is mounted on the side of the seat of the chair on which the user is sitting and is therefore not suitable nor intended for free-standing use on the floor, and is therefore neither suitable nor intended for the operation of a control element lying or standing on a desk, such as a computer mouse.

Additionally, the degree of movement allowed would be too small for the operation of a computer mouse or the like, and the constant return of the forearm to its resting position would be inconvenient.

This armrest is very complicated in design and complicated to manufacture, making it expensive, clumsy and unacceptable.

Images