Adapter for standard mouse convertible into a vertical mouse

Abstract

Adapter for a standard mouse convertible into a vertical mouse. The invention describes an innovative adapter for a computer mouse. This adapter allows the use of a flat mouse to be converted into an ergonomic vertical mouse. The adapter comprises a vertical mouse body (1) with a cavity for inserting a support (6) for a flat mouse. This support is adjustable in length and width, ensuring optimal positioning of the left and right buttons and the scroll wheel on a flat mouse. The ends of the left and right buttons of the vertical mouse are moved by means of left and right click transfers to transmit their clicking function to a standard mouse, for which these buttons are adjustable in height. In addition, a transmission mechanism (3) transfers the functionality of the scroll wheel and click from the vertical mouse to the flat mouse. Figure chosen for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Adapter for a standard mouse convertible into a vertical mouse

[0001] The invention presented in this document is the result of my own analyses and reflections. It is not derived from any other existing invention, according to my various in-depth searches on multiple networks of sources. technical field

[0002] The described invention relates to an adapter designed for standard or flat mice, allowing the transfer of their left-click, right-click, scroll wheel, and scroll wheel click functionalities to a "vertical mouse" type adapter. This innovation aims to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and prevent their potential effects by facilitating the transition to a vertical mouse. The latter offers optimal segmental alignment of the upper limb, thus contributing to improved user comfort and health. Although the document presents only a version for right-handed users, it is important to note that this innovation will also be feasible for left-handed users. Context of the invention:

[0003] Drawing on my experience as an ergonomist and my training in this field, I have observed numerous work situations in office environments. It appears that many people, both professionally and at home, experience musculoskeletal disorders, particularly affecting the wrist and the upper limb used (wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints). Standard, flat mice may contribute to exacerbating these problems. Although using vertical mice is more ergonomically sound, few people make the switch, often out of habit or fear of the associated costs.

[0004] It is in this context that I undertook to design a system allowing a smoother transition from the standard mouse to the vertical mouse, while remaining economical and environmentally friendly. This adaptation uses the components already present on the user's mouse, thus avoiding the purchase of new electronic components. Furthermore, this adapter can be easily installed and uninstalled on many models of flat-type mice, whether wired or wireless.

[0005] This allows the user to switch from one configuration to another according to their needs and pace, thus facilitating the transition to a more ergonomic posture when using their office workstation.

[0006] The vertical mouse is an ergonomic solution designed to improve posture and minimize muscle and joint strain associated with prolonged use of a standard mouse:

[0007] Postural neutrality: Unlike a conventional mouse, a vertical mouse allows the forearm to rest in a more natural and neutral position, with the palm facing inward. This promotes better alignment of the wrist and forearm, thus reducing pronation and stress on the joints. According to the study by Quemelo, PRV, & Vieira, ER (2013). Biomechanics and performance when using a standard and a vertical computer mouse. Ergonomics, 56(8), 1336-1344.

[0008] Less wrist strain: The vertical position of the mouse helps to relieve strain on the wrist and minimize twisting movements.

[0009] Less shoulder strain: A vertical mouse encourages a more relaxed shoulder position because it eliminates the need to maintain the forearm in constant pronation. This can reduce strain on the shoulder muscles and prevent pain in this area. According to the study by Odell, D., & Johnson, P. (2015). Evaluation of flat, angled, and vertical computer mice and their effects on wrist posture, pointing performance, and preference. Work (Reading, Mass.), 52(2), 245-253.

[0010] Less pressure on the joints: By reducing twisting movements and unnatural positions, a vertical mouse can help minimize pressure on the wrist, finger, and shoulder joints. General description of the invention: Adjustability of the standard mouse support:

[0011] The holder (6) for inserting a standard mouse is equipped with two wedges, one on the left (25) and one on the right (29), which secure the mouse across its width. This is made possible by springs (27) located both on the ends of the retaining bars (26) and on the left (25) and right (29) wedges. These springs (27) and a portion of the retaining bars (26) are inserted into cavities (28) in the wedges, thus ensuring unidirectional extension. These retaining bars (26) provide additional protection against accidental rearward movement of the mouse.

[0012] The standard mouse support system (6) slides along the vertical mouse (15), allowing it to adjust the depth to enable most standard mice to retain their right and left click functionality, as well as the use of the scroll wheel and scroll wheel click.

[0013] The cavity in the vertical mouse (15) is designed to accommodate the standard mouse holder. A series of straight recesses (19) in the body of the vertical mouse (1) and inserts (30) on the standard mouse holder (6) allow the two elements to fit together perfectly. This design allows the user to precisely adjust the depth of the holder within the vertical mouse, providing an adjustment range from 59 to 109 millimeters (distance between the retaining bars (26) of the standard mouse holder (6) and the center of the lower part of the transmission (43)), with 6-millimeter intervals between each position. This adjustment ensures alignment of the left (5) and right (4) clicks, the scroll wheel (3), and the scroll wheel click (3) of the vertical mouse (1) with the elements of the standard mouse, thus ensuring the proper operation of all existing functions. Adjusting the height of the buttons:

[0014] A button height adjustment system is also integrated to ensure a proper fit between the buttons of the vertical mouse and those of the standard mouse. Shims (4,5) placed on the left (8) and right (11) click transfers allow their height to be increased or decreased by means of notched sections (7,12), thus ensuring that the mouse offsets are ideally positioned relative to the left and right clicks of the standard mouse being used. The vertical mouse wheel system:

[0015] The vertical mouse wheel (21) has a notched shape in its central cavity that allows it to fit into its shaft (22), which is also equipped with a system of notches. This design allows the wheel to direct the rotations of its shaft in the same direction.

[0016] On each side of the scroll wheel, two retaining pins (20) are present, while a third pin (20) is positioned towards the toothed portion (24) at the end of the shaft. It butts against the left click transfer (8) to prevent the shaft (22) from coming out of its housing during use. A disc (23) is located upstream of the toothed portion (24) on the end of the shaft (22), guiding the upper part of the transmission (32) to prevent any displacement towards the left click transfer (8), thus ensuring proper maintenance of the angle between the axis of the scroll wheel (22) of the vertical mouse and the upper part of the transmission (32).

[0017] The scroll wheel shaft is held in place by both the left (8) and right (11) click transfers, and has as its (inner) end a support (14) under the right click of the vertical mouse (1), and rests on its other (outer) end on the upper part of the transmission (32). This outer end also has a notched system (24) and rests on the upper part of the transmission (32), which is also notched. This notched system will be covered with a thin layer of silicone so that the contact The distance between the two parts is maximized, and the transmission of rotation from the axis (22) is correctly carried out on the upper part of the transmission (32). The three cavities present on the left (10) and right (11) click transfers, as well as on the support of the inner end (14), are not circular but oval; this design allows the user to apply pressure to the scroll wheel while maintaining the functionality of the click. In fact, the vertical mouse wheel and its axis can thus be lowered by two millimeters.

[0018] The axis of the vertical mouse wheel (22) requires the placement of three retaining pins (20), one on each side of the wheel to prevent it from coming out of its housing and to ensure it remains centered within the cavity (16) on the top of the vertical mouse for user accessibility, and one on the inner face of the left click transfer (8) to prevent the axis (22) from dislodging from its supports during use. The wheel shaft (22) also has a collar (23) upstream of its toothed portion (24) on its outer part, to best secure the upper part of the transmission (32). Complete transmission system:

[0019] The next problem was how to transmit the force from the scroll wheel (21) of the vertical mouse (1) to the scroll wheel of the flat mouse, due to the angle between the two wheels. To address this problem, the mechanism used is a "double U" shaped angle transmission (32, 39), which converts the rotation of the vertical scroll wheel axis into a flat rotation.

[0020] The transmission system (3) from the vertical mouse to the standard mouse consists of several elements. The upper part of the transmission (32) is in contact with the notched end (24) of the shaft (22) of the vertical mouse wheel. Then there is the middle part of the transmission (39) and the lower part of the transmission (43), which is in contact with the wheel of the standard mouse.

[0021] The "double U" system (32, 39) comprises the upper part of the transmission (32) and the middle part of the transmission (39). These two parts are held together by their axes of rotation (36, 37, 38), which are inserted into cavities provided for this purpose: cavities (34) on either side of the upper part of the transmission (32), and cavities (35) on either side of the middle part of the transmission (39). One of the axes is split into two parts (36, 37) to facilitate the production of this system. However, future production in a single piece will be preferred if possible.

[0022] The upper part of the transmission (32) is held in two cavities (9) on the left click transfer (8), in the "inserts of the upper part of the transmission support" (9). This part (33) allows the entire transmission to be held along a Y-axis; its thinness provides a "spring" effect because its The force pushes the axis (22) of the scroll wheel, and therefore the scroll wheel (21) of the vertical mouse, upwards, while simultaneously allowing the user to press down on the entire mechanism to perform the scroll wheel click on a standard mouse. The upper part of the transmission (32) is accompanied by its support (33), which maintains the assembly along a vertical Y-axis, ensuring that the upper part of the transmission (32) does not come out of its housing on the support (33). This is made possible by the three keying notches (31) on the upper face of the support (33), which hold the upper part of the transmission (32) in the X and Z planes and ensure its secure retention without interfering with its rotation.

[0023] The assembly also includes a retaining key (42) inserted into the cavities (40, 41) of the two parts: the intermediate part of the transmission and the lower part of the transmission. This allows the lower part (43) to be held onto the intermediate part (39) without disrupting the rotation and allows the scroll wheel click (2) to be transferred from the vertical mouse to the standard mouse.

[0024] The lower part of the transmission (43) is held in the X and Z axes by a cavity (18) on the horizontal part of the left-click transfer (8). This part (43) is height-adjustable by means of a sliding system between the intermediate transmission (39) and the lower part of the transmission (43), which allows force to be transferred to the mouse wheel. These two parts are provided with rectangular cavities (40, 41) so that the user can insert a key (42) which holds the assembly at the required height for the user. This key system (42) was chosen because the force to be applied vertically is generally greater than that of the left and right clicks of a standard mouse, for which other height adjustment systems might not have been sufficient.

[0025] The maximum height setting of the lower part of the transmission (43) is 34 millimeters high relative to the working surface, and can then be adjusted to 6 different positions (41), each lowering the lower part of the transmission by 2 millimeters, which allows the minimum height of the lower part to be set at 24 millimeters relative to the ground.

[0026] The entire transmission mechanism (3) thus transfers the rotation of the vertical mouse wheel (21) onto its axis (22), and then onto the upper part of the transmission (32). Next, the "double U" system (32, 39) transmits this rotational force, despite the induced angle, to the lower part of the transmission (43). Since this part is positioned on the flat mouse wheel, it is possible to retain the use of the wheel and its clicking functionality.

[0027] For proper use of the transmission system (3), the user will place their standard mouse in the adapter (6) and adjust its depth using the The insert system (19, 30) is designed so that the scroll wheel is positioned on the diameter of the lower part of the transmission (43), in a perpendicular plane, to allow for rotation. However, depending on the width of the mouse, the scroll wheel may be positioned on the left or right side of the transmission, causing it to rotate in one direction or the other. If the scroll wheel is positioned on the right-click button transfer side, it will be necessary to adjust the scroll wheel rotation direction in your computer settings and set it to "reverse." Alternatively, an additional shim can be placed on the right-hand shim (29) of the standard mouse mount so that the scroll wheel is positioned on the left side of the transmission, and therefore on the left-click transfer side (8). Description of the click mechanism:

[0028] The left (8) and right (11) click transfers are connected to the underside of the vertical mouse buttons (1) before being positioned on the top side of the left and right buttons of the standard mouse. To achieve this, shims (4, 5) are positioned on the notched supports (7, 12) at the ends of the button transfers (8, 11); this notched system (7, 12) allows for precise adjustment of the height of the shims (4, 5) so that they are flush with the buttons of the standard mouse. The shims (4, 5) are slightly inclined on their underside to best match the shape of the buttons on flat mice, which are also often inclined on this side. The dimensions of compatible standard mice:

[0029] For the left and right clicks, we have a maximum height adjustment of 29 millimeters from the ground on the central part of the shims (4, 5) (which corresponds to the center of the lower part of the transmission (43)) and a minimum height of 15 millimeters, with a multitude of intermediate adjustments thanks to the notched system (7, 12). The "click" works in the same way as on a conventional mouse, simply because of the angle of the vertical mouse (1), the pressure of the left (5) and right (4) clicks will press on the faces of the right and left clicks of the standard mouse and thus perform a click on them.

[0030] To ensure optimal compatibility with this adapter, standard mice must meet certain criteria. First, their length, measured from the back of the mouse to the center of the scroll wheel, must be between 59 millimeters and 109 millimeters. Second, the scroll wheel height, that is, the distance between the top of the scroll wheel and the underside of the mouse, must be between 34 millimeters and 24 millimeters.

[0031] As regards the width of the mouse, it is measured from the right side of the mouse to the center of its scroll wheel, and must be between 22.8 millimeters and 41 millimeters for correct insertion into the support (6).

[0032] With regard to the right-click offset (11), the shim (4) is capable of operating effectively on the right-click face of the standard mouse within a range of 7 millimeters to 20.9 millimeters from the right end of the standard mouse. Similarly, the left-click face of the standard mouse must be located between 50 millimeters and 64.1 millimeters from the right end of the mouse to ensure optimal operation of the left-click shift shim (5) (8). Instructions for the user:

[0033] With the assembly already mounted, the user simply needs to place their standard mouse in the holder (6). To do this, they simply spread apart the left (25) and right (29) spacers, which will then retract thanks to the springs (27) connected by the retaining bars (26). Next, they simply position the entire vertical mouse assembly (1) on the holder on the standard mouse (6), at the designated location (15), and then adjust the depth of the holder (6) within the vertical mouse so that the scroll wheel of the standard mouse is positioned under the lower part of the transmission (43), in its center. Finally, they can adjust the height of the transmission so that it rests on the scroll wheel of the flat mouse, before adjusting the height of the spacers (4, 5) for the left (8) and right (11) click transfers. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] For some of the figures shown below, some are provided with dimensions for which the dimensions are in millimeters.

[0035] Figures 1 and 2 represent the entire invention with all parts assembled, which therefore includes the vertical mouse body (1), the vertical mouse wheel system with its axis (2), the vertical mouse wheel rotation transmission system (3), as well as the height-adjustable shims (4, 5) on the left (8) and right (11) click transfers, which are visible in [Fig. 3], and also the standard mouse support system (6). [Fig. 1] is in a three-quarter view and [Fig. 2] in a full front view.

[0036] Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 show the body of the vertical mouse (1) along with some dimensions to better illustrate the size of the invention. These figures show where the various components of the invention are assembled. Only the spacers (4, 5) are included, as they do not interfere with the analysis of these figures. Figures 3 and 4 are three-quarter rear views of the component, while Figure 5 is a side view. right of the vertical mouse and [Fig.6] a view from below by positioning yourself on the left side.

[0037] Figures 7, 8, and 9 show the complete system of the vertical mouse wheel (2), along with its shaft (22), in which the two parts (the shaft (22) and the vertical mouse wheel (21) are provided with a gear-like interlocking system, around which two retaining pins (20) are positioned on either side of the wheel. A third pin is positioned near the toothed portion (24) at the end of the shaft (22) and acts as a stop against the transfer of the left click (8) so that the shaft (22) does not come out of its housing during use. The disc (23) located upstream of the toothed part (24) on the end of the shaft guides the upper part of the transmission (32), preventing it from shifting towards the left click transfer (8), thus ensuring proper maintenance of the angle between the axis of the vertical mouse wheel (22) and the upper part of the transmission (32). [Fig.[Fig. 7] is in a front view, [Fig. 8] in a three-quarter view, and [Fig. 9] in a top view.

[0038] Figures 10, 11, and 12 illustrate the support (6) into which the user inserts their standard mouse. This support consists of two wedges, left (25) and right (29), which hold the mouse in place across its width thanks to springs (27) inserted on the ends of the retaining bars (26) and on the left (25) and right (29) wedges. These springs are inserted into cavities (28) on the wedges so that their movement is guided in only one direction. Part of the retaining bars (26) is also inserted into these cavities (28) so that the springs (27) and bars (26) can only extend widthwise and therefore in one direction. Figures 10 and 11 represent a three-quarter rear view of this system, while Figure 12 shows a three-quarter rear view of the mouse. 12] shows a top view.

[0039] Figures 13, 14, and 15 show the complete transmission system (3) from the vertical mouse to the standard mouse. It is composed of several elements, such as the upper part of the transmission (32) (in contact with the notched end (24) of the vertical mouse wheel axis (22)), the intermediate part (39), and the lower part (43) in contact with the standard mouse wheel. The "double U" system (32, 39) comprises the upper part (32) and the intermediate part (39), which are held together by their axes of rotation (36, 37, 38). These axes fit into cavities provided for this purpose: cavities (34) on either side of the upper part of the transmission (32), and cavities (35) on either side of the intermediate part of the transmission (39). One of the axes is split into two parts (36, 37) in order to facilitate the production of this system.This assembly also includes the retaining key (42) which fits into the cavities (40, 41) of the two parts and allows the part to be held in place. The lower part (43) is attached to the intermediate part (39), without interfering with the rotation mechanism and enabling the scroll wheel click transfer function (2) from the vertical mouse to the standard mouse. The upper part of the transmission (32) is accompanied by its support (33), which maintains the assembly along the Y-axis and therefore vertically, without compromising the rotation of the entire system (3). This is achieved by ensuring the upper part (32) remains in the correct orientation and does not come out of its support (33), thanks to the three alignment notches (31) on the upper face of the support (33). Figures 13 and 14 are three-quarter views, while Figure 15 is a left-side view. List of reference signs:

[0040] 1: Vertical mouse body

[0041] 2: Assembly of the vertical mouse wheel system with its axis

[0042] 3: Assembly of the force transmission system for the vertical mouse wheel

[0043] 4: Right-click wedge

[0044] 5: Left click wedge

[0045] 6: Standard / flat mouse support system assembly

[0046] 7: Notched support for the left click wedge, at the end of the left click transfer

[0047] 8: Left-click transfer

[0048] 9: Cavities for the insert of the support for the upper part of the transmission

[0049] 10: Cavity in the left click transfer, external support for the scroll wheel axis the vertical mouse

[0050] 11: Right-click transfer

[0051] 12: Notched support for the right-click wedge, at the end of the right-click transfer

[0052] 13: Cavity in the body of the vertical mouse for thumb placement

[0053] 14: Internal support for the vertical mouse wheel axis

[0054] 15: Location of the standard / flat mouse holder

[0055] 16: Cavity on the top of the vertical mouse, for the passage of the scroll wheel vertical mouse

[0056] 17: Cavity in the body of the vertical mouse that allows the collar of the axis of the the vertical mouse wheel to provide additional support for the axis

[0057] 18: Cavity for maintaining the transmission in an X and Z plane, on the part horizontal transfer of the left click

[0058] 19: Cavities on the body of the vertical mouse, allowing the inserts to be fitted together standard mouse support

[0059] 20: Pin for retaining the axis of the vertical mouse wheel / scroll wheel

[0060] 21: Notched wheel of the vertical mouse with its gear system medium

[0061] 22: Vertical mouse wheel / scroller axis

[0062] 23: Retaining collar for the upper part of the transmission and the shaft of the vertical mouse wheel

[0063] 24: Circular notched part, on the outer end of the axis of the wheel of the vertical mouse

[0064] 25: Left wedge of the standard / flat mouse support

[0065] 26: Retaining bar for the two wedges of the standard / flat mouse support

[0066] 27: Fixing spring between the retaining bars and the support wedges of the standard / flat mouse

[0067] 28: Cavities for the insertion of springs and part of the retaining bars

[0068] 29: Right wedge of the standard / flat mouse support

[0069] 30: Inserts on the right-hand side of the standard mouse support for adjusting the depth in the body of the vertical mouse

[0070] 31: Keying device for the support of the upper part of the transmission

[0071] 32: Upper part of the transmission, in contact with the axis of the mouse wheel vertical

[0072] 33: Support for the upper part of the transmission

[0073] 34: Cavity in the "U" of the upper part of the transmission, for the insertion of its axis

[0074] 35: Cavity in the "U" of the intermediate part of the transmission, for the insertion of its axis

[0075] 36: Part one of the first axis of rotation of the transmission

[0076] 37: Part two of the first axis of rotation of the transmission

[0077] 38: Second axis of rotation of the transmission

[0078] 39: Intermediate part of the transmission, in a “double U” shape

[0079] 40: Cavity in the intermediate part of the transmission for the insertion of the key

[0080] 41: Cavities in the lower part of the transmission for the insertion of the key

[0081] 42: Key for retaining the transmission height adjustment

[0082] 43: Lower part of the transmission, in contact with the standard mouse wheel / user plate

Claims

Demands

1. A standard mouse adapter convertible into a vertical mouse, characterized in a vertical mouse body (1) into which a standard flat mouse can be inserted by means of a holder (6) that fits into the vertical mouse body (1). This adapter is also characterized by a transfer of the standard mouse's functionality via a scroll wheel system (2), transmission (3) of scroll wheel rotation to the standard mouse, scroll wheel click, and left and right click functions, all adjustable in height by means of notched shims (4, 5) and a key (42). These height adjustments maximize the compatibility of standard mice, which can be of different shapes and sizes.

2. Adapter according to claim 1 characterized by the body of the vertical mouse (1) for the office field for which the cavity (15) is present on the side opposite the buttons in order to insert the support (6) for holding a flat mouse.

3. An adapter according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by the support (6) for the standard mouse in the vertical mouse (1, 15), which can be inserted into the body of the vertical mouse by means of inserts (30) for straight alignment of the two parts. This allows the flat mouse to fit into the straight recesses (18) of its housing (15) in the vertical mouse (1). This method makes it possible to control the depth of the flat mouse, thus ensuring that the controls (left click (5), right click (4) and scroll wheel (2, 3)) of the vertical mouse are optimally positioned relative to the elements of the standard mouse.

4. An adapter according to claims 1, 2, and 3, characterized in that the standard mouse holder (6) is equipped with a width adjustment mechanism involving springs (27) attached to the ends of the upper and lower retaining bars (26), as well as to the inner faces of the left (25) and right (29) wedges. This configuration allows both width adjustment and prevents the mouse from being pulled backward from its holder, thanks to the presence of the bars (26).

5. Adapter according to claim 1 characterized in that the action on the left and right buttons of the vertical mouse is performed thanks to The mouse allows for the transfer of left (8) and right (11) clicks to the standard mouse. This feature includes height adjustment via notched supports (7, 12) for inserting shims (5, 4) which are also notched on their inner faces, ensuring precise contact with the left and right buttons of the standard mouse. The vertical orientation of the mouse allows these buttons to be activated by lightly pressing on the faces of the left and right clicks of the vertical mouse.

6. An adapter according to claims 1 and 5 characterized in a mechanism that involves transferring the functionality of the scroll wheel (2) via a transmission system (3), also allowing the click of the scroll wheel from a standard mouse to the vertical mouse. This design offers height adjustment to accommodate the different scroll wheel heights of flat mice, while preserving the scroll wheel's clicking capability. The transmission of the scroll wheel rotation from the vertical mouse to the flat mouse is made possible by the support (33) of the upper part of the transmission (32), which holds this mechanism vertically, i.e., along the Y-axis. This support (33) provides a spring effect to activate the click of the scroll wheel on the flat mouse. In addition, a cavity (18) in the horizontal transfer of the left click (8) ensures support along the X and Z axes, while allowing movement along the Y-axis.

7. Adapter according to claim 1 characterized by a lateral notch (13) on the body of the vertical mouse and which ensures good thumb support, thus offering a comfortable grip on the vertical mouse.

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