Ergonomic computer mouse with pinky finger rest

Abstract

The invention relates to an ergonomic computer mouse (1) used in a horizontal position like a conventional mouse. The shape according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises distinct support surfaces for the different parts of the hand and fingers, as well as a dedicated space for the little finger in a folded position (7). Thanks to a balance between palmar and finger grips, and greater freedom for the little finger, such a shape provides the hand with ergonomic and intuitive comfort, with the aim of preventing or reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) related to the use of a computer mouse. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Ergonomic computer mouse with a slot for the little finger. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a form of computer mouse (computer pointing device) intended to prevent and reduce mouse syndrome (MSD, Musculoskeletal Disorders). TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) related to computer mouse use manifest as various pathologies that can be disabling at work. Among them are tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Mouse syndrome generally refers to a tendinopathy that occurs from repetitive movements in a prolonged posture associated with sitting at a desk in front of a screen.

[0003] Several pointing devices (mice) are now available on the market that aim to prevent these disorders and combat the pain they cause. For the vast majority, these ergonomic mice focus their solutions on changing the wrist axis in the working position. These devices rotate the hand's position from the horizontal axis to the vertical axis relative to the work surface.

[0004] These ergonomic (vertical) mice are suitable for certain users. They significantly alter the working posture; the hand is positioned slightly on its side, or even completely. This modification leads to a multitude of important changes: a different position of the wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder.

[0005] Faced with these significant changes, the user is confronted with completely new work habits, which require a period of adaptation. However, abandoning established work habits and the effort required to adapt to a new tool can be discouraging. Consequently, the vast majority of mouse users prefer to continue using a traditional (horizontal, non-ergonomic) mouse.

[0006] Moreover, the main improvement offered by these ergonomic mice compared to classic (horizontal) mice lies in their tendency towards verticality. It is therefore essentially a question of body position. However, manipulating a computer mouse also requires a certain dexterity and engages a large number of muscles and tendons in the hand. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) also manifest as cramping sensations in the hand that manipulates the mouse. A few devices offer ways to modify hand movement: trackpads, central roller mice, or trackballs. But here too, the modifications they offer are very limited. They are disruptive to work habits, and therefore a factor in resistance to changing the system. Their use remains very marginal.

[0007] In short, currently available ergonomic mice focus their improvements more on body position (shoulder, arm, wrist) and less on hand comfort. Moreover, they offer solutions that are too far removed from everyday habits to encourage their use. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The device according to the invention would make it possible to remedy these technical drawbacks.

[0009] This device focuses solely on the shape of the mouse, in order to improve its ergonomic grip, and not on the electronic elements of its operation; therefore, they will not be discussed further. The electronic technology incorporated in this invention is the same as that of current optical mice (Bluetooth communication, integrated battery, etc.).

[0010] This device offers an ergonomic mouse shape that is used in the same The axis is different from a traditional (horizontal) mouse, which disrupts the work habits of new users to a lesser extent. This easier adaptation period would encourage them to switch to a different mouse.

[0011] Furthermore, this invention would bring improvements to the working comfort of the hand thanks to an adapted ergonomics which is based on its natural architecture.

[0012] In simplified terms, the hand consists of two main parts: the palm and the fingers. They are connected by a series of median joints: the metacarpophalangeal joints. The shape of the mouse's shell and chassis according to the invention is designed to address the comfort of each of these parts separately. It provides different support surfaces with dimensions and angles modeled on a natural and relaxed working position, distinguishing between the palm, the metacarpophalangeal joints, and the fingers. This design would provide the hand with significant gripping comfort and improved ease of use.

[0013] Next, a computer mouse is essentially moved with the fingers, while the wrist remains in a fixed position. The thumb, ring finger, and little finger guide the mouse movements. The index and middle fingers manipulate the click buttons and the scroll wheel. This means that the primary finger grip is located between the thumb and ring finger, slightly assisted by the little finger. In the device according to the invention, the size of the part that must be gripped by these fingers has therefore been specifically adjusted for improved comfort and dexterity.

[0014] But overall, it is the balance between palm grip and finger grip that would allow the device according to the invention to offer intuitive and comfortable handling.

[0015] Finally, the little finger is not essential for gripping and moving a mouse. In addition to its suitable dimensions, the device according to the invention offers a dedicated resting space specifically for the little finger. This provides the finger with greater freedom of position: it can conventionally remain at the side of the device or assist the ring finger in gripping, but according to the invention, it can also fold into a resting position inside the device's casing. This offers it greater mobility and a comfortable position when needed.

[0016] In the manipulation of this device, the freedom of position of the fingers would make it possible to significantly reduce the sensations of cramps or numbness of the hand during prolonged periods of work.

[0017] The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, which may be combined with each other:

[0018] - the shape of the mouse's shell and chassis according to the invention would offer support surfaces for the inside of the hand, distinguishing the palm, the metacarpophalangeal joints, and the fingers;

[0019] - the dimensions as well as the inclinations of the different faces of this shape, and the balance between palm and finger grip would offer intuitive and comfortable ergonomics;

[0020] - the device according to the invention would allow the little finger greater freedom of position with the possibility of folding inside the device's shell if needed;

[0021] - the device may be composed of different materials or a combination thereof (metal, plastic, wood...), which can be bent, molded, sculpted, or glued, with an ideal material thickness of 1 millimeter;

[0022] - the ideal dimensions of the outside of this device would be 11 centimeters length, for a width of 6 centimeters, and a height of 4.5 centimeters;

[0023] - the ideal dimensions of the support surface intended for the palm of the hand would be 5 centimeters by 6 centimeters, with an inclination of approximately 40° relative to the work surface;

[0024] - the ideal dimensions the part that must be grasped by the thumb, ring finger and the little finger would be 7 centimeters long, 4 centimeters wide, and 2 centimeters high; Brief description of the drawings

[0025] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become more apparent upon reading the description given below by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] - Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of the device (bird's-eye view of three-quarters view). It allows you to distinguish its shell (and chassis); the housing containing the electronic part (the element that must be grasped by the fingers to move the device); the click buttons as well as the scroll wheel; the area where the thumb must be placed; and the empty space allowing the little finger to be placed in a folded position;

[0027] - [Fig.2] shows a side view of the device which makes it possible to distinguish the hand support surfaces on the device; the casing that must be grasped with the fingers; as well as the empty space dedicated to the little finger;

[0028] - [Fig. 3] represents a top view of the device, allowing the following to be distinguished different areas of contact with the hand;

[0029] - [Fig. 4] shows a view from below the device, allowing one to make a general idea of ​​the contact surface with the worktop, as well as the openings for the optical sensor, the power button, and the Bluetooth key housing;

[0030] - [Fig. 5] represents the shape of the cross-section of the hand when it is folded in a natural working position with a mouse. It allows one to distinguish the "inverted v" shape which inspired the triangular prism shape of the architecture of the device according to the invention;

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0032] With reference to these drawings, the device consists of a shell which also serves as a chassis (1) in the sense that its shape allows it to be made into a single piece.

[0033] The operation of the device according to the invention is as follows.

[0034] The palm of the hand comes to rest on the surface (8) at the back of the mouse which is inclined at approximately 40° to the work surface. The index and middle fingers rest on the control buttons (3, 4, 5) in the same way as with a classic mouse.

[0035] A second element, in the form of a rectangular prism (2), is visible inside the casing. This "housing," smaller than the entire device, contains the electronic part of the mouse and is the element that is grasped by the fingers for movement. The thumb is placed on one side of this housing (6), and the ring and little fingers on the other side.

[0036] The device can then be manipulated like a conventional mouse. However, the little finger can, if necessary, be folded and stored inside the device's casing (7), behind the electronic housing (2). The combination of this dedicated space and the adapted dimensions of the electronic housing allows the little finger to maintain a comfortable position when folded. It can thus alternate between different working positions while still contributing to the mouse's movement. List of reference signs

[0037] 1: hull and chassis

[0038] 2: electronic housing

[0039] 3: left click button

[0040] 4: Right-click button

[0041] 5: roulette

[0042] 6: thumb contact area

[0043] 7: empty space for the little finger in a folded position

[0044] 8: palm support surface

[0045] 9: bearing surface for the metacarpophalangeal joints

[0046] 10: underside of the device (allowing its movement by sliding on a surface hard)

[0047] 11 front of the device

[0048] 12 rear of the device

[0049] 13 opening for access to the Bluetooth communication USB key

[0050] 14 opening for access to the power button

[0051] 15 opening for reading the optical sensor

[0052] 16 arm

[0053] 17 wrist

[0054] 18 back of the hand

[0055] 19 metacarpophalangeal joints

[0056] 20 top of the fingers

[0057] 21 inside of the fingers

[0058] 22 palm of the hand

Claims

Demands

1. computer mouse designed to be ergonomic, characterized in that it offers a shell and chassis shape (1) providing support surfaces for the inside of the hand by distinguishing the palm (8), the metacarpophalangeal joints (9) and the fingers.

2. computer mouse according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimensions as well as the inclinations of the different faces of its shape, and the balance between the grip of the palm and that of the fingers, adapt to the natural architecture and functioning of the hand.

3. computer mouse according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it has a location inside its shell dedicated to the little finger in the folded position (7).

4. computer mouse according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it can be composed of different materials or combinations thereof (metal, plastic, wood...), which can be bent, molded, sculpted, or glued, with an ideal material thickness of 1 millimeter.

5. computer mouse according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the dimensions of its shell (1) are 11 centimeters in length, 6 centimeters in width, and 4.5 centimeters in height.

6. computer mouse according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimensions of the support surface intended for the palm of the hand (8) are 5 centimeters by 6 centimeters, and whose inclination is approximately 40° with respect to the work surface.

7. computer mouse according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the dimensions of the part which is to be grasped by the thumb, ring finger and little finger (2) are 7 centimeters in length, for 4 centimeters in width, and 2 centimeters in height.

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