A type of wrist support product

Abstract

The present invention relates to a type of wrist support product developed for use — preferably in the field of orthopaedic office products — with the mouse and / or keyboard of desktop and laptop computers, preferably on a desk surface or mouse pad, and intended for work, gaming, and personal computer use in home or office environments.

Description

[0001] A TYPE OF WRIST SUPPORT PRODUCT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention pertains to the field of ergonomic office products and, more particularly, to a wrist support configured for use with the mouse and / or keyboard of desktop and laptop computers on a desk surface or mouse pad, in home or office environments for work, gaming, and personal computing.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Humankind has been in a continuous process of development since its presence on earth, driven by various needs. One of the fundamental needs that has emerged in this process is the necessity to prevent the adverse effects on human health arising from the use of products that have appeared along with technological advancements.

[0006] In this regard, when detailing the subject matter specific to this file, the need addressed is to prevent, by taking precautions during mouse use — a technological product that almost everyone uses together with computers in daily life — the occurrence of hand, wrist, and arm ailments that may arise due to the continuous use of the mouse with certain repetitive wrist movements.

[0007] Products developed in this field are generally encountered in three categories. There are ergonomic cushions intended to be used on an office or computer desk to support the wrist and arm; cushioned mouse pads; and independent wrist supports — also known as “wrist rests” — which are used separately from the mouse and mouse pads and to which the invention at issue also belongs. In some ergonomic cushions and cushioned mouse pads, prolonged use can lead to pressure applied to different points of the arm and wrist due to the weight of the arm, causing pain and a sense of numbness. In the use of such products, the cushioning also restricts the mobility of the arm and wrist that operate the mouse, while encouraging mouse-use activity to be performed by wrist motions, directing the user toward a type of movement that can cause or contribute to the development or progression of carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist. Among the independent wrist supports available on the market, the absence of scaled versions suitable for wristanatomies that may vary in size and type can lead to a feeling of discomfort in some users. In addition, in models created as a complete negative of the wrist shape, the equal distribution of pressure on the wrist due to arm weight may continue to exert load on the “median” nerve, which is critical for carpal tunnel disease, thereby presenting the potential to contribute to progression of the condition. Furthermore, the fact that wrist supports designed for the palms and the cushions thereon are at the same height level as the surface on which the mouse is used — similarly to use without any product — may, especially during prolonged mouse and keyboard use, cause the bones in the forearm to close onto one another at an unnatural angle and posture, creating tension on the arm muscles and nerves and, consequently, leading to health problems and pain.

[0008] There are developments concerning different mouse types or different mouse support equipment with various approaches in this field.

[0009] For example, although the invention titled “Ergonomic thimble mouse for computers and portable electronic devices” numbered TR / 2007 / 05433, proposes ergonomic use with a type of mouse that is fastened to the wrist and worn on the fingers, it cannot prevent, to the extent described above, the problems that may arise due to wrist posture.

[0010] For example, the document CN203573275U, titled “Mouse with wrist rest” mentions a mouse having a wrist rest; however, likewise, because it cannot accompany the above-mentioned wrist-angle changes and does not include a void such as a median clearance, it does not prevent the pressure exerted on the median nerve and therefore cannot provide a solution in this respect.

[0011] In another example, the document US2005056738A1, titled “Mouse rest for hand and wrist” is seen as an independent support positioned behind the mouse; however, since it cannot accompany mouse movements, it does not provide support for coordination between the wrist and the hand, and merely elevates the wrist, and, additionally, it does not remedy the other disadvantages mentioned above.

[0012] In another example, in the system titled US2005121562A1 "Portable wrist rest system”, although it is attached to the wrist and provides only a wrist-angle regulating and supporting effect, it likewise d oes not remedy the other disadvantages mentioned above.In the product available at the link <https: / / www.amazon.in / Reloot-DeltaHub-

[0013]

[0014] ician-Li which is one of the existing products in the market, the ergonomic disadvantages cannot be remedied to the desired extent, particularly because the palm support areas consist of two parts and there is a longitudinal gap running right through the middle.

[0015] In the product available at the link <https: / / www.amazon.com.tr / altl%C4%B1%C4%9F%C4%B1-ergonomik-

[0016]

[0017] =1&smid=A3O5TP4R0OZYXZ>

[0018] although the upper part is a single piece, it again falls short of eliminating the disadvantages because it does not include a void or ergonomic structuring particularly at the region through which the median nerve passes.

[0019] In view of the foregoing examples, it is evident that there is a need for an arrangement configured to prevent the occurrence of the aforementioned ergonomic disadvantages.

[0020] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The invention eliminates the disadvantages described in the prior art and meets the needs.

[0022] The present invention, which belongs to a group of products in the category of independent wrist supports also known as “wrist rests,” aims — preferably during desk-based computer use in home and work environments — to regulate the manner of mouse and keyboard use so as to prevent, before they arise, wrist / arm pain and anatomical disorders that may result from prolonged use, or to reduce the disturbing effects of pain felt due to existing anatomical disorders. In the state of the art, the most prevalent wrist-support solutions are ergonomic cushions and cushioned mouse pads. By contrast, the present invention provides an independent on-desk platform that supports the wrist regions inherently in motion during computer use, thereby affording greater freedom of movement than the aforementioned products. When cushions and cushioned mouse pads are used, the weight of the arm concentrates at the pulse region located just behind the wrist or on the anterior-inner forearm, and, by slowing the blood flow in thearteries present in this area, can create a sense of numbness; in addition, depending on the materials used, it can cause a feeling of irritation on the skin. By contrast, the invention concentrates the support on the soft tissue at the palm heel of the wrist, where arteries are not dense, thereby preventing the occurrence of numbness and irritation. Compared to other products in the category of stand-alone wrist supports, to which the invention itself also belongs, the invention possesses a superior characteristic in that it covers a larger surface area that contacts the hand and, by distributing over a larger area the pressure caused by arm weight and concentrated on the wrist region, it outperforms others. Accordingly, the wrist rest offers advantages in distributing the load applied to the underlying desk surface, tuning the friction interface to facilitate motion, enhancing mobility, and providing a more stable, balanced on-desk platform. The median nerve — running along the arm and traversing the wrist via the carpal tunnel — is critical with respect to disorders resulting from alterations in hand anatomy, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Disorders in this region arise as a result of pressures exerted on the median nerve and unnatural repetitive movements. Owing to the “median clearance,” which is present on the invention and is also one of the most characteristic elements among the design features of the invention, a void is created on the contact surface such that, unlike some competitors, it exerts no pressure on the median nerve. Compared with competitors that are configured as single- or two-piece products within the same category of stand-alone wrist rests, the invention — although it configures its main support component, i.e., the cushion portion, as physically single-piece — consists of two principal sections focused on separately supporting the regions where the pisiform and triquetrum bones and the trapezium bone are located. By regulating the heights — relative to the desk surface — of the support regions arranged on the cushion that is to be positioned under the wrist, it brings the wrist to an angle, of an appropriate degree, in its natural direction of rotation. The angle may be provided in value variants tailored to different user anatomies and / or to different mouse and keyboard types.REFERENCE LIST

[0023] 1. Cushion

[0024] 2. Thenar support region

[0025] 3. Hypothenar support region

[0026] 4. Median clearance

[0027] 5. Platform / base

[0028] 6. Slider / base foot

[0029] 7. Transverse carpal ligament supporting section

[0030] 8. Lighting equipment

[0031] X. Wrist-side portion (relative to direction of use)

[0032] Y. Hand-side portion (relative to direction of use)

[0033] BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0034] Figure 1: Representative general view of the invention.

[0035] Figure 2: Alternative representative general view of the invention.

[0036] Figure 3: Alternative representative general view of the version including the slider / base foot (6).

[0037] Figure 4: Representative general view of the cushion (1) - platform / base (5) in a de-mounted (exploded) state.

[0038] Figure 5: Representative view of the invention including the lighting equipment (8).DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Without imposing any limitation on the scope of the invention, the invention is described below with reference to the following elements.

[0040] Description of the elements of the invention;

[0041] Primary cushion (1); Supports the wrist and distributes the arm weight into the soft tissue of the hand. By reducing the vertical angle formed at the wrist, it brings the wrist closer to its natural form. “The thenar support region (2) and the hypothenar support region (3) include, at their junction located on the wrist-side (X) relative to the direction of use, a median clearance (4) that is lower than the regions (2) and (3) so as not to exert pressure on the median nerve; and, at their junction located on the hand-side (Y) relative to the direction of use, at the end of the median clearance (4), they include a transverse carpal ligament supporting section (7). It is a one-piece structure and a detachable part that can be joined with the platform / base (5). Primary cushion (1) can be manufactured in a soft or hard structure according to the requested hand ergonomics. Primary cushion (1): In terms of texture / construction, the cushion region may preferably be hard or soft, internally filled or solid, hollow, or heated / cooled (e.g., by a fan or with a structure that includes ventilation holes, etc.). In terms of form, it may preferably be configured in different sizes or in versions suited to special anatomies or types of use.

[0042] Thenar support zone (2); Compared to the hypothenar support zone (3), it is higher and has a smaller surface area. It constitutes a portion of the cushion (1). It contributes to adjusting the wrist’s posture angle during computer use. Its form does not restrict the mobility of the thumb.

[0043] Hypothenar support zone (3). The hypothenar support zone is lower in elevation and provides a larger contact area than the thenar support zone (2). Forming part of the primary cushion (1), it receives forearm load transmitted at the wrist through the pisiform-triquetrum region and redistributes that load across the hypothenar area, thereby broadening pressure distribution during computer operation.Median clearance (4); During use, it is located beneath the carpal tunnel region of the wrist. By creating an opening on the support surface (on the cushion (1), between the thenar support region (2) and the hypothenar support region (3), and situated in continuation of the transverse carpal ligament supporting section (7)), it eliminates the pressure applied to the carpal tunnel region, as opposed to a flat surface.

[0044] Platform / base (5); It is the main part that holds all components together. It regulates the wrist’s mobility on the desk. It transfers rotation away from the wrist and distributes it across the entire arm. It is the component compatible with the cushion (1). It can be joined to and separated from the cushion (1). The platform / base region (5) can serve as the primary structural element that provides housing for electronic parts such as a battery compartment, lighting elements (8) (e.g., LED lighting), motion sensors, and / or extra connection elements such as a wrist attachment adapter and a mouse attachment adapter.

[0045] Glide foot I base foot (6); Increases the on-desk mobility of the platform / base (5). It is the structure located on the underside of the platform / base (5). It can be likened to the underside of a mouse. There may be more than one.

[0046] Transverse carpal ligament supporting section (7); It is located at the hand-side (Y) junction of the thenar support region (2) and the hypothenar support region (3), at the termination of the median clearance (4). This is a significant distinction from existing constructions. In existing designs, the median clearance (4) between the thenar (2) and hypothenar (3) regions completely separates those regions from each other. However, thanks to the transverse carpal ligament supporting section (7), a structure re-establishing support is provided at the end of the median clearance (4).

[0047] Primary cushion (1); In the present invention, the cushion (1) can be of a transparent structure (light-transmissive I semi-transmissive). The system may be equipped with lighting equipment (8) such as LEDs, located inside the housing or externally on the housing, operating with a conventional battery or another power supply.The invention consists of three main parts: a mobile, stand-alone platform / base (5) placed on the desk; a cushion (1) integrated into the platform / base; and glide / base feet (6) that enable smooth sliding on the desk surface. The user supports the wrist by placing it on the cushion’s hypothenar support region (3) and thenar support region (2) and finding a comfortable position. Once the correct position is found, the median clearance (4) aligns beneath the carpal tunnel region and provides zero contact with the carpal tunnel region.

Claims

CLAIMSThe present invention is a type of wrist rest product, characterized in that it comprises:• a cushion (1) which supports the wrist and distributes forearm weight into the soft tissues of the hand, reduces the vertical angle at the wrist to bring the wrist closer to its natural posture, includes a thenar support region (2) and a hypothenar support region (3), and at the junction of these regions located on the wrist-side (X) in the direction of use, includes a median clearance (4) having a lower elevation than the regions (2) and (3) so as not to apply pressure to the median nerve; the cushion being of one-piece (monolithic) construction and detachably joinable with the platform / base (5),• a platform / base (5) which holds all components together, regulates the mobility of the wrist on the desk, transfers rotational motion away from the wrist and distributes it across the arm, is compatible with the cushion (1), and is configured to be joined to and separated from the cushion (1),• and one or more glide / base feet (6) located on the underside of the platform / base (5) and increasing the on-desk mobility of the platform / base (5).

2. A type of wrist rest product according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a thenar support zone (2) which forms part of the cushion (1), is higher and has a smaller surface area than the hypothenar support zone (3), contributes to adjusting the wrist’s posture angle during computer use, and is shaped so as not to restrict thumb mobility.

3. A type of wrist rest product according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a hypothenar support zone (3) which forms part of the cushion (1), has a lower elevation and a larger surface area than the thenar support zone (2), and is tasked with receiving the forearm load applied at the wrist during computer use via the pisiform and triquetrum bones and distributing it to the hypothenar region.

4. A type of wrist rest product according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a supporting raised portion (7) located at the termination of the median clearance (4) at the hand-side (Y) junction of the thenar support region (2) and the hypothenar support region (3).

5. A type of wrist rest product according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cushion (1) of transparent structure.

6. A type of wrist rest product according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cushion (1) having a soft or hard (firm) texture.

7. A type of wrist rest product according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a light-emitting illumination equipment (8) located inside the body or on the exterior of the body.

8. A type of wrist rest product according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a platform / base region (5) as the fundamental structural element that forms a seat for additional attachment elements.

9. A type of wrist rest product according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cushion (1) that is internally filled or solid or hollow.

10. A type of wrist rest product according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cushion (1) of heated or cooled construction.

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