Keyboard accessory

Claim 2

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported, the platform having a front side having a length thereto; at least one wrist support to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto; means for mounting the at least one wrist support on the front side of the platform; means for vertically adjusting the at least one wrist support to a desired vertical position with respect to the keyboard; said vertical adjusting means being mounted on the at least one wrist support, permitting vertical adjustment by one hand of the keyboard operator a spring mounted on the wrist support, the spring urging the wrist support upwardly against the operator's wrist thereby absorbing energy and providing tactile feedback when pressure is applied to the wrist support by the operator's wrist; the front side of the platform having therein a slot extending substantially the length of the front side, the slot having a plurality of laterally spaced-apart detent means adjacent thereto, and the at least one wrist support having means thereon to disengage and engage the detents as desired, such that said wrist support may be moved incrementally and retained at a desired lateral position with respect to the keyboard said lateral adjustment being performed by one hand of the keyboard operator while maintaining said hand on the at least one wrist support.

Claim 3

The wrist support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the at least one wrist support having a side opposite to the keyboard, a vertical post, a spring-biased finger grip mounted on the at least one wrist support and releasably engaging the vertical post, the finger grip being manually pulled outwardly from the wrist support to disengage the finger grip from the vertical post wherein vertical adjustment by one hand of the keyboard operator is permitted.

Claim 4

The wrist support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the detent means in the slot on the front side of the platform being first detent means, the at least one wrist support further having a member pivotally mounted thereon, the member projecting laterally therefrom, the member being substantially L shaped and including at least one leg having a second detent means, wherein said member may be manually pivoted to permit the second detent means to selectively engage and disengage the first detent means adjacent to the slot on the front side of the platform.

Claim 5

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of the keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a housing mounted adjacent to the keyboard, the housing having a length thereto, a plurality of laterally spaced-apart first detent means being disposed along the length of the housing; a pair of wrist supports to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support having a vertical axis, a wrist pad having a convex upper surface mounted on a respective upper end of each wrist support; a spring mounted on each wrist support, the spring urging the respective wrist support upwardly against the operator's wrist thereby absorbing energy and providing tactile feedback when pressure is applied to the respective wrist support by the operator's wrist; means for connecting the wrist supports to the housing for vertical adjustment of the wrist supports individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to one another; means for connecting the wrist supports to the housing, each wrist support having a member pivotally mounted thereon, the member projecting laterally therefrom, the member being substantially L shaped and including at least one leg having a second detent means thereon to engage and disengage the first detent means on the length of the housing for incremental lateral adjustment of the wrist supports individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to one another; said member pivotally mounted on each wrist support to engage and disengage the detent means on each wrist support being pivotably operable by one hand of the keyboard operator while maintaining said hand on the respective wrist support; means for limited pivotal movement about the respective vertical axis of each wrist support with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support such that the keyboard operator may adjust each wrist support and each wrist pad individually to a desired position.

Claim 6

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of the keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a housing mounted adjacent to the keyboard, the housing having a length thereto, a plurality of laterally spaced-apart first detent means being disposed along the length of the housing; a pair of wrist supports to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support having a vertical axis, a wrist pad having a convex upper surface mounted on a respective upper end of each wrist support; a spring mounted on each wrist support, the spring urging the respective wrist support upwardly against the operator's wrist thereby absorbing energy and providing tactile feedback when pressure is applied to the respective wrist support by the operator's wrist; means for connecting the wrist supports to the housing for vertical adjustment of the wrist supports individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to one another; means for connecting the wrist supports to the housing, each wrist support having a member pivotally mounted thereon, the member projecting laterally therefrom, the member being substantially L shaped and including at least one leg having a second detent means thereon to engage and disengage the first detent means on the length of the housing for incremental lateral adjustment of the wrist supports individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to one another; said member pivotally mounted on each wrist support to engage and disengage the detent means on each wrist support being pivotably operable by one hand of the keyboard operator while maintaining said hand on the respective wrist support; means for limited pivotal movement about the respective vertical axis of each wrist support with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support such that the keyboard operator may adjust each wrist support and each wrist pad individually to a desired position.

Claim 7

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a housing mounted adjacent to the keyboard, the housing having a length thereto, a plurality of laterally spaced-apart detent means being disposed along the length of the housing, a pair of wrist supports to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support having an upper end, a side opposite to the keyboard and a wrist pad having a convex upper surface on the respective upper end thereof; the wrist pads being cambered inwardly toward one another; each wrist support having a side opposite to the keyboard, a vertical post, a spring biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support on the respective wrist support on the side opposite to the keyboard, the respective finger grip releasably engaging each respective vertical post; means for connecting the wrist supports to the housing for vertical and lateral adjustment of the wrist supports individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to one another, wherein said vertical adjustments may be made by one hand of the keyboard operator manually pulling the finger grip outwardly from the respective wrist support to disengage the finger grip from the respective vertical post, each wrist support having means pivotally mounted thereon to engage the detent means on the length of the housing wherein each wrist support may be independently disposed incrementally at a desired lateral position with respect to the keyboard and to the other wrist support or to disengage the detent means wherein each wrist support may independently slide continuously laterally to a desired position with respect to the keyboard and to the other wrist support; such that the keyboard operator may adjust each wrist support individually to a desired position.

Claim 8

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a housing mounted adjacent to the keyboard, the housing having a length thereto, a plurality of laterally spaced-apart detent means being disposed along the length of the housing, a pair of wrist supports to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support having an upper end, a side opposite to the keyboard and a wrist pad having a convex upper surface on the respective upper end thereof; the wrist pads being cambered inwardly toward one another; each wrist support having a side opposite to the keyboard, a vertical post, a spring biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support on the respective wrist support on the side opposite to the keyboard, the respective finger grip releasably engaging each respective vertical post; means for connecting the wrist supports to the housing for vertical and lateral adjustment of the wrist supports individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to one another, wherein said vertical adjustments may be made by one hand of the keyboard operator manually pulling the finger grip outwardly from the respective wrist support to disengage the finger grip from the respective vertical post, each wrist support having means pivotally mounted thereon to engage the detent means on the length of the housing wherein each wrist support may be independently disposed incrementally at a desired lateral position with respect to the keyboard and to the other wrist support or to disengage the detent means wherein each wrist support may independently slide continuously laterally to a desired position with respect to the keyboard and to the other wrist support; such that the keyboard operator may adjust each wrist support individually to a desired position.

Claim 9

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported; a pair of wrist supports connected to the platform; wherein the keyboard may be disposed on the platform at a desired distance from the wrist supports, each wrist support having a vertical axis, an upper end, a side opposite to the keyboard, a vertical post; a spring biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support on the respective wrist support on the side opposite to the keyboard, the respective finger grip releasably engaging each respective vertical post; a wrist pad having a convex upper surface mounted on an upper end of each wrist support to support the heel of the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, the wrist pads being cambered inwardly toward one another; means connecting the wrist supports to the platform for independently adjusting each wrist support vertically relative to the platform and relative to the other wrist support, wherein said vertical adjustment may be made by one hand of the keyboard operator by manually pulling the finger grip outwardly to disengage the finger grip from the vertical post and means for limited pivotal movement about the respective vertical axis of each wrist support with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support such that the keyboard operator may adjust each wrist support and each wrist pad to a desired position.

Claim 10

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported; a pair of wrist supports connected to the platform; wherein the keyboard may be disposed on the platform at a desired distance from the wrist supports, each wrist support having a vertical axis, an upper end, a side opposite to the keyboard, a vertical post; a spring biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support on the respective wrist support on the side opposite to the keyboard, the respective finger grip releasably engaging each respective vertical post; a wrist pad having a convex upper surface mounted on an upper end of each wrist support to support the heel of the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, the wrist pads being cambered inwardly toward one another; means connecting the wrist supports to the platform for independently adjusting each wrist support vertically relative to the platform and relative to the other wrist support, wherein said vertical adjustment may be made by one hand of the keyboard operator by manually pulling the finger grip outwardly to disengage the finger grip from the vertical post and means for limited pivotal movement about the respective vertical axis of each wrist support with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support such that the keyboard operator may adjust each wrist support and each wrist pad to a desired position.

Claim 11

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrist of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported; the platform having a front side extending outwardly from the keyboard, the front side of the platform having a plurality of laterally spaced-apart first detent means thereon, a pair of separable, independent wrist supports connected to the platform to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support further having a member pivotally mounted thereon, the member projecting laterally thereform, the member being substantially L shaped and including at least one leg having a second detent means thereon for laterally adjusting each wrist support wherein the second detent mean son each wrist support may selectively engage and disengage the respective first detent means on the platform permitting incremental, stepwise and sliding movement of each wrist support with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support, said pivotally mounted member for laterally adjusting each wrist support being operable by one hand of the keyboard operator while maintaining said hand on the respective wrist support, and a spring mounted on each wrist support, the spring urging the respective wrist support upwardly against the operator's wrist thereby absorbing energy and providing tactile feedback when pressure is applied to the respective wrist support by the operator's wrist.

Claim 12

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrist of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported; the platform having a front side extending outwardly from the keyboard, the front side of the platform having a plurality of laterally spaced-apart first detent means thereon, a pair of separable, independent wrist supports connected to the platform to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support further having a member pivotally mounted thereon, the member projecting laterally thereform, the member being substantially L shaped and including at least one leg having a second detent means thereon for laterally adjusting each wrist support wherein the second detent mean son each wrist support may selectively engage and disengage the respective first detent means on the platform permitting incremental, stepwise and sliding movement of each wrist support with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support, said pivotally mounted member for laterally adjusting each wrist support being operable by one hand of the keyboard operator while maintaining said hand on the respective wrist support, and a spring mounted on each wrist support, the spring urging the respective wrist support upwardly against the operator's wrist thereby absorbing energy and providing tactile feedback when pressure is applied to the respective wrist support by the operator's wrist.

Claim 13

The wrist support apparatus of claim 7, further comprising means for connecting each wrist support to the keyboard for vertical adjustment of each wrist support individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support, each wrist support having a side opposite to the keyboard, a vertical post, a spring biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support on the respective wrist support on the side opposite to the keyboard, the respective finger grip releasably engaging each respective vertical post, wherein said vertical adjustment may be made by one hand of the keyboard operator by manually pulling the finger grip outwardly from the wrist support to disengage the finger grip from the vertical post.

Claim 14

The wrist support apparatus of claim 7, further comprising means for limited pivotal movement about a respective vertical axis of each wrist support with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support.

Claim 15

The wrist support apparatus of claim 7, wherein four modes of operation are provided, the one wrist support may engage the desired respective detents and be prevented from lateral movement and the other wrist support may be disengaged from the respective detents and slidably moved laterally, the other wrist support may engage the desired respective detents and prevented from lateral movement and the one wrist support may be disengaged from the respective detents and may slidably move laterally, both wrist supports may engage the desired respective detents and be prevented from lateral movement, and both wrist support may be disengaged from the respective detents such that both wrist supports may have unrestricted lateral movement.

Claim 16

The wrist support apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pivotally mounted member for laterally adjusting each wrist support is a clamp member mounted on each wrist support, said clamp member being operable by a thumb of the hand of the keyboard operator while said hand is supported by the respective wrist support.

Claim 17

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keybaord is supported; the platform having a front side extending outwardly from the keyboard, the front side of the platform having a plurality of laterally spaced-apart first detent means thereon, a pair of separable, independent wrist supports connected to the platfrom to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support having a side opposite to the keyboard, a vertical post, a spring biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support on the respective wrist support on the side opposite to the keyboard, the respective finger grip releasably engaging each respective vertical post, means thereon for laterally adjusting each wrist support wherein each wrist support may selectively disengage and engage the respective first detent means on the platform permitting sliding and incremental, stepwise movement respectively of each wrist support with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support; means for connecting each wrist support to the keyboard for vertical adjustment of each wrist support individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support, a spring-biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support wherein said vertical adjustments may be made by one hand of the keyboard operator moving the finger grip; each wrist support having a wrist pad on a respective upper end thereof each wrist pad having a convex upper surface; means for limited pivotal movement of each wrist support about a respective vertical axis with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support such that the keyboard operator may adjust each wrist support and each wrist pad individually to a desired position.

Claim 18

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keybaord is supported; the platform having a front side extending outwardly from the keyboard, the front side of the platform having a plurality of laterally spaced-apart first detent means thereon, a pair of separable, independent wrist supports connected to the platfrom to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support having a side opposite to the keyboard, a vertical post, a spring biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support on the respective wrist support on the side opposite to the keyboard, the respective finger grip releasably engaging each respective vertical post, means thereon for laterally adjusting each wrist support wherein each wrist support may selectively disengage and engage the respective first detent means on the platform permitting sliding and incremental, stepwise movement respectively of each wrist support with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support; means for connecting each wrist support to the keyboard for vertical adjustment of each wrist support individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support, a spring-biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support wherein said vertical adjustments may be made by one hand of the keyboard operator moving the finger grip; each wrist support having a wrist pad on a respective upper end thereof each wrist pad having a convex upper surface; means for limited pivotal movement of each wrist support about a respective vertical axis with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support such that the keyboard operator may adjust each wrist support and each wrist pad individually to a desired position.

Claim 19

A support apparatus ergonomically designed to provide support for a keyboard operator's hands and wrists, the support comprising a housing mounted adjacent to the keyboard, the housing having connected thereto a pair of wrist supports, each wrist support having a wrist pad on a respective upper end thereof, wherein each wrist pad has four sides, a first side oriented toward the keyboard operator, a second side substantially perpendicular to the first side, a third side opposite the second side and in a facing relationship with the other wrist pad, the third side forming an obtuse angle with the first side, a fourth side opposite to the first side, the fourth side forming an obtuse angle with the second side, a bulge oriented in the direction of the keyboard being formed between the fourth side and the first side, each wrist pad supporting each wrist and the heel of each hand of the keyboard operator, each wrist pad having a shape complementary to the hand and wrist of the operator, the wrist pads being cambered toward one another wherein ulnar deviation is minimized when the operator keys the keyboard and fatigue and injury to the wrists is reduced.

Claim 20

A support apparatus ergonomically designed to provide support for a keyboard operator's hands and wrists, the support comprising a housing mounted adjacent to the keyboard, the housing having connected thereto a pair of wrist supports, each wrist support having a wrist pad on a respective upper end thereof, wherein each wrist pad has four sides, a first side oriented toward the keyboard operator, a second side substantially perpendicular to the first side, a third side opposite the second side and in a facing relationship with the other wrist pad, the third side forming an obtuse angle with the first side, a fourth side opposite to the first side, the fourth side forming an obtuse angle with the second side, a bulge oriented in the direction of the keyboard being formed between the fourth side and the first side, each wrist pad supporting each wrist and the heel of each hand of the keyboard operator, each wrist pad having a shape complementary to the hand and wrist of the operator, the wrist pads being cambered toward one another wherein ulnar deviation is minimized when the operator keys the keyboard and fatigue and injury to the wrists is reduced.

Claim 21

The support apparatus of claim 13, further comprising each wrist pad having a cover thereto, each cover being fabricated from a visco elastic polymer.

Claim 22

A wrist support apparatus ergonomically designed to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising a housing mounted adjacent to the keyboard, the housing having a length thereto, a plurality of spaced-apart first detent means being disposed along the length of the platform; a pair of wrist supports to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, means for connecting each wrist support to the housing, each wrist support further having a member pivotally mounted thereon, the member projecting laterally therefrom, the member being substantially L shaped and including at least one leg having a second detent means, the second detent means of each pivotally mounted member selectively cooperating with the plurality of spaced-apart first detent means on the housing to maintain each individual wrist support in a desired laterally adjusted position on the length of the housing, and, wherein each second detent means may be selectively pivotally moved out of cooperation with the first detent means and each wrist support may be slid laterally as desired, the apparatus having the versatility wherein while using the keyboard, four modalities of adjustment are provided wherein the keyboard operator may secure both wrist supports at desired positions with respect to one another and with respect to the keyboard, may secure the one wrist support and slidably move the other wrist support, may slidably move the one wrist support and secure the other wrist support, and may slidably move both wrist supports independently of one another as desired, and wherein the means for securing and unsecuring each wrist support may be actuated by the thumb of one hand of the keyboard operator.

Claim 23

A wrist support apparatus ergonomically designed to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising a housing mounted adjacent to the keyboard, the housing having a length thereto, a plurality of spaced-apart first detent means being disposed along the length of the platform; a pair of wrist supports to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, means for connecting each wrist support to the housing, each wrist support further having a member pivotally mounted thereon, the member projecting laterally therefrom, the member being substantially L shaped and including at least one leg having a second detent means, the second detent means of each pivotally mounted member selectively cooperating with the plurality of spaced-apart first detent means on the housing to maintain each individual wrist support in a desired laterally adjusted position on the length of the housing, and, wherein each second detent means may be selectively pivotally moved out of cooperation with the first detent means and each wrist support may be slid laterally as desired, the apparatus having the versatility wherein while using the keyboard, four modalities of adjustment are provided wherein the keyboard operator may secure both wrist supports at desired positions with respect to one another and with respect to the keyboard, may secure the one wrist support and slidably move the other wrist support, may slidably move the one wrist support and secure the other wrist support, and may slidably move both wrist supports independently of one another as desired, and wherein the means for securing and unsecuring each wrist support may be actuated by the thumb of one hand of the keyboard operator.

Claim 24

The wrist support apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a slot formed in the housing, the slot extending substantially the length of the housing, the wrist supports being mounted in the slot.

Claim 25

The wrist support apparatus of claim 15, further comprising the housing being connected to a platform, the platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported.

Claim 26

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported, a pair of wrist supports to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support having a wrist pad having a convex upper surface on a respective upper end thereof; the wrist pads being cambered inwardly toward one another; each wrist support having a side opposite to the keyboard, a vertical post, a spring biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support on the respective wrist support on the side opposite to the keyboard, the respective finger grip releasably engaging each respective vertical post, means for connecting the wrist supports to the platform for vertical adjustment of the wrist supports individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to one another wherein said vertical adjustment may be made by one hand of the keyboard operator by manually pulling the finger grip outwardly to disengage the finger grip from the vertical post substantially maintaining said hand on the respective wrist, and means for connecting the wrist supports to the platform for incremental and sliding lateral adjustment of the wrist supports individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to one another; such that the keyboard operator may adjust each wrist support and each wrist pad individually to a desired position.

Claim 27

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported, a pair of wrist supports to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support having a wrist pad having a convex upper surface on a respective upper end thereof; the wrist pads being cambered inwardly toward one another; each wrist support having a side opposite to the keyboard, a vertical post, a spring biased finger grip mounted on each wrist support on the respective wrist support on the side opposite to the keyboard, the respective finger grip releasably engaging each respective vertical post, means for connecting the wrist supports to the platform for vertical adjustment of the wrist supports individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to one another wherein said vertical adjustment may be made by one hand of the keyboard operator by manually pulling the finger grip outwardly to disengage the finger grip from the vertical post substantially maintaining said hand on the respective wrist, and means for connecting the wrist supports to the platform for incremental and sliding lateral adjustment of the wrist supports individually with respect to the keyboard and with respect to one another; such that the keyboard operator may adjust each wrist support and each wrist pad individually to a desired position.

Claim 28

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported; the platform having a front side having a length thereto, a plurality of laterally spaced-apart first detent means being disposed on the front side of the platform; a pair of wrist supports connected to the platform to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto; each wrist support having an upper end, each wrist support further having a member pivotally mounted thereon, the member projecting laterally therefrom, the member being substantially L shaped and including at least one leg having a second detent means thereon to selectively engage and disengage the first detent means on the front side of the platform such that each wrist support may be incrementally laterally adjusted with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support; said last named means to engage and disengage the detent means on each wrist support being pivotably operable by one hand of the keyboard operator while maintaining said hand on the respective wrist support; means for vertical adjustment of the wrist supports with respect to the keyboard; a wrist pad mounted on the upper end of each wrist support, such that the keyboard operator may adjust the wrist supports and the wrist pads mounted thereon to a desired position.

Claim 29

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported; the platform having a front side having a length thereto, a plurality of laterally spaced-apart first detent means being disposed on the front side of the platform; a pair of wrist supports connected to the platform to support the heel of the hand and the wrist adjoining thereto; each wrist support having an upper end, each wrist support further having a member pivotally mounted thereon, the member projecting laterally therefrom, the member being substantially L shaped and including at least one leg having a second detent means thereon to selectively engage and disengage the first detent means on the front side of the platform such that each wrist support may be incrementally laterally adjusted with respect to the keyboard and with respect to the other wrist support; said last named means to engage and disengage the detent means on each wrist support being pivotably operable by one hand of the keyboard operator while maintaining said hand on the respective wrist support; means for vertical adjustment of the wrist supports with respect to the keyboard; a wrist pad mounted on the upper end of each wrist support, such that the keyboard operator may adjust the wrist supports and the wrist pads mounted thereon to a desired position.

Claim 30

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported; the platform having a front side extending outwardly from the keyboard, the front side of the platform having a plurality of laterally spaced-apart first detent means thereon, a pair of separable, independent wrist supports connected to the platform to support the heel of the operator's hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support having an upper end and a cushioned pad mounted on the respective upper end thereof, a lateral adjustment member pivotally mounted on the side of each wrist support, each lateral adjustment member projecting laterally and inwardly of the respective wrist support, a second detent means formed on each lateral adjustment member, wherein the lateral adjustment member on each wrist support may be manually pivoted by one hand of the keyboard operator while substantially maintaining said hand on the respective wrist support, and when the lateral adjustment member is pivoted the second detent means may selectively engage and disengage the first detent means on the front side of the platform permitting sliding lateral adjustment of each wrist support as desired, the apparatus having the versatility, wherein while using the keyboard, four modalities of lateral adjustment are provided wherein the keyboard operator may secure both wrist supports at desired positions with respect to one another and with respect to the keyboard, may secure the one wrist support and slidably move the other wrist support, may slidably move the one wrist support and secure the other wrist support, and may slidably move both wrist supports independently of one another as desired.

Claim 31

A wrist support apparatus to provide support and comfort and to reduce fatigue and possible injury to the wrists of a keyboard operator using a keyboard, the support comprising: a platform having a substantially flat upper surface on which the keyboard is supported; the platform having a front side extending outwardly from the keyboard, the front side of the platform having a plurality of laterally spaced-apart first detent means thereon, a pair of separable, independent wrist supports connected to the platform to support the heel of the operator's hand and the wrist adjoining thereto, each wrist support having an upper end and a cushioned pad mounted on the respective upper end thereof, a lateral adjustment member pivotally mounted on the side of each wrist support, each lateral adjustment member projecting laterally and inwardly of the respective wrist support, a second detent means formed on each lateral adjustment member, wherein the lateral adjustment member on each wrist support may be manually pivoted by one hand of the keyboard operator while substantially maintaining said hand on the respective wrist support, and when the lateral adjustment member is pivoted the second detent means may selectively engage and disengage the first detent means on the front side of the platform permitting sliding lateral adjustment of each wrist support as desired, the apparatus having the versatility, wherein while using the keyboard, four modalities of lateral adjustment are provided wherein the keyboard operator may secure both wrist supports at desired positions with respect to one another and with respect to the keyboard, may secure the one wrist support and slidably move the other wrist support, may slidably move the one wrist support and secure the other wrist support, and may slidably move both wrist supports independently of one another as desired.