US5476491A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Therapeutic cold pad for use in operation of keyboard
Assignee: Contour Pak Inc
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Filing: 1994-10-12
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Granted: 1995-12-19
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Expires: 2014-10-12
Abstract
Abstract A cold pad for use with a tool such as office equipment including computer controls like a keyboard or mouse. The cold pad has a thickness which is used to elevate the user's wrists from a work surface to lessen the onset of work-related disorders such as carpaltunnel syndrome. At the same time, the pad contains a gelatinous substance which absorbs heat and reduce pain and inflammation caused by existing injuries, and which forms a deformable cushion upon which the user's wrists can rest.
Inventors
- 👤 Alice M. Mayn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 10:45
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F7/00; A61F7/10; A47; A47B; A47B21/00; A47B21/03; A47B21/0371; A47B2021/0378; A61F2007/0001; A61F2007/0029; A61F2007/0035; A61F7/02; A61F2007/0225
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A system for preventing and alleviating repetitive work injuries, comprising: a keyboard having a front edge; and an elongated cold pad with a longitudinal axis, the cold pad being positioned adjacent said keyboard front edge and having a thickness whereby a user's wrist is elevated from a work surface by said thickness, and the cold pad containing a gelatinous material which can be cooled to absorb heat from the user's wrist.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
71 words
A system for preventing and alleviating repetitive work injuries, comprising: a keyboard having a front edge; and an elongated cold pad with a longitudinal axis, the cold pad being positioned adjacent said keyboard front edge and having a thickness whereby a user's wrist is elevated from a work surface by said thickness, and the cold pad containing a gelatinous material which can be cooled to absorb heat from the user's wrist.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the cold pad has at least one end with a fastener to attach to an opposite end so that the cold pad can be wrapped around a user's wrist and fastened on itself while the user operates the keyboard.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 2 wherein the fastener is releasably attachable to both the one end and the opposite end.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
63 words
A method for treating or preventing repetitive work injuries caused by operation of a computer keyboard by a user, comprising: cooling an elongated cold pad filled with a gelatinous material; placing said cold pad adjacent the keyboard; and operating the keyboard with the user's wrist resting on the cold pad so that the cold pad simultaneously cushions, elevates and cools the user's wrist.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
63 words
A method for treating or preventing repetitive work injuries caused by operation of a computer keyboard by a user, comprising: cooling an elongated cold pad filled with a gelatinous material; placing said cold pad adjacent the keyboard; and operating the keyboard with the user's wrist resting on the cold pad so that the cold pad simultaneously cushions, elevates and cools the user's wrist.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 4, further comprising wrapping the elongated cold pad around the user's wrist and attaching it to itself, so that the cold pad simultaneously elevates and cushions the user's wrist and cools completely around the user's wrist.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for treating or preventing repetitive work injuries caused by operation of a tool, comprising and cooling a cold pad filled with gelatinous material; placing said cold pad adjacent the tool; and operating the tool with the user's wrist resting on the cold pad so that the cold pad simultaneously cushions, elevates and cools the patient's wrist.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for treating or preventing repetitive work injuries caused by operation of a tool, comprising and cooling a cold pad filled with gelatinous material; placing said cold pad adjacent the tool; and operating the tool with the user's wrist resting on the cold pad so that the cold pad simultaneously cushions, elevates and cools the patient's wrist.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-12-18 | 1999-06-19 | 1999-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-12-18 | 2003-06-19 | 2003-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-12-18 | 2007-06-19 | 2007-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |