FR3163473A1 - Ergonomic computer mouse with pinky finger rest - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an ergonomic computer mouse (1) that is used in a horizontal position like a conventional mouse. The shape according to the invention is characterized in that it has 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 thanks to greater freedom of movement for the little finger, this 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 for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Ergonomic computer mouse with pinky finger rest TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) related to computer mouse use manifest as various pathologies that can be debilitating 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.

Several pointing devices (mice) are now available on the market that aim to prevent these disorders and alleviate the pain they cause. The vast majority of these ergonomic mice focus their solutions on changing the wrist's position during use. These devices rotate the hand's position from a horizontal to a vertical axis relative to the work surface.

These ergonomic (vertical) mice are suitable for some users. They significantly alter working posture, with the hand positioned slightly on its side, or even completely. This change leads to a multitude of important modifications: different positions for the wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder.

Faced with these significant changes, users are confronted with completely new work habits, requiring a period of adjustment. However, abandoning established work habits and the effort needed 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.

Furthermore, the main improvement offered by ergonomic mice compared to traditional (horizontal) mice lies in their vertical orientation. This essentially concerns body position. However, using a computer mouse also requires a certain amount of 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 operates the mouse. A few devices offer ways to modify hand movement: trackpads, central roller mice, or trackballs. But here too, the changes they introduce are very disruptive to established work habits, thus creating reluctance to switch devices. Their use remains very limited.

In short, currently available ergonomic mice focus their improvements more on body positioning (shoulder, arm, wrist) and less on hand comfort. Furthermore, they offer solutions too far removed from natural habits to encourage their use.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

This device offers an ergonomic mouse design that is used in the same horizontal position as a traditional mouse, thus minimizing disruption to new users' work habits. This simplified adaptation period may encourage them to switch to a different mouse.

Furthermore, this invention would bring improvements to the comfort of working with the hand thanks to an adapted ergonomics based on its natural architecture.

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 aims 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.

Next, a computer mouse is essentially moved with the fingers, while the wrist remains in a fixed position. The thumb, ring, and little fingers guide the mouse movements, while the index and middle fingers manipulate the click buttons and scroll wheel. This means that the primary 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 to improve comfort and dexterity.

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.

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.

In the manipulation of this device, the freedom of finger position would significantly reduce the sensations of cramps or numbness in the hand during prolonged periods of work.

The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, which may be combined:

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

- the dimensions as well as the inclinations of the different faces of this shape, and the balance between the palm grip and that of the fingers would offer an intuitive and comfortable ergonomics;

- the device according to the invention would allow the little finger greater freedom of position with the possibility of folding if necessary inside the shell of the device;

- the device can be made 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;

- the ideal dimensions of the exterior of this device would be 11 centimeters in length, 6 centimeters in width, and 4.5 centimeters in height;

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

- the ideal dimensions of the part that should be gripped by the thumb, ring finger and little finger would be 7 centimeters long, 4 centimeters wide, and 2 centimeters high;

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:

- there FIG. 1 This represents a perspective view of the device (three-quarters overhead view). It allows us to distinguish its casing (and chassis); the housing containing the electronic part (the element that must be grasped by the fingers to move the device); the click buttons and the scroll wheel; the area where the thumb should be placed; and the empty space allowing the little finger to be placed in a folded position;

- there FIG. 2 represents a side view of the device which allows to distinguish the surfaces of the hand on the device; the casing which must be grasped with the fingers; as well as the empty space dedicated to the little finger;

- there FIG. 3 represents a top view of the device, allowing the different contact areas with the hand to be distinguished;

- there FIG. 4 represents a view from below the device, allowing a general idea of the contact surface with the work surface, as well as the openings for the optical sensor, the power button, and the Bluetooth dongle housing;

- there FIG. 5 represents the shape of the side of the hand when it is bent in a natural working position with a mouse. It makes it possible to distinguish the "inverted v" shape which inspired the triangular prism shape of the architecture of the device according to the invention;

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

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 from a single piece.

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

The palm of the hand rests on the surface (8) at the back of the mouse, which is angled 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 conventional mouse.

A second element, shaped like 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.

The device can then be used like a conventional mouse. However, the little finger can be folded, if needed, and tucked inside the device's casing (7), behind the electronic unit (2). The combination of this dedicated space and the optimized dimensions of the electronic unit allows the little finger to maintain a comfortable position when folded. It can thus alternate between different working positions while still contributing to mouse movement.

Claims (7)

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. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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. computer mouse according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the dimensions of the part which must 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.