RE 33,556 DATED MARCH 19, 1991

COMPUTER TERMINAL SUPPORT AND HAND REST
COMREST®

The computer terminal support and hand rest was created and developed to solve problems for keyboard operators, typists, etc. which include:
    1) prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    2) avoidance of glitches due to static electricity discharge.

A computer terminal support and hand rest to be placed on a desk top and interposed between the computer terminal and a computer operator as well as being interposed between the computer terminal and the desk top. The computer terminal support provides a hand rest for supporting the hands of the computer operator both during use of the computer terminal and during rest intervals. In a preferred embodiment, the support also includes a conductive portion for draining static charges from the computer terminals operator to prevent circuit damage and erroneous command signals to the computer and to prevent electrical shock to the operator.

Several embodiments of the support are disclosed including alternate structures for providing a static discharge path, alternate structures for supporting the computer terminal. In addition, some embodiments include a trough into which the fingers of the computer operator may be placed during rest intervals and the trough also functions as a receptacle for pens, pencils and the like.

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems by providing an improved computer terminal support. The present invention, in certain embodiments, provide a hand rest, terminal support and electrical grounding apparatus which is complementary to and cooperative with the keyboards and keyboard-equipped operator terminals of various types.

In addition, a preferred form of the electrical grounding apparatus is formed and positioned so that it is routinely touched or grasped by the computer operator, allowing for each removal of any capacitively created voltages from the operator when they are generated, while also providing for restful breaks in hand movement of the operator with minimum loss of efficiency. In addition, the computer terminal support of the present invention is adapted to be interposed between the computer terminal and the desk top to support and distribute the weight of the computer terminal and to prevent the computer terminal from skidding or moving relative to the table top.

The present invention provides a new and improved support member and, more particularly, an improved support member for a computer terminal or the like which provides a convenient resting or grasping place for the hands of the computer operator both during use of the computer and during periods of non-use thus increasing operator efficiency and decreasing operator fatigue.

Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a combined hand rest and carrying handle. The handle provides added convenience where a computer terminal keyboard is a separate unit since the handle permits easy lifting, positioning and carrying of the keyboard unit.

The present invention further provides an improved computer terminal support including means to position the computer terminal relative to the desk top and to restrict movement of the computer terminal relative to the desk top.

Furthermore, the present invention provides for convenient and safe draining of static charge from the computer operator for the protection of circuits and instructions within the computer.

Finally, several embodiments of the present invention also include a trough or receptacle for the storage of pens, pencils and the like.