Apparatus for providing directional signal controls while supporting a limb at a work station

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus for supporting one's limbs, preferably one's arms, while at a work station which may be a computer keyboard. The apparatus includes a pair of rollers mounted on an axle. The rollers are especially adapted to support the forearms and will rotate as well as move in axial directions. The rollers are maintained at a predetermined distance from the work station and are adjustable in the horizontal and vertical directions. A sensor is mounted on the axle and is periodically contacted by the rollers to provide information to the computer. By various methods of sensing roller movement, the rollers may generate data for computer or machine control as well as support the arms in various tasks.

78 . A body supporting apparatus comprising: 
 a shaft having a longitudinal axis body support means; and    means for mounting said body support means to said shaft for permitting rotation of said body support means to said shaft and about the axis of said shaft and for axial movement relative to said shaft along the axis of said shaft.    
     
     
         79 . The apparatus defined in claim  78 , including: 
 means for mounting said shaft in spaced relation above a supporting surface.    
     
     
         80 . The apparatus defined in claim  79 , wherein said means for mounting said shaft includes: 
 a base; and    shaft retainer means mounted on said base.    
     
     
         81 . The apparatus according to claim  80  including: 
 means disposed on said shaft for preventing dislodgement of said shaft from said shaft retainer means.  
 
     
     
         82 . The apparatus defined in claim  79 , wherein said means for mounting said shaft includes: 
 means for adjusting the height of said shaft above the supporting surface.