Computer mouse cradle

Abstract

A mouse cradle that provides a computer user with the optimal position for operating a computer mouse. The mouse cradle allows for ergonomic placement of the mouse near the thigh of the user by attaching the mouse cradle to the user's chair. The present mouse cradle can be used on chairs with, and without, arm-rests. A vertical support allows for height adjustment and rotation in one plane, and a horizontal support allows for sideways adjustment and rotation in a second plane. A planar surface on top of the vertical support provides an operating area for the mouse, and the planar surface can be angled by the user to an optimal position.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A mouse cradle that is adapted for attachment to a chair, wherein the chair can be with or without arm-rests, the mouse cradle being designed to provide a user with an optimal ergonomic position for continuous operation of a mouse, the mouse cradle comprising:
 a) a horizontal support having a near end and a far end, the near end being adapted for attachment to a bottom of a seat of the chair;   b) an adjuster block that is mechanically attached to the far end of the horizontal support;   c) a vertical support having a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the bottom portion of the vertical support is mechanically attached to the adjuster block; and,   d) a planar surface that is mechanically and moveably attached to the top portion of the vertical support, the planar surface providing a flat area on which the user can operate the mouse.   
     
     
         2 . The mouse cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the near end of the horizontal support is release-ably attached to the bottom of the seat. 
     
     
         3 . The mouse cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the near end of the horizontal support is attached to the bottom of the seat by one or more screws. 
     
     
         4 . The mouse cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the adjuster block includes a circular horizontal tunnel and the far end of the horizontal support passes through the horizontal tunnel, the adjuster block being able to rotate around the horizontal support and, be release-ably attached to the horizontal support at any location. 
     
     
         5 . The mouse cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the adjuster block includes a circular vertical tunnel and the bottom portion of the vertical support passes through the vertical tunnel so that the vertical support is able to rotate within the vertical tunnel and, be release-ably attached to the adjuster block at any location. 
     
     
         6 . The mouse cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the planar surface includes a barrier that at least partially extends around a border of the planar surface. 
     
     
         7 . The mouse cradle of  claim 6 , wherein the barrier includes at least one notch that allows for passage of a cord of the mouse. 
     
     
         8 . The mouse cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the top portion of the vertical support is made of flexible, tubular metal that allows for movement of the planar surface, wherein the planar surface is able to remain in a position after it has been moved to that position. 
     
     
         9 . The mouse cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the adjuster block can be completely removed from the horizontal support, rotated 180 degrees and replaced back on to the horizontal support. 
     
     
         10 . A method of providing the optimal position of a mouse for continued use by a computer user, the method including the use of a mouse cradle, the mouse cradle comprising: a horizontal support having a near end and a far end, the near end being adapted for attachment to a bottom of a seat of a chair; an adjuster block that is mechanically attached to the far end of the horizontal support; a vertical support having a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the bottom portion is mechanically attached to the adjuster block; and, a planar surface that is mechanically and moveably attached to the top portion of the vertical support, the planar surface providing a flat area on which the user can operate the mouse, the method comprising the steps of:
 positioning the adjuster block on the horizontal support so that the planar surface is an optimal distance from the user for maneuvering the mouse;   positioning the vertical support within the adjuster block so that the planar surface is an optimal height for the user to maneuver the mouse; and,   adjusting a tilt of the planar surface so that the flat area is at an optimal angle for the user to maneuver the mouse.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein at least one hand screw is used to position the adjuster block on the horizontal support. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein at least one hand screw is used to position the vertical support within the adjuster block. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the planar surface further comprises a barrier that extends at least partially around a border of the flat area. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the barrier comprises at least one notch that allows for passage of a cord of the mouse. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the near end of the horizontal support is attached to the bottom of the seat by one or more screws. 
     
     
         16 . The mouse cradle of  claim 10 , wherein the adjuster block can be completely removed from the horizontal support, rotated 180 degrees and replaced back on to the horizontal support.