Cushioned mouse and desk pads

Abstract

This application relates to cushioned pads such as cushioned mousepads and other types of cushioned office pads or work surfaces. The cushioned pads can comprise a multilayer construction with a top layer that provides a work surface and a lower layer that provides cushioning or padding. During use the pads may provide a comfortable and ergonomic support that reduces or eliminates pressure points on a user's forearm, wrist, or hand. The cushioned pads can include fences configured to retain a mouse thereon.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cushioned pad, comprising:
 a first layer including an upper surface configured to support a computer mouse during use; and   a second layer positioned below the first layer, wherein the second layer is configured to provide cushioning to reduce pressure points on at least a portion or a user's hand, wrist, or forearm during use,   wherein the second layer is at least 0.125 inches thick.   
     
     
         2 . The cushioned pad of  claim 1 , wherein the second layer is at least 0.5 inches thick. 
     
     
         3 . The cushioned pad of  claim 1 , wherein the second layer is at least 0.75 inches thick. 
     
     
         4 . The cushioned pad of  claim 1 , wherein the second layer is at least 1.0 inches thick. 
     
     
         5 . The cushioned pad of  claim 1 , wherein the second layer comprises at least one of a rubberized foam, a general soft foam, a memory foam, a latex foam, and a high density polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         6 . The cushioned pad of  claim 1 , wherein the first layer is attached to the second layer with an adhesive. 
     
     
         7 . The cushioned pad of  claim 6 , wherein the adhesive is applied around a periphery of the cushioned pad such that the first layer is not bonded to the second layer in a center area of the pad. 
     
     
         8 . The cushioned pad of  claim 6 , wherein the adhesive is applied in discrete dabs such that the first layer is bonded to the second layer at discrete locations. 
     
     
         9 . The cushioned pad of  claim 1 , further comprising a base layer positioned below the second layer and configured to stiffen the pad. 
     
     
         10 . The cushioned pad of  claim 9 , wherein the base layer comprises a composite layer comprising a rubber material laminated to a paperboard stiffener. 
     
     
         11 . The cushioned pad of  claim 1 , wherein the edges of the pad are sewn to join the first and second layers. 
     
     
         12 . The cushioned pad of  claim 1 , further comprising a mouse-retaining fence. 
     
     
         13 . A cushioned pad, comprising:
 a first layer including an upper surface configured to support a computer mouse during use and a lower surface;   a second layer positioned below the first layer and contacting the lower surface, wherein the second layer is configured to provide cushioning to reduce pressure points on at least a portion or a user's hand, wrist, or forearm during use; and   a base layer positioned below the second layer, wherein the base layer is configured to provide rigidity for the pad,   wherein the first layer is wrapped over the second layer and contacts the base layer to form tapered edges.   
     
     
         14 . The cushioned pad of  claim 13 , wherein the second layer is at least 0.5 inches thick. 
     
     
         15 . The cushioned pad of  claim 13 , wherein the second layer is at least 1.0 inches thick. 
     
     
         16 . The cushioned pad of  claim 13 , wherein the second layer comprises at least one of a rubberized foam, a general soft foam, a memory foam, a latex foam, and a high density polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         17 . The cushioned pad of  claim 13 , wherein the base layer comprises a rubber material laminated to a paperboard stiffener. 
     
     
         18 . The cushioned pad of  claim 13 , wherein edges of the pad are sewn to join the first, second, and base layers. 
     
     
         19 . The cushioned pad of  claim 13 , further comprising a mouse-retaining fence. 
     
     
         20 . A cushioned pad, comprising:
 a first layer including an upper surface;   a second layer positioned below the first layer, wherein the second layer is configured to provide cushioning to reduce pressure points on at least a portion or a user's hand, wrist, or forearm during use;   a lower surface that is configured with a low friction or slidable material,   wherein the cushioned pad is configured in size and shape to support a user's forearm during use of a computer mouse positioned in front of the cushioned pad.