Deformable cap for a computer pointing device

Details Deformable cap for a computer pointing device Deformable cap for a computer pointing device

1999-09-30

2011-10-11

Enad, Elvin (Department: 2832)

Electricity: circuit makers and breakers

Electric switch details

Actuators

C200S00600C, C400S479000, C463S036000, C463S037000, C463S038000

Reexamination Certificate

active

08035050

ABSTRACT:
A deformable cap for a computer pointing device is provided that may be particularly useful for miniature joystick-type pointing devices such as the TrackPoin™ and ScrollPoint™ devices manufactured by the IBM corporation of Armonk, N.Y. When an operator places a fingertip on the cap, the cap deforms thereby advantageously increasing the surface area of contact between the cap and the fingertip. All embodiments of the cap are placed on an upper portion of a control stick of the pointing device. A first embodiment of the cap includes a bottom support, a disc, a plurality of wire supports, and an elastic cover that overlays the disc and wire supports. An inner surface of the cover may be scored to ensure repeatable deformation of the cap. A spring may be attached to a lower surface of the disc to assist the cap in regaining its original shape once the operator's fingertip is removed. A second embodiment of the cap includes a bottom support, a plurality of wire supports, and an elastic cover overlaying the wire supports. An inner surface of the cover may be scored. The cap may be hollow or may be filled with a deformable material. A third embodiment of the cap includes a bottom support and an elastic cover in which an inner surface of the cover may be scored. The cap may be hollow or may be filled with a deformable material.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5694123 (1997-12-01), Selker et al.
patent: 5798754 (1998-08-01), Selker et al.
patent: 5870082 (1999-02-01), Selker et al.
patent: 5889508 (1999-03-01), Slotta
patent: 5914702 (1999-06-01), Derocher et al.

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