Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-11
2002-07-09
Shankar, Vijay (Department: 2675)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S156000, C248S118100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06417843
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to computer pointing devices, and in particular to a mouse or track ball with improved gripping surfaces.
A multitude of designs have been developed for mice and track balls for computers. Recently, emphasis has been placed upon both providing more functionality and making the pointing device easier to hold and rest a hand on. More functionality is typically provided by using more buttons, adding a roller, or adding a side, thumb-button. A multitude of different shapes have been devised to enhance the comfort of the mouse and support the hand in a natural, resting position.
Examples of placing a soft foam material on a mouse are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,570,112 and 5,581,277. The '112 patent shows a soft foam rubber material on the top of the mouse. The '277 patent shows a partial sphere on top of a mouse to support a palm, and the sphere can be made of hard or soft material. A disadvantage of foam is its tendency to absorb dirt, and the greater difficulty of handling soft foam material during manufacturing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a pointing device with a planar element for supporting it on a horizontal surface. On top of the planar element is a housing having a palm and finger-supporting surface extending from a thumb-side to a small-finger side, and from back to front across the planar element. A cushion grip is coupled to the palm and finger-supporting surface and is made of material which is more resilient than the rest of the housing, and is also less porous than foam so as to be resistant to soiling. Such a material may not provide the cushioning of foam, but it does provide a soft, luxurious feel.
In a preferred embodiment, two cushion grips are used, a first being substantially vertically mounted along the thumb-supporting surface, and a second being mounted substantially vertically along the small-finger-supporting surface. Thus, the cushion grips on two sides allow the mouse to be grasped between the thumb and small fingers with the small finger and thumb being cushioned during such grasping.
In one embodiment, the small-finger side is curved to support the palm near the back, and overhang the horizontal support surface near the front. The thumb-side similarly overhangs the horizontal support surface near the front.
In addition, in alternate embodiments, a thumb-button is provided on the thumb-side housing, with the cushioning pad preferably at least partially surrounding the thumb-button. The cushioning pads are preferably made to have a flexible center region, and a harder peripheral region. The harder peripheral region facilitates manufacturability and attachment of the cushioning pad to the housing.
For a fuller understanding and advantages, reference should be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Bussien Aldo
Sheehan Peter
Sheehan William J
Stephens Brian
Logitech Europe S.A.
Said Mansour M.
Shankar Vijay
Townsend and Townsend / and Crew LLP
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