Modular scroll wheel with integral detent-engaging spring tab
First Claim
1. A method of manufacturing a carriage of a scroll wheel assembly configured to hold a rotatable scroll wheel, the method comprising forming a single-piece carriage, the single-piece carriage integrally having:
- first and second sides defining a wheel well configured to partially contain the scroll wheel, and an integral follower arm on the first side of the carriage, the follower arm having a follower on an end of the follower arm and extending toward the wheel well from the first side of the carriage, the follower being configured such that when the scroll wheel is coupled to the single-piece carriage, the follower is in contact with a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel and biased to resist deflection as the scroll wheel rotates.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A single-piece component rotatably supports a scroll wheel and includes an integral follower arm extending into a well within which the scroll wheel rotates. Formed on a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel are regularly spaced detents or other structures forming regularly spaced regions of alternating height. Located on an end of the follower arm is a follower which moves in and out of the detents as the scroll wheel rotates, with the arm biasing the follower against movement out of the detents. The carriage may also include pivots for relative movement of the carriage and scroll wheel assembly with respect to a housing, and a tab for actuating a switch.
66 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of manufacturing a carriage of a scroll wheel assembly configured to hold a rotatable scroll wheel, the method comprising forming a single-piece carriage, the single-piece carriage integrally having:
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first and second sides defining a wheel well configured to partially contain the scroll wheel, and an integral follower arm on the first side of the carriage, the follower arm having a follower on an end of the follower arm and extending toward the wheel well from the first side of the carriage, the follower being configured such that when the scroll wheel is coupled to the single-piece carriage, the follower is in contact with a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel and biased to resist deflection as the scroll wheel rotates. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of manufacturing an apparatus, comprising:
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providing a housing;
providing a scroll wheel;
forming a single-piece carriage, the single-piece carriage integrally having;
first and second sides defining a wheel well configured to partially contain the scroll wheel, and an integral follower arm on the first side of the carriage, the follower arm having a follower on an end of the follower arm and extending toward the wheel well from the first side of the carriage, the follower being configured such that when the scroll wheel is coupled to the single-piece carriage, the follower is in contact with a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel and biased to resist deflection as the scroll wheel rotates;
coupling the scroll wheel to the single-piece carriage; and
disposing the scroll wheel and the single-piece carriage at least partially inside the housing. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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- 13. A method of manufacturing a carriage of a scroll wheel assembly configured to hold a rotatable scroll wheel, comprising forming a single-piece carriage, the single-piece carriage defining a wheel well and having an integral follower arm extending toward the wheel well.
Specification