Multi-dimension computer mouse

• US 6,011,543 A
• Filed: 05/21/1999
• Issued: 01/04/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Creswell Holdings LLC (Blu IP Holdings Ltd)
• Original Assignee: Behavior Tech Computer (USA) Corporation (Behavior Tech Computer Corporation)
• Inventors: Tian, Tom
• Primary Examiner(s): Shalwala, Bipin
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHANG, KENT WU
• Application Number:
  US09/316,045
• Time in Patent Office: 228 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/157, 345/163, 345/164, 345/169
• US Class Current: 345/163
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence

Abstract

A multi-dimensional computer mouse includes a casing in which a circuit board is mounted. Left and right buttons are provided on a top of the casing for functioning as regular mouse push buttons. A third push button is arranged between the left and right buttons. A post extends from the third button to the circuit board. A spherical expansion is formed on a lower end of the post and rotatably received in a socket fixed on the circuit board for forming a joint allowing the post to be rotated from a neutral position to front and rear actuation positions wherein a collar of the post contacts and triggers a front contact switch and a rear contact switch. The post is floatingly supported by a spring arranged between the socket and the collar thereby allowing the post to be depressed against the spring for having the lower end of the post contact and trigger a bottom contact switch. Thus, a user is allowed to selectively trigger either one of the three contact switches for controlling a monitor cursor of a computer to which the mouse is coupled.

Claims

1. A multi-dimensional computer mouse comprising:

a casing having a top and a bottom defining an interior space therebetween for receiving a circuit board positioned on the bottom;

first and second buttons mounted on the top of the casing and in electrical connection with the circuit board; and

a third dimension control means incorporated in the casing for controlling a third dimension, the third dimension control means comprising;

a push button movably mounted on the top of the casing;

a post extending from the push button toward the circuit board, the post having an expanded lower end received in a socket fixed on the circuit board, the lower end being axially movable and rotatable with respect to the socket thereby allowing the lower end of the post to be movable between a neutral position and a bottom actuation position and allowing the post to be rotatable with respect to the socket between a front actuation position and a rear actuation position;

a first contact switch arranged in the socket and in electrical connection with the circuit board whereby the first contact switch is contacted and triggered by the expanded end of the post when the post is moved to the bottom actuation position; and

second and third contact switches fixed on and in electrical connection with the circuit board whereby the second and third contact switches are selectively contacted and triggered when the post is moved to the front actuation position and the rear actuation position.

2. The multi-dimensional computer mouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein biasing means is provided to maintain the post at the neutral position.

3. The multi-dimensional computer mouse as claimed in claim 2, wherein the biasing means comprises a biasing element arranged between the circuit board and the post.

4. The multi-dimensional computer mouse as claimed in claim 3, wherein the biasing element comprises a spring arranged between the post and the socket.

5. The multi-dimensional computer mouse as claimed in claim 4, wherein a ring member is fixed to post, the spring being arranged between the ring and the socket.

6. The multi-dimensional computer mouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein two support bars are mounted to and extend from the circuit board for supporting the second and third contact switches.

7. The multi-dimensional computer mouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ring member is fixed to the post for engaging with the second and third contact switches when the post is moved to the front and rear actuation positions.