Protective cover for a computer mouse

• US 6,040,539 A
• Filed: 01/06/1999
• Issued: 03/21/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Todd N. Hiegel
• Original Assignee: Todd N. Hiegel
• Inventors: Hiegel, Todd N.
• Primary Examiner(s): SCOTT, JAMES R
• Application Number:
  US09/225,514
• Time in Patent Office: 440 Days
• Field of Search: 200/5 A, 200/512-517, 200/302.1-302.3, 200/329, 200/330, 200/333, 235/145 R, 345/156-182
• US Class Current: 200/302.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/039 Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads

Abstract

A protective cover for a computer mouse made of an elastic, flexible material. The material, having a cupped shape, stretches over the top and sides of the mouse, held firmly in place by the elastic action. The bottom of the mouse is left open for proper use. In order to maintain functionality of the mouse buttons, the material is relatively thin. Various indicia may be provided on the cover, which may be transparent or any of a variety of colors. The cover may also be provided with various textures for tactile and aesthetic enhancement.

Claims

1. In combination with a computer mouse having a top, a bottom, and sides, a cover comprising:

a flexible, elastic material having smaller dimensions than said mouse that when stretched covers the entire top of said computer mouse and a portion of each side of said computer mouse such that said cover is secured to said mouse by the tension of said material against said sides of said mouse caused by the stretching of said material into position such that said material snugly fits and conforms to the contour of said mouse, whereby said top of said mouse is protected from potential contaminants, and said bottom of said mouse is left free for proper use.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said flexible, elastic material is cupped for gripping said sides of said mouse.

3. The combination of claim 1, wherein said flexible, elastic material is rubber.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said rubber is selected from the group consisting of silicone and latex.

5. The combination of claim 1, wherein said cover is provided with decorative indicia.

6. The combination of claim 1, wherein said cover is provided with various surface textures for tactile enhancement.

7. The combination of claim 1, wherein said mouse has at least one operating means and that the fit of said material on said mouse is such that said material conforms to the contour of said at least one operating means.

8. The combination of claim 1, wherein said flexible, elastic material is treated with an anti-microbial substance.