Z-axis module for computer input device
First Claim
1. An input device having a housing and a finger-operated module, the finger-operated module comprising:
- a base having a plurality of walls coupled to each other to define an interior space, with two of the plurality of walls defining a pair of parallel walls; and
a wheel retained between the pair of parallel walls which facilitate vertical and non-lateral reciprocating movement of the wheel within the pair of parallel walls when the base is stationary, the wheel extending through the housing for manipulation by a user;
wherein the finger-operated module further includes a resilient element, and wherein the wheel and the resilient element each has a center, with the resilient element positioned between the wheel and the base along an imaginary center line that extends through the center of the resilient element and the center of the wheel.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A finger-operated module is incorporated for use with an input device. The finger-operated module has a base having a plurality of walls coupled to each other to define an interior space, a wheel fitted inside interior space and extending through the housing for manipulation by a user, and a resilient element positioned between the wheel and the base. The wheel can be coupled to the base for vertical reciprocating movement inside the interior space when the base is stationary. The resilient element can also be positioned along an imaginary center line that extends through the center of the resilient element and the center of the wheel.
18 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An input device having a housing and a finger-operated module, the finger-operated module comprising:
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a base having a plurality of walls coupled to each other to define an interior space, with two of the plurality of walls defining a pair of parallel walls; and
a wheel retained between the pair of parallel walls which facilitate vertical and non-lateral reciprocating movement of the wheel within the pair of parallel walls when the base is stationary, the wheel extending through the housing for manipulation by a user;
wherein the finger-operated module further includes a resilient element, and wherein the wheel and the resilient element each has a center, with the resilient element positioned between the wheel and the base along an imaginary center line that extends through the center of the resilient element and the center of the wheel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An input device having a housing and a finger-operated module, the finger-operated module comprising:
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a base having a plurality of walls coupled to each other to define an interior space;
a wheel having a center, the wheel fitted inside interior space and extending through the housing for manipulation by a user; and
a resilient element having a center and positioned between the wheel and the base along an imaginary center line that extends through the center of the resilient element and the center of the wheel. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification