Finger securable computer input device

• US 6,587,090 B1
• Filed: 10/03/2000
• Issued: 07/01/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Eli D. Jarra
• Original Assignee: Eli D. Jarra
• Inventors: Jarra, Eli D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hjerpe, Richard
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KIMNHUNG T
• Application Number:
  US09/678,632
• Time in Patent Office: 1,001 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/157, 345/158, 345/173, 345/179, 345/168
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0331 Finger worn pointing device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/033 Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user , e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor digitisers characterised by the transducing means G06F3/041
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0354 with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks

Abstract

A stylus computer input device that includes an input mechanism that is secured to the finger tip pad of a user'"'"'s index finger. In one embodiment, the computer input device includes a splint structure, a fingertip strap assembly attached to the tip end of the splint structure, two opposed switch button assemblies each extending from an opposed side center edge of the splint structure and having a switch button provided thereon, two winged rear support arms extending from opposed rear side edges of the splint assembly and shaped to extend back over a back portion of a user'"'"'s hand; and an information input mechanism. Because the input device is secured to the finger with straps and winged support arms, the user does not have to grip the stylus input device with his/her fingers and is thus relieved of this strain to the fingers and hand.

Claims

1. A finger securable computer input device comprising:

a splint structure having a finger contact surface shaped to conform to the undersurface of a user'"'"'s finger that is provided with three spaced, elastomeric gel pads, each elastomeric gel pads being positioned to support a separate section of user'"'"'s finger;

a fingertip strap assembly attached to a tip end of the splint structure;

two opposed switch button assemblies each extending from an opposed side edge the splint structure and having a switch button provided on a surface thereon;

two winged rear support arms extending from opposed rear side edges of the splint assembly and shaped to extend back over a back portion of a user'"'"'s hand;

a computer interface circuit; and

an information input mechanism including a threaded, length adjustable stylus nib carried on a stylus side surface of the tip end of the splint structure;

the information input mechanism being wired in input providing connection with the computer interface circuit;

the splint structure having a finger contact surface shaped to conform to an undersurface of a users'"'"'s finger that is provided with three elastomeric gel pads thereon for cushioning contact between the finger contact surface and the undersurface of a users'"'"'s finger;

the stylus side surface of the splint structure being opposite the finger contact surface and having the information input mechanism thereon that includes a length adjustable stylus nib supported at a nib end by a pressure transducer forming a portion of a computer interface circuit connectable to a computer input port of a computer;

fingertip strap assembly includes two flexible straps that are adjustably securable about a finger tip of a user with a hook and pile fastener;

each of the two opposed switch button assemblies having a momentary contact switch provided thereon that are wired in input providing connection with the computer interface circuit;

the winged rear support arms each having a wing end and a bottom wing section spaced apart from the bottom wing section of the other winged rear support arm and adapted, in use, to fit around a base portion of a user'"'"'s finger such that the wing ends of the two winged rear support arms extend over a back portion of a back of a user'"'"'s hand when the base portion of a user'"'"'s finger is positioned between bottom wing sections.