Textured cushion for keyboard cursor control stick

• US 6,724,369 B2
• Filed: 07/12/2002
• Issued: 04/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GIV LLC
• Original Assignee: GIV LLC
• Inventors: Slotta, Mark R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Liang, Regina
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Jennifer T.
• Application Number:
  US10/194,715
• Publication Number:
  US 20040056841A1
• Time in Patent Office: 648 Days
• Field of Search: 345/157, 345/158, 345/156, 345/160, 345/161, 345/163
• US Class Current: 345/161
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 1/10 Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles G05G1/085 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/0474 characterised by means converting mechanical movement into electric signals
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 9/047 the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks for switches H01H25/04
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/169 the I/O peripheral being an integrated pointing device, e.g. trackball in the palm rest area, mini-joystick integrated between keyboard keys, touch pads or touch stripes G06F1/1643 takes precedence; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0213 Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick for pointing devices integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/169; joysticks G05G9/047; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/039 Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/016 Pressure reduction membrane; Spreader layer
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/044 Repetitive strain injury [RSI] considerations
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/012 Joy stick type
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/08 composed of different parts
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2227/03 Hardness

Abstract

A gel cushion that can be attached to an existing cursor pointing device (control stick) on a computer or keyboard, or be integrally formed with the cap during manufacture. The gel cushion is flexible enough to prevent tissue damage to the user'"'"'s fingers due to repetitive motions over an extended period of use, yet firm enough to transmit the desired pressure to the control stick. The gel cushion designed to be used on an existing control stick can be applied with an adhesive to a cap, or with a frictional fit directly to the control stick. The gel cushion is designed to be easily installed and replaced when worn.

Claims

1. A composite cushion for a cursor control stick, wherein said cushion has a first end formed of a first material having a first durometer and a second end formed of a second material having a second durometer, said first durometer being greater than said second durometer.

2. The cushion of claim 1, wherein said first material is selected from the group comprising at least one of silicone gels, thermoplastic rubber compounds, and thermoplastic elastomeric compounds.

3. The cushion of claim 1, wherein said second material is selected from the group comprising at least one of silicone gels, thermoplastic rubber compounds, and thermoplastic elastomeric compounds.

4. The cushion of claim 1, wherein said second material has a Shore A durometer of about 3 to about 10.

5. The cushion of claim 1, wherein said first material has a Shore A durometer of about 55 to about 65.

6. The cushion of claim 1, wherein said second material is elastic.

7. The cushion of claim 1, wherein said second end is flat and has a uniform thickness of the center portion of said second end.

8. The cushion of claim 1, wherein said second end has a depression therein that is suitable to receive a fingertip of a user.

9. The cushion of claim 1, wherein said second end decreases in thickness from the circumferential periphery of said second end to the center of said second end.

10. The cushion of claim 1, wherein said second end decreases in thickness from the center of said second end to the circumferential periphery of said second end.

11. The cushion of claim 1, wherein said first end of said cushion defines a pocket in said first end of said cushion, said pocket being sized to accommodate at least a portion of a computer cursor control stick therein.

12. The cushion of claim 11, wherein said pocket is a stepped recess, having a first recess and a second recess.

13. The cushion of claim 12, wherein said first recess has a diameter larger than the diameter of a cursor control stick.

14. The cushion of claim 12, wherein said second recess has a diameter smaller than the diameter of a cursor control stick.

15. The cushion of claim 12, wherein the walls surrounding said first recess are used to substantially align a cursor control stick for engagement with said second recess.

16. The cushion of claim 12, wherein said second recess allows said second end additional flexible depression.

17. The cushion of claim 11, wherein said pocket is a two-stepped recess, having a first recess, a second recess and a third recess.

18. The cushion of claim 17, wherein said first recess has a diameter larger than the diameter of a cursor control stick.

19. The cushion of claim 17, wherein the walls surrounding said first recess is used to substantially align a cursor control stick for engagement with said second recess.

20. The cushion of claim 17, wherein said second recess allows said second end additional flexible depression.

21. The cushion of claim 17, wherein said third recess allows said second end additional flexible depression.

22. The cushion of claim 1, wherein a portion of said second end is textured.

23. The cushion of claim 22, wherein said texture of said second end forms an open pattern texture.

24. The cushion of claim 23, wherein said second end is textured by the provision of at least one of a plurality of raised nubs and a plurality of raised ridges.

25. The cushion of claim 24, wherein each of said nubs extends substantially perpendicular to said second end.

26. The cushion of claim 24, wherein each of said nubs has a round cross-section.

27. The cushion of claim 24, wherein each of said nubs has a polygonal cross-section.

28. The cushion of claim 27, wherein each of said nubs has a hexagonal cross-section.

29. A composite cushion for a cursor control stick, wherein said cushion has a first end formed of a first material having a first durometer and a second end formed of a second material having a second durometer, said first durometer being greater than said second durometer, wherein said first end of said cushion defines a pocket in said first end of said cushion, said pocket being sized to accommodate at least a portion of a computer cursor control stick therein.

30. A composite cushion for a cursor control stick, wherein said cushion has a first end formed of a first material having a first durometer and a second end formed of a second material having a second durometer, said first durometer being greater than said second durometer, wherein said first material is selected from the group comprising at least one of silicone gels, thermoplastic rubber compounds, and thermoplastic elastomeric compounds.

31. A composite cushion for a cursor control stick, wherein said cushion has a first end formed of a first material having a first durometer and a second end formed of a second material having a second durometer, said first durometer being greater than said second durometer, wherein said second material is selected from the group comprising at least one of silicone gels, thermoplastic rubber compounds, and thermoplastic elastomeric compounds.

32. A composite cushion for a cursor control stick, wherein said cushion has a first end formed of a first material having a first durometer and a second end formed of a second material having a second durometer, said first durometer being greater than said second durometer, wherein a portion of said second end is textured.

33. A composite cushion for a cursor control stick, wherein said cushion has a first end formed of a first material having a first durometer and a second end formed of a second material having a second durometer, said first durometer being greater than said second durometer, wherein said second end is textured by the provision of at least one of a plurality of raised nubs and a plurality of raised ridges.

34. A composite cushion for a cursor control stick, wherein said cushion has a first end formed of a first material having a first durometer and a second end formed of a second material having a second durometer, said first durometer being greater than said second durometer, wherein said second end is textured by the provision of at least one of a plurality of raised nubs, each of said nubs has a circular cross-section.

35. A composite cushion for a cursor control stick, wherein said cushion has a first end formed of a first material having a first durometer and a second end formed of a second material having a second durometer, said first durometer being greater than said second durometer, wherein said second end is textured by the provision of at least one of a plurality of raised nubs, each of said nubs has a polygonal cross-section.

36. The cushion of claim 35, wherein each of said nubs has a hexagonal cross-section.

37. The cushion of claim 35, wherein each of said nubs has a rounded upper portion.

38. A composite cushion for a cursor control stick, wherein said cushion has a first end formed of a first material having a first durometer and a second end formed of a second material having a second durometer, said first durometer being greater than said second durometer, wherein said first end of said cushion defines a pocket in said first end of said cushion, said pocket being sized to accommodate at least a portion of a computer cursor control stick therein, wherein said first material has a Shore A durometer of about 3 to about 10 and is selected from the group comprising at least one of silicone gels, thermoplastic rubber compounds, and thermoplastic elastomeric compounds, wherein said second material has a Shore A durometer of about 55 to about 65 and is selected from the group comprising at least one of silicone gels, thermoplastic rubber compounds, and thermoplastic elastomeric compounds.

39. A method of manufacturing a cushion for a control stick, comprising the steps of:

a. providing a first mold having an internal cavity;

b. depositing a first material into said cavity of said first mold to form a first portion of the cushion and allowing said first material to partially cure;

c. providing a second mold having an internal cavity;

d. placing the first material into said cavity of said second mold;

e. depositing a second material into said cavity of said second mold so that said second material come into contact with said first material while said first material is still only partially cured, said second material forming a second portion of the cushion; and

f. fully curing said first material and said second material to form said cushion, wherein said first material has a first hardness and said second material has a second hardness which is softer than said first hardness.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said first material is selected from the group comprising at least one of silicone gels, thermoplastic rubber compounds, and thermoplastic elastomeric compounds.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein said second material is selected from the group comprising at least one of silicone gels, thermoplastic rubber compounds, and thermoplastic elastomeric compounds.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein said first material has a Shore A durometer of about 3 to about 15.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein said second material has a Shore A durometer of about 55 to about 75.

44. The method of claim 39, wherein said second mold has a surface with texture.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein said texture is created by abrading said surface of said second mold.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein said texture on said surface of said second mold is created by an electrical discharge machine.

47. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including a generally radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon.

49. The cushion of claim 47, wherein the upper portion and lower portion are each formed from a first material.

50. The cushion of claim 49, wherein the first material is selected from the group comprising at least one of silicone gels, thermoplastic rubber compounds, and thermoplastic elastomeric compounds.

48. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick, a portion of said lower portion defining a first diameter; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including a generally radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon, wherein a portion of said upper portion defines a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

51. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick and a portion of said lower portion defining a first diameter; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including a radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon, wherein said upper portion includes an upper surface, said upper surface defining a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

52. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including a radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon, wherein said upper portion includes an upper surface, wherein at least a portion of said upper surface is generally one of convex, concave, and flat.

53. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including a radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon, wherein said upper portion includes an upper surface, wherein at least a portion of said upper surface is textured.

54. The cushion of claim 53, wherein said upper surface is one of convex, concave, and flat.

55. The cushion of claim 53, wherein at least a portion of said upper surface is textured with an open pattern texture.

56. The cushion of claim 53, wherein at least a portion of said upper surface is textured with a ridge extending around the periphery of said upper surface.

57. The cushion of claim 53, wherein a first portion of said upper surface is textured with a ridge extending around the periphery of said upper surface and a second portion of said upper surface is textured.

58. The cushion of claim 53, wherein at least a portion of said upper surface is textured with at least one of a raised nub and a raised ridge.

59. The cushion of claim 53, wherein said upper surface defines at least one of a raised nub and a raised ridge extending substantially perpendicular to said upper surface.

60. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick and having a generally cylindrical outer surface defining a first diameter; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including a radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon, wherein said upper portion including an upper surface, said upper surface having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter, said upper surface being concave, a central portion of said upper surface having a textured surface, said upper face further including a ridge around the periphery of said upper surface.

61. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick and having a generally cylindrical outer surface defining a first diameter; and

an upper portion and said upper portion including a radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon, wherein said upper portion including an upper surface, said upper surface has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter, said upper surface being convex, a portion of said upper surface including a plurality of nubs having a circular cross section.

62. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a generally frustoconical upper portion, a ridge extending around the periphery of said upper portion; and

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick.

63. The cushion of claim 62, wherein said upper portion and said lower portion are integrally formed.

64. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

an upper portion, a portion of said upper portion being generally frustoconical; and

a generally cylindrical lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick.

65. The cushion of claim 64, wherein said upper portion and said lower portion are integrally formed.

66. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

an upper surface, at least a portion of said upper surface is textured with an open pattern texture;

a generally frustoconical portion; and

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick.

67. The cushion of claim 66, wherein said open pattern texture includes at least one nub.

68. A generally mushroom-shaped cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a generally cylindrical lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an enlarged upper portion.

69. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a generally cylindrical lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including a radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon.

70. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

an upper portion; and

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick, said cushion having an open pattern texture formed thereon.

71. The cushion of claim 70, wherein said open pattern texture is formed on at least a portion of said upper portion.

72. The cushion of claim 70, wherein said open pattern texture includes at least one nub.

73. The cushion of claim 70, wherein said cushion has at least one ridge formed thereon.

74. The cushion of claim 70, wherein said open pattern texture includes at least one ridge and at least one nub.

75. The cushion of claim 70, wherein said open pattern texture is formed on a generally convex surface of the cushion.

76. The cushion of claim 70, wherein said open pattern texture is formed on a generally concave surface of the cushion.

77. The cushion of claim 70, wherein said open pattern texture is formed on a generally flat surface of the cushion.

78. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including a radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon, at least a portion of said upper portion being generally frustoconical.

79. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including a radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon, said upper portion having an open pattern texture formed thereon.

80. The cushion of claim 79, wherein said open pattern texture includes at least one nub.

81. The cushion of claim 79, wherein said open pattern texture includes at least one ridge.

82. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick and defining a first diameter; and

an upper portion, at least a portion of said upper portion having an open pattern texture formed thereon, at least a portion of said upper portion defining a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

83. The cushion of claim 82, wherein said open pattern texture includes at least one nub.

84. The cushion of claim 82, wherein said open pattern texture includes at least one ridge.

85. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick and defining a first diameter; and

an upper portion having an upper surface, at least a portion of said upper portion having an open pattern texture formed thereon, an upper surface defining a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

86. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion having an upper surface, said upper surface being generally concave.

87. The cushion of claim 86, wherein at least a portion of said upper portion is frustoconical.

88. The cushion of claim 86, wherein said lower portion defines a first diameter, at least a portion of said upper portion defines a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

89. The cushion of claim 86, wherein said lower portion defines a first diameter, said upper surface defines a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

90. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a generally cylindrical lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick and defining a first diameter; and

an upper portion, at least a portion of said upper portion defining a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

91. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including an upper surface, at least a portion of said upper surface having a texture formed thereon, at least a portion of said upper surface including a plurality of nubs.

92. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including an upper surface, at least a portion of said upper surface having a texture formed thereon, at least a portion of said upper surface including at least one ridge.

93. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including an upper surface, at least a portion of said upper surface having texture formed thereon, said upper surface being concave.

94. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including an upper surface, at least a portion of said upper surface having texture formed thereon, said upper surface being flat.

95. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including an upper surface, at least a portion of said upper surface having a plurality of nubs formed thereon.

96. The cushion of claim 95, wherein said upper surface is generally convex.

97. The cushion of claim 95, wherein said upper surface is generally concave.

98. The cushion of claim 95, wherein said upper surface is generally flat.

99. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick; and

an upper portion, said upper portion including an upper surface, at least a portion of said upper surface having at least one ridge formed thereon.

100. The cushion of claim 99, wherein said upper surface is generally convex.

101. The cushion of claim 99, wherein said upper surface is generally concave.

102. The cushion of claim 99, wherein said upper surface is generally flat.

103. A cushion for a cursor control stick, said cushion comprising:

a lower portion, said lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a cursor control stick and having a generally cylindrical outer surface defining a first diameter; and

an upper portion, a portion of said upper portion having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.