Modular scroll wheel with integral detent-engaging sprint tab
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A modular scroll wheel assembly, comprising:
- a scroll wheel sized for movement by a finger of a human user having a circumferential surface having regularly spaced regions of alternating height located thereon; and
single-piece carriage means for supporting and rotatably holding the scroll wheel, the single-piece carriage means having;
wheel well means for defining a wheel well within which the scroll wheel rotates; and
integral follower means for maintaining contact with the circumferential surface and for resisting deflection as the scroll wheel rotates.
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Abstract
A single-piece component rotatably supports a scroll wheel and includes an integral follower arm extending into a well within which the scroll wheel rotates. Formed on a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel are regularly spaced detents or other structures forming regularly spaced regions of alternating height. Located on an end of the follower arm is a follower which moves in and out of the detents as the scroll wheel rotates, with the arm biasing the follower against movement out of the detents. The carriage may also include pivots for relative movement of the carriage and scroll wheel assembly with respect to a housing, and a tab for actuating a switch.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A modular scroll wheel assembly, comprising:
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a scroll wheel sized for movement by a finger of a human user having a circumferential surface having regularly spaced regions of alternating height located thereon; and single-piece carriage means for supporting and rotatably holding the scroll wheel, the single-piece carriage means having; wheel well means for defining a wheel well within which the scroll wheel rotates; and integral follower means for maintaining contact with the circumferential surface and for resisting deflection as the scroll wheel rotates. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 19)
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6. A modular scroll wheel assembly, comprising:
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a scroll wheel sized for movement by a finger of a human user having a circumferential surface having regularly spaced regions of alternating height located thereon; and single-piece carriage means for supporting and rotatably holding the scroll wheel, the single-piece carriage means having; wheel well means for defining a wheel well within which the scroll wheel rotates; and integral follower means for maintaining contact with the circumferential surface and for resisting deflection as the scroll wheel rotates, wherein the scroll wheel further comprises first and second faces, and wherein an opening is defined in the first face so as to expose the circumferential surface, wherein the single-piece carriage is molded, wherein the scroll wheel further comprises an integral axle, wherein the single-piece carriage further comprises axle guide means for rotatably holding the axle, wherein the circumferential surface faces radially inward, and wherein the regularly-spaced regions of alternating height comprise a sinusoidally-shaped series of peaks and troughs, and wherein the follower means has substantially no preload when the scroll wheel is rotated to a position in which the follower means is substantially centered within one of the troughs. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. A computer mouse, comprising:
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a housing sized and configured for manual movement by a user across a surface so as to permit a corresponding movement of a screen object on a computer display, the housing having; a bottom case and an upper case coupled to the bottom case, and at least two depressible buttons movably attached to the upper case; a scroll wheel having a circumferential surface having regularly spaced regions of alternating height located thereon; and single-piece carriage means for rotatably supporting the scroll wheel such that a portion of the scroll wheel extends outside of the housing, the single-piece carriage means having; wheel well means for defining a wheel well within which the scroll wheel rotates, and integral follower means for maintaining contact with the circumferential surface and for resisting deflection as the scroll wheel rotates. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20)
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Specification