Squeezable computer mouse
First Claim
1. A cursor control device, comprising:
- a base having a substantially flat lower surface to enable it to rest on and be movable over a horizontal surface;
a pliable casing defining an interior;
a fluid-containing bladder arranged inside the interior of said casing, said bladder being arranged to change its shape upon application of pressure to an outer surface of said casing; and
actuation means arranged in connection with said base for responding to the change in shape of said bladder and generating signals for control of a cursor based thereon.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Cursor control device for controlling a cursor on a computer screen includes a base having a flat lower surface to enable it to be movable over a horizontal surface, a pliable casing defining an interior, and a fluid-containing bladder arranged inside the casing interior and to change its shape upon application of pressure to an outer surface of the casing. When a user grasps the casing in their hand and squeezes it, the casing and the bladder change their shape. A mechanism is arranged in connection with the base for responding to the change in shape of the bladder and generating signals for control of a cursor based thereon. One embodiment of the mechanism may include a switch which can extend upward from the base through a channel in the casing so that the bladder enters into this channel as it changes its position and thereby actuates the switch.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A cursor control device, comprising:
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a base having a substantially flat lower surface to enable it to rest on and be movable over a horizontal surface; a pliable casing defining an interior; a fluid-containing bladder arranged inside the interior of said casing, said bladder being arranged to change its shape upon application of pressure to an outer surface of said casing; and actuation means arranged in connection with said base for responding to the change in shape of said bladder and generating signals for control of a cursor based thereon. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. In a cursor control device including structure to enable the movement of the cursor control device relative to a surface on which it is being moved to be recognized, comprising:
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a base having a substantially flat lower surface to enable it to rest on and be movable over a horizontal surface; a resilient casing defining an interior; a bladder arranged in the interior of said casing, said bladder including at least one fluid and being arranged to change its shape upon application of pressure to an outer surface of said casing; and a switch arranged in connection with said base for responding to the change in shape of said bladder and generating signals for control of a cursor based thereon, whereby after release of pressure to the outer surface of said casing, said casing changes toward its original shape. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. In a cursor control device including structure to enable the movement of the cursor control device relative to a surface on which it is being moved to be recognized, comprising:
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a base having a substantially flat lower surface to enable it to rest on and be movable over a horizontal surface; a resilient casing defining an interior and a channel at a bottom portion, a bladder arranged in the interior of said casing, said bladder including at least one fluid and being arranged to change its shape upon application of pressure to an outer surface of said casing and enter into said channel defined by said casing; and a switch arranged in connection with said base for responding to the entry of said bladder into said channel arising from the change in shape of said bladder and generating signals for control of a cursor based thereon, whereby after release of pressure to the outer surface of said casing, said casing changes toward its original shape.
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Specification