Knee operated computer mouse

• US 8,482,525 B2
• Filed: 09/30/2009
• Issued: 07/09/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robby Moore
• Original Assignee: Robby Moore
• Inventors: Moore, Robby J.
• Primary Examiner(s): HINDI, NABIL Z
• Application Number:
  US12/586,908
• Publication Number:
  US 20110074680A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,378 Days
• Field of Search: 345/163, 345/156, 345/157, 345/164, 345/166, 345/167, 345/158, 400/475
• US Class Current: 345/163
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0382 Plural input, i.e. interface arrangements in which a plurality of input device of the same type are in communication with a PC
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0384 Wireless input, i.e. hardware and software details of wireless interface arrangements for pointing devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0346 with detection of the device orientation or free movement in a 3D space, e.g. 3D mice, 6-DOF [six degrees of freedom] pointers using gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt-sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/038 Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/039 Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads

Abstract

The present invention teaches an improved method of controlling a cursor on a computer screen, without using the hand, by strapping the mouse around the patella section of the leg with a patella strap and utilizing leg muscle movement, while sitting down, to control the direction of the cursor. After manipulating the cursor by using body movement and keeping both hands on the keyboard, the programmable function keys or another hands free or appendage attached push button, motion, or voice device are used to execute a command. By eliminating the need of hand movement to move the cursor, the user is helped to prevent the development of carpal tunnel, DeQuervains tendonitis, debilitating muscle cramps, fatigue and other repeated motion related conditions.

Claims

1. A computer mouse device comprising:

a body housing;

a movement tracking means for communicating movements by the mouse to the cursor on the computer screen;

a securing strap to attach to a user; and

a mouse harness strap attached to the securing strap to hold the mouse within said securing strap.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising programmable software to enable the user to display and control the functionality of the mouse as well as to allow execution of commands via keyboard or other hands free or appendage attached push button, motion, or voice activated device.

3. The device of claim 2 further comprising a tilting scroll wheel for enabling the use of the mouse in a conventional manner such as on a desktop when removed from the securing strap.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein said movement tracking and translating means comprises a gyroscope and an accelerometer.

5. The device of claim 2 further comprising an LED, a cord connector input, a receiver, left and right mouse buttons, and a scroll wheel.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein the securing strap is secured specifically to the patella of the user'"'"'s knee.

7. The device of claim 2 further comprising a connecting means.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the connecting means is selected from the group consisting of:

a wired cord, Bluetooth technology, a USB connector, infrared technology, and wireless technology.

9. The device of claim 2 wherein the securing strap and harness strap are fastened with hook and loop fasteners.

10. The device of claim 5 wherein the harness strap contains a mouse window for allowing the user to access the buttons and scroll wheel.

11. The device of claim 7 wherein the connecting means is a cord for attaching a secondary mouse for multiple cursor controls.

12. The device of claim 2 wherein the body housing contains a mouse component compartment.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the mouse component compartment contains a renewable power source such as a battery.

14. The device of claim 2 wherein the body housing comprises a top shell and a bottom shell.

15. A computer input device comprising:

a patella strap to placed upon the leg or appendage of a computer user; and

a software programmable hands free mouse to be received within the patella strap, whereby said user can control movement of a cursor, or cursors, without moving their hand from the keyboard.

16. The device of claim 15 wherein said hands free mouse comprises a tracking means for determining direction and movement of the mouse.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein the tracking means comprises a gyroscope and an accelerometer.

18. The device of claim 17 wherein said mouse further comprises;

an LED, a cord connector input, a receiver, a battery, left and right mouse buttons, and a scroll wheel.

19. The device of claim 15 wherein the patella strap is secured specifically to the patella of the user'"'"'s knee.