Computer mouse for harsh environments and method of fabrication
First Claim
1. A hand-held device for transmitting signals used to control a graphical pointer on a display of a computer system, comprising:
- a pliable cover formed as a single unit that forms a generally impenetrable surface having a seal edge, said seal edge comprising a trench, said surface comprising at least one mouse control button region formed integrally from said pliable cover and corresponding to a location of a pressure sensitive mouse control button;
a frame for providing structural support and comprising at least one pressure sensitive mouse button, said mouse control button region covering said mouse button;
a mouse control circuit beneath said frame and comprising a mouse control button circuit, said mouse control button circuit responsive to pressure applied to the pressure sensitive mouse button and further comprising a movement sensor and circuitry for relating the position of the computer mouse to the position of the graphical pointer; and
a base for securely receiving said mouse control circuit, said frame, and said pliable cover, said base comprising a sealing rib for inserting into said trough and together with said pliable cover forming a generally impenetrable casing surrounding said frame and said mouse control circuit.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A rugged computer mouse for use in a harsh liquid, chemical or gaseous environment, includes a pliable cover formed as a single unit that forms a generally impenetrable surface having a seal edge. The seal edge includes a trench. The surface has formed thereon at least one mouse control button region corresponding to a location of a pressure sensitive mouse control button. An ergonomically formed frame provides structural support and includes at least one pressure sensitive mouse button, which the mouse control button region covers. A mouse control circuit resides beneath the ergonomically formed frame and includes a mouse control button circuit that is responsive to pressure applied to the pressure sensitive mouse button. The mouse control circuit also includes a movement sensor and circuitry for relating the position of the computer mouse to the position of the graphical pointer. A base securely receives the mouse control circuit, the frame, and the pliable cover and comprises a ridge. The ridge inserts into the trough of the pliable cover and together with the pliable cover forms a generally impenetrable casing surrounding the frame, and the mouse control circuit.
86 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A hand-held device for transmitting signals used to control a graphical pointer on a display of a computer system, comprising:
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a pliable cover formed as a single unit that forms a generally impenetrable surface having a seal edge, said seal edge comprising a trench, said surface comprising at least one mouse control button region formed integrally from said pliable cover and corresponding to a location of a pressure sensitive mouse control button;
a frame for providing structural support and comprising at least one pressure sensitive mouse button, said mouse control button region covering said mouse button;
a mouse control circuit beneath said frame and comprising a mouse control button circuit, said mouse control button circuit responsive to pressure applied to the pressure sensitive mouse button and further comprising a movement sensor and circuitry for relating the position of the computer mouse to the position of the graphical pointer; and
a base for securely receiving said mouse control circuit, said frame, and said pliable cover, said base comprising a sealing rib for inserting into said trough and together with said pliable cover forming a generally impenetrable casing surrounding said frame and said mouse control circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A computer system for operating in a harsh environment, and including a hand-held device for transmitting signals used to control a graphical pointer on a display of said computer system, comprising:
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a computer processor for communicating and displaying graphical user interface control commands and information;
a computer display operating in association with said computer processer for displaying a plurality of graphical user interface operations; and
a hand-held device for operating in a harsh environment in association with said computer processor and said computer display, said hand-held device comprising;
a pliable cover formed as a single unit that forms a generally impenetrable surface having a seal edge, said seal edge comprising a trench, said surface comprising at least one mouse control button region formed integrally from said pliable cover and corresponding to a location of a pressure sensitive mouse control button;
a frame for providing structural support and comprising at least one pressure sensitive mouse button, said mouse control button region covering said mouse button;
a mouse control circuit beneath said frame and comprising a mouse control button circuit, said mouse control button circuit responsive to pressure applied to the pressure sensitive mouse button and further comprising a movement sensor and circuitry for relating the position of the computer mouse to the position of the graphical pointer; and
a base for securely receiving said mouse control circuit, said frame, and said pliable cover, said base comprising a sealing rib for inserting into said trough and together with said pliable cover forming a generally impenetrable casing surrounding said frame and said mouse control circuit. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of forming a hand-held device for transmitting signals used to control a graphical pointer on a display of a computer system, comprising the steps of:
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forming a pliable cover as a single unit and generally impenetrable surface having a seal edge, said seal edge comprising a trench, said surface comprising at least one mouse control button region formed integrally from said pliable cover and corresponding to a location of a pressure sensitive mouse control button;
forming a frame for providing structural support and comprising at least one pressure sensitive mouse button, said mouse control button region covering said mouse button;
forming a mouse control circuit beneath said frame and comprising a mouse control button circuit, said mouse control button circuit responsive to pressure applied to the pressure sensitive mouse button and further comprising a movement sensor and circuitry for relating the position of the computer mouse to the position of the graphical pointer; and
forming a base for securely receiving said mouse control circuit, said frame, and said pliable cover, said base comprising a sealing rib for inserting into said trough and together with said pliable cover forming a generally impenetrable casing surrounding said frame and said mouse control circuit. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification