Third axis input device for a computer mouse

• US 6,188,389 B1
• Filed: 12/10/1998
• Issued: 02/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Chic Technology Corporation
• Original Assignee: Chic Technology Corporation
• Inventors: Yen, Tsu-Hsiang
• Primary Examiner(s): Mengistu, Amare
• Application Number:
  US09/209,251
• Time in Patent Office: 796 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/163, 345/157, 341/20
• US Class Current: 345/163
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence

Abstract

A third axis input device for a computer mouse includes a fixed primary seat, a fixed secondary seat, a wheel, an annular ring-like grating member, a suspending member, and an idle roller, characterized in that: the fixed primary seat has a lower portion provided with a first fixed rod and a first L-shaped hook member adapted to engage with a printed circuit board, a recess between the fixed rod and the L-shaped hook member for receiving a photoelectric controller, two arms provided at two sides of the fixed primary seat for engaging with the fixed secondary seat, a vertical rod and a vertical lug extending upwardly from the top of the fixed primary seat, the fixed secondary seat including a second fixed rod and a second L-shaped hook member having the same structure as the first fixed rod and first L-shaped hook member at the bottom rear portion, a slot at the bottom for receiving a photoelectric controller, and a hole above the slot, whereby the third axis input device is durable in use, simple in construction and low in cost.

Claims

1. A third axis input device for a computer mouse, comprising a fixed primary seat, a fixed secondary seat, a wheel, an annular ring-like grating member, a suspending member, and an idle roller, characterized in that:

said fixed primary seat has a lower portion provided with a first fixed rod and a first L-shaped hook member adapted to engage with a printed circuit board, a recess between said fixed rod and said L-shaped hook member for receiving a photoelectric controller, two arms provided at two sides of said fixed primary seat for engaging with said fixed secondary seat, a vertical rod and a vertical lug extending upwardly from the top of said fixed primary seat, said lug being formed with an opening;

said fixed secondary seat includes a second fixed rod and a second L-shaped hook member having the same structure as said first fixed rod and first L-shaped hook member at the bottom rear portion, a slot at the bottom for receiving a photoelectric controller, and a hole above said slot;

said wheel is fitted on said annular ring-like grating member for facilitating operation with a forefinger;

said annular ring-like grating member is provided with an axle and a grating clearance and held between said primary and secondary fixed seats so that said annular ring-like grating member can be moved downwardly or rotated;

said suspending member is fitted over said vertical lug and said vertical rod enclosed with a helical spring for urging said annular ring-like grating member to go upwardly and turning off a power switch; and

said idle roller mounted on a top of said suspending member for supporting said annular ring-like grating member and enabling it to rotate steadily and smoothly.