Pointing device with adjustable clamp attachable to a keyboard
US5281958A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB28B13/04
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pointing device which is removably attachable to a keyboard is disclosed. The pointing device is coupled to an attachment assembly, the attachment assembly being removably and selectively attachable to the keyboard. The attachment assembly includes a coupling assembly and a tilting assembly. The full weight of the pointing device is supported by the computer so that a work surface is not necessary. In one embodiment, a clamping assembly is provided. The clamp assembly includes a variable width clamp to permit the pointing device to be attached to any one of a number of different keyboards or in different positions on the same keyboard. The tilting assembly permits the user to select whether the pointing device is in a horizontal, vertical or other orientation. A rotatable ball of the pointing device is retained in contact with the rotation sensing encoders regardless of the orientation of the housing. The buttons for activating switches to enter commands into the computer overlap a top portion and a side portion of the pointing device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.