Ergonomic computer mouse
US6396479B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/0335
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An ergonomic mouse that alleviates mouse RSI is obtained by gripping the mouse with a pinching action between the thumb and opposing fingers while the mouse is in the U-shaped opening formed in the hand when in a neutral and unflexed condition with the little finger and the heel of the palm opposite the thumb resting upon a work surface. The mouse has two gripping surfaces; one receives the thumb and the other the opposing fingers. Indentations in the gripping surfaces help locate the finger tips. Mouse buttons are located in the indentations. The gripping surfaces are inclined toward each other, so that the pinching action to actuate the mouse buttons produces a slight downward force toward a base surface that rests upon and slides over the work surface. The little finger is allowed to drag on the work surface to assist in fine positioning. Preferably, the mouse utilizes an optical motion sensing technique instead of the conventional rubber coated steel ball.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.