Patent · US Expired

Drop resistant cordless mouse

US6580419B1 · kind B1 · utility

24Cited by
6References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 18, 1999
Grant dateJun 17, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 18, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F3/03543
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A computer mouse which has a number of features protecting it from damage when dropped. Additionally, the mouse of the invention is designed with features that make it more easily graspable and less likely to drop out of a user's hand in the first place. Finally, aesthetic features are built in to the design of the drop-resistant features. In one aspect, the present invention provides buttons on the top, front of the mouse which are recessed and shielded by a frame to avoid damage when dropped. In addition, the buttons are set back from the nose or front of the mouse so there would not be direct forces on the buttons if dropped on its nose. In another aspect, the invention provides a horizontal slot in an encoder shaft support assembly. Thus, the shaft is blocked from popping upward in a conventional slot arrangement when dropped.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.