US20020075236A1 - Ergonomic soft-feel mouse - Google Patents

Ergonomic soft-feel mouse Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20020075236A1
US20020075236A1 US10/057,746 US5774602A US2002075236A1 US 20020075236 A1 US20020075236 A1 US 20020075236A1 US 5774602 A US5774602 A US 5774602A US 2002075236 A1 US2002075236 A1 US 2002075236A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
mouse
gel
palm rest
layer
feel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/057,746
Inventor
Howard Danzyger
Heidi Jessup
Chris Jones
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fellowes Inc
Original Assignee
Fellowes Manufacturing Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fellowes Manufacturing Co filed Critical Fellowes Manufacturing Co
Priority to US10/057,746 priority Critical patent/US20020075236A1/en
Publication of US20020075236A1 publication Critical patent/US20020075236A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03543—Mice or pucks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
    • G06F2203/033—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/033
    • G06F2203/0333—Ergonomic shaped mouse for one hand

Definitions

  • the gel When utilized as a filler material, the gel provides cushion, comfort, support, and protection (attenuation of shock and vibration) in a manner different than traditional fillers.
  • Foam for example, provides support by compression.
  • a cellular material the foam is mostly air or entrapped generation gas having relatively low density.
  • the common polyurethane, highly resilient foam is an open cell structure.
  • Fiber fillers provide loft and cushioning by the natural resilience of their fibrous structures and the entrapment of air. The effect is similar to the compression of foam.
  • Gel is unique. A solid gel cannot be compressed. What provides the feeling of softness is elasticity, i.e., very low modulus. Gel provides support by displacement. Based upon the physical properties of the gel, the initial pressure required to begin displacement can be very low, with a progressive resistance that increases with the application of additional pressure. In that way gel can provide comfort while resisting compression or bottoming in ways that foams cannot.
  • Another advantage of gel is that it imitates the feel of natural tissue.
  • the hydraulic softness of the gel emulates contact with something living, making gel feel comfortable and “friendly”.
  • the low modulus of gel makes it a superior shock and vibration dampening material.
  • Polyurethane is highly crosslinked, making polyurethane gel a good progressive cushion, that resists bottoming.
  • Gel has “tissue like” appeal, making it a preferred feel.
  • gel layers make a much softer, more comfortable palm rest than foams or other materials known and used in the prior art.
  • FIG. 1 shows an ergonomic mouse having a gel palm rest.
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b shows an ergonomic mouse having a palm rest that includes a foam and gel layer.
  • FIG. 3 shows an ergonomic mouse having a gel palm rest that was formed by injection molding.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the ergonomic mouse ( 1 ) shown in FIG. 1 includes a housing ( 3 ).
  • the housing ( 3 ) is made of a hard plastic.
  • the housing ( 3 ) includes a mouse bottom ( 5 ) and a mouse top ( 7 ).
  • the mouse bottom ( 5 ) and the mouse top ( 7 ) can be a single integral piece or two separate pieces assembled together to form a single housing ( 3 ).
  • the mouse bottom ( 5 ) and top ( 7 ) comprise two pieces.
  • the housing ( 3 ) also includes one or more mouse keys ( 9 ).
  • the palm rest ( 11 ) On top of the mouse top ( 7 ) is a palm rest ( 11 ).
  • the palm rest ( 11 ) includes a gel layer ( 13 ) with a film layer ( 15 ) on top of it.
  • the gel layer gives the palm rest ( 11 ) a soft feel.
  • the soft feel is often associated with a very soft and compressible feeling that yields easily to pressure and weight.
  • the gel may include water-based gels, stable elastomeric block polymer gels, urethane, and any other suitable gels.
  • suitable elastomeric block polymer gels can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,676,388, 4,369,284, 5,633,286 and 5,713,544, and the relevant disclosures of each are incorporated herein by reference.
  • polyurethane gels include those in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,346,205, 4,476,258, 4,722,946 and 4,980,386, and the relevant disclosures of each are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the present invention can be made using gels that come in liquid form.
  • a mold is used to form the palm rest.
  • the mold is in the shape of the palm rest ( 11 ).
  • a film is first placed in the mold.
  • the liquid gel is then poured into the mold on top of the film and allowed to cure. During the curing process, the gel adheres to the film. After the gel has cured, it is removed from the mold along with the film.
  • the gel and film are now in the shape of the palm rest ( 11 ).
  • the palm rest ( 11 ) is then attached to the mouse top ( 7 ) in a way so that the gel layer ( 13 ) is adjacent the mouse top ( 7 ) and the film layer ( 15 ) is on the top side of the palm rest ( 11 ). In this manner, when the soft feel mouse is in use, the user's palm will be in contact with the film layer ( 15 ) of the palm rest ( 11 ).
  • the palm rest ( 11 ) includes a foam layer ( 17 ) below a gel layer ( 13 ) such that the foam layer ( 17 ) is in contact with the mouse top ( 7 ).
  • a mold is also used to produce the palm rest ( 11 ) of this embodiment.
  • a film is first placed in the mold.
  • the liquid gel is then poured into the mold on top of the film and allowed to cure. During the curing process, the gel adheres to the film.
  • the film layer ( 15 ) and the gel layer ( 13 ) have been formed.
  • foam is placed (usually by spraying or pouring) onto the gel.
  • the mold is then closed and the foam expands forming a foam layer ( 17 ).
  • the foam layer ( 17 ) and the gel layer ( 13 ) adhere together.
  • the foam, gel and film are now in the shape of the palm rest ( 11 ).
  • the palm rest ( 11 ) is removed from the mold and attached to the mouse top ( 7 ).
  • the palm rest ( 11 ) is often attached to the mouse top ( 7 ) using an adhesive such as glue.
  • the palm rest ( 11 ) is attached to the mouse top ( 7 ) in a way so that the foam layer ( 17 ) is adjacent the mouse top ( 7 ) and the film layer ( 15 ) is on the topside of the palm rest ( 11 ). In this manner, when the soft feel mouse is in use, the user's palm will be in contact with the film layer ( 15 ) of the palm rest ( 11 ).
  • the thickness of the film layer ( 15 ), gel layer ( 13 ) and foam layer ( 17 ) are a matter of design choice and can vary from one mouse design to another.
  • the thickness of the film layer ( 15 ) preferably is in the range of 0.002′′-0.010′′.
  • the thickness of the gel layer ( 13 ) varies with the contour of the mouse from approximately 0.00′′-0.50′′.
  • the thickness of the foam layer ( 17 ) also varies with the contour of the mouse from approximately 0.0′′-0.250′′.
  • the palm rest ( 11 ) is formed by an injection molding process.
  • a soft durometer plastic or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is injected into the mouse top ( 7 ) of the housing ( 3 ) to form the palm rest ( 11 ).
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • the elastomer often comes in pellet form. It is heated to liquid form and then injected into the housing ( 3 ) using an injection-molding machine.
  • the TPE is then cured to form a TPE layer ( 13 ) that constitutes the palm rest ( 11 ).
  • the palm rest ( 11 ) in this embodiment has a somewhat tacky, no-slip feel to it.
  • This embodiment may also include a film layer; however, it is preferable not to do so.

Abstract

A new ergonomic soft feel mouse is provided. The soft feel mouse includes a palm rest that is softer and squishier than palm rests of other mouses. The palm rest includes a gel layer that provides the soft and squishy feel. The gel layer can be formed using a liquid gel that is molded. The palm rest may also include a foam layer and/or a film layer.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Computer mouses are well known in the computer accessory industry. Indeed, there have been many different mouse designs disclosed in industry literature and in the marketplace. One goal of the industry has been to make a mouse that is comfortable for the user. Thus, several ergonomic-type mouses have been designed. For example, there have been mouses that are designed in the shape of the user's hand, mouses that are designed to support both the wrist and the palm, and mouses that have foam pads to make them softer. However, there has never been a mouse that uses a gel layer for supporting the user's palm. A gel is visco-elastic solid exhibiting the properties of both a spring and a dampener. It is illustrated mechanically by connecting the symbol for a spring with that of a dashpot. [0001]
  • When utilized as a filler material, the gel provides cushion, comfort, support, and protection (attenuation of shock and vibration) in a manner different than traditional fillers. [0002]
  • Foam, for example, provides support by compression. A cellular material, the foam is mostly air or entrapped generation gas having relatively low density. The common polyurethane, highly resilient foam is an open cell structure. There are any number of rubber, neoprene, butyl, vinyl nitrile and EPDM foams that are closed cell, with blowing gas (typically C[0003] 0 2) entrapped and providing additional suspension for the structure. Compressing foam deforms the cell walls and movers (in the case of open cell foam) or compresses (in the case of closed cell foam) entrapped gas.
  • Fiber fillers provide loft and cushioning by the natural resilience of their fibrous structures and the entrapment of air. The effect is similar to the compression of foam. [0004]
  • Gel is unique. A solid gel cannot be compressed. What provides the feeling of softness is elasticity, i.e., very low modulus. Gel provides support by displacement. Based upon the physical properties of the gel, the initial pressure required to begin displacement can be very low, with a progressive resistance that increases with the application of additional pressure. In that way gel can provide comfort while resisting compression or bottoming in ways that foams cannot. [0005]
  • When you overcome the elasticity of the gel material, you move it. This is an advantage in that as the gel is displaced, the contact area increases, helping to maintain low contact pressure. [0006]
  • Another advantage of gel is that it imitates the feel of natural tissue. The hydraulic softness of the gel emulates contact with something living, making gel feel comfortable and “friendly”. Other advantages are: [0007]
  • Gel provides support by displacement as opposed to compression. Increasing contact area assures comfort as pressure is increased. [0008]
  • The low modulus of gel makes it a superior shock and vibration dampening material. [0009]
  • Polyurethane is highly crosslinked, making polyurethane gel a good progressive cushion, that resists bottoming. [0010]
  • Gel has “tissue like” appeal, making it a preferred feel. [0011]
  • Thus, gel layers make a much softer, more comfortable palm rest than foams or other materials known and used in the prior art. [0012]
    • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • It is a principal objective of the present invention to provide an ergonomic mouse having a gel layer for supporting the user's palm. [0013]
  • It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an ergonomic mouse having a gel layer that has a soft feel that is softer, compressible and has more flex than prior art mouses. [0014]
  • It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an ergonomic mouse having a gel layer that was formed from a liquid gel. [0015]
  • It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an ergonomic mouse having an elastomerse layer that was formed using injection molding. [0016]
  • These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be further understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention.[0017]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 shows an ergonomic mouse having a gel palm rest. [0018]
  • FIGS. 2[0019] a and 2 b shows an ergonomic mouse having a palm rest that includes a foam and gel layer.
  • FIG. 3 shows an ergonomic mouse having a gel palm rest that was formed by injection molding.[0020]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. The ergonomic mouse ([0021] 1) shown in FIG. 1 includes a housing (3). The housing (3) is made of a hard plastic. The housing (3) includes a mouse bottom (5) and a mouse top (7). The mouse bottom (5) and the mouse top (7) can be a single integral piece or two separate pieces assembled together to form a single housing (3). Preferably, the mouse bottom (5) and top (7) comprise two pieces. The housing (3) also includes one or more mouse keys (9).
  • On top of the mouse top ([0022] 7) is a palm rest (11). Preferably, the palm rest (11) includes a gel layer (13) with a film layer (15) on top of it. The gel layer gives the palm rest (11) a soft feel. The soft feel is often associated with a very soft and compressible feeling that yields easily to pressure and weight.
  • There are many different gels that can be used for the present invention. The gel may include water-based gels, stable elastomeric block polymer gels, urethane, and any other suitable gels. Examples of suitable elastomeric block polymer gels can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,676,388, 4,369,284, 5,633,286 and 5,713,544, and the relevant disclosures of each are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of polyurethane gels include those in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,346,205, 4,476,258, 4,722,946 and 4,980,386, and the relevant disclosures of each are incorporated herein by reference. [0023]
  • The present invention can be made using gels that come in liquid form. In such an embodiment, a mold is used to form the palm rest. The mold is in the shape of the palm rest ([0024] 11). In processing the palm rest (11), a film is first placed in the mold. The liquid gel is then poured into the mold on top of the film and allowed to cure. During the curing process, the gel adheres to the film. After the gel has cured, it is removed from the mold along with the film. The gel and film are now in the shape of the palm rest (11). The palm rest (11) is then attached to the mouse top (7) in a way so that the gel layer (13) is adjacent the mouse top (7) and the film layer (15) is on the top side of the palm rest (11). In this manner, when the soft feel mouse is in use, the user's palm will be in contact with the film layer (15) of the palm rest (11).
  • In another embodiment using a liquid gel, as seen in FIGS. 2[0025] a and 2 b, the palm rest (11) includes a foam layer (17) below a gel layer (13) such that the foam layer (17) is in contact with the mouse top (7). A mold is also used to produce the palm rest (11) of this embodiment. In processing this palm rest (11), a film is first placed in the mold. The liquid gel is then poured into the mold on top of the film and allowed to cure. During the curing process, the gel adheres to the film. At this stage, the film layer (15) and the gel layer (13) have been formed. After the gel has cured, foam is placed (usually by spraying or pouring) onto the gel. The mold is then closed and the foam expands forming a foam layer (17). The foam layer (17) and the gel layer (13) adhere together. The foam, gel and film are now in the shape of the palm rest (11). After the palm rest (11) is formed, it is removed from the mold and attached to the mouse top (7). The palm rest (11) is often attached to the mouse top (7) using an adhesive such as glue. The palm rest (11) is attached to the mouse top (7) in a way so that the foam layer (17) is adjacent the mouse top (7) and the film layer (15) is on the topside of the palm rest (11). In this manner, when the soft feel mouse is in use, the user's palm will be in contact with the film layer (15) of the palm rest (11).
  • The thickness of the film layer ([0026] 15), gel layer (13) and foam layer (17) are a matter of design choice and can vary from one mouse design to another. In the mouse shown in FIGS. 2a and 2 b, the thickness of the film layer (15) preferably is in the range of 0.002″-0.010″. The thickness of the gel layer (13) varies with the contour of the mouse from approximately 0.00″-0.50″. Likewise, the thickness of the foam layer (17) also varies with the contour of the mouse from approximately 0.0″-0.250″.
  • In yet another embodiment of the soft feel mouse, as seen in FIG. 3, the palm rest ([0027] 11) is formed by an injection molding process. In particular, a soft durometer plastic or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is injected into the mouse top (7) of the housing (3) to form the palm rest (11). When injection molding is used, the elastomer often comes in pellet form. It is heated to liquid form and then injected into the housing (3) using an injection-molding machine. The TPE is then cured to form a TPE layer (13) that constitutes the palm rest (11). The palm rest (11) in this embodiment has a somewhat tacky, no-slip feel to it. This embodiment may also include a film layer; however, it is preferable not to do so.
  • The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. [0028]

Claims (6)

1. An improved soft feel mouse for a computer comprising:
a housing having a mouse bottom and a mouse top;
at least one mouse key attached to said housing; and
a palm rest attached to said mouse top wherein said palm rest comprises a gel layer.
2. The improved soft feel mouse of claim 1 wherein said palm rest further comprises a film layer above said gel layer.
3. The improved soft feel mouse of claim 1 wherein said palm rest further comprises a foam layer below said gel layer.
4. The improved soft feel mouse of claim 1 wherein said gel layer is formed from a liquid gel that has been poured and cured.
5. An improved soft feel mouse for a computer comprising:
a housing having a mouse bottom and a mouse top;
at least one mouse key attached to said housing; and
a palm rest attached to said mouse top wherein said palm rest comprises an elastomerse layer.
6. The improved soft feel mouse of claim 5 wherein said elastomerse layer has a tacky feel.
US10/057,746 1998-12-04 2002-01-24 Ergonomic soft-feel mouse Abandoned US20020075236A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/057,746 US20020075236A1 (en) 1998-12-04 2002-01-24 Ergonomic soft-feel mouse

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/205,457 US6390423B1 (en) 1998-12-04 1998-12-04 Ergonomic soft-feel mouse
US10/057,746 US20020075236A1 (en) 1998-12-04 2002-01-24 Ergonomic soft-feel mouse

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/205,457 Continuation US6390423B1 (en) 1998-12-04 1998-12-04 Ergonomic soft-feel mouse

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020075236A1 true US20020075236A1 (en) 2002-06-20

Family

ID=22762270

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/205,457 Expired - Lifetime US6390423B1 (en) 1998-12-04 1998-12-04 Ergonomic soft-feel mouse
US10/057,746 Abandoned US20020075236A1 (en) 1998-12-04 2002-01-24 Ergonomic soft-feel mouse

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/205,457 Expired - Lifetime US6390423B1 (en) 1998-12-04 1998-12-04 Ergonomic soft-feel mouse

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US6390423B1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040196263A1 (en) * 2002-06-03 2004-10-07 Kokuyo Co., Ltd. Mouse
GB2406156A (en) * 2003-09-16 2005-03-23 Simon Stovin-Bradford Malleable pointing device
US20100090953A1 (en) * 2008-09-30 2010-04-15 Harriett Gidley Loomis Computer mouse cushion
US20110221675A1 (en) * 2007-11-29 2011-09-15 Microsoft Corporation Ergonomic computer mouse
WO2012075348A1 (en) * 2010-12-02 2012-06-07 George Moser Multitasking portable computer

Families Citing this family (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6621485B1 (en) * 1996-09-26 2003-09-16 Giv, Llc Gel cushion for keyboard cursor control stick
US8120579B2 (en) * 1996-09-26 2012-02-21 Giv, Llc Textured cushion for cursor control stick
US20100124634A1 (en) * 1996-09-26 2010-05-20 Slotta Mark R Cushioned cap with annular portion and method for forming same
US6724369B2 (en) * 1996-09-26 2004-04-20 Giv, Llc Textured cushion for keyboard cursor control stick
US5889508A (en) 1996-09-26 1999-03-30 Slotta; Mark R. Cushion for keyboard cursor control stick
US20070063974A1 (en) * 1996-09-26 2007-03-22 Slotta Mark R Textured cushion for cursor control stick
US6390423B1 (en) * 1998-12-04 2002-05-21 Fellowes, Inc. Ergonomic soft-feel mouse
US20010024192A1 (en) * 2000-01-31 2001-09-27 Lewis Stephen H. Ergonomic mouse and method of using the same
US20030090464A1 (en) * 2001-11-09 2003-05-15 Chao-Chi Lai Computer mouse with a hand-protecting cover
WO2004104903A2 (en) * 2003-05-20 2004-12-02 Willat Ergonomic Technologies, Llc Computer mouse
US7304636B2 (en) * 2003-08-05 2007-12-04 Willat Ergonomic mouse
US7063321B2 (en) * 2004-06-10 2006-06-20 Intec, Inc. Gel grip controller
US20070001066A1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-04 Microsoft Corporation Integrated gel keyboard wrist rest
US7520689B2 (en) * 2005-06-30 2009-04-21 Microsoft Corporation Adjustable keyboard palmrest
US20070013651A1 (en) * 2005-07-15 2007-01-18 Depue Marshall T Hand-held device with indication of ergonomic risk condition
US20070247424A1 (en) * 2006-02-24 2007-10-25 Emil Jacob Input arrangements for electronic devices
US20070242046A1 (en) * 2006-04-18 2007-10-18 Weiss Scot H Computer Pointing Device with Pliable Outer Shell Having Memory of Original Form
US20180059801A1 (en) * 2016-08-30 2018-03-01 Bilge Acun Systems and Methods for Computer Input
CN112650400A (en) * 2019-10-09 2021-04-13 东友科技股份有限公司 Mouse and shell with flexible curved surface

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6390423B1 (en) * 1998-12-04 2002-05-21 Fellowes, Inc. Ergonomic soft-feel mouse

Family Cites Families (65)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3676388A (en) 1968-10-14 1972-07-11 Porter Paint Co Method of preparing antifoulant coating compositions and resulting product
US3676387A (en) 1970-12-21 1972-07-11 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Stable elastomeric polymer-oil combinations
US4346205A (en) 1976-07-23 1982-08-24 National Research Development Corporation Energy absorbing elastomers and composites
US5633286B1 (en) 1977-03-17 2000-10-10 Applied Elastomerics Inc Gelatinous elastomer articles
US5336708A (en) 1977-03-17 1994-08-09 Applied Elastomerics, Inc. Gelatinous elastomer articles
US4368284A (en) 1978-12-19 1983-01-11 Kanegafuchi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Polyvinyl chloride composite material
US4476258A (en) 1983-03-30 1984-10-09 National Research Development Corporation Energy absorbing polyurethane compositions
USD287725S (en) 1983-10-15 1987-01-13 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Cursor control for display system
USD300324S (en) 1985-10-30 1989-03-21 Digital Equipment Corporation Cursor control for computer display
US4722946A (en) 1986-07-03 1988-02-02 Polymer Dynamics (Delaware), Ltd. Energy-attenuating polyurethanes
US4963858A (en) 1987-09-08 1990-10-16 Chien Fong K Changeable input ratio mouse
USD310521S (en) 1987-10-28 1990-09-11 Video Technology Industries, Inc. Combined drawing tablet and cursor control for computer
USD303662S (en) 1988-02-09 1989-09-26 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Cursor control
US4862165A (en) 1988-02-12 1989-08-29 Samuel Gart Ergonomically-shaped hand controller
US4973176A (en) 1988-12-20 1990-11-27 Dietrich Jeffrey A Appendage rest
US4980386A (en) 1989-04-28 1990-12-25 Polymer Dynamics Technology, Inc. Methods for the manufacture of energy-attenuating polyurethanes
US5045842A (en) 1989-10-23 1991-09-03 Galvin James J Computer input device
US5760117A (en) 1990-05-21 1998-06-02 Applied Elastomerics, Inc. Gelatinous composition and articles
USD331045S (en) 1990-09-10 1992-11-17 Duane Moerke Combined computer keyboard and mouse pad drawer
USD331229S (en) 1990-10-12 1992-11-24 F.M.E. Corporation Computer keyboard decal
USD328892S (en) 1990-10-12 1992-08-25 Miller Brent A Combined wrist rest and pad for use with computer mouse
USD331575S (en) 1990-10-12 1992-12-08 F.M.E. Corporation Computer keyboard decal
US5046739A (en) 1990-10-31 1991-09-10 Dynasound Organizer, Inc. Ergonomic handle for game controller
US5252970A (en) 1991-01-30 1993-10-12 David Baronowsky Ergonomic multi-axis controller
USD326261S (en) 1991-03-08 1992-05-19 Microsoft Corporation Trackball for computer
US5400054A (en) 1991-07-12 1995-03-21 Dorst; Gary L. Manually operable device for indicating position on a display screen
US5298919A (en) 1991-08-02 1994-03-29 Multipoint Technology Corporation Multi-dimensional input device
US5165630A (en) 1991-08-06 1992-11-24 Connor Martin D Wrist protector
US5203845A (en) 1991-12-05 1993-04-20 2749394 Canada Inc. Computer mouse support
US5340067A (en) 1992-03-27 1994-08-23 Martin Teresa A Hand and wrist support for computer mouse
US5287089A (en) 1992-05-13 1994-02-15 Micro-Integration Corporation Hand manipulatable computer input device
US5280276A (en) 1992-07-10 1994-01-18 Quickshot (Bvi) Ltd. Combination mouse/trackball input device
US5355148A (en) 1993-01-14 1994-10-11 Ast Research, Inc. Fingerpoint mouse
US5313229A (en) 1993-02-05 1994-05-17 Gilligan Federico G Mouse and method for concurrent cursor position and scrolling control
JP3454482B2 (en) 1993-10-26 2003-10-06 キヤノン株式会社 Portable information devices
JP3381344B2 (en) 1993-11-15 2003-02-24 ヤマハ株式会社 Coordinate input device
US5473344A (en) 1994-01-06 1995-12-05 Microsoft Corporation 3-D cursor positioning device
USD370219S (en) 1994-05-16 1996-05-28 Sylvia Blumer Computer mouse
US5576733A (en) 1994-05-25 1996-11-19 Lo; Jack Ergonomic computer mouse
DE69504833T2 (en) 1994-06-03 1999-05-12 Minnesota Mining & Mfg ASSEMBLING A WRIST REST
US5530455A (en) 1994-08-10 1996-06-25 Mouse Systems Corporation Roller mouse for implementing scrolling in windows applications
US5570112A (en) 1994-10-12 1996-10-29 Robinson; Calvin H. A. Ergonomic computer mouse
US5659335A (en) 1994-11-14 1997-08-19 Lucent Technologies Inc. Computing interface system
US5706031A (en) 1994-11-14 1998-01-06 Lucent Technologies Inc. Computing and telecommunications interface system
DE19548091A1 (en) 1995-01-11 1996-07-25 Zeiss Carl Fa Single hand operated input control device for use with optical instruments
US5501458A (en) 1995-01-19 1996-03-26 Mallory; Kevin C. Electronic game controller covers
US5648798A (en) 1995-02-13 1997-07-15 Hamling; Daniel T. Universal ergonomic computer mouse/trackball
US5581277A (en) 1995-03-06 1996-12-03 Tajiri; Akira Anti-carpal tunnel device (ACTD) for computer operators
US5771038A (en) 1995-08-09 1998-06-23 Primax Electronics Ltd. Control device for display state change on monitor
US5894302A (en) * 1995-08-28 1999-04-13 Contour Design, Inc. Ergonomic housing for a computer mouse
USD376790S (en) 1995-12-21 1996-12-24 Goulet Matthew G Computer hand controller
USD381013S (en) 1996-03-22 1997-07-15 Najmuddin Allana Computer mouse
USD380210S (en) 1996-03-22 1997-06-24 Najmuddin Allana Computer mouse
US5731807A (en) 1996-04-23 1998-03-24 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Apparatus and method for customizing the shape of a computer mouse to an individual's hand
US5657051A (en) 1996-06-11 1997-08-12 Kye Systems Corp. Multidimensional mouse for use with computers
US5884879A (en) * 1996-08-23 1999-03-23 Gruenenfelder; Marc A. Ergonomic support pad
USD387749S (en) 1996-12-27 1997-12-16 Donnych Diaz Computer mouse
USD392959S (en) 1997-02-26 1998-03-31 Kensington Microware Limited Computer pointing device
US5826841A (en) * 1997-03-18 1998-10-27 Lavore; Joseph S. Therapeutic elbow support system
US5868365A (en) * 1997-08-15 1999-02-09 Ergo Devices Corporation Ergonomic hand support for use with a computer pointing device
US6016138A (en) * 1997-10-14 2000-01-18 Harskamp; Lisa Gel mouse
US6017407A (en) * 1997-10-22 2000-01-25 Yates; Paul M. Method of manufacturing a cushion article
US5949406A (en) * 1998-01-12 1999-09-07 Kress; Roxanne M. Mouse crown
US6195085B1 (en) 1998-04-07 2001-02-27 International Business Machines Corporation Apparatus in a computer system for pliant ergonomic pointing device
US6039292A (en) * 1998-11-17 2000-03-21 Fellowes Manufacturing Co Wrist rest assembly

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6390423B1 (en) * 1998-12-04 2002-05-21 Fellowes, Inc. Ergonomic soft-feel mouse

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040196263A1 (en) * 2002-06-03 2004-10-07 Kokuyo Co., Ltd. Mouse
GB2406156A (en) * 2003-09-16 2005-03-23 Simon Stovin-Bradford Malleable pointing device
US20110221675A1 (en) * 2007-11-29 2011-09-15 Microsoft Corporation Ergonomic computer mouse
US8243019B2 (en) * 2007-11-29 2012-08-14 Microsoft Corporation Ergonomic computer mouse
US20100090953A1 (en) * 2008-09-30 2010-04-15 Harriett Gidley Loomis Computer mouse cushion
US8451225B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2013-05-28 Harriett Gidley Loomis Computer mouse cushion
WO2012075348A1 (en) * 2010-12-02 2012-06-07 George Moser Multitasking portable computer
US9501097B2 (en) 2010-12-02 2016-11-22 George Moser Multitasking portable computer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6390423B1 (en) 2002-05-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6390423B1 (en) Ergonomic soft-feel mouse
US10084502B2 (en) Electronic device case with a friction surface
CA2562815C (en) Foam mattress
JP3104706U (en) Soft composite structure with breathability
JPH0252607A (en) Seat cushion and its manufacture
CN104643549A (en) Toothbrush with gripping area
JP3054892U (en) Running machine treads
US20070001066A1 (en) Integrated gel keyboard wrist rest
US6672548B1 (en) Cushion
CN102275360A (en) Elastic running board for running machine
JPS61154503A (en) Mid-sole
JPS6231921B2 (en)
WO2002037252A2 (en) Gel cushion for keyboard cursor control stick
JPH01238910A (en) Manufacture of different hardness cushioning body
JPS6131101A (en) Midsole
CN214388641U (en) Shock attenuation horse-vaulting platform
CN113320262A (en) Functional sponge and preparation method thereof
US20030211278A1 (en) Reinforced pad and method of making
JP3530985B2 (en) Urethane resin chair having polydicyclopentadiene skeleton
TWI802372B (en) Bedding filler using gel cushion
WO2022131001A1 (en) Polymeric article, composite article, and production methods therefor
KR200240375Y1 (en) a mattress
RU187034U1 (en) MATTRESS
KR200219698Y1 (en) Gel (Gell) Insole with built-in window
CN2428290Y (en) Multi-layer film structure

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION