WO2000048067A1

WO2000048067A1 - A computer mouse cover

Info

Publication number: WO2000048067A1
Application number: PCT/AU2000/000083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darren Lee Domin
Original assignee: Darren Lee Domin
Priority date: 1999-02-10
Filing date: 2000-02-09
Publication date: 2000-08-17
Also published as: AU710451B3

Abstract

An hygienic computer mouse cover which remains over the mouse during use of the mouse, the cover being formed from flexible material, the cover having a bottom wall (12) which has an opening through which the mouse trackball can protrude, the cover further having an inlet (16) through which the mouse can be inserted, the inlet having a releasable closure means (18-21) to keep the mouse within the cover, and an opening (22) to allow the mouse cord to pass through the cover.

Description

A COMPUTER MOUSE COVER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a computer mouse cover and particularly relates to a flexible cover which can remain over the mouse during use of the mouse.

BACKGROUND ART Most computers have a computer pointing device (otherwise known as a "mouse") which is attached to the computer via a cord. The mouse has a top wall which is usually contoured to fit a person's hand. On the front portion of the top wall are two or three buttons which are operated to control various operations in the computer. The bottom wall of the mouse has a small opening through which a track ball extends.

These computing devices are extremely well known and tens of millions of such mouses are in everyday use around the world. There are however some disadvantages associated with the use of a computer mouse. One disadvantage with a computer mouse is hygiene. That is, computers are often networked and have multiple users per computer. The mouse (called a common use mouse) is touched and controlled by various people and this can be a source of viral or bacterial contamination. In many areas, the computer and therefore the computer mouse is in a dirty or dusty environment and/or the users of the mouse are workshop personnel often having dirty or greasy hands all which result in the mouse very quickly becoming coated with grease, stains and contamination.

In many environments and particularly in workshops, there is a quite high level of dust and contamination in the air and the contamination quickly gets into the buttons on top of the computer mouse and the track ball on the bottom of the computer mouse and can result in erratic responses from the mouse. A mouse without a trackball is also known, and this mouse can still behave erratically when dirt contaminates the sensors. Another disadvantage with a computer mouse is that the mouse case is generally formed from quite thin plastic and because of the close proximity of the mouse to the user, is often knocked, occasionally dropped, and it is not uncommon for books, files and other objects to be dropped onto the mouse all of which can damage the mouse.

It is known to provide mouse holders or mouse hangers to keep the mouse out of the way when not in use however these devices are quite clumsy and do not find general commercial acceptance. Other attempts to protect the mouse against contamination and dirt build up have also been unwieldy or need to be removed before the mouse can be used, or have other disadvantages which make them generally commercially unacceptable.

Mouse covers are known, but these do not seem to identify and solve the hygiene problems. Some known covers are nothing more than flexible rubber like cups which sit over the top of the mouse. These cups do not substantially cover the mouse body and are not designed to reduce lint buildup on the trackball. The cups seem to be nothing more than a decorative device. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a computer mouse cover having a particular configuration and design and which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the public with a useful or commercial choice. In one form, the invention resides in a computer mouse cover which remains over the mouse during use of the mouse, the cover being formed from flexible and stretchable material such that when fitted over the mouse, the mouse does not appreciably move relative to the cover, the cover having a bottom wall which has an opening through which the mouse trackball can protrude, but where the bottom wall still extends entirely about the trackball opening, the cover further having an inlet at one end of the cover through which the mouse can be inserted , the inlet having a releasable closure means to keep the mouse within the cover, the closure means being such that a small openings remains in the inlet through which the mouse cord can pass.

In another form, the invention resides in a computer mouse cover which remains over the mouse during use of the mouse, the cover being formed from flexible material, the cover having a bottom wall which has an opening through which the mouse trackball can protrude, the cover further having an inlet through which the mouse can be inserted, the inlet having a releasable closure means to keep the mouse within the cover, and an 5 opening to allow the mouse cord to pass through the cover.

For a mouse which does not have a trackball, there may be provided a computer mouse cover which remains over the mouse during use of the mouse, the cover being formed from flexible and stretchable material such that when fitted over the mouse, the mouse does not appreciably move 0 relative to the cover, the cover having a continuous bottom wall which does not have an opening through which the mouse trackball can, the cover further having an inlet at one end of the cover through which the mouse can be inserted , the inlet having a releasable closure means to keep the mouse within the cover, the closure means being such that a small openings remains 5 in the inlet through which the mouse cord can pass.

If the mouse is cordless (e.g. using IR or other signaling means), the cover may omit the small opening.

The cover can be formed from nylon, lycra, cotton, or any other flexible material, which can include woven or non woven fabrics, which can be o used as a cover or pouch for the mouse.

In one form of the invention, the cover is stretchable such that it can be stretched over the mouse to form a good snug fit, which means that the mouse will not slip or slide within the cover. By having the cover formed from stretchable material, the buttons on the top wall of the mouse can still be 5 readily manipulated with little or no difficulty. If desired, the mouse cover can have indicia or other form of identifying means to show the position of the buttons underneath the cover.

In one form of the invention, the cover has a bottom wall which has an opening through which the mouse track ball can protrude but where o the bottom wall extends entirely about the track ball opening such that most of the bottom wail is protected by the cover with only a relatively small opening being provided for the track ball. This arrangement has the advantage that there is little or no likelihood that the mouse can slip out of the cover through the track ball opening. As well, the bottom wall of the cover keeps the bottom wall of the mouse clean (it being appreciated that mouse pads are often dirty or grimy and a mouse is often used directly on a benchtop or work surface which can also be dirty or grimy.

Another advantage with having the cover extending over most of the bottom wall of the mouse (apart from the opening where the track ball protrudes), is that the cover can clean an otherwise dirty mouse pad to reduce lint and fluff contaminating the trackball. The cover can also provide a degree of sliding friction which means that the mouse pad can be formed from smoother material, or if the mouse is used directly on a workbench, there is reduced likelihood of the mouse sliding off the workbench surface.

Another advantage with having the cover extending over at least some and preferably the majority of the bottom wall is that this provides a degree of cushioning should the mouse be inadvertently dropped onto a bench or ground surface from an appreciable height. It should also be appreciated that the remainder of the cover can also function as a cushioning device to provide protection against shock, dropping and the like.

Another advantage of having the cover extend over the bottom wall of the mouse is that it facilitates a good snug fit of the cover relative to the mouse, which minimizes any slippage or undesired movement of the mouse relative to the cover. This does away with the need for separate fasteners, clamping bands and the like.

For a mouse, which does not have a trackball, the bottom wall, can be entirely continuous, which also provides the above advantages.

The cover has an inlet, which can be at one end of the cover, which can be opened to allow the mouse to be pushed into the cover. The inlet has a releasable closure means to keep the mouse within the cover. The releasable closure means can be in the form of Velcro™ pads, press- studs, tack adhesive, hooks and eyelets, zips and the like. If the cover is made of a very elastic material, it is foreseeable that the inlet does not require a releasable closure as the inlet can be made fairly small but can be stretched far enough open to allow the mouse to be inserted into the cover.

The cover can include an opening to allow the mouse cord to pass through the cover. In one form, the opening forms part of is associated with the inlet which minimizes separate opening in the cover which can adversely affect the function of the cover as a protecting agent, cushioning agent and the like. The opening may not be required for a cordless mouse.

The cover can be impregnated or contain anti-bacterial components to keep the cover hygienically clean. Alternatively, each person can have their own personal cover, which they can attach to the mouse for hygiene reasons. The cover can be removed and is preferably washable and reusable. Alternatively, the cover can be disposable cover.

The cover can be made decorative or contain advertising material or contain particular additional shapes and configurations (for instance the cover can have a mouse-type shape, other type of animal shape, characature shape and the like).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which

Figure 1 is a bottom view of the cover. Figure 2 shows the cover around a mouse.

Figure 3 shows the rear of the cover around a mouse. Figure 4 shows a cover for a mouse which does not have a track ball.

BEST MODE Referring to the drawings, there is shown a computer mouse cover 10 which consists of a flexible stretchable fabric such as nylon or cotton lycra. Cover 10 has a top wall 11 , a bottom wall 12, a front end 13 and a rear end 14. Bottom wall 12 has an opening 15 through which the computer track ball 16 can pass such that the cover does not hinder operation of the track ball. In the embodiment, opening 15 is relatively small which means that the bottom wall 12 still extends entirely about the track ball opening 15, and that the majority of the bottom wall of the mouse is still covered by bottom wall 12 of cover 10. Rear end 14 of the cover 10 has an inlet 16 which allows the computer mouse 17 to be pushed into the cover. Inlet 16 has a releasable closure means which in the embodiment is in the form of two spaced apart Velcro™ tabs 20, 21 extending from bottom wall 12 and which engage with two corresponding spaced apart Velcro™ tabs 18, 19 on top wall 11 of the cover.

A small cutout opening 22 is provided between the spaced apart tabs the purpose of which is to allow the computer mouse cord 23 to pass out of the cover. By being made of a good stretchable material or if the material is not stretchable by being precisely sized, cover 10 fits snugly about mouse 17 which means that the mouse buttons 24 (see Figure 2) can still be manipulated by a person's finger 25.

Figure 4 illustrates a cover where the bottom wall 12 is continuous and this cover is suitable for a trackballless mouse. For a mouse having a scroll wheel, a small slit may be provided or the cover may be somewhat baggy over the wheel to allow the wheel to be rotated.

The cover provides a decorative but also protective cover to the mouse. The cover remains permanently on the mouse which is better than known types of mouse covers which need to be removed from the mouse to allow the mouse to be used. The cover does not interfere with normal functions of the mouse, provides a better grip to the mouse especially if a person's hands are wet or slippery (for instance under workshop conditions). The cover keeps the mouse clean and free from dust and can be washed to improve hygiene. The cover is easily fitted to the mouse and can be easily removed but, when attached, does not let the mouse inadvertently slip from the cover. In the embodiment, the cover is elastic and fits completely around the mouse except for the track ball area and around the lead which minimizes any ingress of dirt and contamination. It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A computer mouse cover which remains over the mouse during use of the mouse, the cover being formed from flexible material, the cover having a substantially closed bottom wall which has an opening through 5 which the mouse trackball can protrude, but where the bottom wall still extends entirely about the trackball opening such that the mouse cannot inadvertently slip out of the cover through the opening, the cover further having an inlet through which the mouse can be inserted, the inlet having a releasable closure means to keep the mouse within the cover. 0

2. The cover of claim 1 which is formed from stretchable material such that when fitted over the mouse, the mouse does not appreciably move relative to the cover, the closure means being such that a small opening remains in the inlet through which the mouse cord can pass.

3. The cover of claim 2 which extends over the top wall of the 5 mouse including the buttons.

4. The cover of claim 3, which has an opening to allow the mouse cord to pass through the cover.

5. The cover of claim 4, wherein the releasable closure means is in the form of two spaced apart Velcro™ tabs extending from the bottom wall 0 and which engage with two corresponding spaced apart Velcro™ tabs on the top wall of the cover.

6. The cover of claim 5, wherein the opening is a cut out opening between the spaced apart tabs.

7. A computer mouse cover for a mouse which does not have a 5 trackball, and which remains over the mouse during use of the mouse, the cover being formed from flexible and stretchable material such that when fitted over the mouse, the mouse does not appreciably move relative to the cover, the cover having a continuous bottom wall and having an inlet at one end of the cover through which the mouse can be inserted, the inlet having a o releasable closure means to keep the mouse within the cover.

8. The cover of claim 7, including an opening adapted to allow the mouse cord to pass out of the cover.

9. The cover of claim 3 wherein the cover is formed of nylon, lycra or cotton.

10. The cover of claim 3, wherein the cover is provided with indicia or other form of identifying means to show the position of the buttons underneath the cover.