Patent ID: 6778166
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: G06F,Y10T

Abstract:
A keyless pointer input device with no externally exposed switches comprising:a) a bottom plate; b) an upper cover connected to the bottom plate; c) a main control circuit located on a top of the bottom plate and connected to a signal transmission line; d) an optical sensor located above the top of the bottom plate for detecting movement of the keyless pointer input device; e) a ball shaft having a ball shaft arm; f) a ball shaft seat having a first notch with a predetermined shape and connected to the bottom plate, the ball shaft pivotally positioned in the ball shaft seat with the ball shaft arm extending upwardly from the ball shaft seat such that the first notch defines pivotal movement of the ball shaft; g) an upper cover fixing piece located on the ball shaft arm on an end opposite the ball shaft and connected to a bottom of the upper cover; h) a plurality of key switches, each of the plurality of switches being selectively engaged by moving the ball shaft arm with the upper cover; and i) a swing confining frame having a second notch with a pre-determined shape, an elastic bearing seat having a restoring elastic piece with a plurality of claws and connected to the swing confining frame, the second notch positioned around the ball shaft arm and limiting the pivotal movement of the ball shaft arm, and the restoring elastic piece biasing the ball shaft arm to a are-determined location.