Patent ID: 8441450
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: G06F,H01H

Abstract:
1. An input device, comprising: a frame; a touch sensitive track pad, the touch sensitive track pad providing a first type control signal when the touch sensitive track pad moves with respect to the frame, comprising: an outer touch-sensitive track surface configured for tracking object movements relative to the track surface and providing a corresponding second type control signal independent of the first type control signal, a stiffener disposed beneath the outer touch-sensitive track surface configured to stiffen the outer touch-sensitive track surface in order to facilitate providing the second type control signal by the outer touch-sensitive track surface; and a flexure hinge independent of the stiffener and configured to pivotally connect the track pad to the frame to allow the movement of the track pad relative to the frame that provides the first type control signal independent of the second type control signal, wherein the flexure hinge is a resilient plate extending between the frame and only one side of the track pad, wherein the flexure hinge has one end connected to the one side of the track pad and an opposite, cantilevered end extending from the frame, wherein the flexure hinge constrains the track pad to move substantially about only one axis defined by the flexure hinge, wherein the flexure hinge is configured to allow displacement of the track pad from a neutral position to an active position when a force is applied to substantially any portion of the track surface, and to bias the track pad towards the neutral position from the active position.