Patent ID: 6016138
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A new and improved gel mouse for use in association with a computer comprising, in combination:a unitary main housing fabricated of a rigid plastic material and having a flat lower surface and a generally spherical upper surface with side walls therebetween to define a lower chamber therewithin, the housing including a peripheral extension wall extending upwardly from the periphery of the housing as an extension of the side walls and a supplemental extension wall within the peripheral extension wall and forming a large upper primary recessed cavity and a button receiving opening;a large membrane having a periphery secured to the upper regions of the peripheral extension wall and supplemental extension wall and forming the top surface of an upper primary chamber;a quantity of gel-like fluid within the primary chamber and adapted to change shape of the large membrane from an initial shape to a custom fit shape conforming substantially with the anatomical contours of a user's palm for enhanced comfort and reduced fatigue during use of the computer mouse, said gel-like fluid retaining said custom fit shape for a substantial period of time following release of said use of the computer mouse and thereafter returning substantially to said initial shape;a pair of buttons positioned within the button receiving opening, each button including an upwardly extending peripheral extension wall to define a secondary recessed cavity;a pair of button membranes, each button membrane having a periphery secured to the upper regions of a corresponding button peripheral extension wall and forming the top surfaces of a pair of secondary chambers; anda quantity of gel-like fluid within the secondary chamber and adapted to change shape of the button membranes from an initial shape to a custom fit shape conforming substantially with the anatomical contours of a user's fingers for enhanced comfort and reduced fatigue during use of the computer mouse, said gel-like fluid retaining said custom fit shape for a substantial period of time following release of said use of the computer mouse.