Patent ID: 8531400
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A foot operated mouse for use on a surface, comprising: a housing including a heel portion, a toe portion, a wheel mechanism, and a sensor mechanism proximate the toe portion, the wheel mechanism configured and arranged to contact the surface and allow the housing to pivot between an operating position and a nonoperating position, the wheel mechanism contacting the surface in the operating position and in the nonoperating position, the wheel mechanism rotatably operatively connected to the housing to facilitate movement of the housing relative to the surface, the operating position being when the toe portion and the sensor mechanism are proximate the surface, and the nonoperating position being when the toe portion and the sensor mechanism are pivoted upward away from the surface, the housing being in the operating position when there is one of no load placed on the housing and a first load placed on the housing that is greater proximate the toe portion until a second load is placed on the housing that is greater proximate the heel portion to pivot the housing into the nonoperating position in which the toe portion is positioned upward away from the surface.