Abstract:
The present invention is to provide a cursor pointing device having a memory card receiving mechanism, which is enclosed by a housing including an upper housing, a lower housing, and a space formed in the housing after assembling the upper housing and the lower housing together. A receiving unit is disposed on an underside of the upper housing facing the space and includes one or more receiving slots each adapted to receive a memory card. The upper housing is adapted to either open to expose each receiving slot or close onto the lower housing to conceal each receiving slot. Each memory card is protected by and securely received in the receiving slot. Therefore, a user carrying both the cursor pointing device and the memory card(s) does not need to worry about a possible loss of any memory card due to its compactness, slimness, and lightweight.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to cursor pointing devices and more particularly to such a cursor pointing device (e.g., mouse) having a mechanism for receiving one or more memory cards. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The world has entered into a new era with information technology being progressed rapidly. A variety of digital, electronic products are continually invented and are employed in our daily life. This brings a lot of convenience to both our daily life and work. Further, whether people are satisfied with practicability and convenience of such digital, electronic products is another concern in addition to the fast development of such new products. 
         [0003]    Conventionally, a mobile phone or digital camera user has to convert a text file or graphics file into a format compatible with a computer prior to storing and editing same therein. This is because the mobile phone or digital camera does not support the text file or graphics file format. Alternatively, a user has to safely store a text file or graphics file in a computer after editing same therein. Otherwise, it is impossible of editing the text file or graphics file in a different type of computer. 
         [0004]    There is a type of portable memory card commercially available. The memory card is advantageous for being compact, slim, and lightweight, and is adapted to operate with one of a great variety of digital, electronic products. Further, no significant weight increase of the digital, electronic product occurs after adding the memory card therein. Thus, a user can conveniently use the memory card. A user may store or carry the memory card when not using same. However, it is often that the memory card may be lost or damaged by pressing because the memory card is, as stated above, compact, slim, and lightweight. 
         [0005]    In view of the above, users begin to use a container for containing memory cards. The container can protect the rigid shell of the memory card. Otherwise, the memory card may be damaged due to pressing. Still otherwise, the memory card may be damaged due to a foreign object insertion into a circuit board thereof. However, a user has to buy the container prior to enjoying the benefit of protecting the contained memory card. This can bear a financial burden upon the user. While the container can protect the contained memory card, it is still possible that a user may forget the carried memory card in often times prior to using a different type of computer. Thus, the inventor desires to employ a peripheral device to receive memory card(s) for protection. Thus, a user can carry both the peripheral device and the memory card(s) at the same time. Moreover, the cost of buying an additional container is saved. As a result, the drawback of forgetting a carried memory card prior to using a different type of computer is eliminated and the well-known memory card container can be replaced by the peripheral device. 
         [0006]    A conventional cursor pointing device (e.g., mouse) has a shape conformed to the palm. The cursor pointing device still has a significant space after mounting a well-known control circuit and other associated components therein. Thus, it is desirable to fully utilize the space to receive one or more memory cards. As such, a user may safely receive the memory cards in the portable cursor pointing device prior to using a different type of computer. As an end, the memory card is prevented from being lost due to its compactness. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a novel cursor pointing device in order to overcome the above inadequacies. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    After considerable research and experimentation, a cursor pointing device having a memory card receiving mechanism according to the present invention has been devised so as to overcome the above drawbacks of the prior art including the memory card susceptible to being lost due to its compactness, slimness, and lightweight, and the additional cost of buying a memory card container. 
         [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a cursor pointing device having a memory card receiving mechanism for removably receiving one or more memory cards having characteristics including compactness, slimness, and lightweight. By utilizing this cursor pointing device, a user can safely carry both the cursor pointing device and the memory card(s) without worrying a possible loss of the memory card(s) or forgetting to carry the memory card(s). 
         [0009]    In one aspect of the present invention the cursor pointing device is enclosed by a housing including an upper housing, a lower housing, and a space formed in the housing after assembling the upper housing and the lower housing together. A receiving unit is disposed on an underside of the upper housing facing the space and includes one or more receiving slots each adapted to receive a memory card. The upper housing is adapted to either open to expose each receiving slot or close onto the lower housing to conceal each receiving slot. Each memory card is protected by and securely received in the receiving slot. Therefore, a user carrying both the cursor pointing device and the memory card(s) does not need to worry about a possible loss of any memory card due to its compactness, slimness, and lightweight. 
         [0010]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of cursor pointing device (e.g., mouse) according to the present invention where the housing is open for allowing a memory card to be received therein; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a longitudinal sectional view of the cursor pointing device for showing the control circuit board; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation of a second preferred embodiment of cursor pointing device (e.g., mouse) according to the present invention where the housing is open for allowing a memory card to be received therein; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation of a third preferred embodiment of cursor pointing device (e.g., mouse) according to the present invention where the housing is detached for allowing a memory card to be received therein; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation of a fourth preferred embodiment of cursor pointing device (e.g., mouse) according to the present invention where the rear engaging member of the housing is detached for allowing a memory card to be received therein; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation of a fifth preferred embodiment of cursor pointing device (e.g., mouse) according to the present invention where the rear engaging member of the housing is detached for allowing a memory card to be received therein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a cursor pointing device (e.g., mouse) having a memory card receiving mechanism in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cursor pointing device comprises a housing  1  including an upper housing  11  adapted to open or close, and a lower housing  12 . An internal space  13  is formed therein after assembling the upper housing  11  and the lower housing  12  together. A control circuit board  3  is mounted in the space  13  of the housing  1 . The control circuit board  3  comprises a light-emitting element (e.g., LED (light-emitting diode))  31 , a video capturer  32 , a DSP (digital signal processor)  33 , and a logic layer  34 . Light emitted from the light-emitting element  31  passes a mould lens  36  integrally formed with a prism  35  prior to impinging on a top surface the lower housing  12 . Next, the video capturer  32  gathers light pulses from the top surface of the lower housing  12 . Next, the DSP  33  and the logic layer  34  process the light pulses to convert to X and Y displacements. Further, a cable  41  is extended from the DSP  33  through the control circuit board  3  and the lower housing  12  to the external. The cable  41  is adapted to connect to a computer (not shown) by means of a connector (e.g., USB connector or PS2 connector (not shown)). As an end, a corresponding movement of a cursor on a monitor of the computer representing a result of the X and Y displacements is made. 
         [0018]    A receiving unit  14  is provided on an underside of the upper housing  11  facing the space  13 . The receiving unit  14  comprises a plurality of rectangular receiving slots  141  stacked together as stairs with their openings facing the same direction (i.e., a rear end of the housing  1 ). Each receiving slot  141  is adapted to receive a memory card  2 . The upper housing  11  is adapted to open or close. Openings of the receiving slots  141  are exposed when the upper housing  11  is open. Thus, a user can place a memory card  2  in any one of the receiving slots  141 . To the contrary, the user may close the upper housing  11  (i.e., the housing  1  is closed) after removing the memory card  2  from the receiving slot  141 . As such, the receiving slots  141  are concealed by the housing  1 . By configuring as above, any memory card  2  received in the cursor pointing device is well protected when a user carries the cursor pointing device. In other words, the received memory card  2  is prevented from being lost due to its compactness and lightweight as experienced by the prior art. 
         [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 1  again, in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention the upper housing  11  comprises a first shield member  111  adapted to open or close, and a second shield member  112  adapted to open or close. Each of the first shield member  111  and the second shield member  112  is equipped with a first pivot pin  511  pivotably secured to top and bottom surfaces of the upper housing  11 . The receiving unit  14  is provided under the upper housing  11  proximate the first pivot pins  151  such that the first shield member  111  and the second shield member  112  may either pivot away each other to expose the receiving unit  14  or pivot toward each other until engaging to conceal the receiving unit  14 . A first latch  521  is provided on a rear end of the lower housing  12  distal the front cable  41 . A second latch  522  is provided on the first shield member  111  distal the first pivot pins  151  and a second latch  522  is provided on the second shield member  112  distal the first pivot pins  151  respectively. Each second latch  522  is a mated component of the first latch  521 . Thus, the second latches  522  are secured to the first latch  521  after pivoting the first shield member  111  and the second shield member  112  toward each other to engage. As a result, both the first shield member  111  and the second shield member  112  are secured to the upper housing  11  when a user either carries the cursor pointing device or uses same. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a cursor pointing device having a memory card receiving mechanism in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. One end (e.g., front end) of the upper housing  11  is pivotably secured to the lower housing  12  by means of at least one second pivot pin  512 . A recess  103  is provided on an underside of the upper housing  11  facing the a top of the lower housing  12 . The receiving unit  14  is provided in the recess  103 . Each receiving slot  141  has an opening distal and opposite the second pivot pin  512 . After counterclockwise pivoting the upper housing  11  about the second pivot pin  512  relative to the lower housing  12  a predetermined angle (i.e., pivoting away from the lower housing  12 ), a user may remove a memory card  2  from the receiving slot  141 . After the removal, the user may clockwise pivot the upper housing  11  about the second pivot pin  512  relative to the lower housing  12  until the upper housing  11  engages with the lower housing  12  in order to conceal the receiving unit  14 . Moreover, a first latching member  531  is provided on a rear end of the lower housing  12  distal the front second pivot pin  512 . A second latching member  532  is provided on a rear end of the upper housing  11  and corresponds to the first latching member  531 . The second latching member  532  is a mated component of the first latching member  531 . Thus, the second latching member  532  is secured to the first latching member  531  after closing the upper housing  11  onto the lower housing  12 . As a result, the upper housing  11  is secured to the lower housing  12  when a user either carries the cursor pointing device or uses same. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a cursor pointing device having a memory card receiving mechanism in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Two tabs  541  are provided at either side of the upper housing  11 . Correspondingly, two holes  542  are provided at either side of the lower housing  12 . The holes  542  are mated components of the tabs  541 . Thus, the tabs  541  are adapted to insert into the holes  542  for fastening the upper housing  11  and the lower housing  12  together. The receiving unit  14  is provided on an underside of the upper housing  11  facing a top of the lower housing  12 . The receiving unit  14  comprises a plurality of rectangular receiving slots  141  shaped as stairs. In use, a user may pull two sides of the upper housing  11  relative to the lower housing  12  by the hand until the tabs  541  disengage with the holes  542  (i.e., the upper housing  11  and the lower housing  12  are separate). Thereafter, a user may insert a memory card  2  into the receiving slot  141  of remove a memory card  2  from the receiving slot  141 . 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a cursor pointing device having a memory card receiving mechanism in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cursor pointing device comprises a housing  7  including an upper housing  71 , a rear engaging member  55 , and a lower housing  72 . An internal space  73  is formed therein after assembling the upper housing  71 , the lower housing  72 , and the engaging member  55  together. A control circuit board  8  is mounted in the space  73  of the housing  7 . The control circuit board  8  comprises a light-emitting element (e.g., LED)  81 , a video capturer  82 , a DSP  83 , and a logic layer  84 . Light emitted from the light-emitting element  81  passes a mould lens  86  integrally formed with a prism  85  prior to impinging on a top surface the lower housing  72 . Next, the video capturer  82  gathers light pulses from the top surface of the lower housing  72 . Next, the DSP  83  and the logic layer  84  process the light pulses to convert to X and Y displacements. Further, a cable  42  is extended from the DSP  83  through the control circuit board  8  and the lower housing  72  to the external. The cable  42  is adapted to connect to a computer (not shown) by means of a connector (e.g., USB connector or PS2 connector (not shown)). As an end, a corresponding movement of a cursor on a monitor of the computer representing a result of the X and Y displacements is made. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 5  again, the detachable engaging member  55  comprises a receiving unit  74  projected from its front end. The upper housing  71  has a length less than that of the lower housing  72 . Hence, an opening is formed on the housing  7  after assembling the upper housing  71  and the lower housing  72  together. The engaging member  55  is adapted to fill the opening to together with the upper housing  71  and the lower housing  72  form a complete housing  7 . The receiving unit  74  is disposed in the space  73  when the complete housing  7  is formed (i.e., the receiving unit  74  is concealed by the housing  7 ). The receiving unit  74  is exposed after detaching the engaging member  55  from the housing  7 . Thereafter, a user may insert a memory card  2  into one of a plurality of receiving slots  741  of the receiving unit  74  of remove a memory card  2  from same. 
         [0024]    A slot  560  is formed on a rear end of the upper housing  71  proximate a front end of the engaging member  55 . A pivotal lock tab  561  is provided in the slot  560  of the upper housing  71 . Thus, the lock tab  561  is adapted to pivot in the slot  560 . A first elastic member  563  is provided in a blind end of the slot  560  and is biased against a front end of the lock tab  561 . A hole  562  is provided in the front end of the engaging member  55  and corresponds to the lock tab  561 . The hole  562  is a mated component of the lock tab  561 . Thus, the lock tab  561  is adapted to insert into the hole  562  for locking therein. To the contrary, a user may press a front end of the lock tab  561  distal the engaging member  55  to clear the hole  562 . A second elastic member  564  is provided in the upper housing  71  below the first elastic member  563  and faces the front end of the engaging member  55 . The second elastic member  564  will be compressed after assembling the engaging member  55  and the upper housing  71  together. 
         [0025]    After assembling the engaging member  55 , the upper housing  71 , and the lower housing  72  together, the second elastic member  564  is compressed by the engaging member  55 . Also, the engaging member  55  is prevented from detaching from the upper housing  71  by the compressed second elastic member  564  because the lock tab  561  is locked in the hole  562 . For detaching the engaging member  55  from the upper housing  71 , a user may press the front end of the lock tab  561  distal the engaging member  55  to disengage with the hole  562 . Thereafter, the energized second elastic member  564  pushes the engaging member  55  out of the upper housing  71  and the lower housing  72 . Next, a user may insert a memory card  2  into the receiving slot  741  of remove a memory card  2  from same. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 5  again, in the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention the receiving unit  74  comprises one or more receiving slots  741 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the plurality of receiving slots  741  are stacked together as stairs with their openings facing the same direction (i.e., opposite the front end of the engaging member  55 ). Each receiving slot  741  is adapted to receive a memory card  2 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a cursor pointing device having a memory card receiving mechanism in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The receiving unit  74  is implemented as a memory card case which is releasably provided in the engaging member  55 . The memory card case comprises a casing member  743  and a cover  744  hingedly connected to the casing member  743 . At least one memory card  2  is adapted to receive in the casing member  743 . After placing a memory card  2  in the memory card case, a user may close the cover  744  onto the casing member  743  for receiving the memory card  2  in the memory card case. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1  again, in the preferred embodiments of the present invention an arcuate indentation  123  is formed on a rear top edge of each receiving slot  141 . A portion of a top of a memory card  2  is exposed through the indentation  123  after inserting the memory card  2  into the receiving slot  141 . The provision of the indentation  123  facilitates a removal of the memory card  2  from the receiving slot  141 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 5  again, a scroll wheel  62  is partially projected from a front depressible button  61  of the upper housing  11  proximate the cable  41  (see  FIG. 2 ) and a scroll wheel  92  is partially projected from a front depressible button  91  of the upper housing  71  proximate the cable  42  (see  FIG. 5 ) respectively. The depressible button  61  faces a push button  63  on the control circuit board  3  after assembling the upper housing  11  and the lower housing  12  together (see  FIG. 2 ) and the depressible button  91  faces a push button  93  on the control circuit board  8  after assembling the upper housing  71  and the lower housing  72  together (see  FIG. 5 ) respectively. A first signal is generated by the control circuit board  3  after pressing the depressible button  61  and the first signal is then sent to the computer. Likewise, a first signal is generated by the control circuit board  8  after pressing the depressible button  91  and the first signal is then sent to the computer. The scroll wheel  62  is rotatably provided on the depressible button  61  (see  FIG. 2 ) and the scroll wheel  92  is rotatably provided on the depressible button  91  (see  FIG. 5 ) respectively. One side of the scroll wheel  62  inside housing  1  is in gear mesh with a control gear (not shown) on the control circuit board  3  and one side of the scroll wheel  92  inside housing  7  is in gear mesh with a control gear (not shown) on the control circuit board  8  respectively. A second signal is generated by the control circuit board  3  after turning the scroll wheel  62  and the second signal representing a result of X and Y displacements of the turning is then sent to the computer. Likewise, a second signal is generated by the control circuit board  8  after turning the scroll wheel  92  and the second signal representing a result of X and Y displacements of the turning is then sent to the computer. Constructions and operations of the control gear, the push button  63  or  83 , and the control circuit board  3  or  8  are well known in the art and a detailed description thereof is therefore deemed unnecessary. 
         [0030]    While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.