Abstract:
An ergonomic mouse accessory that allows the user to easily manipulate the control buttons of the mouse with a variety of hand positions and varying movements, thereby reducing or eliminating repetitive strain injuries and increasing accessibility to those unable to operate a standard mouse. In one embodiment a sleeve is positioned over the front of the mouse and a click stick is secured to the sleeve so that the lower end of the stick contacts the mouse button while the majority of the stick protrudes above the sleeve. Striking the stick produces a lever and fulcrum action, wherein the connection of the stick at the point of contact with the sleeve acts as a pivot point and causes the lower end of the stick to depress the mouse button. A spring means can be used to return the stick to the fully vertical position. Other embodiments include a cup that is attachable to a mouse button with a stick extending from the cup, and a plate embodiment that engages the mouse and permits the stick to manipulate the mouse buttons.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/330,917 filed on Jun. 11, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,417,842 which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Further priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119 from pending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/172,089 filed Dec. 23, 1999, and pending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/233,695 filed Sep. 19, 2000, which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of ergonomics in the computer industry, and more specifically to a device that aids in reducing user strain, fatigue, discomfort, and pain when operating a computer mouse. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Since the advent of the computer, the interface between the user and the computer has remained essentially stable. A typical computer comes equipped with a keyboard and a mouse as a means of controlling the computer and entering data. The prevalence of computers and the amount of usage have led to repetitive strain injuries (RSI). 
     The cursor control and selection of data and objects by a pointer is accomplished through a mouse, trackball, touch pad, and digitizing tablet, however the mouse is the most common. The computer mouse is used to move a cursor on the monitor and has one or more operational buttons for other functionality. The typical mouse has two or three buttons. The mouse housing rests on a horizontal surface and sensors in the mouse detect the movement of the mouse across the surface. Various mouse designs are being manufactured with varying shapes and configurations. 
     These buttons perform various functions, such as grabbing data or objects and dragging them to another location, manipulating menu driven applications, and invoking new applications. The buttons may pull down menus for additional commands. The operator control of the buttons usually requires the user to leave a finger on at least one button, maintain pressure on a button for drag operations, and multiple fast clicking. Graphic design and computer artwork requires precision mouse control. The Internet has increased the applicability of mouse operations, and more mouse click manipulations are required for ‘point and click’ websites. 
     Repetitive strain injury refers to the many ailments associated with repetitive motions and static pressure, and excessive wear and tear on the soft tissues on the body, namely tendons and nerves. Other terms related to RSI include Cumulative Trauma Disorder, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Occupational Overuse Syndrome, Repetitive Motion Injury, Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorder, and Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders. 
     Persons that work with computers for extended periods of time can develop inflammations, such as Tenosynovitis (an inflammation of the tendon sheath), Tendonitis (an inflammation of a tendon), Epicondylitis (an inflammation of the tendons where they attach to the elbow bone), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (a condition where the median nerve does not function properly), Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (compression of the ulnar nerve where it passes the elbow), and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (affects the neck and shoulders). 
     Those that do experience RSI are likely to have symptoms such as tightness, soreness, aching, throbbing, sharp pain, numbness, tingling, burning, swelling, and loss of strength in the upper extremities. Once inflicted, the user can resort to braces, splints and repositioning devices to ease the pain. Surgery has been tried with varying results. However, none of the prior devices attempts to address the problem itself-repetition. 
     Businesses and the economy suffer from RSI due to the loss or lessening of work caused by RSI as well as the expenses associated with equipping employees with ergonomic options. The medical expenses for surgery and therapy is very costly, and is a burden to businesses, medical plans, and individuals. There have even been lawsuits against employers and manufacturers of devices that induced or caused RSI. 
     The computer mouse is particularly troublesome because the user usually needs to press the same button numerous times while the hand remains in the same position. For some operations, the user must keep a particular button pressed for a varying lengths of time, requiring static pressure. The functionality and usage of the computer mouse has increased dramatically as society has adopted more click intensive applications. Most mice allow single and double clicks to invoke different activities. Most times the clicks have to be in a rapid succession within a small time interval. Users can also manipulate webpages on the Internet, drastically elevating the usage and frequency of mouse operations. 
     Drafting and drawing applications are another area where mouse operations require mouse intensive manipulations. The mouse buttons are used to draw lines and the user typically depresses and holds buttons while drawing. Precise control of the cursor is important for computer graphics. 
     There have been a variety of ergonomic keyboards and mice that are designed to lessen RSI. These devices are additional accessories or new designs that must replace the existing units and generally are more expensive than the standard devices. These units have not had much commercial success. 
     There have been various attempts to relieve the repetition and fatigue associated with computer mouse usage. The implementation of speech recognition in computers, foot-operated mouse designs, and ergonomically designed mice have met with limited success and/or commercial appeal. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,733, a vertically oriented mouse is disclosed, with control buttons located on the slope of the mouse. This design is intended to provide a more natural position to lessen fatigue. 
     Another ergonomic mouse design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,165, having a rounded arched design that is meant to reduce fatigue. There are support pads for the thumb and forefinger, and control buttons can be implemented in addition to or in place of the support pads. Yet another ergonomic mouse design is portrayed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,715. This pyramid shape mouse with four triangle-shaped inclined faces has control buttons on the faces. In all these designs the user is still required to perform repetitive motions and static pressure with the same fingers and in the same position. 
     The invention discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,143 is for a mouse that has a stylus removably secured to the mouse and which allows the user to operate the mouse in a more artistic fashion. The stylus provides a mechanism to operate the control buttons in a more precise fashion, which is specially tailored to drawing and graphic design. The stylus mount clips-on to the mouse and the stylus is inserted into the mount. The user holds the stylus like a pen or paint brush, and operates the control buttons of the mouse using the stylus. This design is not practical for normal operations, and the user has to maintain static pressure on the stylus during all mouse operations. 
     An early mouse design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,707 that discloses a mouse base that has an opening on the top surface that engages a stylus. The stylus contains the electronics to operate as a mouse independently or in combination with the mouse base. The pen shape device must be held statically during all operations and the control buttons on the stem of the pen unit would still require repetitive motion. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,690 is for a removable joystick adapter. The invention uses clips to attach a base piece onto a directional keypad of a video game controller. A joystick is integrated with the base so as to allow the joystick to manipulate the buttons of the keypad. This invention is intended to manipulate keypads via a joystick, which would not be practical for the mouse operations. 
     Other commercial products have tried to alleviate RSI and related injuries, and there are numerous wrist braces and support structures to maintain ergonomic positioning of the hand. These devices are somewhat cumbersome to use and have not been generally accepted in the software community. Improved commercial mice are continuously entering the market, but all have control buttons as a user interface. 
     According to recent legislative actions, employers are being pressed to aid in reducing the costly problems associated with repetitive motion injuries. Each year it is estimated that over 1.8 million workers have some form of musculoskeletal injuries related to ergonomics. And, over 600,000 persons miss work because of these injuries. With a cost in the 5 billion range, simple and inexpensive proactive measures will be deployed in every facet of the workplace. There will continue to be increased legislation and litigation to hold companies up to a higher standard of accountability for providing an ergonomic work environment, including adopting better mouse designs. 
     What is needed are simple and inexpensive means to reduce or eliminate RSI. The prior art devices all strove to create a more ergonomic design, while not addressing the repetition component that causes fatigue and injuries. What is needed is a device that reduces or eliminates repetitive motions and static pressure that lead to fatigue and injuries. This device should be easily installed on existing mice and easily manufactured into future mouse designs. Such a device should be inexpensive and not require purchasing expensive different equipment. It should allow a user to install it onto an existing mouse and be removable or retractable. The device should be compatible with all mouse designs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce repetitive motion and static loading when using a computer mouse. The present invention allows the user to use different motions and different fingers to operate the mouse buttons. A click stick is used to extend the mouse button operability and allow the user to operate the mouse with much greater ease and flexibility. In a preferred embodiment the invention attaches to the mouse and has hooks for the thumb, pinky and ring finger for moving the mouse. The hooks provide a means for gripping the mouse while also keeping the hand aligned in a relaxed position. The index finger or thumb or other fingers manipulates the stick that triggers the mouse button. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive device that can be attached to an existing mouse. Many users have become accustomed to their existing mouse design. In one embodiment, the present device is made of plastic and affixes to the mouse by sliding onto the mouse like a sleeve. Additional securing means such as retention screws, parting line guides, or spring-loaded pins are used to retain the sleeve firmly in place on the mouse. In another embodiment, the material for the sleeve is rubber based, similar to the material used to make bottle and can coolers. This flexible material has a greater elasticity and allows the sleeve to slide onto the mouse and securely grip the mouse. A stiffener on the top surface may be used to provide rigidity for the stick as it protrudes upwards from the mouse button. 
     The device can also be easily fabricated in conjunction with mouse designs, allowing users to continue to use a familiar mouse, but with the additional ergonomic feature of the present invention. Various designs can be used so that the device can be operational on all computer mice. In one embodiment, the click stick is extends from the actuating switch under the mouse button and extends through a hole in the mouse button for the user to operate. The stick can rest on the switch or be affixed. The hole can employ a plastic sleeve or rubber bung to provide the pivot point. In another embodiment the stick is molded directly into the mouse button and extend vertically therefrom. Yet another embodiment attaches the stick through the mouse button using a securing means such as a washer and nut. In this latter embodiment the stick is mounted closer to the front of the mouse button if the mouse uses a hinge assembly on the opposing end. 
     A further object is to provide a device that is removable or retractable from the mouse so that the user can control the mouse ergonomics and engage or disengage at the user&#39;s discretion. Whether the invention is manufactured into the design or is an attachment to an existing mouse, one of the embodiments allows the user to remove or retract the device. Furthermore, the device is adaptable to be used on any mouse button or on a multiple number of mouse buttons. Another embodiment allows spacing so that the mouse buttons can also be manipulated in the usual manner even when the invention is attached. 
     Another object of the invention is to have a means of advertising on the device. The sleeve or stick could be used to place a company name or logo, or describe some event. The low manufacture costs of the device could make it a unique tradeshow or customer gift that would always bear the presenter&#39;s message. 
     Another object of the invention is a device wherein the stick is held in a position perpendicular to the mouse and requires some force to manipulate the stick. The force required to move the stick depends upon a number of well-known spring dynamics, including the spring material and thickness, spring constant, number of coils, length of spring, and the directional force used to move the spring. There are other means to provide spring functionality without actually using a spring, including using a rubber bung or an elastic top surface that would tend to force the stick into a vertical position. 
     In operation, the user pushes the stick in any direction, which operates the mouse buttons. The stick is in close contact with the mouse button, typically with a base plate in direct contact with the mouse button. The pivot point for the stick is in the top surface of the sleeve, which is located slightly above the mouse buttons. Any pressure upon the stick in any direction would produce a corresponding force on the button created by the base plate. The dimension of the base plate and the location of the pivot point in some respects determines the degree of force required to manipulate the mouse buttons. 
     In one embodiment, the stick is secured into a threaded portion in the hole on the top surface of the sleeve above the mouse buttons. Alternatively, a track can run across the top surface of the mouse and the stick can thread into the track at any position along the track, similar to a track lighting system. A sleeve with internal threads may be placed into the hole or a rubber bung can be placed into the hole. The rubber bung would retain the stick without threads and just provide a securing point for the stick. Other variations include a ball joint or other swivel type device that would allow the stick to move more freely. A spring component may be beneficial to maintain and return the stick to a vertical position. 
     The shape and design of the stick can vary as can the material used for the stick. The stick is plastic in the preferred embodiment, so that the manufacturing costs are minimized. An additional benefit of plastic manufacturing is the ability to design different stick shapes and configurations. The stick could be a rounded rod, a polygonic shapes, or a substantially flat stick. The length of the stick can be preset at an optimal height, or allow the user to cut or breakaway the stick to a custom height. Telescoping and extendable sticks are also possible so that the device can vary depending upon the usage. 
     The length of the stick is one of the factors that determine the force required to manipulate the mouse buttons. When the stick is inserted into the sleeve device, the majority of the stick protrudes above the sleeve with a small length below the sleeve up to where the plate contacts the mouse button. Just as with a fulcrum and lever, the length of the lever and the position of the fulcrum along the lever establish the force required to produce a resultant force. As the stick is moved slightly, the plate exerts a force upon the mouse button. The flexure of the stick in the sleeve, even when threaded into the sleeve, allows enough resultant force to depress the mouse button. 
     And yet another object is to provide the stick with a curvature. An arc shaped stick would provide a more secure and restful finger position for the trigger finger or thumb. The stick should allow for easy gripping, and could come with a textured of ribbed surface. The top of the stick could employ a ball or other shape for ornamentation or ergonomic purposes. 
     Another object is to position the hand in a better orientation for mouse operations. The present invention can use hooks, grips or posts to allow the user to grip and move the mouse easily on a surface while retaining the hand in a more upright and natural position. The pinky finger and ring finger connect to the hooks, which can be of a flexible material and plyable so as to allow the user to shape the hook to an optimal shape. The thumb contacts a hook on the opposing side, and can also use the plyable material. 
     Yet a further object is to provide a device that increases accessibility for those with arthritis, injuries, disabilities, neurological disorders, birth defects or any general inability to control mouse buttons. The present invention can allow a user to operate the mouse control effectively without finger dexterity. The stick can help improve the computer skills and commercial potential for those having difficulty with standard mice designs. 
     An additional object of the invention is to manufacture the article from plastic or similar synthetic material that can be easily molded and cost-effectively manufactured. The entire assembly can be plastic and although the device can be installed onto existing mice, manufacturing the device into new mice provides a more efficient means of disseminating the benefits of the device as well as increasing the methods of attaching and variations in the design of the stick. The stick and/or sleeve can include a company logo or other advertisement. This use of the device could be used to promote and advertise various organizations and services. The width and height and shape of the stick and/or sleeve can be varied to accommodate any reasonable length of advertisement, logo, or character. 
     One object of the invention is an ergonomic mouse apparatus for manipulating a computer mouse, comprising a sleeve attachable to a front end of the computer mouse wherein the sleeve engages the computer mouse. There is a stick having an operator end and a mouse button end, the operator end extending substantially perpendicular to one or more mouse buttons of the computer mouse wherein the stick pivotably engages the sleeve, and wherein the mouse button end interacts with one or more of the mouse buttons by applying pressure to the mouse buttons when the stick is displaced. 
     A further object is an ergonomic mouse apparatus, wherein the stick has a spring means for returning to a substantially vertical position after being displaced. 
     Additionally, an object includes an ergonomic mouse apparatus, further comprising a thumb hook extending from a side of the computer mouse. Also, an ergonomic mouse apparatus, further comprising a one or more finger hooks extending from a side of the computer mouse. 
     Another object is an ergonomic mouse apparatus, wherein the stick engages a track and is adjustably secureable within said track. 
     Yet a further object is an ergonomic mouse apparatus, further comprising a base plate on the mouse button end of the stick wherein said base plate engages the mouse buttons. 
     Furthermore, there is an ergonomic mouse apparatus, wherein the sleeve is a cup attachable to one or more mouse buttons of the computer mouse wherein the stick pivotably engages the cup. 
     An object includes an ergonomic mouse apparatus, further comprising a stick attachment rotatably connecting to the stick. 
     An object of the invention is an ergonomic mouse apparatus for manipulating a computer mouse, comprising a plate attachable to an upper surface of the computer mouse wherein the plate has a rear section, a front section and a hinge section therebetween, and the front section is flexibly cantilevered over one or more mouse buttons. There is a stick for operating the mouse buttons with an operator end and a mouse button end, with the operator end extending substantially perpendicular from the front section, wherein the front section has a means of pivotably engaging the stick, and wherein the mouse button end interacts with the mouse buttons by applying pressure to the mouse buttons when the stick is displaced. 
     A further object is an ergonomic mouse apparatus, further comprising a stabilizer guard, wherein the guard is a protrusion extending from a side of the mouse and on a same plane as a bottom surface of the mouse. The stabilizer guard provides a resting place for the hand and allows the hand to slide along the mouse pad. 
     Another object is an ergonomic mouse apparatus, further comprising a track on a side of the computer mouse for slidably engaging the stabilizer guard. 
     Yet an additional object is an ergonomic mouse apparatus, further comprising a track on a side of the computer mouse for slidably engaging a finger hook. The finger hook includes a thumb, ring finger, index finger or any combination thereof. 
     Additionally, an ergonomic mouse apparatus, wherein the stick comprises a rotatable base plate, a middle section extending through and pivotably engaging the front section, a planar shaped top portion, and a topmost stick part further extending from the planar shaped top part. The entire planar shaped stick can be slidably engageable with the plate. 
     An object includes an ergonomic mouse apparatus, further comprising a plurality of spacers between the computer mouse and the plate to elevate the plate above the mouse. 
     An integrated ergonomic mouse apparatus for manipulating a computer mouse, comprising a stick assembly with an operator end and a switch end, wherein the operator end extends substantially perpendicular from an opening of a mouse button, and wherein the switch end engages a switch. There is a means of triggering the mouse button by displacing the stick wherein the stick displaces the switch. 
     Additionally, an integrated ergonomic mouse apparatus for manipulating a computer mouse, further comprising a post connecting to the mouse button and interacting with the switch such that displacing the mouse button displaces the switch. 
     A further object is an integrated ergonomic mouse apparatus for manipulating a computer mouse, further comprising a spring means for retaining the stick in a substantially vertical position once displaced. 
     Another object is an ergonomic mouse apparatus, further comprising a stick attachment rotatably connecting to the stick. 
     A final embodiment that is within the scope of the invention is to fabricate the entire functionality of the ergonomic mouse device as a unitary apparatus, including the top assembly and the thumb/finger side-piece. The entire invention can be molded during fabrication to produce the mouse with the elements included. Such an injection molding process is an inexpensive means to fabricate new mice with the ergonomic attributes. Alternatively, a single molded piece with the top assembly and thumb/finger side element can also be fabricated to accommodate existing mice. 
     Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only a preferred embodiment of the invention is described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the sleeve embodiment attached to the mouse 
     FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the sleeve device illustrating the stick contacting the mouse button 
     FIG. 3A is a side view of the stick and base plate as attached to a mouse control button shown in the approximately vertical orientation 
     FIG. 3B is a side view of the stick and base plate as attached to a mouse control button shown when a lateral force is applied to the stick 
     FIG. 3C is a side view of the stick and base plate as attached to a mouse control button shown returning to the approximately vertical orientation 
     FIG. 4 shows one embodiment wherein the device attaches to a single button 
     FIG. 5 illustrates an elastic strap securing the sleeve 
     FIG. 6 is an embodiment with the stick interacting directly with the actuator of the mouse button 
     FIG. 7 a user employing the stick device with a thumb hook and pinky hook 
     FIG. 8 is a plate on the top of the mouse is used instead of the sleeve, also illustrating a track or slot along the side of the body of the mouse for the finger or thumb hook 
     FIG. 9A shows the plate as a unitary structure that is one-piece without a hinge, wherein the functionality of the hinge is accomplished via the flexing properties of the material used to form the plate 
     FIG. 9B shows the trigger with an L shaped attachment that pivots about the stick 
     FIG. 10A is a cut-away side view that demonstrates a snap-in trigger assembly that has a base plate on the lower end that contacts the mouse button and passes through the plate and expands into a mouse-shaped plane with the stick extending from the surface 
     FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the planar assemblies from a top perspective showing the snap-in trigger assembly separated from the mouse and engageable by a slot 
     FIG. 11A side view of a simplified embodiment of the finger hook engaged within a slot on the mouse 
     FIG. 11B front view of a simplified embodiment of the finger hook engaged within a slot on the mouse 
     FIG. 12 demonstrates another embodiment wherein the top plate is an integrated part of the mouse with a slidably engageable finger hook in a track that allows the user to customize the position of the finger hook 
     FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment with a top plate having a rotatable end piece on the stick and with an attached guard assembly 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     To those skilled in the art, the invention admits of many variations. The following is a description of preferred embodiments and variations, offered as illustrative of the invention but not restrictive of the scope of the invention. This invention is a modification to a computer mouse to relieve repetitive motions and otherwise add flexibility and ease to mouse clicking operations. 
     FIG. 1 is a side view perspective wherein the sleeve device  60  engages the mouse  5  and is secured to the mouse  5  so that there is little or no independent movement of the sleeve  60 . The electrical connection to the mouse  5  is through the wire  80 , and the sleeve  60  is notched or has a slit or hole to accommodate the wire  80 , and allows the electrical wires  80  to connect from the mouse  5  to a computer (not shown). The present invention also works with other mouse devices that are wireless. In this embodiment a standard three-button mouse  5  is shown with clicker buttons  10 , and the right-handed sleeve  60  is depicted. 
     The sleeve  60  has an opposing hook or thumb hook/post  20  that is designed for the right hand thumb of the user, so that the curved surface of the opposing hook  20  retains the thumb when operating the mouse  5 , such as when the stick  30  is operated by the index finger. Although the right hand version is illustrated, the elements are reversable in left-handed models. 
     On the right hand side of the sleeve  60 , there are additional finger hooks  90  and  95 . These finger hooks  90 ,  95  are flexible and bendable to fit different size finger and for shaping to a user preference. The hooks  90 ,  95  tend to provide a gripping-place for the pinky finger and/or the ring finger. The upward curved hook  95  is substantially a vertical support for either the ring finger or middle finger. In the preferred embodiment, the hooks  20 ,  90 ,  95  provide gripping positions for the fingers. There are various other embodiments wherein the sleeve device  60  is operated without with any combination or none of the hook units  20 ,  90 , or  95 . The hooks  20 ,  90 ,  95  are plastic in the preferred embodiment, but a plyable hook that can be shaped according to the user&#39;s individual shape is within the scope of the invention. Plastic coated metal or similar material is well known in the industry and readily adaptable for the present purposes. 
     The sleeve  60  is preferably plastic and designed to snugly fit the width of the average mouse. If the sleeve  60  is matched to a particular mouse design, the sleeve  60  can be manufactured to slide onto the button portion of the mouse  5  and be held in place by the tight-fitting side portions of the sleeve  60 . It is also possible to use the parting lines of the mouse  5  as retention means to aid in securing the sleeve. In one embodiment, a retention screw  100  is positioned on one or both sides of the sleeve  60  and when tightened would firmly secure the sleeve  60  to the mouse  5 . Spring-loaded set pins are also within the scope of the invention to secure the sleeve  60  to the mouse  5 . The bottom of the sleeve  60  is designed so not to interfere with the normal operations of the ball unit on the underside of the mouse  5 . It is obvious that the invention can be attached in a variety of ways or built into the mouse design. 
     The nose of the sleeve  60  is shaped to conform to the mouse design so that it mates properly with the mouse  5 . The sleeve or housing  60  slides over the front mouse buttons  10  and forms a substantially flat top plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the nose of the sleeve  60  is rounded to conform to the mouse  5  and the top surface protrudes approximately ½ inch over the mouse buttons  10 . This top surface protrusion allows enough room for the holes  50  to properly secure the stick  30 . The side portions of the sleeve  60  extend past the end of the mouse buttons  10  and wrap around the side of the mouse  5 . The shape of the sleeve  60  assists in keeping the sleeve  60  snugly secured to the mouse  5  so that slippage is minimized. 
     In one embodiment, a rubber or other highly elastic strap  500  secures the sleeve  60  to the mouse  5  by wrapping around the sides and rear of the mouse  5  as shown in FIG.  5 . The strap  500  in this embodiment has a fastener  510  secured on both ends of the strap  500 , which engages a post  520  on the sleeve  60  on both sides. Various other attaching means are permissible to secure the strap  500  to the sleeve  60  and are well known in the art. A full mouse wrap design is within the scope of the invention, wherein the sleeve  60  wraps around the sides of the mouse  5  thus firmly securing the sleeve to the mouse  5 . Even when attached, mouse bottom and mouse buttons would be open and operable to permit the mouse  5  to otherwise operate in a usual manner. 
     The mouse buttons  10  are operated via the click stick  30  that protrudes from the sleeve  60 . The stick  30  can be positioned in any of the holes  50  in the top portion of the sleeve  60  in order to manipulate any of the mouse buttons  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the holes  50  in the sleeve  60  have threaded interior sections so that the stick  30  can be screwed into any of the holes  50  quickly and easily. The threaded section of the holes  50  can be inner sleeves that are affixed to the sleeve  60  to provide a greater number of threads and replacement and repair alternatives. Other means of fastening the stick  30  to the sleeve  60  are possible, including permanent molding and press fit fastening wherein the stick  30  snaps into a mating receptacle. Another variation is to employ a rubber bunghole attachment wherein the stick  30  would be pushed through the bunghole and held in place by the flexible bung. 
     In a preferred embodiment the stick  30  attaches with a threaded middle section  35  and employs a spring  40  in a preferred embodiment. The threaded section  35  threads through a hole  50  in the top plate of the sleeve housing  60  and extends under the top plate of the sleeve  60 . The hole or socket  50  in the top plate of the housing  60  also serves as a fulcrum point for the lever action of the stick  30 , and the sleeve  60  has three separate holes  50  over each mouse button  10  in this embodiment to allow the user to use the stick  30  for any mouse button  10 . The holes  50  also allows an adjustment means to establish the optimal distance between the stick  30  and the mouse button surface  10 . The spring  40  is coil wound and goes from an upper portion of the stick  30  down to the top surface of the sleeve  60 . The spring  40  maintains some pressure on the stick  30  to remain perpendicular to the sleeve  60  after each time it is pressed to the side. The length of the spring  40  should be sufficient to provide a prompt return of the stick  30  to the approximately perpendicular position, and several other factors are relevant in determining the length. A variation of the spring design places the spring  40  on the underside of the top surface, extending towards the mouse buttons  10 . 
     Some spring functionality makes the device more ergonomic, however other alternative spring  40  producing implementations that are within the scope of the invention. A flexible top surface that is elastic and permits flexure provides a force to push the stick  30  into the proper orientation. A rubber bung also provides such a force. In some instances, a mouse  5  with much greater spring force could provide the necessary force to return the stick orientation back to approximately perpendicular. 
     FIG. 2 is a rear elevated view of the sleeve  60  illustrating the approximate shape and dimensions of the sleeve and the interaction between the components. In this view it is easier to show the manner in which the mouse buttons are manipulated. The click stick  30  is fastened within the hole  50  and set to the proper height by turning the stick  30  within the threaded hole  50  or insert. In the bung variation, the stick  30  would simply be pushed to the contact point with the mouse button  10 . 
     While this embodiment shows the right hand mouse operation that is typical in the industry, for a left-hand version the opposing hook  20  and the opposing finger hooks  90  are swapped. The sleeve may use plyable hook material in which case the sleeve  60  is generic for any mouse and the user adjusts the hooks. Alternatively, the sleeves can use a track, snap fit, or other engagement mechanisms to place the hooks  20 ,  90 ,  95  in the proper position or even make right-handed and left-handed sleeves  60 . 
     The bottom or base plate  200  of the stick  30  interfaces with the mouse buttons  70 . The base plate  200  is a rounded head similar to a common sheet metal screw with a flat surface of the screw interfacing with the mouse button  10 . As described herein, the stick  30  is adjusted for the optimal interaction of the stick  30  with the mouse buttons  100  for respective pressure or force required to manipulate the buttons  10 . The distance between the bottom stick surface or base plate  200  and the mouse button  10  is adjusted by the threaded interface  35 . As some force or pressure is applied to the stick  30 —either left, right, forward or back—the corresponding fulcrum/lever movement at the lower stick portion  200  presses down on the mouse button  10  thereby clicking the button  10 . This embodiment includes a spring  40  or spring-like material or mechanism that promptly returns the stick  30  to the neutral position. 
     FIGS. 3A,  3 B, and  3 C illustrate the lever action of the stick  30  in conjunction with the fulcrum point positioned at the hole  50  of the sleeve  60 . These figures illustrate the fulcrum and lever action of the stick  30  and the baseplate  200  as the stick  30  extends through the threaded hole  50  of the sleeve housing  60 . FIG. 3A shows the normal resting position of the stick  30  in a substantially perpendicular position to the sleeve  60  and mouse button  10 . This is the plane of the surface of the mouse button  10  at rest and in a neutral upright and disengaged position in relation to the stick  30 . The base plate  200  is shaped like the head of a screw in a preferred embodiment and contacts or is positioned slightly above the mouse button  10 . 
     When force is applied, from any direction, to the stick  30 , a resultant force is applied to the mouse button  10  by the base plate  200  because of the pivot point or fulcrum created by the hole  50  in the sleeve  60 . Because the majority of the stick  30  is above the hole  50 , and there is a relatively short distance between the hole  50  and the mouse button  10 , a relatively small force or movement of the stick  30  produces a greater resultant force on the mouse button. FIG. 3B shows the stick  30  pressed to the left and the corresponding downward movement of the plane of the mouse button  10 . The mouse button  10  is depressed via the stick  30  being pressed to the left and the subsequent lever action on the bottom base plate  200 . 
     FIG. 3C illustrates the plane of the surface of the mouse button  10  returned to the neutral or original position as the spring enhanced stick  30  that is returned to the neutral and disengaged position. 
     A single button embodiment is shown in FIG. 4, where a plastic cup or frame  400  with the stick  30  is secured to a single mouse button  10 . The rim of the cup  401  is secured to the button  10  by an adhesive that allows the cup  400  to be removed and attached at the user&#39;s discretion. There are many adhesives suitable for such tasks, including the adhesives used on certain mail advertisements. The stick  30  reacts as previously described, wherein force on the stick  30  applies respective force to the mouse button  10  by the base plate  200 . Alternatively, the entire unit  400  could be a suction cup with the stick  30  protruding down the center of the suction cup and engaging the mouse button  10 . Any thumb or finger hooks  20 ,  90 ,  95  exist independently of the single button cup or frame  400 . 
     FIG. 5 shows a simplified version of the present invention, wherein the sleeve  60  slides onto the mouse  5 . The material of the sleeve  60  can be a microcellular foam, rubber or plastic that has enough elasticity to firmly secure the sleeve  60  to the mouse  5 . An elongated track  530  across the sleeve  60  provides a slidably engageable stick  30 , wherein the stick  30  can be affixed at any point along the track  530 . The stick  30  can simply screw down using the track  530  as a threaded member. The top portion of the sleeve  60 can also include a stiffener (not shown) on the underside of the sleeve  60  or otherwise thicker sleeve material to provide support for the track  530  to enable the pivot action required for operation. In this embodiment a rubber strap  500  secures the sleeve  60  to the mouse  5  and designed so that it does not interfere with mouse operations. The strap  500  uses a fastener  510  to attach to the sleeve hole  520  and runs around the mouse  5  to the opposing side and is secured in a similar fashion. The sides and top surface of the sleeve  60  are spaced away from the mouse buttons  10  to provide full operational functionality without using the present invention even when attached. 
     The present invention increases the accessibility for disabled people and allows easy mouse manipulation. Under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and OSHA guidelines, computer accessibility is a major thrust, and the present invention aids in allowing those with less dexterity to manipulate mouse buttons which is essential in the ‘point and click’ environment of the Internet. 
     Although there are many different mouse design on the market, many of the dimensions are approximately the same. The dimension of the button portion of the IntelliMouse by Microsoft is approximately two inches in width and ¾ inches in height. Many mice have curved designs and angled mouse buttons, similar to the IntelliMouse. The sleeve  60  of the present invention can be manufactured to fit over any mouse approximately the same dimensions. Other mouse designs could employ retrofit attachments or different size sleeves  60 . 
     FIG. 6 is an embodiment wherein the stick  30  interacts directly with the switch assembly  750 . The actuation assembly of a mouse  5  typically has a post assembly  700  extending downwards from the underside of the mouse button  10  and contacting a switch plate  760 . The switch plate  760  engages the standard switch assembly  750  that produces the electrical signal indicating a ‘click’ has occurred. The switch plate  760  allows the mouse button  10  to operate with different directional forces. The stick engages the switch plate  760  by the stick base plate  200 . 
     When the click stick  30  is built in as opposed to an add-on device, the base plate  200  within the interior of the mouse  5  rests on the actuary switch  750  itself. The actuary switch  750  would be the type needed for actuation by either the standard direct downward pressure or the type of downward pressure created by the ‘level and fulcrum’ action of the base plate  200 . In this version, the stick  30  protrudes upwards through a hole  55  in the mouse button  10  itself. The place in the button  10  where the hole  55  is located becomes the fulcrum point (pivot point). The clicking function in this variation can therefore be accomplished in either of two ways: 1) by the usual pressing down on the button  10 ; or 2) by pressing against the click stick  30  from any side. These function independently of each other and the user can resort back to conventional mouse operations at any time. 
     In one variation the stick  30  is fixedly attached directly to the mouse button  5  by securing hardware mounted below the mouse button  10 . The stick  30  goes through a hole  55  in the mouse button  10  and a washer and nut assembly secures the stick  30  having a threaded lower portion. If the mouse  5  employs a hinge assembly on the inner side of the mouse button, the stick  30  can be located closer to the front of the mouse button  10  to allow mouse manipulation. 
     In FIG. 7 the usage is illustrated wherein a user operates the mouse  5  with a pinky hook  95  and a thumb hook  20  to aid in movement of the mouse  5  across the mouse pad  91 . The stick  30  extends upwards from the mouse buttonlO allowing the user to tap the stick  30  to actuate the mouse  5 . 
     A plate variation is shown in FIG. 8, wherein instead of a sleeve connecting at the front portion of the mouse  5 , a plate  62 ,  64  rests on top of the mouse  5  and buttons  10 . A track or slot  96  along the side of the mouse  5  towards the front of the mouse engages finger hooks  95 ,  90 . The rear section of the plate  62  generally covers the body of the mouse  5  with a hinged section  65  separating the front section  64 . The hinge section  65  allows the downward movement of the front section  64  while the rear section  62  remains substantially unaffected by the movement. The hinge  65  can be a conventional hinge placed on the underside of the plate  62 ,  64  or utilize the inherent properties of the material making an embedded spring function. Both the underside hinge and the embedded spring function are used to establish the required force to actuate the buttons  10  and set some limits to the range of motion of the front section  64 . The limit is required for a stick  30  to actuate a downward pressure at the base  200  when the stick  30  is pulled straight back. Hinges of this type described herein are well-known in the industry, however the hinge can also be implemented using flexible materials for the front section  64 . 
     The track or slot  96  is used for the finger hooks  90 ,  95  and allows the user to move the finger hooks to a desired location along the slot  96  and then lock he position in the slot  96 . The finger hooks  90 ,  95  can be unlocked, removed or reversed from the slot  96  in the preferred embodiment. The thumb hook assembly  20  slides into the track  96  opposite the finger hooks  90 ,  95  depending upon the user&#39;s preference. The finger hooks  90 ,  95  and the thumb hooks  20  are separate pieces that are easily switched for right-handed and left-handed persons. 
     The stick  30  is retained within a track  532  that secures the stick  30  during operation. There is a small space between the front section  64  and the mouse buttons  10  to allow the base plate  200  to cantilever and depress the buttons  10  when a force is applied to the stick  30  in any direction. 
     The embodiment of FIG. 9A shows the top plate  62 ,  64  with the embedded material hinge  65  separating the rear section  62  from the front section  64 . The rear section of the plate  62  is attached to the mouse  5  with screws  102  and spacers  105  that provide an elevated attachment. There is enough space between the base plate  200  in order to actuate the mouse buttons  10  when the stick  30  is pushed in any direction. The slidably engageable stick  30  resides in elongated tracks  534 , wherein the stick  30  is not confined to a single mouse button  10 , and in this embodiment there are two ‘T’ sections  531  that allow the stick to snap into a location along the track  534 . The T sections  531  are notches that are perpendicular to the tracks  534  and the stick  30  can be snapped into hole along the T sections  531  providing a variable placement of the stick  30 . The front section  64  of the top plate is manufactured of a material that allows the clicking operation yet springy enough to return the neutral position of the stick  30  after use. In this illustration the stick  30  has a curved upper portion  31  that acts as a trigger. 
     A variation of the trigger  30  is shown in FIG.  9 B and FIG. 13, wherein the upper portion of the stick  30  has a captivated ‘L’ section the is rotatable about the stick  30 . This pivoting L piece  32  consists of a small section  33  perpendicular to the stick  30  and then another section  36  extending angularly from the small section  33 . The small section  33  is pivotably held in place upon the stick  30  and rotatable about the stick  30 . 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B demonstrate another variation of the present invention as a snap-in trigger assembly  38  that has a protruding stick  30  and wherein the base plate  200  is an integral component of the device. The cut-away side view of the FIG. 10A shows the stick  30  starting at the base plate extends upwards through the front section of the top plate  64  and expands into a planar shape  38  that from a top perspective resembles the mouse buttons  10 . The rear section of the plate  62  is thicker and the front section  64  extends over the mouse buttons with a smaller thickness. The snap-in trigger assembly  38  is shaped as a mouse button on the upper surface with and a flattened top surface having a threaded hole or snap assembly  35  for securing the stick  30  and allowing replacement of the stick  30  and to accommodate different size/shape sticks  30 . The snap-in assembly  38  is secured within the track  530  and allows the normal operation of the mouse  5  without the stick  30  and also allow the stick  30  to be deployed and operated. Instead of a track  530 , a pivotal hole (not shown) can be used as the means of attaching the snap-in assembly  38  to the plate  64 . The thickness of the base plate  200  can be varied to alter the force required to trigger the mouse buttons  10 . 
     FIG. 10B shows one shape of the separate snap-in trigger assembly  38  with the trigger  30  and the baseplate  200  that engages a slot  530 . The rear section of the plate  62  is thicker and narrows down towards the front section  64 . 
     Another version of the finger hooks  90 ,  95  is illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B. A single unitary piece is used for the pinky hook  90  and ring finger hook  95 . The pinky hook  95  and ring finger hook  90  are slidably engaged within the slot  96  incorporated into the body of the mouse  5 . The hooks  90 ,  95  are attached to the mouse  5  by a small section  98  extending from the slot  96 . The pinky hook  90  is the lower hook and is shaped to provide a resting place for the pinky, while the ring finger hook  95  is the upper hook that is shaped to accept the ring finger. Both the pinky hook and ring finger hook are used to help stabilize the mouse and during operation and orient the hand in an ergonomic position for manipulation of the stick  30 . The hooks  90 ,  95  are adjustable in position along the slot  96  and can also be formed from a plyable material that allow user customization. The slots are located on both sides of the mouse  5  and thus adaptable for right or left handed users by moving the hooks  90 ,  95  to the other side. Although the hooks  90 ,  95  are respectively labeled the pinky and index finger hooks, these labels are descriptive of the normal user operation and other fingers may be used according to the user preference. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates yet another variation with the top plate  62 ,  64  built or manufactured as an integral element of the mouse  5  and utilizing a guard or plate  97 . In this right-handed mouse depiction, the right side of the front section  64  is substantially smaller in width than the left side of the front section  64  and the sides are separated by a cut-out or notch  66 . The finger hooks  90 ,  95  are slidably engageable within the track  96  and allow the hooks  90 ,  95  to be positioned and customized for the comfort of the user. The notch  66  allow the right side portion of the front section  64  to flex and thus the stick  30  that extends from the front section  64  manipulates the buttons  10 . The front plate  64  has a stick  30  deployable along a track  536  that runs across a portion of the mouse buttons  10 . The track  536  has snap fit holes  538  that retain the stick in that hole  538 . This allows the user to alter the button  10  that is operated by the stick  30 . 
     The guard or rest  97  is introduced to the mouse  5  and provide several functions, namely stabilizing the mouse  5  from tipping, providing a resting place for the user&#39;s hand to help retain the hand in the proper position, and to alleviate any chaffing of the hand during use. The chaffing occurs when the side portion of the hand continually rubs back and forth across the mouse pad. The guard  97  in this embodiment is an integral part of the mouse  5  housing and extends along the same plane as the bottom of the mouse. The guard  97  can be the same material as the mouse  5  and does not interfere with normal mouse operation. 
     In FIG. 13, the present invention incorporates variations of previously described embodiments. In particular, the guard  97  is attached to the mouse  5  at the finger hooks  90 ,  95  attachment. In this manner the guard  97  is adjustable and can have a smaller surface area and still stabilize the mouse  5  and keep the user&#39;s hand from chaffing. It also aids in keeping the hand disposed with the thumb pointing essentially upwards, which is the optimal position from an ergonomic standpoint. The stick  30  also employs a rotatable attachment  32  at the top of the stick  30  that allows the user to vary the position of the stick  30 . The attachment  32  can be secured by a permanent rivet or via a screw or fastener so that it can be added or removed depending on the user preference. 
     It is well within the scope of the invention to incorporate existing attachment mechanisms and employ manufacturing and molding techniques to incorporate and operate other embodiments the present invention. The present invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments of features in the written description, figures, and claims. However, it should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additional objects and advantages of the present invention may be further realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations all within the scope of the claims. The drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.