Thumb-little-finger controlled computer mouse

A computer mouse which eliminates the function and involvement of the forefinger, middle finger and ring finger comprises a shell whose inclined back top surface is so contoured to position the palm of the computer and mouse operator at 30 degree extension to the horizontal surface, and the inclined front surface minimizes and, better yet, eliminates the movement of muscles and tendons of the forefinger, middle finger and ring finger. The mouse, and therefore, the computers are operated by the muscles of the thenar and hypothenar eminences whereby a left click button and a right click button are operated by the muscles of the thenar and hypothenar eminences, respectively. Alternatively, by reversibly locking the click buttons to a reversible nonmovable position, two broad skin surface myoelectrical electrode pads of the mouse on which the thenar and hypothenar eminences contourly fit and rest detect and transmit myoelectrical potential change and current signal cause by the activities of the muscles of the thenar and hypothenar eminences to the computer devices as a part of the control and interaction between the operator, mouse and computer devices. Two vertical, longitudinal, interdigital ridge members on the surface of top shell of the mouse are grasped and held by the fore, middle and ring fingers to move, hold, lift, manipulate and stabilize the mouse. The mouse prevents pain and dysfunction syndrome, inflammations and repetitive strain injuries of the upper extremity.

FIELD OF INVENTION
 A computer mouse operate by the thumb and little finger to prevent pain,
 inflammations and repetitive strain injury of the upper extremity.
 OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention prevents and eliminates pain, inflammation and
 repetitive strain injury and cumulative traumatic disorders of the upper
 extremity of a person using a computer mouse.
 Specifically, the present invention prevents and eliminates the stress and
 strain of the bodily structures passing through the carpal tunnel of the
 wrist of a person using a computer mouse.
 Specifically, the present invention uses the muscles of the thenar and
 hypothenar eminences which move and control the thumb and fifth digit,
 respectively, and are independent, i.e. outside, of said ipsilateral
 carpal tunnel to prevent and eliminate pain, inflammation and repetitive
 strain injury and cumulative traumatic disorders of the upper extremity of
 a person using a computer mouse.
 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 Computer mouses of prior art use mostly the forefinger and lesser extent
 the middle finger and ring finger to click the left and right buttons of
 said mouse. The tendomuscular structures and their sheath including nerves
 and blood vessels pass through the narrow carpal tunnel. Ipsilateral thumb
 and little finger of the computer and mouse operator are not used for the
 above function and application of said mouse.
 Cumulative traumatic disorders and repetitive strain injury of the upper
 extremity including fingers, wrist and forearm are commonly associate with
 said computer mouses of prior art. For example, in carpal tunnel syndrome,
 the current thinking is that the repetitive stroking of the click buttons
 by the said fingers eventually and causally results in the cumulative
 traumatic disorders of the flexor tendons, tendon sheaths and associated
 structures in the carpal tunnel, and consequently, compressive injury to
 the adjacent median nerve in same carpal tunnel. Debilitating
 inflammations, pain and dysfunction syndrome ensue costing Americans
 billions of dollars per annum of loss wages, earning and productivity, not
 to mention the intangible cost of suffering. As computer and laptop
 configuration become more commonly used the aforementioned problems will
 surely increase.
 The computer mice of prior art including the so-called ergonomic mice are
 widely used and sold in the market and all suffer from the same set back
 as discussed supra.
 The present invention eliminates and prevents said injuries and disorders
 by using the thumb and the little finger of one hand of the computer and
 mouse operator to interact with and operate and activate said mouse in the
 process of using and operating computer and laptop computer configuration.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The computer mice of prior art including the so-called ergonomic mice are
 widely used and sold in the market and all are associated with
 debilitating inflammations, pain and dysfunction syndrome such as carpal
 tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injury and cumulative traumatic
 disorders of the upper extremity of the operator.
 A computer mouse which eliminates the function and involvement of the
 forefinger, middle finger and ring finger comprises a shell whose inclined
 back top surface is so contoured to position the palm of the computer and
 mouse operator at 30 degree extension to the horizontal surface, and the
 inclined front surface minimizes and, better yet, eliminates the movement
 of muscles and tendons of the forefinger, middle finger and ring finger.
 The mouse, and therefore, the computers are operated by the muscles of the
 thenar and hypothenar eminences whereby a left click button and a right
 click button are operated by the muscles of the thenar and hypothenar
 eminences, respectively. Alternatively, by reversibly locking the click
 buttons to a reversible nonmovable position, two broad skin surface
 myoelectrical electrode pads of the mouse on which the thenar and
 hypothenar eminences contourly fit and rest detect and transmit
 myoelectrical potential change and current signal cause by the activities
 of the muscles of the thenar and hypothenar eminences to the computer
 devices as a part of the control and interaction between the operator,
 mouse and computer devices. Two vertical, longitudinal, interdigital ridge
 members on the surface of top shell of the mouse are grasped and held by
 the fore, middle and ring fingers to move, hold, lift, manipulate and
 stabilize the mouse. The mouse prevents pain and dysfunction syndrome,
 inflammations and repetitive strain injuries of the upper extremity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
 All discussion and referred structures in this patent application is
 confined to one hand of the mouse and computer operator.
 FIG. 1 shows the hand-controlled and hand-held computer and laptop computer
 configuration controlling device which is the medium being widely used by
 a human computer and mouse operator for the interaction between said
 operator, said mouse which is connected by an electrical cord to said
 computer devices commonly known as the computer mouse 1 of the present
 invention. To prevent pain, inflammations and repetitive strain injuries
 of the hand structures including nerves and tendons and resultant pain and
 dysfunction syndrome of the upper extremity of said operator is to
 eliminate the use and function of the inciting structures by the ergonomic
 features of mouse 1 as discussed herein.
 An ergonomic design to the top shell or case 2 of mouse 1 is to keep the
 carpal tunnel to be at the largest dimension base on available scientific
 data, to eliminate the function of 2nd,3rd and 4th digits, also known as
 the forefinger, middle finger and ring finger, respectively and to use
 mainly the thenar and hypothenar muscles of the same hand of said
 operator. Therefore, mouse 1 comprises 1) means of positioning the wrist
 at optimal 30 degree extension relative to the horizontal surface of the
 desktop which is the bulbous, inclined posterior palmar part 3 of top
 shell of mouse 1 on which the palm of the hand of the operator so
 contoured to fit and to rest on the surface of said part at the
 inclination of said part (see FIG. 2) results in the palm of the operator
 to be at 30 degree to the horizontal surface of the mouse cushion pad or
 the horizontal surface of the desktop (see FIG. 2), 2) means of minimizing
 and, better yet, eliminating the involvement of the function of 2nd, 3rd
 and 4th digits which pass through the carpal tunnel of the wrist by
 maximally shortening the intrinsic and long flexor muscles of the 2nd, 3rd
 and 4th digits of the hand is the metacarpal part 4 being the apex of the
 intersection of the plane of the digital front part 5 of the top shell and
 the plane of the posterior palmar part 3 of top shell of said mouse
 whereby said planes intersect at about 90 degree angle at metacarpal part
 4. So rest on part 5 and metacarpal part 4, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th digits
 are essentially immobilized and the intrinsic and long flexor muscles of
 the 2nd, 3rd and 4th digits are maximally shortened to render them
 nonfunctional and with least isometric movement.
 The thumb and the fifth digit, also known as little finger, of the hand of
 said operator are recruited to use and operate mouse 1. For right-handed
 operator, FIG. 1 further shows mouse 1 comprises a left thenar click
 button 6, right hypothenar myoelectrical potential change and current
 detecting pad 7 and right fifth-digital click button 8. The ergonomic
 features of mouse 1 is as follow: 1) the utilization of the muscular power
 of the thenar and hypothenar of the hand base on the anatomical function
 of the muscles of the thenar and hypothenar eminences, 2) in addition, the
 utilization of the myoelectrical potential changes and current generated
 by the muscular activity of the muscles of said thenar and hypothenar
 eminences with various types of muscular contractions such as, but not
 limited to isotonic contraction or isometric contraction of said muscles.
 First, left thenar click button 6 is a spring-loaded click button like that
 in other computer mouses. However, left thenar click button 6 is
 reversibly moved and operated by the thumb as the result of the activation
 and deactivation of the muscles, most predominantly the adductor muscles,
 of the left thenar eminence, theretofore, activate click button 6 when
 said muscles activate in adduction and release button 6 when said muscles
 deactivate in abduction, i.e. toward and away, respectively, from shell 2
 as represent by single straight double arrow 13. Left thenar click button
 6 is separated by a space or channel 10 which widens or narrows as click
 button 6 is being clicked.
 Second, in another setting, spring-loaded click button can be deactivated
 by standard deactivation lock mechanism build into mouse 1 to immobilize
 or freeze pad 9 in a reversible fixed position so that the spring cannot
 be felt and activated with pressure from the thumb. In this setting,
 thenar myoelectrical potential change and current detecting pad 9 whose
 surface is in contact with the skin of the thenar eminence of said
 operator and senses, detects and transmits myoelectrical potential change
 and current from the isotonic or isometric activities of the muscles of
 the thenar eminence. With isometric contraction of the muscles of the
 thenar and production of said myoelectricity, the thumb of the operator
 does not move. From pad 9 is the electrical cable (not shown in the
 figure) which conducts said myoelectrical signal to cord 17 to the filter,
 amplifier and computer.
 Left thenar click button 6 comprises a thenar myoelectrical potential
 change and current detecting pad 9 whose surface which is in contact with
 the skin of the thenar eminence and senses, detects and transmits
 myoelectrical potential change and current from the isotonic or isometric
 activities of the muscles of the thenar eminence. Of course, button 6 is
 contoured so that the bulk of the thenar eminence will comfortably fit
 into button 6 such as, but not limited to, a slight concavity of button 6
 is made to fit the thenar eminence but yet allow the optimal contact
 between the skin over the thenar eminence and the surface of pad 9. The
 electrical conducting surface of pad 9 is manufactured with materials,
 such as, but not limited to, for making standard skin surface electrical
 currentconducting electrode and pad for studying myoelectrical potential
 changes and current commonly used with transcutaneous stimulator and
 myo-electrodiagnosis. The perspiration from the skin over the thenar
 eminence also serve as enhancement of electrical signal conduction.
 Moreover, electricity-conducting gel can also be used. From pad 9 is the
 electrical cable (not shown in the figure) which conducts said
 myoelectrical signal to cord 11 to the filter, amplifier and computer.
 Left thenar click button 6 also comprises a distal phalangeal pad 12 on
 which the mid and distal phalanges of the thumb rest and the flexor
 muscles of the thumb are immobilized.
 Right hypothenar myoelectrical potential change and current detecting pad 7
 is an extension of shell 2 and is not movable. However, similar thenar
 myoelectrical potential change and current detecting pad 9, pad 7 has the
 surface which is in contact with the skin of the hypothenar eminence and
 senses, detects and transmits myoelectrical potential change and current
 from the isotonic or isometric activities of the muscles of the hypothenar
 eminence. Of course, pad 7 is contoured so that the bulk of the hypothenar
 eminence will comfortably fit into pad 7 such as, but not limited to, a
 slight concavity of pad 7 is made to fit the hypothenar eminence but yet
 allow the optimal contact between the skin over the hypothenar eminence
 and the surface of pad 7. Like pad 9, the electrical conducting surface of
 pad 7 is manufactured with materials, such as, but not limited to, for
 making standard skin surface electrical current-conducting electrode and
 pad for studying myoelectrical potential changes and current commonly used
 with transcutaneous stimulator and myo-electrodiagnosis. They are made
 from metals, alloys, various rubber composites, gel-like substances and
 any combination thereof which have the physical property of conducting
 small myoelectrical current. The perspiration from the skin over the
 hypothenar eminence also serve as enhancement of electrical signal
 conduction. Moreover, additional add-on electricity-conducting gel can
 also be used. From pad 7 is the electrical cable (not shown in the figure)
 which conducts said myoelectrical signal to cord 16 to the filter,
 amplifier and computer.
 Right fifth-digital spring-loaded click button 8 immobilizes the flexors of
 the fifth digit of the hand by design during manufacturing by physical
 setting button 8 relative to shell 2 and pad 7. By such setting as click
 button 8 is being clicked by the muscles, most predominantly the adductor
 muscles, of the hypothenar eminence said flexors are not involved. The
 motion of button 8, therefore, is in and out of the paper and toward the
 longitudinal midline of shell 2 as represents by double arrow 15. Similar
 to space or channel 12, space or channel 14 widens or narrows as button 8
 is being clicked. Signal generated by click button 8 is transmitted via
 electrical cable 16 to said computer devices.
 Like button 6, spring-loaded click button 8 can be deactivated by standard
 deactivation reversible lock mechanism built into mouse 1 to immobilize or
 freeze pad 9 in a reversible fixed position so that the spring cannot be
 felt and activated with pressure from the fifth digit. In this setting,
 hypothenar myoelectrical potential change and current detecting pad 7 is
 called into action as discussed supra.
 During the manufacturing process, two vertical, longitudinal, interdigital
 ridge members 18 of digital front part 5 of top shell 2 can be made either
 as the integral part of shell 2 or as attached part to shell 2. Both
 interdigital ridge members 18 form three groove members 19 to the left and
 right of both interdigital ridge members 18 on digital front part 5 of top
 shell 2. Ridge members 18 are made from materials which cushion the digits
 and are not irritating to the skin of the operator such as but not limited
 to hypoallergenic cushioned soft but firm rubber material. Ridge members
 18 are grasped and held by said 2nd, 3rd and 4th digits to move, hold,
 lift, manipulate and stabilize mouse 1 during the application on the mouse
 cushion pad or desktop by the hand of the mouse operator. The left ridge
 member is held between medial aspect of the 2nd digit and the lateral
 aspect of the 3rd digit. The right ridge member is held between medial
 aspect of the 3rd digit and the lateral aspect of the 4th digit. Another
 way of understanding the function of both ridge members 18 is that both
 ridge members 18 of mouse 1 serve the function with 2nd, 3rd and 4th
 digits just as the left and right sides of any computer mouse of prior art
 serve the function with the thumb and little finger.
 In addition, during the manufacturing process, the top surface of shell 2
 are endowed with maximal friction to allow the optimal movement of mouse 1
 on the mouse cushion pad or desktop surface with minimal effort and
 without extraneous recruitment of muscles of the hand.
 FIG. 2 shows the left side view of mouse 1. In this view, the ergonomic
 design to the top shell or case 2 of mouse 1 is to keep the carpal tunnel
 to be at the largest dimension base on available scientific data is the
 bulbous, inclined posterior palmar part 3 of top shell 2 of mouse 1 on
 which the palm of the hand of the operator so contoured to fit and to rest
 on the surface of said part at the inclination of said part results in the
 palm of the operator to be at approximately 30 degree 20 to the horizontal
 surface 21 of the mouse cushion pad or the horizontal surface of the
 desktop. To eliminate the function of 2nd, 3rd and 4th digits, also known
 as the forefinger, middle finger and ring finger, respectively by
 maximally shortening the intrinsic and long flexor muscles of the 2nd, 3rd
 and 4th digits of the hand is the metacarpal part 4 being the apex of the
 intersection of the plane 23 of posterior palmar part 3 and plane 23 of
 the digital front part 5 of top shell 2 whereby said planes intersect at
 about 90 degree angle 24 at metacarpal part 4. So rest on metacarpal part
 4 and part 5, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th digits are essentially immobilized and
 the intrinsic and long flexor muscles of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th digits are
 maximally shortened to render them nonfunctional and with least isometric
 movement.
 FIG. 3 shows the right side view of mouse 1.
 Mouse 1 and said various components of mouse 1 are manufactured from the
 same standard materials such as plastic, various spring-loaded, mechanical
 clicking mechanism and wiring which are used to make mouse of prior art.
 Having described the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is
 to be understood that the present invention is not limited to said precise
 embodiments. Various changes, adaptations and modifications may be
 effected therein by individual skills in the art and science without
 departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
 Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention was described
 for a right-handed operator, it is obvious that the present invention will
 be designed and adapted for and used by the left-handed operator without
 departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
 Having described the preferred embodiments of the present invention for the
 desktop, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
 preferred embodiments may be adapted for other instruments such as, but
 not limited to, laptop computer configuration, television, cashier
 machine, calculator, display monitor without departing from the scope and
 spirit of the present invention.