Button pivot bar

Systems and methods are described for an integral button pivot bar. A palm sized computer that can be held in one hand and operated with a stylus held by another hand, includes: a connecting trunk; a first connecting member coupled to the connecting trunk; an independently actuatable button coupled to the first connecting member; a second connecting member coupled to the connecting trunk; a torsion bar connected to the second connecting member; and an independently actuatable rocking switch coupled to the second connecting member. The connecting trunk, the first connecting member, the independently actuatable button, the second connecting member, the torsion bar, and the independently actuatable rocking switch are all integrally formed and actuating the independently actuatable rocking switch does not affect the independently actuatable button. The systems and methods provide advantages because a user does not need to divert their attention from the tip of the stylus, or reconfigure their hand, when the actuation of one, or more, of the buttons is necessary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The invention relates generally to the field of plan sized computers. More 
particularly, the invention relates to stylus tappable palm sized computer 
buttons. 
2. Discussion of the Related Art 
Palm sized computers, sometimes called personal data assistants, typically 
include a plurality of manually actuatable buttons and a display screen. 
The buttons can be convex in shape so as to protrude from the surface in 
which they are mounted, thereby enhancing their functional accessibility. 
The display screen can be a touch sensitive screen so as to function as a 
user input device. A stylus can be used in conjunction with such a touch 
screen so as to permit the touch screen to be segmented into fields that 
are too small to be individually actuated by the average human finger. 
A problem with this technology has been that a user who is using the stylus 
to input data to the touch screen must shift their attention away from the 
tip of the stylus when it is necessary to actuate one of the buttons 
because the convex surfaces are not functionally compatible with the tip 
of the stylus. At best, the user must rotate their hand inward so that 
one, or more, unoccupied finger tips (e.g., ring and/or small finger) can 
be used to actuate the button. Alternatively, the user can reconfigure 
their hand so as to continue to hold the stylus and free a finger tip that 
was previously occupied in holding the stylus. In a worst case, the user 
must take the time to put the stylus down and then actuate the button. In 
this later case, after the button has been actuated, the user must also 
take the time to pick up the stylus. Therefore, what is required is 
solution that permits a user to actuate one of the manually actuatable 
buttons in a more time efficient manner. 
Another problem with this technology has been that providing a palm sized 
computer with a manually actuatable button is relatively costly. The 
button must be mounted on the palm sized computer, operably coupled to a 
switch, and provided with a resilient structure to restore the button its 
original position after it is actuated. This becomes more problematic when 
a plurality of manually actuatable buttons must be provided, especially 
where the buttons are to be distributed across a surface of the palm sized 
computer or where there are different types of button mechanisms. 
Therefore, what is also required is a solution that permits a plurality of 
manually actuatable buttons to be provided on a palm sized computer in a 
more cost effective manner. 
Heretofore, the requirements of time efficiency and cost effectiveness 
referred to above have not been fully met. What is needed is a solution 
that simultaneously addresses both of these requirements. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A primary goal of the invention is to provide a palm sized computer with a 
plurality of independently actuatable single stroke buttons (e.g., 
applications buttons) that are integrally formed from a single member, 
where actuating one of the single stroke buttons does not substantially 
affect any of the other buttons. Another primary goal of the invention is 
to provide a palm sized computer with a rocker switch (e.g., navigation 
buttons) and one, or more, single stroke buttons that are integrally 
formed from a single member, where actuating the rocker switch does not 
substantially affect any of the single stroke buttons. Another primary 
goal of the invention is to provide a palm sized computer with a rocker 
switch having an integrally formed fulcrum that defines a plane that is 
located beneath a plane defined by the center of gravity of the rocker 
switch. Another primary goal of the invention is to provide a method of 
operating a palm sized computer that includes actuation of an application 
button with a stylus that can also be used to actuate another user input 
device. Another primary goal of the invention is to provide a method of 
operating a palm sized computer that includes actuation of a navigation 
button with a stylus that can also used to actuate another user input 
device. 
In accordance with these goals, there is a particular need for a button 
pivot bar to be incorporated in a palm sized computers. The button pivot 
bar can include one, or more, connecting trunks and one, or more, 
connecting branches. The connecting trunks and branches will be discussed 
below in more detail. The button pivot bar can be a single member that is 
integrally formed. Thus, it is rendered possible to simultaneously satisfy 
the above-discussed requirements of time efficiency and cost 
effectiveness, which, in the case of the prior art, cannot be 
simultaneously satisfied. 
A first aspect of the invention is implemented in an embodiment that is 
based on a palm sized computer that can be held in one hand and operated 
with a stylus held by another hand, comprising: a connecting trunk; a 
first connecting member coupled to said connecting trunk; a first 
independently actuatable button coupled to said first connecting member; a 
second connecting member coupled to said connecting trunk; and a second 
independently actuatable button coupled to said second connecting member, 
wherein said connecting trunk, said first connecting member, said first 
independently actuatable button, said second connecting member, and said 
second independently actuatable button are all integrally formed. A second 
aspect of the invention is implemented in an embodiment that is based on a 
palm sized computer that can be held in one hand and operated with a 
stylus held by another hand, comprising: a connecting trunk; a first 
connecting member coupled to said connecting trunk; an independently 
actuatable button coupled to said first connecting member, a second 
connecting member coupled to said connecting trunk; a torsion bar 
connected to said second connecting member; and an independently 
actuatable rocking switch coupled to said second connecting member, 
wherein said connecting trunk, said first connecting member, said 
independently actuatable button, said second connecting member, said 
torsion bar, and said independently actuatable rocking switch are all 
integrally formed and actuating said independently actuatable rocking 
switch does not affect said independently actuatable button. A third 
aspect of the invention is implemented in an embodiment that is based on a 
palm sized computer that can be held in one hand and operated with a 
stylus held by another hand, comprising: an independently actuatable 
rocking switch having an integrally formed fulcrum that defines a first 
plane that is located beneath a second plane that is defined by the center 
of gravity of said independently actuatable rocking switch. A fourth 
aspect of the invention is implemented in an embodiment that is based on a 
method of operating a palm sized computer with a stylus, comprising: 
actuating a stylus tappable application button with said stylus. A fifth 
aspect of the invention is implemented in an embodiment that is based on a 
method of operating a palm sized computer with a stylus, said method 
comprising: actuating a stylus tappable navigation button with said stylus 
.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are 
explained more fully with reference to the nonlimiting embodiments that 
are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following 
description of preferred embodiments. Descriptions of well known 
components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to 
unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. 
The context of the invention includes personal computing, especially 
portable palm sized computers, such as personal data assistants. The 
invention can be utilized in conjunction with palm sized computers that 
include communication links, such as, cables (e.g., serial or parallel) or 
wireless transceivers (e.g., infrared or radio frequency). The invention 
can also utilize data processing methods that transform the user input 
signals so as to actuate interconnected discrete hardware elements; for 
example, to launch a software application. 
The concept of the invention includes providing a palm sized computer with 
a plurality of buttons that composes a unitary structure. Thus, the 
plurality of buttons are provided by a single part that can be integrally 
formed. This single part can be attached to the palm sized computer by 
friction fitting alignment posts into alignment holes that are formed in 
the part. The alignment posts can be provided on a circuit board, on a 
structural component (e.g., a midframe), or on any other part of the palm 
sized computer. 
The concept of the invention includes a button pivot bar that is composed 
of one, or more, connecting branches coupled to one, or more connecting 
trunks. Each of the plurality of buttons can be coupled to one of the 
connecting branches. Each of the connecting branches can, in-turn, be 
coupled to one, or more connecting trunks. The terms branch(es) and 
trunk(s), as used herein, define structural members that hold the buttons 
in operational position. Generally, the buttons are connected to the 
branches, rather than to the truk(s), so that the trunk(s) function to 
isolate the movement of a given button from affecting the position of any 
other button. 
The plurality of buttons can include a subplurality of single stroke 
application buttons and/or a subplurality of navigational buttons. One, or 
more, of the plurality of buttons can be actuated with a stylus that is 
used by the operator to actuate other user input devices, such as, for 
example, a touch sensitive screen. 
The buttons can be adjacent contact switches that are surface mounted on a 
circuit board. These switches can be termed micro switches, and can be 
flexible membrane switches, fluid filled switches, etcetera. 
Alternatively, the buttons can be in functional engagement with any type 
of switch that is operationally coupled to the palm sized computer. The 
term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not 
necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
The concept of the invention also includes combining a plurality of 
independently actuatable single stroke buttons in a single member that is 
integrally formed. Each of the independently actuatable single stroke 
buttons can be joined to one side of a connecting trunk with a 
corresponding plurality of connecting members. In this way, all of the 
independently actuatable single stroke buttons can extend from one side of 
the connecting trunk. Thus, actuating one of the buttons will not 
substantially affect the spatial position of any of the other buttons 
because the connecting branch that is coupled to the actuated button 
reduces the arc of movement as a lever. Further, substantially all of the 
residual displacement that occurs at the end of the connecting member that 
is coupled to the connecting trunk is sunk into torsional flexure of the 
connecting trunk. Therefore, any adjacent connecting members and the 
corresponding buttons are not affected by actuation of any prime mover 
button. A prime mover button is that button that is initially deflected by 
the user of the palm-sized computer device. 
The concept of the invention also includes combining a rocker switch with 
one or more single stroke buttons. The rocker switch and the buttons can 
be integrally formed from a single member. By connecting the rocker switch 
to the connecting trunk with a connecting member that is similar to the 
ones used to couple the single stroke buttons to the connecting trunk, 
actuating the rocker switch does not affect any of the single stroke 
buttons. 
The concept of the invention also includes a rocker switch having an 
integrally formed fulcrum that defines a first plane that is located 
beneath a second plane defined by the center of gravity of the rocker 
switch. Where the fulcrum defines a line, the orientation of the first 
plane will be constrained by the orientation of the line. Further, the 
first and second planes can be parallel. The fulcrum is not necessarily 
located directly beneath the center of gravity, although it may be. 
The fulcrum can take the form of very small surface area that can slide 
along a bearing surface. In this case, the fulcrum can move laterally 
and/or longitudinally when the rocker switch is actuated. By extending the 
plane defined by fulcrum away from the plane defined by the center of 
gravity of the rocker switch, the rocker switch can be given a degree of 
freedom that includes angular displacement through an arc. The center of 
the arc is defined by the location of the fulcrum. The degree of available 
displacement corresponds trigonometrically to angular displacement and the 
length of the distance that the plane defined by the fulcrum is displaced 
from the plane defined by the center of gravity of the rocker switch. 
Thus, the rocker switch can provide improved tactile feedback to the user. 
Specifically, the user can sense displacement of the rocker switch through 
a relatively large distance, even when the orthographic downward 
displacement parallel to normal between the plane defined by the fulcrum 
and the plane defined by the center of gravity of the rocker switch is 
relatively small. 
However, increasing the length of the distance that the plane defined by 
the fulcrum is displaced from the plane defined by the center of gravity 
of the rocker switch increases the overall size of the rocker switch and 
fulcrum, and consequently the pivot bar. Therefore, for the sake of 
compactness, this distance that the plane defined by the fulcrum is 
displaced from the plane defined by the center of gravity of the rocker 
switch may be moderated (made shorter) to bring the fulcrum closer to the 
rest of the rocker switch, or reduced as much as possible to bring the 
fulcrum as close to the rest of the rocker switch structure as the other 
internal component geometries will allow. In more detail, this distance 
may need to assume at least a minimum dimension so as to provide clearance 
between the rocker switch and the other internal components (e.g., 
flexible membrane switches, etc.). The invention includes optimizing this 
distance to simultaneously provide clearance, compactness, and improved 
tactile feedback. 
Referring to FIG. 1, the palm-sized computer 100 includes a touch sensitive 
screen 110. The palm-sized computer 100 includes a top panel 120, a mid 
frame 130, and a bottom panel 140. The palm-sized computer 100 includes a 
stylus 150 that can be stowed alongside the midframe 130 between the top 
panel 120 and the bottom panel 140. 
Still referring to FIG. 1, the palm-sized computer includes a rocker switch 
160. The palm-sized computer 100 includes a first applications button 170. 
The palm-sized computer 100 includes a second applications button 180. The 
palm-sized computer 100 includes a third applications button 190. The 
palm-sized computer 100 includes a fourth applications button 200. As used 
herein, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. are fully 
interchangeable and recited merely for the purpose of distinguishing 
separate structures. The applications buttons 170, 180, 190 and 200, can 
be single-stroke buttons. The palm-sized computer 100 includes a power 
switch 210. 
The particular manufacturing process used for making the unitary structure 
should be inexpensive and reproducible. For the manufacturing operation, 
it is an advantage to employ an injection molding technique. 
However, the particular manufacturing process used for forming the integral 
part is not essential to the invention as long as it provides the 
described functionality. Normally those who make or use the invention will 
select the manufacturing process based upon tooling and energy 
requirements, the expected application requirements of the final product, 
and the demands of the overall manufacturing process. 
The particular material used for the integral part should have a low enough 
modulus of rigidity that the buttons can be readily deflected by the user 
(with a fingertip or a stylus) but also be resilient. Conveniently, the 
integral part can be made of any plastic material. It is preferred that 
the material be a thermoplastic material. For the manufacturing operation, 
it is an advantage to employ a polycarbonate material, such as, for 
example, GE LEXAN 121-21092. 
However, the particular material selected for integral part is not 
essential to the invention, as long as it provides the described function. 
Normally, those who make or use the invention will select the best 
commercially available material based upon the economics of cost and 
availability, the expected application requirements of the final product, 
and the demands of the overall manufacturing process. 
EXAMPLE 
A specific embodiment of the invention will now be further described by the 
following, nonlimiting example which will serve to illustrate in some 
detail various features of significance. The example is intended merely to 
facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be 
practiced and to further enable those with skill in the art to practice 
the invention. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as 
limiting the scope of the invention. 
Referring now to FIG. 2, the inside of the midframe 130 can be seen. The 
midframe 130 is coupled to a circuit board 220. The rocker switch 160 and 
the applications buttons 170, 180, 190, and 200, compose a button pivot 
bar 230. The button pivot bar 230 includes a first alignment hole 240 and 
a second alignment hole 250. The button pivot bar 230 is coupled to the 
midframe 130 via two alignment pins (not shown) that extend into, and are 
in frictional engagement with the first alignment hole 240 and the second 
alignment hole 250. 
Still referring to FIG. 2, the rocker switch 160 is in operational 
engagement with two switches that are surface mounted on the circuit board 
220. Similarly the applications buttons 170, 180, 190, and 200, are in 
operational engagement with switches that are mounted on circuit board 
220. 
Referring now to FIG. 3, the switches and their operational engagement can 
be more clearly seen. The first applications button, 170, is proximal a 
first switch 260. The second applications button, 180, is proximal a 
second switch 270. The third applications button, 190, is proximal a third 
switch 280. The fourth applications button, 200, is proximal a fourth 
switch 290. Similarly, the rocker switch 160 is proximal both a fifth 
switch 300 and a sixth switch 310. 
Referring now to FIG. 4, the unitary nature of the button pivot bar 230 can 
be appreciated. Although the button pivot bar 230 is depicted in a 
displaced position with regard to the balance of the apparatus, it can be 
appreciated that the first alignment hole, 240, 20 can be friction fit on 
the first alignment pin, 320. Similarly, the second alignment hole, 250, 
can be friction fit onto the second alignment pin, 330. 
Still referring to FIG. 4, the first switch 260 and the fourth switch 290 
are positioned along the same lateral line. Similarly, the second switch 
270 and the third switch 280 are positioned on a single lateral line. The 
first switch 300 and the sixth switch 310 are positioned along the same 
longitudinal line. Since the fifth switch 300 and the sixth switch 310 are 
in operational engagement with rocker switch 160, a rotational axis of the 
rocker switch 160 is defined which is perpendicular to the longitudinal 
line along which the fifth switch 300 and the sixth switch 310 are 
located. 
Referring now to FIG. 5, the bottom side of the button pivot bar 230 can be 
better appreciated. The first applications button 170 includes a first 
extension 340. The second applications button 180 includes a second 
extension 350. The third applications button 190 includes a third 
extension 360. The fourth applications button 200 includes a fourth 
extension 370. The extensions 340, 350, 360, and 370, contact and press 
against the corresponding fluid-filled switches 260, 270, 280, and 290 
when the corresponding buttons are actuated. The extensions 340, 350, 360, 
and 370 can define "plus" shaped cross sections. Such cross sectional 
shapes are particularly well adapted to actuate the fluid-filled switches 
260, 270, 280, and 290. 
Still referring to FIG. 5, the rocker switch 160 includes a lower extension 
380 and an upper extension 390. The lower extension 380 and the upper 
extension 390 can also define "plus" shaped cross sections that are well 
adapted to actuate switches. The rocker switch 160 also includes a fulcrum 
400. The fulcrum 400 acts as a pivoting surface. The fulcrum 400 can be in 
dynamic operational engagement with a portion of the surface of circuit 
board 220 that is located between fifth switch 300 and sixth switch 310. 
Thus, when the lower side of rocker switch 160 is depressed, the lower 
extension 380 will contact the sixth switch 310 (not shown in FIG. 5). 
Similarly, when the top side of rocker switch 160 is depressed, the upper 
extension 390 will contact the fifth switch 300. 
Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, some exemplary dimensions of the pivot 
bar 230 are given in millimeters. Of course, the example, and by extension 
the invention, are not limited to the specific dimensions depicted in 
FIGS. 6A and 6B. It can be appreciated that only the rocker switch 160 
works with torsion, the other switches function as cantilevers. It can 
also be appreciated that the pivot bar 230 is substantially symmetric 
about a mirror plane defined by the rocker switch 160. 
Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the button surfaces and the corresponding 
extensions can be better appreciated. The first applications button 170 is 
coupled to a first connecting member 410. The second applications button 
180 is coupled to a second connecting member 420. The third applications 
button 190 is coupled to a third connecting member 430. The fourth 
applications button 200 is coupled to a fourth connecting member 440. The 
first connecting member 410 and the second connecting member 420 are 
coupled to a first connecting trunk 450. Similarly, the third connecting 
member 430 and the fourth connecting member 440 are coupled to a second 
connecting trunk 460. The first connecting trunk 450 includes a first 
supporting member 470. The first alignment hole 240 is located within the 
first supporting member 470. The second connecting trunk 460 includes a 
second connecting member 480. The second alignment hole 250 is located in 
the second supporting member 480. 
Still referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the rocker switch 160 is coupled to a 
first torsion bar 490. The rocker switch 160 is also coupled to a second 
torsion bar 500. The first torsion bar 490 and the second torsion bar 500 
can be substantially coaxial. The first torsion bar 490 is coupled to a 
fifth connecting member 510. The fifth connecting member 510 is coupled to 
the first connecting trunk 450. The second torsion bar 500 is coupled to a 
sixth connecting member 520. The sixth connecting member 520 is coupled to 
the second connecting trunk 460. Also, a first or second torsion bar 490, 
500 can be coupled to said third connecting member. 
Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8F, the cross sectional shape of the button pivot 
bar 230 can be better appreciated. The shape of the button pivot bar 230 
functions to keep all of the buttons independently actuatable. 
Referring now to FIG. 8A, some exemplary dimensions of the button pivot bar 
230 are given in millimeters and degrees. Section lines A--A, B--B, and 
C--C define vertical planes extending into and out of the page. Arrows at 
the ends of section lines A--A, B--B, and C--C indicate, in reference to 
the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E, the viewing 
direction from the vertical planes defined by section lines A--A, B--B, 
and C--C. 
Referring now to FIG. 8B, the cross sectional shape of the pivot bar along 
section line C--C through the first applications button 170, the first 
connecting member 410, and the first connecting trunk 450 can be better 
appreciated. The hashed area of FIG. 8B indicates the vertical plane 
defined by section line C--C in FIG. 8A which cuts through the first 
applications button 170, the first connecting member 410, and the first 
connecting trunk 450. 
Referring now to FIG. 8C, the cross sectional shape of the pivot bar along 
section line B--B through the second applications button 180, the second 
connecting member 420, and the first connecting trunk 450 can be better 
appreciated. The hashed area of FIG. 8C indicates the vertical plane 
defined by section line B--B in FIG. 8A which cuts through the second 
applications button 180, the second connecting member 420, and the first 
connecting trunk 450. 
Referring now to FIG. 8D, an expanded view of a portion of the cross 
sectional view of the pivot bar in FIG. 8C can be appreciated. Some 
exemplary dimensions of the second connecting member 420, the first 
connecting trunk 450, and a portion of the second applications button 180 
are given in millimeters. 
Referring now to FIG. 8E, the cross sectional shape of the pivot bar along 
section line A--A through the rocker switch 160 can be better appreciated. 
The hashed area of FIG. 8E indicates the vertical plane defined by section 
line A--A in FIG. 8A which cuts through the rocker switch 160. 
Referring now to FIG. 8F, an end view of the area of the pivot bar section 
shown in FIG. 8E allows better appreciation of the rocker switch 160. Some 
exemplary dimensions of the rocker switch 160 are given in millimeters. 
Practical Applications of the Invention 
A practical application of the invention that has value within the 
technological arts is providing a touch screen equipped palm sized 
computer with stylus tappable buttons. Further, the invention is useful in 
conjunction with configuring a plurality of palm sized computer 
applications buttons (such as are used for the purpose of launching, or 
switching between, programs), or in conjunction with configuring a 
plurality of palm sized computer navigation buttons (such as are used for 
the purpose of moving a display cursor), or the like. There are virtually 
innumerable uses for the invention, all of which need not be detailed 
here. 
Advantages of the Invention 
A palm sized computer with stylus tappable buttons, representing an 
embodiment of the invention, can be cost effective and advantageous for at 
least the following reasons. The invention permits a plurality of 
independently actuatable buttons to be provided on a palm sized computer 
with a single member that can be integrally formed. The invention permits 
an independently actuatable rocking switch to be operated without 
affecting the state of an independently actuatable button. The invention 
permits an independently actuatable rocking switch to be provided on a 
palm sized computer with a actuating motion that defines an elongated arc. 
These advantages make it less costly to make a palm sized computer 
incorporating the buttons of interest. 
Moreover, the invention allows a user of a palm sized computer to actuate 
one, or more, stylus tappable buttons without diverting the user's 
attention from the tip of the stylus, or reconfiguring the user's hand. 
This advantage makes operation of the palm sized computer more convenient 
and less time consuming. 
All the disclosed embodiments of the invention described herein can be 
realized and practiced without undue experimentation. Although the best 
mode of carrying out the invention contemplated by the inventors is 
disclosed above, practice of the invention is not limited thereto. 
Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the 
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described 
herein. 
For example, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed 
shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided 
in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. 
Further, the individual components need not be fabricated from the 
disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable 
materials. Further, although the button pivot bar described herein can be 
a physically separate module, it will be manifest that the button pivot 
bar may be integrated into the apparatus with which it is associated. 
Furthermore, all the disclosed elements and features of each disclosed 
embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed 
elements and features of every other disclosed embodiment except where 
such elements or features are mutually exclusive. 
It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and 
rearrangements of the features of the invention may be made without 
deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. 
It is intended that the scope of the invention as defined by the appended 
claims and their equivalents cover all such additions, modifications, and 
rearrangements. The appended claims are not to be interpreted as including 
means-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly 
recited in a given claim using the phrase "means-for." Expedient 
embodiments of the invention are differentiated by the appended subclaims.