Squeezable computer mouse

Cursor control device for controlling a cursor on a computer screen includes a base having a flat lower surface to enable it to be movable over a horizontal surface, a pliable casing defining an interior, and a fluid-containing bladder arranged inside the casing interior and to change its shape upon application of pressure to an outer surface of the casing. When a user grasps the casing in their hand and squeezes it, the casing and the bladder change their shape. A mechanism is arranged in connection with the base for responding to the change in shape of the bladder and generating signals for control of a cursor based thereon. One embodiment of the mechanism may include a switch which can extend upward from the base through a channel in the casing so that the bladder enters into this channel as it changes its position and thereby actuates the switch.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device for controlling a cursor on a computer screen and more particularly to a computer mouse capable of controlling actuation of functions graphically represented on the computer screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A very common way to navigate on a computer screen or display is by using a cursor control device commonly referred to as a computer mouse, which controls a cursor or other indicator on the screen or display. A computer mouse is typically grasped by the user's hand and includes one or more buttons which are depressed by one of the user's fingers, usually the pointer finger, to create a “click”. A “click” is transformed into a signal by the mouse and directed to the computer where it may be associated with a function graphically represented at the location at which the cursor is located, or used to perform other screen manipulating functions. Often there are two buttons on the mouse associated with internal switches, one for a left “click” and one for a right “click”.

When using a computer mouse, the user's forearm is relaxed at a horizontal position on a flat surface and most of the muscles of the hand are not utilized. Usually, the mouse is twisted from side to side, mainly using the wrist, and squeezing or griping the mouse between the thumb and little finger. Consequently, it would be desirable to enable use of a computer mouse to provide exercise for the user and/or better blood circulation. In this manner, the user would be exercising or obtain the benefits of better blood circulation while engaged in a normal work activity. The user will work with an open, relaxed hand posture which will foster the use of the entire arm and all fingers.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cursor control device.

It is another object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a new and improved cursor control device which enables a user to improve the muscular skeleton strength of their hand and/or offer better blood circulation.

In order to achieve one or both of these objects and possibly others, a first embodiment of a cursor control device in accordance with the invention includes a base having a substantially flat lower surface to enable it to rest on and be movable over a horizontal surface, a pliable casing defining an interior, and a fluid-containing bladder arranged inside the interior of the casing and which is arranged to change its shape upon application of pressure to an outer surface of the casing. Thus, when a user grasps the casing in their hand and squeezes the casing, the casing and thus the bladder change their shape. A mechanism is arranged in connection with the base for responding to the change in shape of the bladder and generating signals for control of a cursor based thereon. One embodiment of the mechanism may include a switch which can extend upward from the base through a channel in the casing so that the bladder enters into this channel as it changes its position and thereby actuates the switch. By forming a squeezable cursor control device, a user unavoidably exercises their hands while using the device to control a computer. Thus, a form of exercise is created which is easily performed and provides significant medical benefits to the user.

Other and further objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be understood by reference to the following specification in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements,FIG. 1is a perspective view of a cursor control device or computer mouse in accordance with the invention which is designated generally as10. The cursor control device10includes an outer substantially spherical casing12lacking a lower portion (seeFIG. 3), an inner substantially spherical casing14also lacking a lower portion (seeFIG. 4), a base16engaging with and supporting the outer and inner casing12,14and a ring18arranged in connection with the base16(seeFIG. 2). The outer and inner casing12,14are engaged with the base16to be at a distance from one another in a rest position such that there is a space therebetween, as shown inFIG. 2.

Outer casing12may be made of a flexible material and is provided with a conductive mesh20on an inner surface. For example, outer casing12may be made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, or a progressive resistance material. Regardless of the material from which the outer casing12is made, it preferably should be sufficiently resilient to enable it to return to its original shape when an applied force is no longer present. If made from an elastomeric material, the material does not have to have a uniform composition throughout the outer casing12but rather, different portions of the outer casing12can have different properties of elasticity.

Mesh20may be made of a conductive metallic material. Preferably, the conductive mesh20is formed in such a manner to enable the entire outer casing12to maintain its flexibility. As shown inFIG. 3, an opening22at the lower portion of the casing12is formed with an angled surface24which contacts an angled surface of the base16and is supported thereby.

Inner casing14may be made of a rigid or hard material such as plastic and is provided with a coating or covering26on its outer surface. This covering26may be a conductive substrate or conductive mesh, e.g., made of a conductive metallic material. As shown inFIG. 4, an opening28at the lower portion of the casing14is formed with a flat surface30, i.e., extending in a flat plane, such that the inner casing14contacts a flat surface of the base16and can be supported thereby. A thread is formed on a peripheral surface32of the inner casing14defining the opening28to enable the inner casing14to be secured to the base16.

Referring toFIG. 5, the base16preferably has a unitary or integral form and includes three different cross-sectional portions. A first, lowermost portion34is annular and has a flat, substantially circular lower surface and a substantially circular upper surface having a smaller diameter than the lower surface whereby the peripheral surface of the first portion tapers inward from the lower surface to the upper surface. The second, intermediate portion36is also annular and has a substantially uniform diameter which is less than the diameter of the upper surface of the lowermost portion34. Since the intermediate portion36has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the upper surface of the lowermost portion34, a support ledge38is formed by the upper surface of the lowermost portion34which supports the ring18. The third, uppermost portion40is also annular and has a substantially uniform diameter smaller than the diameter of the intermediate portion36. As such, part of the upper surface of the intermediate portion36is exposed and receives and supports the inner casing12thereon. In view of the annular structure of the three portions34,36,40of the base16, there is an aperture42leading to the bottom of the base16, the purpose of which is explained below. The exact form of the base16and its various portions is not limited to those described and can be varied as desired by the designer.

A thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the uppermost portion40, e.g., a male thread if the inner casing14is provided with a female thread on the peripheral surface32thereof defining the opening28at the lower portion thereof. Instead of cooperating threads on the inner casing14and base16, other cooperating mechanisms to enable the inner casing14to securely and removably or permanently engage with the base16are also envisioned to be within the scope and spirit of the invention.

The ring18may be an integral annular structure or alternatively, may be comprised or two halves connected together. In the latter case, the halves may be provided with an appropriate attachment mechanism to enable them to be connected together, for example, snapped together. Each half is designed to be connected to opposite ends of the conductive mesh20which lines the inner surface of the outer casing12.

The ring18is connected to the mesh20and thus one function of the ring18is to provide a structural connection between the outer casing18and the rest of the cursor control device10. Also, the ring18should be made of an at least partially if not completely conductive material, e.g., a conductive metal, to thereby provide a conductive link between the outer casing12and the internal, electrical structure, i.e., the conductive covering26on the inner casing14. As an alternative to being entirely conductive, the ring18may include conductive paths to enable such a conductive link to be formed. The inner casing14may overlie and rest on the ring18as shown inFIG. 2.

Cursor control device10also includes hardware44which is preferably arranged inside the inner casing14. Hardware44may be supported on or by the inner casing14and/or the base16and includes conventional structure to enable the movement of the cursor control device10relative to a surface on which it is being moved to be recognized. This structure may be optical, i.e., by emission and reception of a beam through the aperture42, or mechanical. Hardware44is also arranged to transform any contact between the conductive mesh20on the inner surface of the outer casing12and the conductive covering26on the outer surface of the inner casing14into an electric signal indicative of a cursor control command, such as a “clicking” of the cursor control device10. This contact may result in the closure or completion of a circuit including the conductive mesh20and conductive covering26which is detected by hardware44. Alternatively, the contact can result in the opening of a circuit including the conductive mesh20and conductive covering26which is detected by hardware44.

Hardware44is protected from damage by virtue of the rigidity of the inner casing14, i.e., the user of the cursor control device10is prevented from squeezing and damaging the hardware44since the user can squeeze the cursor control device10only until the outer casing12is pressed against the inner casing14. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the inner casing14as being spherical, it may alternatively be a solid structure with the hardware44paced into one or more cavities therein. In this case, the outer surface of such a solid structure should preferably conform to the general shape of the inner surface of the outer casing12.

In use, the cursor control device10functions very similar to a conventional wireless computer mouse in that it is wirelessly connected to a computer via the hardware44and appropriate communications hardware and software in the computer. (Nevertheless, it is also envisioned that a wire could be provided leading from hardware44to the computer.) Hardware44is thus capable of processing movement of the device10relative to its supporting surface and sending a signal indicative of this movement to the computer to enable the computer to move the position of an indicator or cursor on a screen associated with the computer.

Ideally, a user will grasp the device10with their palm and all of their fingers against the device10. When the user wants to execute a function graphically depicted on the screen, the user positions the cursor at a specific location by moving the device10and then presses the outer casing12inward until resistance is felt indicating that the outer casing12is against the inner casing14, and then releases or maintains the pressure. The magnitude of the pressure being applied must exceed a pre-determined amount to be considered a squeeze. This pre-determined amount can either be implemented by constructing the sensor arrangement, i.e., the system which senses contact between the conductive mesh20and the conductive covering26, to detect only contact arising from pressure applied to the outer casing12which is above a threshold, or by arranging the hardware44to monitor the application of pressure being applied to the outer casing12and generate a signal only when the pressure is determined to be above a threshold.

Contact between the outer and inner casings12,14causes completion of a circuit which is detected by the hardware44, which is interpreted as a “click” when lasting for a pre-determined amount of time and followed by absence of contact indicative of a release of pressure. This causes hardware44to generate a signal indicative of this “click” and send the signal to the computer. Contact between the outer and inner casings12,14is interpreted as a “scroll down” motion when continuous contact is detected, i.e., when the pressure is maintained more than a pre-determined amount of time, and a signal is generated by hardware44and sent to the computer indicative of this “scroll down” motion.

In one embodiment, scrolling or throttle activity can be achieved by using a strain gauge that measures the change in electrical or mechanical properties whereby a desired level of scroll or throttle can be detected based on the change in electrical or mechanical properties. Thus, the user would apply different pressure to the outer casing12to cause different duration of scrolling and throttling.

A “double-click” indication can be created using cursor control device10simply by performing two “click” motions. To differentiate between two independent “clicks” and a “double-click”, the pre-determined time period between sequential clicks can be regulated as desired so that, for example, a time difference less than the pre-determined time period is indicative of a “double-click” and a time difference greater than or equal to the pre-determined time period is indicative of two “clicks”.

Text selection using cursor control device10can be accomplished by squeezing the outer casing12against the inner casing14in combination with movement of the device10.

In one embodiment of the cursor control device10wherein there is a fluid between the outer and inner casings12,14(e.g., air or a gel) and the hardware44is arranged in the base16, the inner casing14is not made of a rigid or hard material and therefore does not act as a stopper against the inward pressing by the user during use. Rather, in such an embodiment, although a click between outer and inner casings12,14would be generated based on contact between the conductive mesh20on the outer casing12and the covering26on the outer surface of the inner casing14, the user would still be able to continue applying pressure into the fluid in order to exercise the hand. This allows the user to be able to click without an exercise and with an exercise leaving it as a controllable option. There is no issue of damaging the hardware44since the hardware44is situated in the base16and thus not affect by the continued inward pressing of the outer casing12against the inner casing14. By contrast in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-5, the inner casing14should have some rigidity to resist inward pressure and thereby prevent damage to the hardware44therein.

An advantage obtained by the cursor control device10is that the user is performing a hand resistance exercise while using the computer. Since a significant number of people use computers continually either at work or at home, the cursor control device10thereby provides an unobtrusive way for these people to exercise their hands. This particular application could not only benefit the general public but also play a role for patients requiring hand physical therapy. Moreover, children who might not have the attention span to use a simple hand therapy device could now interact with a computer or other type of visual display device using the apparatus while engaged unconsciously in a strengthening exercise.

The invention thereby facilitates hand resistance training which is a form of strength training in which each effort is performed against a specific opposing force generated by elastic resistance (i.e., resistance to being stretched or bent). Exercises are isotonic if a body part is moving against the force. Exercises are isometric if a body part is holding still against the force. By utilizing a spherical or any concentric shape made from a type of material that creates resistance and maintains it, the user can create the two different exercises. Specific examples include when a user wants to simulate the “click”, she will squeeze the outer casing12against the inner casing14using all the muscles in her left or right hand followed by a release of pressure, which essentially creates an isotonic exercise; and when a user wants to simulate the “scroll down” motion, she will squeeze the outer casing12against the inner casing14and hold the outer casing12in this position which will create an isometric exercise. Another very common task among computer users is a “double click” which, as noted above, could be simulated by a double squeeze of the outer casing12against the inner casing14, i.e., a squeeze followed by a release and then another squeeze followed by a release where the time between each squeeze is predetermined.

In one embodiment, pressure applied to different portions of the outer casing12, causing contact with the inner casing14, can be interpreted to constitute different desired actions. For example, a right-click could be simulated by applying force only on the top of the outer casing12, with an absence of force at other portions of the outer casing. This will introduce a separate, small area contact between the inner surface of the outer casing12and the outer surface of the inner casing14. Alternatively, the right-click might be simulated by applying force only to a right side of the outer casing12. Since the natural hand squeeze is around the sphere, i.e., around the entire outer casing12, it is possible to correlate the application of force or pressure applied to only portions of the outer casing12to specific intended cursor actions.

Resistance exercise, such as made possible when using the cursor control device10in accordance with the invention, is optimally used to develop the strength and size of skeletal muscles. Properly performed, strength training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being including increased bone, muscle, tendon and ligament strength and toughness, improved joint function, and reduced potential for injury. An attendant benefit of the use of the cursor control device10in accordance with the invention is better blood circulation. Moreover, since the cursor control device10fosters a full hand exercise, it may also alleviate repetitive strain injury arising from a computer user's use of a conventional computer mouse.

It is envisioned that different cursor control devices10will be formed requiring different levels of compressive force to enable their use. The required level of compressive force can be regulated by appropriate selection of the material and dimensions of, for example, the outer casing12. To differentiate between different devices10requiring different levels of compressive force, the outer casing12of the devices may be colored or otherwise marked differently. Additionally, the dimensions of the space between the outer and inner casings12,14can be adjusted to vary the required squeezing force to effect contact between the conductive mesh20on the outer casing12and the conductive covering26on the inner casing14. One or more apertures can be provided in the outer casing12or base16leading from the ambient atmosphere to this space and the size of the aperture(s) varied to thereby enable regulation of the required compressive force to effect contact between the conductive mesh20and the conductive covering26. In this embodiment, air would exit from the space with each squeeze and return once pressure is released.

It is also envisioned that when hand resistance exercise is needed, e.g., for patients requiring physical therapy for their hands, interactive games could be designed for the computer or other display device associated with the cursor control device10. These games could require specific actions to be performed using the cursor control device10, namely numbers and patterns of squeezes, in order to cause the user to exercise their hand without consciously recognizing they are exercising.

The dimensions of the cursor control device10may be selected based on commercial standards for a computer mouse. The cursor control device10ideally should be able to be easily grasped by a typical user such that all of the user's fingers can squeeze the device while the user's palm surrounds the device. Different sizes of the cursor control device10can also be formed for use by people with different physical characteristics, i.e., hand size.

Although outer and inner casings12,14are described above as being substantially spherical, any other concentric shapes can also be used in the invention. One factor to consider when selecting the shape of at least the outer casing12is ergonomics. On the other hand, to provide a distinctive yet still effective device, the outer casing could be in the form of a flexible figurine with an inner casing having a form substantially conforming to the form of the figurine but smaller to enable it to be situated inside of the outer casing while maintaining a space between the inner and outer figurine-shaped casings. Such a cursor control device would be an elongated device and could be used in either a horizontal orientation or vertical orientation.

In the embodiment of the cursor control device10described above, a squeeze is detected based on contact between the conductive mesh20of the outer casing and the conductive covering26on the inner casing14. Alternative sensor arrangements are envisioned to detect a squeeze. Basically, the sensor arrangement should be able detect an inward movement of the outer casing12relative to the inner casing14or squeezing movement of the outer casing12, with the inner casing14limiting the inward or squeezing movement. An alternative sensor arrangement is a strain gage system which is arranged in or on the outer casing12or alternatively, in or on the inner casing14. The strain gage arrangement may be designed to convert mechanical motion of the outer casing12or simply pressure applied to the outer casing12(which is thus not required to be made of a flexible material) into a signal indicative of a squeeze, i.e., when the characteristics of the mechanical motion satisfy certain criteria. A change in capacitance, inductance or resistance is proportional to the strain experienced by the sensor arrangement and this change could be converted into an indication of the type of action the user desires to perform on the screen associated with the computer connected to the device. The hardware inside the inner casing would be coupled to this sensor arrangement and provided with the appropriate means to communicate with the sensor arrangement and convert measurement by the sensor arrangement into indications of the user's desired actions.

Cursor control device10can also be used solely for exercise, without its movement and application of pressure to the outer casing12causing motion of a cursor on a screen of a computer and effecting of commands via the computer. Specifically, if the cursor control device is picked up and elevated above the substrate on which it is normally used, then there would not be any reflection of light from the substrate which enables control of the cursor on the screen. Therefore, the hardware44in the cursor control device will not process any signals. The user can exercise with the cursor control device without inadvertently causing operation of the computer.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-9, another embodiment of a cursor control device in accordance with the invention is shown and designated generally as50. Cursor control device50includes a base52, a pliable covering or casing54and a bladder56containing a fluid arranged inside a cavity defined by the casing52. Cursor control device50also includes a switch58which is arranged on the base52and connected to electronic components in the base52, e.g., one or more printed circuit boards, which convey an indication of the status of the switch58to a computer with which the cursor control device50is being used.

Base52has a substantially planar lower surface60to enable it to comfortably rest on a horizontal surface of use, such as a mouse pad or equivalent. In one embodiment, base52can include a mechanism (not shown) which senses movement of the base52along the horizontal surface of use such as a mouse pad, with this movement being conveyed to the computer through a cable or wirelessly as known to those skilled in the art. Such a mechanism may be an optical sensor which directs optical waves downward against the horizontal surface of use. Indeed, a preferred use of the cursor control device50is to place it on a horizontal surface and move it along the horizontal surface. Thus, the cursor control device50would be fundamentally different from a cursor control device which provides for movement in six-degrees of freedom.

Base52can also include one or more compartments which removably or permanently receive one or more batteries62. The batteries62are connected to the switch58and electronic components to provide electricity for the switch58and electronic components to function.

The form and shape of the base52shown inFIG. 6is not limiting and any form and shape of a base is envisioned.

A button48is provided on the base52, in any conventional manner, and can act as a right-click button, or other user-selectable function for a button.

Casing54may be made of any material which can transfer a force applied to its outer surface to the fluid-containing bladder56, e.g., a flexible material. Such materials include elastomeric materials, such as rubber, and a progressive resistance material. The casing54may be a thermoplastic elastomer compound and the bladder56may include a combination of silicon gel, foamed elastomer and/or air. Foam offers fast snap back action and gel offers less. Regardless of the material from which the casing54is made, it preferably should be sufficiently resilient to enable it to return to its original shape when an applied force is no longer present. If made from an elastomeric material, the material does not have to have a uniform composition throughout the casing54but rather, different portions of the casing54can have different properties of elasticity. Also, the thicker the skin of the casing54, the faster snap back. One skilled in the art would readily understand from the disclosure herein how to select the materials and properties of the casing54and bladder56to enable the functionality of the cursor control device50.

Casing54defines a channel64at a bottom portion into which the switch58extends. The channel64also communicates with the interior space defined by the casing54in which the bladder56is arranged. Casing54may be fixed to the base52, e.g., via any conventional structure known to those skilled in the art. As shown inFIG. 7, this mechanism may be the formation of an annular channel66in the base52and the formation of an annular projection68on the casing54which is forcibly urged into the channel66in the base52.

In an embodiment wherein the casing54is designed to be replaceable shown inFIG. 8, a threaded portion70is connected to the casing54to partly form the channel64and enable the casing54to be releasably engaged with the switch58, which is also formed with a threaded portion72. Threaded portion70may be formed separate from or integral with the casing54. In this embodiment, a user wanting to replace the casing54, e.g., with another casing having a different stiffness, would turn the casing54relative to the base52to separate the casing54from the base52. The new casing54would then be screwed onto the base52via the cooperating threaded portions70,72. Instead of threaded portions on the casing54and the switch58, other means for providing a cooperating releasable attachment mechanism of the casing54to the switch58may also be provided. Alternatively, means for providing a cooperating releasable attachment mechanism of the casing54directly to the base52may be provided.

The bladder56contains a fluid such as air or in a preferred embodiment, a gel. Other fluids mentioned above include silicon gel and related compounds, foamed elastomer and related compounds and/or air. The bladder56may be partially or completely filled with the fluid. At a minimum, the bladder56should be filled with the fluid such that when a predetermined minimum threshold force is applied to the casing54, this force exerts a compressive effect on the bladder56and causes expansion of the bladder56into the channel64in the casing54and into contact with the switch58causing the switch58to be actuated (seeFIG. 9wherein the arrows represent the application of force applied to the casing54by the user's hand). Upon actuation, a signal is sent from the switch58to the computer indicative of such activation. When the applied force is subsequently less than the threshold, the bladder56moves out of contact with the switch58and the switch58returns automatically to its normal, unactuated state, causing an indication thereof to be sent. This indication may either be a positive signal indicative of the non-actuation of the switch58or simply the lack of a signal indicating actuation of the switch58.

In one embodiment, the switch58does not have to extend into the channel64but rather, may be flush with the base52and the bladder58designed to extend entirely through the channel64into contact with the switch58on the base52. Thus, any relative arrangement of the bladder56and the switch58to enable a change in shape of the bladder56arising from the application of force to the outer surface of the casing54to cause contact between the bladder56and the switch58can be used. Instead of actual contact, an intermediate component may be situated in the channel64to be moved by the bladder56against the switch58.

A switch58, which is provided with an upper part which can react to the contact with and/or force exerted by the bladder56, can easily be construct by those skilled in the sensor field. Such a switch58would also be provided with or coupled to appropriate electronic components to generate signals based on the contact with or force exerted by the expandable bladder56. For example, the switch58may include a movable upper part which is moved downward by the expanding bladder56with the downward movement being considered indicative of actuation of the switch58. Thus, switch58should be considerable as an example of a mechanism which responds to a change in shape of the bladder58, whether by direct contact with a portion of the bladder58which is urged against the switch when the user applies pressure to the casing54or by indirect contact through the intermediacy of a part between the bladder and the switch58. In the latter case, this part would be affected by the change in shape of the bladder58arising from the application of pressure to the outer surface of the casing54.

As shown inFIG. 10, it is possible to provide a casing74having a plurality of layers76,78. The outermost layer76may be provided with the means to releasably or fixedly connect to the base52, e.g., the annular projection68as shown or alternatively a threaded portion, and define a lower part of the channel64. The innermost layer78is substantially spherical and has an opening forming an upper part of the channel64. The switch58can extend upward from the base52alongside only the portion of the channel64defined by the outermost layer76or even alongside a portion of the channel64defined by the innermost layer78. The exact height of the switch58from the base52would depend on several factors, including for example, the expandability of the bladder56, the flowability of the fluid in the bladder56, and the softness of the casing74.

In one embodiment, the outermost layer76of the casing74is softer than the innermost layer78. Nevertheless, the softness, pliability or rigidity of the layers76,78of the casing74can be selected as desired.

Referring back toFIG. 6, casing54is optionally provided with grooves80on its outer surface to accommodate the fingers of the user. Further, the cursor control device50may be used with a mouse pad82having a wrist support portion84which is integral with or detachable from the horizontal cursor control support portion86. In use, the cursor control device50would be positioned such that the grooves80are on an opposite side of the wrist support portion84.

FIGS. 11 and 12show an embodiment of a cursor control device90wherein the base92has a flat bottom surface94and is formed such that its circumferential side surface96is flush with the outer surface of a substantially spherical casing98which is attached to the base92. The bottom surface94can therefore rest on and be movable along a horizontal surface of use88. An optical movement detection mechanism may be housed in the base92. A button95is arranged on the base92, in any conventional manner, and can act as a right-click button, or other user-selectable function for a button. Otherwise, the same components of the cursor control device50are provided in cursor control device90, e.g., a switch58, batteries62, the properties thereof may be the same and cursor control device90functions in substantially the same ways as cursor control device50. One difference is that the compartments receiving the batteries62may be formed partly in the casing98.

FIG. 13shows an embodiment of a cursor control device100which also has a base102having a flat bottom surface104, and a substantially spherical casing106attached to the base102. The base102defines a channel108for the switch58, houses the batteries62and also houses printed circuit board or other electronic components110which are coupled to the switch58(by connecting means—not shown) and convey signals about actuation of the switch58to the computer to which the cursor control device100is connected. Otherwise, the same components of the cursor control device50are provided in cursor control device100, e.g., a bladder56, the properties thereof may be the same, and cursor control device100functions in substantially the same ways as cursor control device50. The cursor control device100in this embodiment appears very similar to a sphere from the outside and thus does not have a visible base, as in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 14shows another embodiment of a cursor control device110in accordance with the invention having a base112which has a surface contour opposite to the contour of a surface of a detachable wrist pad114. Cursor control device110includes a casing116and other internal components like the cursor control devices described above. A button118is arranged on the base112, in any conventional manner, and can act as a right-click button, or other user-selectable function for a button.

FIG. 15shows another embodiment of a cursor control device120in accordance with the invention having a base122, a casing124and other internal components like the cursor control devices described above. In this embodiment, the mouse pad126has an integral wrist support portion128to facilitate use of the cursor control device120. A button130is arranged on the base122, in any conventional manner, and can act as a right-click button, or other user-selectable function for a button.

Additional variations to the cursor control devices described above are envisioned. In one contemplated embodiment, a fluid-containing bladder is situated inward of an outer casing (as in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 6-15), but does not occupy the center of the interior cavity formed by the outer casing. Rather, there is an inner ball inside the cavity and the bladder is interposed between the inner ball and the outer casing. This allows for the use of a smaller bladder.

The cursor control devices shown inFIGS. 6-15may be used in a similar manner as the cursor control device shown inFIGS. 1-5. Pressing of the cursor control device would therefore cause actuation of the switch and variations in the pressing force could be converted by the switch into directional movements.