Abstract:
A computer mouse is provided which includes an elastic cover detachably secured upon a main body of the mouse, to enhance ease of operation and reduce muscle strain and soreness by repeatedly operating the computer mouse. The main body has left and right click knobs and optionally a scrolling wheel, pivotally mounted thereon. The cover and main body can be complementary coupled together through respective mating convex and concave portions. A display surface is explicitly provided on the main body and/or cover to allow for labeling of instructional information and/or advertising. Additionally, the computer mouse, notably the detachably mounted cover member, can be provided in an attractive shape to encourage use by a child.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to a computer mouse for operating a computer. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an improved computer mouse having structure enhancing operation thereof, avoiding muscular strain to a hand during repeated operation, protecting components of the mouse from damage during use and/or shipping, and even enhancing educational aspects of computer operation, i.e., for a child. 
         [0002]    A computer mouse for electrically operating a computer has been known to be provided with standard components such as left and right click portions and a scrolling wheel. The left click portion controls a pointer displayed upon a screen of a computer terminal while the right click portion generally activates a menu in conjunction with the particular computer screen being displayed. Additionally, the scrolling wheel allows for scrolling up or down of the displayed computer screen. The mouse is electrically coupled to the computer, either directly through a connecting wire or remotely by radio frequency, and is generally formed of hard plastic. 
         [0003]    However, debilitation of muscle use and control by a user of a computer and accompanying mouse over extended periods of time, has become a great problem. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome affects many long-time computer users. In particular, muscle soreness of the hand and fingers of a user can develop by extended gripping, movement and operation of a computer mouse over time. Since computers have rapidly become an integral, indispensable part of the living environment, both at home and work, it is critical physical discomfort and muscular debilitation associated with extended computer use be reduced or eliminated altogether. Furthermore, it is essential that people rapidly learn computer skills to successfully function in the workplace, home and most importantly school in the case of children. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to improve operating a computer mouse. 
         [0005]    It is also an object of the present invention to enhance ease of gripping, moving and adjusting a computer mouse. 
         [0006]    It is another object of the present invention to reduce muscle strain and soreness caused by repeatedly gripping and operating a computer mouse. 
         [0007]    It is a further object of the present invention to facilitate activation of a computer in response to depressing keys or click portions on a computer mouse. 
         [0008]    It is still another object of the present invention to enhance use and operation of a computer mouse, and therefore a computer, by providing for display of information and/or images upon the computer mouse. 
         [0009]    It is still a further object of the present invention to facilitate learning to operate a computer and mouse therefor, especially by a child. 
         [0010]    These and other objects are explicitly attained by the present invention which is directed to a mouse structured and arranged as an input device for a computer, which comprises a main body arranged to be electrically coupled to a computer, left and right click portions (buttons) and optionally a scrolling wheel located upon an upper surface of the main body, and a mounting cover formed of elastic or resilient material arranged to be detachably mounted upon the main body. The mounting cover and main body comprise convex and concave portions arranged to complementary mate with one another. The mounting cover can take any convenient shape, e.g., elliptical, ring-shaped, etc., or even the shape of a novelty or toy to enhance attraction to a child and encourage use of and learning to operate the computer mouse. An adhesive surface can be optionally applied to the respective surfaces of the main body and mounting member to enhance secure coupling together. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment of the inventive mouse, the elastically-formed cover member essentially encompasses the entire upper surface of the computer mouse except for the scrolling wheel (if present), so that the click portions can be depressed through the cover member. The main body of the mouse can feature a display portion, e.g., for labeling, use information or advertising, upon the upper surface of the main body and/or a projecting tongue therefrom. The cover member itself can also present such a display surface. 
         [0012]    The inventive mouse reduces muscle soreness and fatigue caused by repeated use of a computer mouse, by softening gripping and/or contact of the respective click portions through the elastic cover member. Such a mouse is extremely easy to manufacture and assemble, because the respective components, namely the main body and cover member, can be separately packaged for shipment (thereby avoiding damage during transit) and easily assembled at a computer to be ready for use. At the same time, the cover member and main body can be easily detached from one another, should the elastic cover member require replacement, e.g., after extended use. This helps conserve material and avoid unnecessary expense because the entire computer mouse need no longer be replaced should the elastic cover member happen to wear out or stiffen after extended use over an extremely long period of time. Protection of the left and right click knobs and scrolling wheel is also enhanced, thus prolonging effective use of the computer mouse. Furthermore, discrete display surfaces are explicitly arranged upon both the mouse main body and cover member, to allow for adequate labeling, instructional information and advertisements, if necessary. The cover member can be produced in the shape of a novelty or toy to enhance attraction to a child and encouraging learning and understanding of computer operation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the computer mouse according to the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled mouse shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the computer mouse according to the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled mouse shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the computer mouse according to the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled mouse shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 7-10  illustrate perspective views of alternative embodiments of the computer mouse in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exploded view of an additional embodiment of the computer mouse according to the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled mouse shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates an exploded view of yet another embodiment of the computer mouse according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled mouse shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a cover arranged to seat upon a computer mouse according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of an assembled computer mouse with the cover illustrated in  FIG. 15  and which is similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7  supra; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  illustrates an exploded view of still another embodiment of the computer mouse according to the present invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the assembled mouse illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Referring to the drawings in the present application,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate one embodiment of the computer mouse  1  in accordance with the present invention having a main body  2  with left  4  and right  5  click portions pivotally mounted upon an upper surface  2 ′ of the main body, and a scrolling wheel  6  rotatably mounted upon the main body  2  between the left and right click portions  4 , 5 . A ring or donut-shaped mounting cover  3  is formed of resilient or elastic material and provided with an inner hole  9  structured and arranged to complementary seat about a cylindrically-shaped projection  8  from the top surface  2 ′ of the main body  2  spaced rearwardly from the left and right click portions  4 , 5  and scrolling wheel  6 . Providing the mounting cover  3  to be resilient or elastic improves ease of gripping, moving and adjusting the computer mouse  1  while the computer is being used. 
         [0030]    The mounting cover  3  is formed from elastic material and shaped to complementary seat about projection  8  from the surface  2 ′ of main body  2  to be securely retained thereon, without need for further securing means. However, an adhesive layer can be conveniently applied to either the surface  2 ′ and or mounting cover  3  to improve adherence of the mounting cover  3  thereon. However, the mounting cover  3  can always be easily detached from the main body  2  when necessary, either in the presence or absence of an additional adhesive layer. An example of an adhesive layer includes a hook and loop arrangement marketed under the name Velcro®. The elastic mounting cover  3  can be formed from any number of suitable resilient materials, e.g., rubber, silicone, plastic or gel products. 
         [0031]    The inventive computer mouse  1  is illustrated as being electrically connected to a computer via a wire  7 . However, electrical connection within the context of the present invention also includes connection in the absence of a physical interconnecting wire, i.e., through radio frequency signals. Furthermore, the mounting cover  3  and main body  2  can be easily coupled by being brought together in the direction of the dash-dot lines shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0032]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a computer mouse  10  in accordance with the present invention, in which a concavity  17  is provided in the top surface of the main body  11 . The resiliently-formed mounting cover  12  is elliptical or egg-shaped and arranged to securely seat in the concavity in complementary fashion. An adhesive layer as described supra may also be provided, as needed. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the mounting cover  12  securely seated in the main body provides a protruding portion allowing easy gripping of the computer mouse  10  for movement and adjustment. Reference numerals  13  and  14  respectively denote left and right click portions, while reference numeral  15  denotes the scrolling wheel and reference numeral  16  the wire connection to a computer. The mounting cover  12  and main body  11  can also be brought together in the direction indicated by the dash-dot lines in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0033]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an embodiment of the inventive computer mouse  18  in which the resiliently-formed mounting cover  20  has a distinct three-dimensional shape, i.e., the shape of a vehicle. Alternatively, the mounting cover may have any illustrative shape, e.g., a plant, animal, etc. to provide special attraction for a child, thus encouraging a child to easily grip the computer mouse  18  and learn how to use a computer. A projection  25  extending upwardly from the upper surface  19 ′ of the main body  19  mates with a recess (not shown) on the lower surface of the mounting cover form  20 . This mounting cover  20  can also be rotated about the projection  25 , e.g., by a child to provide enjoyment and incentive to learn how to use a computer. Reference numerals  21  and  22  respectively denote left and right click portions with reference numeral  23  denoting the scrolling wheel and reference numeral  24  the connecting wire to the computer. The mounting cover  20  and main body  19  are also assembled in the direction of the dash-dot lines. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the computer mouse  26  in which the elastic cover  80  encompasses the entire upper surface of the main body except for the scrolling wheel  28 . The left and right click portions can be activated by depressing the appropriate locations on top of the elastic cover  80 . This embodiment helps shield the left and right click portions from damage. A display portion  27 , e.g., in the shape of a tongue, protrudes from a rear end of the mounting body opposite the scrolling wheel  28  and left and right click portions. Information, e.g., operating information or advertising, can be imprinted or affixed on this display portion, also enhancing operation of the computer mouse  26 .  FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment similar to  FIG. 7  but where the elastic cover  81  encompasses the entire main body except for a portion  31  of an upper surface thereof adjacent the scrolling wheel  30 . This portion  31  forms a display base for information analogous to tongue  27  shown in  FIG. 7  supra. The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  enhance ease of operating the left and right click portions because the elastic body of the mounting cover  80 ,  81 , constructed of soft material such as rubber, silicone, etc., facilitates ease of depressing the click portions. 
         [0035]      FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the inventive mouse  32  similar to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , but where the elastic mounting cover  34  is larger and encompasses more of the rear upper surface  33 ′ of the main body  33  when coupled together. The main body  33  is shaped such that a portion of the upper surface  33 ′ adjacent the left  35  and right  36  click portions (in addition to the scrolling wheel  37 ) is arranged to form a display surface, e.g., for a logo or the like. Reference numeral  38  denotes the connecting wire to a computer. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10  is similar to  FIG. 9  except the elastic mounting cover  41  is provided with a series of elastic bumps  42  to enhance gripping of the computer mouse  39 . The main body  40  is also provided with an upper surface  40 ′ adjacent the left  43  and right  44  click portions and scrolling wheel  45  to function as a display surface (reference numeral  46  denotes the connecting wire to a computer). This particular embodiment enhances ease of operating the inventive computer mouse  39  because smaller area on the surface of the mounting cover  41  can be gripped by a hand to move, adjust and operate to mouse  39 . 
         [0036]    The alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12  incorporates several of the features shown in the previously-discussed embodiments. More particularly, the inventive mouse  47  comprises a main body  48  having an upper surface  48 ′ provided with a dome-shaped protrusion  50  structured and arranged to mate with a ring-shaped mounting cover  49  through an opening  82  provided therethrough. A portion  48 ″ of the upper surface  48 ′ adjacent the left  51  and right  52  click members and scrolling wheel  53  is also arranged to display information, advertising, a logo, etc. The mounting cover  49  and main body  48  are also assembled in the direction of the dash-dot lines. Reference numeral  54  denotes the connecting wire to the computer. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the inventive computer mouse  55  in which the elastic mounting cover  57  is provided with a dome-shaped protrusion  59  from a bottom surface thereof and arranged to seat in a concomitant recess  58  provided in the upper surface  56 ′ of the main body  56  in the direction of the dash-dot line. Reference numerals  60  and  61  respectively denote left and right click portions, with reference numeral  62  denoting the scrolling wheel and reference numeral  63  the connecting wire to the computer. 
         [0038]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the elastic mounting cover is provided with a cutout  65  at a rear end thereof which is structured to allow display tongue  66  protruding from the main body to extend outwardly and be exposed when the cover  64  is assembled onto the main body and essentially covers the entire main body of the computer mouse  68  except for the scrolling wheel  67 . This embodiment is essentially identical to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7  supra. 
         [0039]    In the embodiment illustrate in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the dome-shaped elastic mounting cover  71  is provided with a cavity  73  on an underside thereof and which is designed to seat over dome shaped projection  72  on the upper surface  70 ′ of the main body  70 . This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14  supra, except the projection  72  is provided on the surface  70 ′ of the main body  70  and the concavity  73  on the lower surface of the mounting cover  71 . Reference numerals  74  and  75  denote left and right click portions with reference numeral  76  denoting the scrolling wheel and reference numeral  77  the connecting wire of the computer mouse  69  to a computer. The dash-dot line indicates the direction of coupling the main body  70  and cover  71 . 
         [0040]    The main body of the inventive computer mouse can be formed from any suitable material, e.g., hard plastic, with the projections  8 ,  25 ,  50 ,  72  also being formed from the same hard plastic upon molding, or alternatively separately formed from elastic, rubbery material secured to the main body, e.g., by glueing. Any type of design, e.g., letters, patterns, logos, marks, characters, etc. can also be presented on the surface of the mounting cover which can take any accepted three-dimensional shape, e.g., a square, ring, ellipse or the shape of a known object. By the same, token, the concavity and mating protrusion may take any acceptable three-dimensional shape such as a cube, mound, oval, triangle, etc. Advertising information and/or labeling can be affixed to the requisite surfaces, e.g., by decals. The elastically-formed mounting cover helps reduce muscle soreness in the hand caused by repeated gripping of the computer mouse. 
         [0041]    The preceding description of the present invention is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope thereof in any way.