Patent Publication Number: US-2010124634-A1

Title: Cushioned cap with annular portion and method for forming same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/523,725, filed Sep. 19, 2006 (pending), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/750,232, filed Dec. 14, 2005 (expired) and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/718,407, filed Sep. 19, 2005 (expired), and which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/123,883, filed May 6, 2005 (pending), which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/804,854, filed on Mar. 19, 2004 (abandoned), which was a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/194,715, filed on Jul. 12, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,724,369, which was a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/703,041, filed on Oct. 31, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,621,485, which was a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/281,126, filed on Mar. 29, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,998, which was a Divisional of application Ser. No. 08/717,220, filed Sep. 26, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,508. The disclosures of each of the above-mentioned applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates in general to a computer-input device and in particular to a cursor-pointing device (cursor control stick), of a notebook-type portable computer, cellular phone, personal digital assistant, or similar device. 
     A finger mouse or cursor control stick, as used in this application, is a man-machine interface device, which controls the motion of a computer display cursor. In particular, a control stick is a type of miniature joystick, which is intended to be operated by the tip of one finger of the user. 
     Typically, a control stick is mounted in a central location on a computer keyboard, such as between the “G”, “H” and “B” keys on a standard “QWERTY”-type keyboard. The control stick has a position sensing mechanism, which detects horizontal pressure in any horizontal direction. The cursor moves in a direction that corresponds to the direction of pressure exerted on the control stick and, in some embodiments, at a speed that corresponds to the amount of pressure exerted on the control stick. The control stick includes an elongated shaft. The shaft of the control stick has a small diameter, thus allowing the control stick to be mounted between the keys of the computer keyboard without causing the placement of the keys to vary greatly from that expected by an experienced user. A cap is typically removably mounted on the upper end of the control stick shaft, in order to provide an enlarged contact surface for a user to press against on the small diameter shaft of the control stick. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an electronic device including a housing, a processor disposed within the housing, a monitor communicably connected to the processor for displaying data, and a control stick (cursor control stick) communicably connected to the processor for inputting data. The control stick has a cushioned cap comprised of an annular upper portion (formed as a toroid) defining a central opening and a lower portion that at least partially extends into the central opening, the lower portion further defining a structure for coupling the cushioned cap to a cursor control stick. 
     The invention further relates to a method of forming a cushioned cap with a multi-shot molding process. One aspect of the invention includes a method of forming a cushioned cap comprised of an upper portion formed as a toroid defining a central opening and a lower portion that extends at least partially into the central opening, using a multi-shot molding process. 
     The invention is also directed towards a keyboard assembly including at least one switch, and a key associated with the at least one switch for actuating the associated switch. A control stick has a cushioned cap comprising an upper portion formed as a toroid defining a central opening, and a lower portion that at least partially extends into the central opening. A connector is communicably connected to the at least one switch and the control stick. The connector is adapted to be connected to an electronic device such that the at least one key and the cushioned cap are input devices to the electronic device. 
     The invention is also directed towards a cushioned cap for a control stick including an upper portion formed as a toroid defining a central opening, and a lower portion that at least partially extends into the central opening, the lower portion defining a structure for coupling the cushioned cap to at least a portion of a control stick. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a cushioned cap comprising a lower portion defining a first diameter and an upper portion, a portion of the upper portion defining a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention relates to a cushioned cap for a control stick including an upper portion, the upper portion including a generally radially outwardly extending flange formed thereon, and a lower portion. The lower portion defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of a control stick, the recess having a first portion having a twelve-sided cross-sectional shape. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention relates to a cushioned cap for a control stick including a lower portion defining a first diameter, and an upper portion defining a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. Each of the upper portion and the lower portion have a durometer between about 60 and about 85 Shore A. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention relates to a cushioned cap for a control stick including a lower portion defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a control stick, and an upper portion having an outer surface including a plurality of nubs, the nubs increasing in height across the outer surface from the center of the outer surface toward the periphery of the outer surface. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention relates to a cushioned cap for a control stick defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a control stick, the recess including a lower portion having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and an upper portion having a generally circular cross-section shape. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention relates to a cushioned cap for a control stick, the cushioned cap defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a control stick. The recess includes a lower portion having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, and an upper portion having a cross-section that is generally circular with at least two equally spaced notches extending outwardly therefrom. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention relates to a cushioned cap for a control stick, the cushioned cap defining a recess for receiving at least a portion of a control stick. The cap includes a lower wall defining a lower portion of the recess to have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, and an upper wall defining an upper portion of the recess to have a generally circular cross-section with the exception of notches formed in the upper wall. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention relates to a keyboard assembly including at least one key, and at least one switch corresponding to the at least one key. A control stick has a cushioned cap comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion defining a recess, at least a portion of the recess having a cross-section that is generally circular except for four triangular equally spaced notches extending outwardly therefrom. A connector is communicably connected to the at least one switch and the control stick, the connector adapted to be connected to an electronic device such that the at least one key and the cushioned cap are user input devices to the electronic device. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention relates to a cushioned cap for a control stick having a stepped bore formed partially therethrough, the bore having a first portion with a relatively larger cross-sectional area, the first portion communicating with an opening in the exterior of the cap, and the bore having a second portion having a relatively smaller cross-sectional area relative to the first portion. 
     Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical portable computer employing a control stick having a cushioned cap in accordance with this invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view, partly in section, of the control stick illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged sectional side view of the cap and the control stick illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a cushioned cap in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the cap illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a control stick in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is perspective view of a gel cushion for a keyboard cursor control stick. 
         FIG. 9  is a side sectional view of the gel cushion of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 9 , except showing an alternate embodiment of the gel cushion. 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 9 , except showing an alternate embodiment of the gel cushion. 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of the gel cushion illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a view similar to  FIG. 11 , except showing an alternate embodiment of the gel cushion. 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom plan view of the gel cushion illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a view similar to  FIG. 11 , except showing an alternate embodiment of the gel cushion and stick guide. 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of the gel cushion illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a view similar to  FIG. 13 , except showing an alternate embodiment of the gel cushion and stick guide. 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of the gel cushion illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a view similar to  FIG. 16 , with the gel cushion deformed under the pressure of a user&#39;s finger. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross sectional view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20   a  is an enlarged top view of a third embodiment of the cushioned cap with textured surface illustrated in  FIG. 20 , taken along the line  20   a - 20   a.    
         FIG. 21  is a plan view of an upper portion of another embodiment of the cushioned cap. 
         FIG. 21   a  is a sectional view of the embodiment of the cushioned cap with textured surface illustrated in  FIG. 21 , taken along the line  21   a - 21   a.    
         FIG. 22  is similar to  FIG. 18 , except showing an alternate embodiment of the textured surface. 
         FIG. 23  is a cross sectional view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a gel cushion in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a computer, keyboard assembly, and an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a cross sectional view of a portion of the keyboard assembly and cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 25  and  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 27 . 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a cross sectional view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 30  taken along line  31 - 31 . 
         FIG. 32  is a side view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIGS. 30 and 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is a bottom plan view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIGS. 30 through 32 . 
         FIG. 34  is an enlarged sectional view of a part of the upper portion of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIGS. 30 through 33 . 
         FIG. 35  is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an upper portion of a cushioned cap in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  is a top plan view of the lower portion of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIGS. 30 through 34 . 
         FIG. 37  is a cross sectional view of the lower portion of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 36  taken along line  37 - 37 . 
         FIG. 38  is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  is a sectional view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 40  is a side view of a portion of an alternate embodiment of a control stick in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 41  is a side view of a portion of an alternate embodiment of a control stick in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a portion of an alternate embodiment of a control stick in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of a portion of an alternate embodiment of a control stick in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 44  is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 45  is a cross sectional view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 44  taken along line  45 - 45 . 
         FIG. 46  is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 47  is a cross section view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 46  taken along line  47 - 47 . 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a control stick in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 49  is a cross sectional view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 50  is a cross sectional view illustrating an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap mounted on a cursor control stick of a computer keyboard. 
         FIG. 51  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap. 
         FIG. 52  is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap. 
         FIG. 53  is a cross sectional view of the cushioned cap illustrated in  FIG. 52 , taken along the line  53 - 53 , together with a cursor control stick upon which the cushioned cap is mounted. 
         FIG. 54  is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a cushioned cap in accordance with this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 through 6  illustrate a first embodiment of a control stick, indicated generally at  10 , according to this invention. The illustrated control stick  10  is a miniature joy stick designed to be manipulated with a single finger by a user, such as the TrackPoint, TrackPoint II, or TrackPoint III control sticks on notebook computers sold in the past by the International Business Machines Corporation. However, it will be appreciated, in light of the following disclosure, that the invention may be practiced on control devices other than such miniature joysticks. The control stick of the present invention can be used in various devices, including devices such as computers, cellular phones, portable media players, and personal digital assistants. Not all of these devices have a cursor similar to a cursor of a computer, but instead have control sticks that control various functions or visual indications on the device. In many of the embodiments which follow, the exemplary environment for use of the embodiment may be with a computer, so the term “cursor control stick” may be used. However, the use of the term “cursor” should not be viewed as a limitation on the scope of the invention, as use of the invention with control sticks designed to be manipulated by a single finger on devices without a cursor is also contemplated; the term “control stick” and “cursor control stick” as used herein should be viewed as equivalent terms. 
     The control stick  10  is mounted in a keyboard  12  of a typical notebook-style microcomputer  14  having a pivotally mounted display screen  15 . The control stick  10  is mounted at a first end (not shown) to the microcomputer  14 , between the keys of the keyboard  12 . A cap  18  is removably mounted on the other end  21  of the control stick  10 . The control stick  10  is usually made of a plastic material, and translates the pressure on the cap  18  into a command to move a cursor on a video display of the computer  14 . 
     The cap  18  of the control stick  10  is made of a relatively hard elastomeric material. At least a central portion of the outer surface  17  of the cap  18  is provided with an attached cushion  20 . The cushion  20  can be made of any resilient material that can be attached to the outer surface  19  of the cap  18 . Examples, which may be suitable materials, include soft rubber, soft foam, and polyurethane foam. The preferred material for the cushion  20  is polyurethane foam such as the type used in expandable earplugs. This type of foam product provides a finger contact surface that is relatively soft so as not to damage the tissues in the finger of a user during periods of extended use. 
     Hardness can be characterized by measuring the force applied to a given area which is required to compress or deflect a material a given distance. For example, a typical prior art cap, such as a cap supplied with the TrackPoint II control stick, is made of a relatively hard elastomeric material. During testing, a probe having a contact surface of approximately 1 square millimeter was pressed against such a cap to cause the probe to deflect the surface of the cap approximately 0.25 millimeters. A force of approximately 15 grams was required to compress the surface of the cap inwardly this small amount. In contrast, one embodiment of the cushion  20  of the present invention required a force of only 5 grams to be exerted by the probe to compress the surface of the cushion  20  the same distance. According to the invention, a cushion  20  having a measurement of hardness (or “durometer”) which would permit a probe having a contact surface of approximately 1 square millimeter to deflect the surface of the cushion  20  by at least 0.25 millimeters when urged by a force of 10 grams, would generally be acceptable. The preferred embodiment of the invention has a hardness such that only 5 grams of force is required to cause a probe having a contact surface of 1 square millimeter to deflect the surface of the cushion  20  by at least 0.25 millimeters. 
     Preferably, the cushion  20  also provides a high coefficient of friction with the user&#39;s finger to permit easy positioning of the control stick  10 . The polyurethane foam of the cushion  20  is yielding to a degree dependent upon the thickness of the cushion  20 . The thickness of the cushion  20  can easily be modified during manufacture to any desired thickness. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , when the display screen  15  is folded down over the keyboard  12  for storage, as is typical for most notebook computers, the display screen  15  may contact the cushion  20 . The cushion  20  is flattened as indicated by the phantom line  19 , but will resiliently return to the position indicated by the solid outline of the cushion  20 . The resiliency of the cushion  20  allows the cap  18  to have an enlarged contact surface area and greater height above the keyboard  12  for increased comfort of the user, without having to increase the spacing between the display screen  15  and the keyboard  12 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cushion  20  will preferably not be made from a material which would damage or stick to the display screen  15  if the display screen  15  contacts the cushion  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the cushion  20  is, preferably, a disk of material having a generally semi-circular cross section. However, the cushion  20  may have any suitable shape, such as that of a flat-ended or hollow-ended cylinder. In the illustrated embodiment, the cushion  20  has a convex end  22 , and a second end  24 . The convex end  22  is the contact surface of the cushion  20 , that is, the surface that the user of the control stick  10  will contact to move the control stick  10 . The convex end  22  will generally be a surface providing a good frictional interface. In the preferred embodiment, the convex end  22  is a sealed, smooth, easily cleaned surface, such as a closed cell skin formed on polyurethane foam. The resiliency of the cushion  20  permits the cushion  20  to be deformed and still provide excellent friction, even when the surface thereof is smooth. However, if desired, the surface of the convex end  22  may be textured or knurled. The second end  24  of the cushion  20  will be attached to the outer surface  19  of the cap  18  on the control stick  10 . In the preferred embodiment, a suitable adhesive is used to attach the cushion  20  to the outer surface  19  of the cap  18 . 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the cushion of this invention, indicated generally at  30 . The cushion  30  is generally cylindrical and includes a convex end  32 , and a relatively flat end  33  opposite the end  32 . Although in the illustrated embodiment the end  32  is convex, the end  32  may be formed to any suitable shape, such as a flat or a concave surface, as may the end  22  of the cushion  20 . 
     A recess  34  is defined in the cushion  30 , which generally conforms to the outer surface of the end  21  of the control stick  10 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the recess  34  may have a square perimeter, if the end  21  of the control stick  10  is square in cross-section. The control stick  10  extends into the recess  34 . Preferably, to install the cushion  30  onto the control stick  10 , a suitable adhesive is applied to the upper end  21  of the control stick, to the interior surface of the recess  34  in the cushion  30 , or to both the upper end  21  of the control stick and to the interior surface of the recess  34  in the cushion  30 . The cushion  30  is placed on the end  21  of the control stick  10  so that the cushion  30  adheres to the end  21  of the control stick  10 . Of course, the cushion  30  could also be affixed to the control stick  10  by a resilient fit between the recess  34  of the cushion  30  and the end  21  of the control stick  10 . The cushion  30  is comprised of a soft material to permit use for an extended period of time without causing irritation to the finger tissue. 
     It may be desirable to manufacture the cushion  30  with portions having different levels of hardness. For example, the convex end  32  could be softer than the area of the cushion  30  surrounding the recess  34 . The harder area surrounding the recess  34  would assist in retaining the cushion  30  on the control stick  10  by maintaining its form, while the convex end  32  of the cushion could be relatively soft. 
     One method of manufacturing the cushion  30  with portions having different levels of hardness would involve simultaneously injecting two separate types of material simultaneously into a cavity of a single mold to form the cushion  30 . For example, a first material having relatively soft properties would be injected in the mold at the area where the convex end  32  is formed, and a second material which is harder than the first material would be injected in the mold at the area where the recess  34  is formed. Accelerating agents, compatabilizing agents, fillers, mold release agents, and coloring agents can be introduced as well, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Somewhere between the two ends  32  and  33 , the first and second materials come into contact and become affixed to one another. The cushion  30  would, therefore, be a single structure formed from two different materials, having different hardness characteristics when set or cured. For the purposes of the present invention, curing can be accomplished by using any suitable methods of solidifying or hardening a material, such as for example, by adding or removing heat, inducing a catalytic reaction, or containment for a period of time to allow hardening to occur. 
     Another method of manufacturing the cushion  30  having multiple areas with different levels of hardness would be to form the cushion  30  from a single material, but altering the setting or formation of the material so that the different areas have different hardness characteristics. This alteration of the formation process can be accomplished by varying the temperature gradient surrounding the mold, creating miniature air pockets within selected portions of the material, or by any other suitable manufacturing process. 
     As an alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that a cushion of the invention could be formed to completely encompass the cap  18  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , except where the shaft of the control stick  10  extends outwardly therefrom. Such a cushion would have a cavity therein, which includes a flange of material about an opening into the cavity. Such a flange of material would restrict the size of the opening into the cavity to a diameter which is less than the diameter of the cap  18 , and thus retain the cushion on the cap  18 , either alone or in combination with a suitable adhesive. The opening into such a cushion could be resiliently expanded to slip the cushion onto the cap  18  during assembly, or when the cushion is replaced. 
     Although the preferred embodiment of the cushion  20  or  30  is for use on a portable notebook computer  14 , it is envisioned that the cushion  20  or  30  could be used on any keyboard or in any convenient location on any instrument requiring a control stick-like movement. 
     It is contemplated that the cushions  20  or  30  of the present invention can be sold separately from a notebook-type portable computer as replacements or substitutes to the original control stick and cap configuration. The cushions  20  or  30  can be sold in a kit form, which preferably includes the necessary materials to affix the cushions  20  or  30  to a control stick of a computer. The kit may include a plurality of cushions  20  or  30  and a suitable adhesive material, such as a container of contact cement or a pressure sensitive self-adhesive strip which is pre-applied to the cushions  20  or  30 . For example, if contact cement is supplied with the kit, the user simply applies a coating of contact cement to either the originally supplied cap  18  or the end  21  of the control stick  10 , depending on the type of cushion  20  or  30  used. A coating of contact cement is also applied to the cushion  20  or  30 . The coatings of contact cement are then allowed to dry. The cushion  20  or  30  is then pressed against the coated portion of the original cap  18  or control stick  10 , thereby affixing the cushion  20  or  30  to the control stick  10 . 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a method of forming a cushioned control stick according to the invention. The method of forming a cushioned control stick may be summarized as follows: In a first step  100 , a cursor pointing device (control stick) with a cap having a first hardness is provided. In a second step  200 , a soft cushion is provided which has an outer surface of a second hardness which is less than the first hardness of the cap (i.e., the cushion is softer than the cap). In a third step  300 , the soft cushion is affixed to the relatively harder cap. 
     It will be appreciated that the soft cushions described above may be formed in a variety of ways, and of a variety of materials. For instance, in an embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , a cushion, indicated generally at  400 , is formed of a gel material. As used herein, the term gel means a semi-rigid solid, and includes a colloidal suspension of a solid dispersed in a liquid, and materials with similar characteristics as load bearing surfaces (e.g., stiffness, hardness, malleability, etc.). 
     The cushion  400  preferably has a generally cylindrical lower portion  402 , and a generally conic upper portion  404 , which increases in diameter toward an upper surface  406  of the cushion  400 . Thus, at least a portion of the upper portion  404  is generally frustoconical. The upper surface  406  is preferably formed with a depression  408  therein that is suitable to receive a fingertip of a user. 
     Like the cushions described in the other embodiments above, the cushion  400  will deform if pressed against the computer display screen. It is contemplated that the cushion  400  may be manufactured to have a suitable relatively rigid pocket (seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) to accept the upper end of a control stick of a computer, such as the control stick  10 . It is also contemplated that the cushion  400  could otherwise be fixed to a control stick cap like the cap  18  in  FIG. 2 , such as by adhesively fixing the cushion  400  to the cap. It is also contemplated that the cushion  400  may be manufactured to form an integral part of a removable control stick or portion of a control stick (not shown). 
       FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the cushion  400 . The upper portion  404  of the cushion  400  is made from a different material than the lower portion  402 . The upper portion  404  may be made from any suitable material. It is believed that thermoplastic elastomeric compounds such as KRATON® thermoplastic elastomers (available from the Royal Dutch/Shell Group) or thermoplastic rubber compounds such as Santoprene® (available from Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P., 388 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio, U.S.A. 44311) may be particularly suitable for this application. The material from which the upper portion  404  is formed is selected to have a relatively low hardness, so that the upper portion  404  is relatively soft and compliant. The upper portion  404 , in a preferred embodiment, is cured to a Shore A durometer of about 3 to about 10, though of course some variance from this softness may be desirable in certain applications, particularly if other features, such as air pockets in the material of the cushion  400 , are provided that affect the overall feel of the cushion  400 . The material of the upper portion  404  may be a gel or a gel contained in a non-gel pocket. The lower portion  402  defines a pocket  410  in a lower surface  412  thereof. The pocket  410  is adapted to receive the upper end of a cursor control stick, such as the cursor control stick  10 . The lower portion  402  is preferably formed of a material with a higher durometer than the upper portion  404 . The lower portion  402  may, nevertheless, be formed of any suitable material. It is believed that thermoplastic rubber compounds may be particularly suitable for this application. The lower portion  402  is preferably cured to be relatively harder than the upper portion  404 , such as to a Shore A durometer of about 55 to about 65. 
     These thermoplastic elastomeric and rubber materials are believed to be particularly suitable because of the tack their surfaces have, which gives the cushion  400  a smooth, non-irritating, yet non-slip surface for improved performance. 
     The cushion  400  may be formed with any suitable machinery of any suitable material by any suitable process. Thermoplastic rubber compounds, for example, can be injection molded, extruded, blow molded and thermoformed with the efficiency and economy associated with thermoplastic materials. As a further example, the cushion  400  may be formed of thermoplastic rubber compounds using a two-step injection process on standard thermoplastic injection molding equipment. In a preferred process, illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the cushion  400  is formed in a two step injection molding process. 
     In a first step  451 , a first mold is provided, shaped to form one of the lower portion  402  and the upper portion  404 . In one preferred embodiment, the first mold is shaped to form the lower portion  402 . 
     In a second step  452 , a first material curing to a first durometer is injected into the first mold. In the preferred embodiment in which the first mold is the lower portion  402 , the first material is a thermoplastic rubber material that will have a Shore A durometer of about 55 to about 65 when fully cured. 
     In a third step  453 , a second mold is provided, shaped to form the other of the lower portion  402  and the upper portion  404 . In the preferred embodiment in which the first mold is the lower portion  402 , the second mold is shaped to form the upper portion  404 . 
     In a fourth step  454 , the molded first material is removed while only partially cured, and placed into the second mold. In the preferred embodiment, the first material is removed from the first mold as soon as sufficiently cured to be parted from the first mold. 
     In a fifth step  455 , a second material curing to a second durometer, different from the first durometer, is injected into the second mold in contact with the partially cured first material so that the second material bonds to portions of the partially cured first material with which the second material comes into contact. In the preferred embodiment in which the first mold provided in step  451  is the lower portion  402 , the second material is a thermoplastic rubber material that will have a Shore A durometer of about 3 to about 10 when fully cured and will form the upper portion  404 . The upper portion  404  is thus overmolded onto the partially cured lower portion  402 , with the material of the upper portion  404  chemically bonding with the material of the lower portion  402 . 
     In a sixth step  456 , both the first and second materials are removed from the second mold. One or both of the first and second materials may be fully cured before the bonded first and second materials are removed from the second mold. Similarly, one or both of the first and second materials may only be partially cured before the bonded first and second materials are removed from the second mold. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the mold for the upper portion  404  has an abraded inner surface such that the upper surface  406  of the upper portion  404  is textured corresponding to the abraded surface of the mold. The inner surface of the mold may be abraded in any conventional manner, such as by sand blasting or by an electrical discharge machine. In a preferred embodiment, the mold for the upper portion  404  has an inner surface with a textured pattern such that the upper surface  406  of the upper portion  404  is textured corresponding to the textured surface of the mold. 
     An alternate embodiment of the cushion  400  is illustrated by the cross sectional view of  FIG. 10 . A cushion  400 ′ is similar in outer shape to the cushion  400  illustrated in  FIG. 8 , and has similar qualities of deformation for comfort and protection of computer display screens, and smoothness and tack for ergonomic reasons. However the cushion  400 ′ is constructed somewhat differently, as will be described. 
     Like the cushion  400 , the cushion  400 ′ preferably has a generally cylindrical lower portion  402 ′, and a generally conic upper portion  404 ′, which increases in diameter toward an upper surface  406 ′ of the cushion  400 ′. The upper surface  406 ′ is preferably formed with a depression  408 ′ therein that is suitable to receive a fingertip of a user. 
     The lower portion  402 ′ of the cushion  400 ′ is formed of any suitable material, and, like the cushion  400 , is preferably formed of a thermoplastic rubber compound such as Santoprene® thermoplastic rubber. The lower portion  402  defines a pocket  410 ′ in a lower surface  412 ′ thereof. The pocket  410 ′, like the pocket  410  in the cushion  400 , is adapted to receive the upper end of a cursor control stick, such as the cursor control stick  10 . 
     The upper portion  404 ′ of the cushion  400 ′ is of somewhat different structure than the cushion  400 . The outer surface of the upper portion  404 ′ is an envelope  428 , which may be formed of any suitable material. It is believed that a thermoplastic rubber compound such as Santoprene® thermoplastic rubber would be suitable in this application, and the envelope  428  is preferably formed integrally with the lower portion  402 ′. The envelope  428  is filled with a suitable material  430 . The material  430  may be any suitable gel, such as a silicone gel, or a thermoplastic elastomeric compound such as KRATON® thermoplastic elastomer formulated to form a low durometer (hardness) (i.e., to form a very soft) material. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the cushion of this invention, indicated generally at  500 . The cushion  500  preferably has a generally cylindrical lower portion  502 , and a generally cup-shaped upper portion  504 . The upper portion  504  overlays and is bonded to a portion of the lower portion  502  that is disposed within the cup-shaped upper portion  504   
     The upper portion  504  includes a central portion  505  that may be generally described as convex-concave lens shaped, in that the central portion  505  is dished and increases in thickness toward the center of the central portion  505 . The upper portion  504  includes an upper surface  505   a . The upper surface  505   a  may be textured as is described in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 20 through 23 . The upper portion  504  also includes a depending skirt portion  506  formed at the circumferential periphery of the central portion  505 . The upper portion  504  may be made from any suitable material, such as a foam or a gel or a thermoplastic rubber. The material from which the upper portion  504  is formed is selected to have a relatively low hardness, so that the upper portion  504  is relatively soft and compliant. The upper portion  504  is preferably formed from a material like the suitable material described for the upper portion  404  of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , and will have a Shore A durometer of about 3 to about 10 when fully cured. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the lower portion  502  is generally cylindrical and partially disposed within the depending skirt  506  of the upper portion  504 . The lower portion  502  preferably includes a flange  508  that extends radially outwardly from a lower-most part of the lower portion  502 . The depending skirt  506  abuts the flange  508 , and is preferably bonded thereto. The lower portion  502  has a lower surface  509 . The lower surface  509  defines a pocket  510  in a central portion thereof. The pocket  510  is adapted to receive the upper end of a cursor control stick, such as the cursor control stick  10  (seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Preferably, the pocket  510  (and indeed, any of the pockets described in this application as receiving a cursor control stick) is preferably sized to receive the cursor control stick with a stretch fit; the pocket  510  as formed is slightly smaller in cross-section than the cursor control stick. When installing the cushion  500  on a cursor control stick, the cursor control stick is forced into the pocket  510 , which stretches the material of the lower portion  502  to accommodate the larger cross section of the cursor control stick. The resulting elastic forces hold the cushion  500  on the cursor control stick through friction, creating an elastic or stretch fit between the pocket  510  and the cursor control stick  10 . 
     The lower portion  502  is preferably formed of a material with a higher durometer than the upper portion  504 , but the lower portion  502  may, nevertheless, be formed of any suitable material, such as the material described as suitable for the lower portion  402  of the cushion  400  illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     Like the cushions described in the other embodiments in this application, the cushion  500  will deform if pressed against the display screen. It is contemplated that the cushion  500  may be manufactured to have a suitable relatively rigid pocket  510  (shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) to accept the upper end of a control stick of a computer, such as the control stick  10 . It is also contemplated that the cushion  500  could otherwise be fixed to a control stick cap like the cap  18  in  FIG. 2 , such as by adhesively fixing the cushion  500  (with an appropriately shaped pocket  510 ) to such a control stick cap. It is also contemplated that the cushion  500  could be fixed to such a control stick cap by having a pocket  510 , which is sufficiently deep to completely contain such a cap therein. In this embodiment, an inwardly extending flexible flange (not shown) of the lower portion  502  of the cushion  500  will resiliently extend under a portion of the cap after the cap is inserted into the pocket  510  to retain the control stick cap in the pocket  510 . It is also contemplated that the cushion  500  may be manufactured to form an integral part of a removable control stick or portion of a control stick (not shown). 
     The cushion  500  may be formed by any suitable process on standard thermoplastic equipment. Thermoplastic rubber compounds or thermoplastic elastomeric compounds, for example, can be injection molded, extruded, blow molded and thermoformed with the efficiency and economy associated with such materials. In a preferred process, the cushion  500  is formed in a two step injection molding process, such as was described above with respect to the cushion  400  and illustrated in  FIG. 23 . 
     An alternate embodiment of the cushion  500  is illustrated at  500 ′ in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The cushion  500 ′ is similar in outer shape to the cushion  500  illustrated in  FIG. 11 , and has similar qualities of deformation for comfort and protection of computer video screens, and smoothness and tack for ergonomic reasons and may be constructed of similar material as the cushion  500 . However the cushion  500 ′ is constructed somewhat differently, as will be described. 
     Like the cushion  500 , the cushion  500 ′ preferably has a generally cylindrical lower portion  502 ′ and a generally cup-shaped upper portion  504 ′. The upper portion  504 ′ may have a structure and composition identical to the upper portion  504  described above. The upper portion  504 ′ includes an upper surface  505   a ′. The upper surface  505   a ′ may be textured as is described in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 20 through 23 . 
     The lower portion  502 ′ of the cushion  500 ′ may be formed of any suitable material. Like the cushion  500 , the lower portion  502 ′ is preferably formed of a thermoplastic rubber compound such as Santoprene® thermoplastic rubber with a formulation that cures to a Shore A durometer above 55. The lower portion  502 ′ has a lower surface  509 ′. The lower surface  509 ′ defines a pocket  510 ′ in a central portion thereof. The pocket  510 ′, like the pocket  510  in the cushion  500 , is shaped to receive the upper end of a cursor control stick, such as the cursor control stick  10 . In the illustrated embodiment the pocket  510  is rectilinear, having a rectangular cross section adapted to receive a control stick with a rectangular cross-section. 
     The pocket  510 ′ of the cushion  500 ′ is of somewhat different structure than that of pocket  510  of the cushion  500 , being a stepped recess. A first recess  512 ′ is defined in the interior end surface of the pocket  510 ′ with slightly larger cross-section than that of a second recess  513 ′. A step  514 ′ is thereby formed between the first recess  512 ′ and the second recess  513 ′. As illustrated, a cursor control stick (not shown) does not engage the second recess  513 ′ of the pocket  510 ′, although such is not required. The second recess  513 ′ creates a void of stiff material below the central portion  505 ′. The void gives the central portion  505 ′ a softer feel to the user. An alternate embodiment of the cushion of this invention, indicated generally at  600 , is shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The cushion  600  preferably has a generally cylindrical lower portion  602 , and a generally cup-shaped upper portion  604 . The upper portion  604  overlays and is bonded to a portion of the lower portion  602  that is disposed within the cup-shaped upper portion  604 . 
     The upper portion  604  includes a central portion  605  that is preferably flat in shape. The upper portion  604  also includes a depending skirt portion  606  formed at the circumferential periphery of the central portion  605 . The upper portion  604  may be made from any suitable material, such as a foam or a gel or a thermoplastic rubber or thermoplastic elastomeric compound. The material from which the upper portion  604  is formed is selected to have a relatively low hardness, so that the upper portion  604  is relatively soft and compliant. The upper portion  604  is preferably formed from a material like the suitable material described for the upper portion  404  of the cushion  400  illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the lower portion  602  is generally cylindrical and partially disposed within the depending skirt  606  of the upper portion  604 . The lower portion  602  preferably includes a relatively thick flange  608  that extends radially outwardly from a lower-most part of the lower portion  602 . The depending skirt  606  abuts the flange  608 , and is preferably bonded thereto. The lower portion  602  has a lower surface  609 . The lower surface  609  defines a pocket  610  in a central portion thereof. The pocket  610  is a stepped recess, having a first recess  612  defined in the interior end surface of the pocket  610  with slightly larger cross-section than that of the second recess  613 . A step  614  is thereby formed between the first recess  612  and the second recess  613 . The pocket  610  is adapted to receive the upper end of a cursor control stick  10 ′. Preferably, the second recess  613  of the pocket  610  (and indeed, any of the pockets described in this application as receiving a cursor control stick) is sized with a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the cursor control stick  10 ′, and the cross-section of the first recess  612  being slightly smaller than the cross-section of the cursor control stick  10 ′. During the installation of the cushion  600  on the cursor control stick  10 ′, the cursor control stick  10 ′ is fitted into the pocket  610 , with the upper end of the cursor control stick  10 ′ engaging the step  614 , the cushion  600  is thereby roughly aligned with the cursor control stick  10 ′. The cushion  600  is then pushed downwardly onto the cursor control stick  10 ′, driving the cursor control stick  10 ′ relatively upwardly into the second recess  613 , to engage the walls of the second recess  613  with a stretch fit; in the same manner described above for the pocket  510  of the cushion as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . As is indicated in the phantom view, when the cursor control stick  10  is received in the pocket  610 , the lower portion  602  of the cushion  600  may be slightly deformed as a result of the stretching as shown. 
     The lower portion  602  is preferably formed of a material with a higher durometer than the upper portion  604 , but the lower portion  602  may, nevertheless, be formed of any suitable material, such as the material described as suitable for the lower portion  402  illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     Like the cushions described in the other embodiments in this application, the cushion  600  will deform if pressed against the display screen. As discussed above, it is contemplated that the cushion  600  may be manufactured to have a suitable relatively rigid pocket  610  (shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) to accept the upper end of the control stick  10 . It is also contemplated that the cushion  600  could otherwise be fixed to a control stick cap like the control stick cap  18  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , such as by adhesively fixing the cushion  600  (with an appropriately shaped pocket  610 ) to such a control stick cap. It is also contemplated that the cushion  600  could be fixed to such a control stick cap by having a pocket  610 , which is sufficiently deep to completely contain such a cap therein. The lower portion  602  of such a cushion  600  could have an inwardly extending flexible flange (not shown) which would resiliently extend under a portion of the cap after the cap is inserted into the pocket  610  to retain the control stick cap in the pocket  610 . It is also contemplated that the cushion  600  may be manufactured to form an integral part of a removable control stick or portion of a control stick (not shown). 
     The cushion  600  may be formed by any suitable process on standard equipment. Thermoplastic rubber compounds and thermoplastic elastomeric compounds, for example, can be injection molded, extruded, blow molded and thermoformed with the efficiency and economy associated with thermoplastic materials. In a preferred process, the cushion  600  is formed in a two step injection molding process, as was described above with respect to the cushion  400  and  FIG. 23 . 
     An alternate embodiment of the cushion  600  is illustrated at  600 ′ in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . The cushion  600 ′ is similar in outer shape to the cushion  600  illustrated in  FIG. 15 , and has similar qualities of deformation for comfort and protection of computer video screens, and smoothness and tack for ergonomic reasons and may be constructed of similar material as the cushion  600 . However the cushion  600 ′ is constructed somewhat differently, as will be described. 
     Like the cushion  600 , the cushion  600 ′ preferably has a generally cylindrical lower portion  602 ′ and a generally cup-shaped upper portion  604 ′. The upper portion  604 ′ may have a structure and composition identical to the upper portion  604  described above. However, the upper portion  604 ′ may include a flange portion  611 ′. The flange portion  611 ′ extends radially outwardly from the upper portion  604 ′. 
     The lower portion  602 ′ of the cushion  600 ′ may be formed of any suitable material. Like the cushion  600 , the lower portion  602 ′ is preferably formed of a thermoplastic rubber compound such as Santoprene® thermoplastic rubber with a formulation that cures to a Shore A durometer above 55. The lower portion  602 ′ has a lower surface  609 ′. The lower surface  609 ′ defines a pocket  610 ′ in a central portion thereof. The pocket  610 ′, like the pocket  610  in the cushion  600 , is shaped to receive the upper end of a cursor control stick, such as the cursor control stick  10 ′. In the illustrated embodiment the pocket  610 ′ has a rectangular cross section adapted to receive the cursor control stick  10 ′ which has a rectangular cross-section. 
     The pocket  610 ′ of the cushion  600 ′ is of somewhat different structure than that of pocket  610  of the cushion  600 , being a two-stepped recess. A first recess  612 ′ defined in the interior surface of the pocket  610 ′ with slightly larger cross-section than that of a second recess  613 ′. A step  614 ′ is thereby formed between the first recess  612 ′ and the second recess  613 ′. A third recess  616 ′ with a slightly smaller cross-section than that of the second recess  613 ′ is defined in the interior end surface of the pocket  610 ′. A step  618 ′ is thereby formed between the second recess  612 ′ and the third recess  616 ′. During the installation of the cushion  600 ′ on the cursor control stick  10 ′, the cursor control stick  10 ′ is fitted into the pocket  610 ′, with the upper end of the cursor control stick  10 ′ engaging the step  614 ′, and the cushion  600 ′ is thereby roughly aligned with the cursor control stick  10 ′. The cushion  600 ′ is then pushed downwardly onto the cursor control stick  10 ′, driving the cursor control stick  10 ′ relatively upwardly into the second recess  613 ′, to engage the walls of the second recess  613 ′ with a stretch fit; in the same manner described above for the pocket  510  of the cushion as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . As is indicated in the phantom view, when the cursor control stick  10  is received in the pocket  610 ′, the lower portion  602 ′ of the cushion  600 ′ may be slightly deformed as a result of the stretching as shown. As illustrated, the cursor control stick  10 ′ does not engage the third recess  616 ′ of the pocket  610 ′, although such is not required. The third recess  616 ′ creates a void of stiff material below the central portion  605 ′. This void gives the central portion  605 ′ a soft feel to the user similar to the soft feel of the central portion  505 ′, without having the thickness of soft material of the central portion  505 ′. 
     As is illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the cursor control stick  10 ′ is received in the pocket  610  of the cushion  600 . The lower portion  602  of the cushion  600  may deform as shown when the cursor control stick  10 ′ is received in the pocket  610 . As is also indicated in the phantom view, the cushion  600  may deform under the pressure of a user&#39;s finger  650 . 
     In some applications it may be desirable to provide a textured surface on the cap. Any suitable texture pattern may be provided. Raised nubs and raised ridges are among the patterns which may be suitable. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20 and 20   a , an alternative embodiment of an upper portion  804  of the cushion of this invention, indicated generally at  800 , is shown.  FIG. 20   a  is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the upper portion  804  illustrated in  FIG. 20 . The upper portion  804  of the cushion  800  has a top surface containing one or more nubs  830 . The nubs  830  may be of any suitable height. However, in one preferred embodiment the nub height is 0.5 millimeters to 1.0 millimeter. As illustrated, the nubs  830  are hexagonal in shape, but it is to be understood that the nubs may be any shape and may be spaced in any configuration. Without excluding circular nubs from the scope of the invention, it is believed that having side walls of the nubs  830  extend at right angles from the upper surface of the upper portion  804  (as shown in  FIG. 20 ) will provide a more non-slip surface, while the relatively soft material of the upper portion  804  will help keep the cushion  800  from irritating the finger of a user. The nubs  830  are spaced from about 0.5 millimeters to about 1.0 millimeters on center and the nubs are about 0.5 millimeters to about 0.10 millimeters in width. Spacing the nubs  830  apart creates an open pattern texture. It is believed that the open pattern of the spaced-apart nubs  830  will make the cushion  800  relatively easy to keep clean and allows the user to maintain accuracy with the cursor control stick. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21 and 21   a , an alternative embodiment of an upper portion  804 ′ of the cushion of this invention, indicated generally at  800 ′, is shown.  FIG. 21  is a plan view of an upper portion of the cushioned cap.  FIG. 21   a  is a sectional view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 21 , taken along the line  21   a - 21   a . The upper portion  804 ′ of the cushion  800 ′ has a top surface containing one or more nubs  830 ′. The nubs  830 ′ may be of any suitable height and may be of different heights from one another. However, in one preferred embodiment the nub height is about 0.25 millimeters to about 1.0 millimeter. As illustrated, the nubs  830 ′ are round in shape, but it is to be understood that the nubs may be any shape and may be spaced in any configuration. Without excluding rounded nubs from the scope of the invention, it is believed that having side walls of the nubs  830 ′ extend at right angles from the upper surface of the upper portion  804 ′ (as shown in  FIG. 21 ) will provide a more non-slip surface, while the relatively soft material of the upper portion  804 ′ will help keep the cushion  800 ′ from irritating the finger of a user. The nubs  830 ′ are spaced from about 0.25 millimeters to about 1.0 millimeters on center and the nubs are about 0.5 to about 1.0 millimeters in width. Spacing the nubs  830 ′ apart creates an open pattern texture. It is believed that the open pattern of the spaced-apart nubs  830 ′ will make the cushion  800 ′ relatively easy to keep clean and allows the user to maintain accuracy with the cursor control stick. 
     Another alternate embodiment of an upper portion  804 ″ of the cushion of this invention, indicated generally at  800 ″, is shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . In this embodiment, the texture is provided in the form of concentric rings  830 ″, each preferably having a rectangular cross-section. 
     Additionally, the upper portion  804 ″ increases in thickness from the center of the upper portion  804 ″ of the cushion  800 ″ toward the circumferential periphery of the upper portion  804 ″ of the cushion  800 ″ as shown. The resulting upper portion of the cushion  800 ″ is concave in shape, as is shown in  FIG. 23 . This concave shape may be considered another form of texture, and as illustrated, may be used in conjunction with other forms of texture, such as the concentric rings  830 ″ (as shown in  FIGS. 22 ,  23 ), or the nubs  830 ′ (as shown in  FIGS. 21 ,  21   a ), or the nubs  830  (as shown in  FIGS. 20 ,  20   a ). Of course, concentric rings could be added to a flat or convex upper portion. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53 , there are illustrated various embodiments of cushioned caps in accordance with the present invention. The cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  are similar to the cushioned caps described in the previous embodiments of the invention and may have similar characteristics. Each of the cushioned caps has an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper portions and the lower portions may be formed of the same material or may each be formed of different materials. The upper portions and the lower portions may be integrally formed. Each of the cushioned caps may have upper portions and lower portions that have the same or different durometers than one another when cured. The cushioned caps may be formed of any suitable material. Examples of some materials that may be suitable for the upper portion and lower portion of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  include (without excluding other materials) thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer olefin, thermoplastic elastomer polyolefin, Santoprene®, styrene maleic anhydride, Dylark®, polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, styrene maleic anhydride (SMA), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), nylon, polyester, acrylic, polysulfone, thermoplastic polyether, thermoplastic urethane, polypropylene, polyurethane, copolyester, thermoplastic styrenic elastomer, nylon, rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the cushioned caps are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer, such as the Starflex family of thermoplastic rubbers available from Star Thermoplastics and Alloys, Inc., Chicago, Ill., or DYNAflex® Thermoplastic Elastomer Compounds available from GLS Corporation, McHenry, Ill., although such is not required. The cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  may also be formed of material with any suitable color (including decorative effects such as pearlescents, metallics, glowing, swirls, or sparkles), translucence, opacity or clarity, and with any suitable surface texturing (either from the formations of surface effects such as bumps, nubs, rings, etc, as described above, or through innate slickness or tackiness of the surface feel of the material used to form the cushioned caps), or upper surface concavity or convexity. Elastomers having high, medium or low durometers may be blended with each other, blended or treated with other materials, or physically modified in shape to render them respectively more or less flexible generally or in desired localized areas. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper portions and the lower portions of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  may have the same durometer. It will further be appreciated that the upper portion and the lower portions may be formed integrally and may be formed of the same material in a single molding operation. In a further preferred embodiment, the upper portions and the lower portions illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  of the cushioned caps may have a durometer of between about 55 Shore A to about 85 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment that may be particularly suitable for use on a laptop computer, the material of the upper portions and lower portions may have a durometer of between about 80 Shore A and about 85 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment that may be particularly suitable for use on a handheld device, the material of the upper portions and lower portions may have a durometer of between about 50 Shore A and about 60 Shore A. It will be appreciated that various compounds and/or additives used in the compound may increase or decrease the perceived durometer of the cushioned cap and that the perceived durometer of the cushioned cap may vary with time and exposure to environmental conditions due to such compounds and/or additives and the material of the cushioned cap. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the material of the upper portions of each of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  may have a durometer between about 10 to about 74 Shore A. More preferably the material of the upper portions of each of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  may have a durometer of about 12 to about 74 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the upper portions of each of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  may have a durometer of about 12 to about 45 Shore A. Preferably, the material of the lower portions of each of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  may have a durometer between about 80 to about 88 Shore A. More preferably the material of the lower portions of each of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  may have a durometer of about 84 to about 85 Shore A. In an alternate embodiment, the upper portion and the lower portion of the cushioned caps have the same durometer. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the upper portions and the lower portions of each of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  are formed of the same material and the material has a durometer between about 60 to about 85 Shore A. In a further preferred embodiment, the material of the upper portions and lower portions of each of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  has a durometer of about 74 Shore A. It will be appreciated that the measurement of the durometer of the material of the cushioned caps may vary from the desired durometer by about 5 Shore A due to variations in molding and variations in durometer measurement techniques. It will be appreciated that the durometer of the material, the shape as described herein, and the surface shape and/or texture of the cushioned caps contribute to the overall desired feel of the cushioned caps. 
     The indications of measurements of the cushioned caps herein are general indications of the dimensions of the preferred embodiments of the cushioned caps. These general indications of dimensions of the cushioned caps are provided for reference only and are not intended to limit the cushioned caps of the invention to such dimensions. It will be appreciated that the various embodiments of the cushioned caps of the present invention may be practiced in any size with the elements thereof having any relative dimension to one another. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , there is illustrated an embodiment of a laptop computer, indicated generally at  900 , in accordance with the present invention. The computer  900  may include a housing  902  and a monitor or display  904 . The computer  900  may include a keyboard assembly, indicated generally at  910 , in accordance with the present invention. The keyboard assembly  910  may include a plurality of keys  912  and a base  914  having corresponding switches and logic circuitry, shown schematically at  914   a . The keyboard assembly  910  may further include a communications cable (not shown) to communicably connect the circuitry  914   a  to the laptop  900 . The keyboard assembly  910  may further include a bezel  916  to facilitate placement and/or attachment of the assembly  910  within the housing  902  of the laptop  900 , although such is not required. The keyboard assembly  910  may further include a control stick  918  and an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap  950 , in accordance with the present invention. The keyboard assembly  910  may further include other input devices (not shown) that facilitate the collection of input from a user in conjunction with or as an alternative to the control stick  918 . For example, the keyboard assembly  910  may include a touch pad (not shown) in addition to the control stick  918  and a user may be able to use the control stick  918  and the touch pad as input devices to the laptop  900  simultaneously or alternatively. 
     It will be appreciated that the computer  900  and the control stick  918  are exemplary devices for use with the cushioned cap  950  and each of the other embodiments of cushioned caps throughout this application and that the cushioned cap  950  and each of the other embodiments of cushioned caps throughout this application may be used on any input device, such as buttons, joysticks, or any other touch sensitive control mechanism, in addition to control sticks. 
     It will also be appreciated that the control stick  918  (and each of the other embodiments of cursor control sticks throughout this application) may be mounted to any electronic device, including but not limited to desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, portable playback devices such as MP3 players, portable media players such as the iPod® brand players marketed by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., satellite radio receivers, voice recorders, cellular phones, cordless phones, inventory, freight, and parcel tracking handheld devices, and vehicular control consoles. The control stick  918  may be provided in combination with any other input devices such as keyboards and/or touch pads for an electronic device. The control stick  918  may be used in conjunction with at least one key (not shown) that alters the input behavior of the control stick  918  or the associated cursor function of the computer  900 , such as conventional left and right mouse buttons, although such is not required. The control stick  918  may be integrated within the housing  916  of the computer  900  or the bezel  914  of the keyboard assembly  910 , although such is not required. 
     The cushioned cap  950  may extend from the control stick  918  to any desired height relative to the keys  912 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 26 , when the cushioned cap  950  and keys  912  are disposed for use on the computer  900 , the cushioned cap  950  extends at a height that is relatively the same as the height of the keys  912 . However, it will be appreciated that the cushioned cap  950  may be shaped and/or assembled in a configuration to extend from the computer  900  at a height greater than, less than, or equal to the height of which the keys  912  extend from the computer  900 . Therefore, the cushioned cap  950  may extend from the keyboard assembly  910  so that the cushioned cap  950  is taller, shorter, or the same height as the keys  912  in accordance with the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 27 through 29 , the cushioned cap  950  includes an upper portion  952  and a lower portion  954 . The upper portion  952  may include at least one nub  956 . The upper portion  952  of the cushioned cap  950  may include a depending skirt portion  958 , although such is not required. The lower portion includes a recess  960  being sized to accommodate at least a portion of a cursor control stick therein. The recess  960  may be a two-stepped recess having a lower portion  962  having a generally rectangular cross-section and an upper portion  964  having a cross-section that is generally rectangular and smaller in cross-section than the lower portion  962 , as best shown in  FIG. 29 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 30 through 34  and  36  through  37 , there is illustrated an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap, indicated generally at  1000 , in accordance with the present invention. The cushioned cap  1000  has an upper portion  1002  and a lower portion  1004 . The cushioned cap  1000  may have a height of between about 3.5 millimeters and about 4.4 millimeters. 
     The upper portion  1002  may include at least one nub  1006 . The upper portion  1002  of the cushioned cap  1000  may include a depending skirt portion  1008 , although such is not required. The upper portion  1002  may have an outer diameter between about 7.5 millimeters and about 8.5 millimeters, although such is not required. 
     The lower portion  1004  may have a diameter of between about 7.3 millimeters and about 7.5 millimeters. The lower portion  1004  includes a recess  1010  being sized to accommodate at least a portion of a cursor control stick therein. The recess  1010  may be a two-stepped recess having a lower portion  1010   a  having a generally rectangular cross-section and an upper portion  1010   b  having a cross-section that is generally circular with four triangular equally spaced notches extending outwardly therefrom, as best shown in  FIG. 33 . The lower portion  1010   a  may have a width of between about 3.8 millimeters and about 4.3 millimeters, although such is not required. The lower portion  1010   a  may have a height of between about 2.4 millimeters and about 2.6 millimeters, although such is not required. The upper portion  1010   b  may have a width of between about 3.5 millimeters and about 3.7 millimeters, although such is not required. The upper portion  1010   b  may have a height of between about 1.8 millimeters and about 2.0 millimeters, although such is not required. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  1002  has a thickness T, taken from an inner lower surface of the upper portion  1002  to an upper outer surface of the upper portion  1002 , excluding the nubs  1006  of the upper portion  1002 , of about 0.35 millimeters to about 0.65 millimeters, and more preferably has a thickness T of 0.55 millimeters, as shown in  FIG. 34 , which is an enlarged sectional view of the part of the upper portion of the cushioned cap indicated at “Z” in  FIG. 31 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the lower portion  1004  has a diameter of about 7.5 millimeters and an outer ring of nubs  1020  have a combined outer diameter of about 7.5 millimeters, as shown in  FIG. 32 . In a further preferred embodiment, the diameter of the lower portion  1004  and the combined diameter of the outer ring of nubs  1020  are the same to provide a user an added feeling of stability and/or stiffness in the at least one nubs  1006 . In a preferred embodiment, each of the at least one nubs  1006  is provided on the upper portion  1002 , such that none of the at least one nubs  1006  extends outwardly toward the outer perimeter of the upper portion  1002  further than the outer ring of nubs  1020 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the at least one nubs  1006  may be comprised of concentric rings of nubs of graduated heights that become shorter from the outer perimeter of the upper portion  1002  to the center of the upper portion  1002 . The concentric rings of nubs of graduated heights provide a user the feel of a concave upper surface on the cushioned cap  1000 . It will be appreciated that the cushioned cap  1000  has a generally flat upper surface  1022 , although such is not required. It will be appreciated that the upper surface  1022  of the cap  1000  may alternatively be concave or convex. The concentric rings of nubs of graduated heights may form a generally concave combined upper surface indicated at line  1024  in  FIG. 32 . In a preferred embodiment, the at least one nubs  1006  comprises four concentric rings of nubs, each of the nubs of each of the ring of nubs having heights of about 0.35 millimeters, about 0.45 millimeters, about 0.55 millimeters, and about 0.65 millimeters taken from the innermost ring of nubs to the outermost ring of nubs relative to the upper portion  1002 . In another preferred embodiment, the at least one nubs  1006  comprises three concentric rings of nubs, each of the nubs of each of the ring of nubs having heights of about 0.5 millimeters, about 0.6 millimeters, and about 0.7 millimeters taken from the innermost ring of nubs to the outermost ring of nubs relative to the upper portion  1002 . 
     An alternate embodiment of an upper portion of a cushioned cap, indicated generally at  2000 , is illustrated in  FIG. 35  in accordance with the present invention. The upper portion  2002  is similar to the upper portion  1002  except in that the upper portion  2002  does not contain a plurality of nubs. The upper portion  2002  has an upper surface  2024  that is generally concave. The upper portion  2002  may be provided in combination with any of the other cushioned cap elements and embodiments described herein in accordance with the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 36 and 37 , the lower portion  1004  of the cushioned cap  1000  is illustrated. The upper portion  1002  of the cushioned cap  1000  has been removed for clarity. The lower portion  1004  may include a recess  1030  extending about the periphery of a part of the lower portion  1004 . The recess  1030  may assist in the attachment or formation of the upper portion  1002  and the lower portion  1004  to one another. It will be appreciated that the recess  1030  is not required to practice the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 38 and 39 , there is illustrated an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap, indicated generally at  1100 , in accordance with the present invention. The cushioned cap  1100  has an upper portion  1102  and a lower portion  1104 . The upper portion  1102  may include at least one nub  1106 , although such is not required. The lower portion includes a recess  1110  being sized to accommodate at least a portion of a cursor control stick therein. The recess  1110  may be a two-stepped recess having a lower portion  1110   a  having a generally rectangular cross-section and an upper portion  1110   b  having a cross-section that is generally circular. It will be appreciated that the upper portion  1102  and the lower portion  1104  are formed integrally, although such is not required. It will further be appreciated that the upper portion  1102  and the lower portion  1104  may be formed of the same material, although such is not required. 
     The upper portion  1102  and the lower portion  1104  are formed of the same material and the material has a durometer between about 60 to about 85 Shore A. In a further preferred embodiment, the material of the upper portion  1102  and lower portion  1104  has a durometer of about 74 Shore A. It will be appreciated that the measurement of the durometer of the material of the cushioned caps may vary from the desired durometer by about 5 Shore A due to variations in molding, materials, and variations in durometer measurement techniques. It will be appreciated that the durometer of the material, the shape as described herein, and the surface shape and/or texture of the cushioned caps contribute to the overall desired feel of the cushioned caps. 
     An alternate embodiment of a control stick, indicated generally at  1280 , is illustrated in  FIG. 40  in accordance with the present invention. The control stick  1280  includes an upper portion  1282  and a lower portion  1284 . Both the upper portion  1282  and the lower portion  1284  are generally circular in cross-section. The cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are suitable for use with the control stick  1280 . It will be appreciated that the respective recesses  960 ,  1010 ,  1110  each of the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  may be shaped to engage the control stick  1280  in a stretch fit, such that the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are removably retained on the control stick  1280 . Thus, the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are retained on the control stick  1280  during normal use of the control stick  1280 , but may be removed from the control stick  1280  by exerting additional force beyond the force applied during normal use. 
     An alternate embodiment of a cursor control stick, indicated generally at  1380 , is illustrated in  FIG. 41  in accordance with the present invention. The control stick  1380  includes an upper portion  1382  and a lower portion  1384 . Both the upper portion  1382  and the lower portion  1384  are generally rectangular in cross-section. The cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are suitable for use with the control stick  1380 . It will be appreciated that the respective recesses  960 ,  1010 ,  1110  each of the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  may be shaped to engage the control stick  1380  in a stretch fit, such that the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are removably retained on the control stick  1380 . Thus, the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are retained on the control stick  1380  during normal use of the control stick  1380 , but may be removed from the control stick  1380  by exerting additional force beyond the force applied during normal use. 
     An alternate embodiment of a cursor control stick, indicated generally at  1480 , is illustrated in  FIG. 42  in accordance with the present invention. The control stick  1480  is generally circular in cross-section. The control stick  1480  is mounted at a first end (not shown) to a suitable computer, such as the laptop computer  900  (as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 ), the second end of the control stick  1480  is provided with a suitable cushioned cap, such as the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100 . It will be appreciated that the respective recesses  960 ,  1010 ,  1110  each of the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  may be shaped to engage the control stick  1480  in a stretch fit, such that the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are removably retained on the control stick  1480 . Thus, the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are retained on the control stick  1480  during normal use of the control stick  1480 , but may be removed from the control stick  1480  by exerting additional force beyond the force applied during normal use. 
     An alternate embodiment of a cursor control stick, indicated generally at  1580 , is illustrated in  FIG. 43  in accordance with the present invention. The control stick  1580  is mounted at a first end (not shown) to a suitable computer, such as the laptop computer  900  (as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 ). The second end of the control stick  1580  includes an upper portion  1582  and a lower portion  1584 . Both the upper portion  1582  and the lower portion  1584  are generally rectangular in cross-section. The cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are suitable for use with the control stick  1580 . It will be appreciated that the respective recesses  960 ,  1010 ,  1110  each of the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  may be shaped to engage the control stick  1380  in a stretch fit, such that the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are removably retained on the control stick  1580 . Thus, the cushioned caps  950 ,  1000 ,  1100  are retained on the control stick  1580  during normal use of the control stick  1580 , but may be removed from the control stick  1580  by exerting additional force beyond the force applied during normal use. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 33 , the recess  1010  of the cushioned cap  1000  is shaped to receive both a control stick with circular cross-section and a control stick with rectangular cross-section in a stretch fit as described herein. The recess  1010  of the cushioned cap  1000  may be preferable because the cushioned cap  1000  may be used in combination with a control stick having any desired cross-section, such as circular, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal control sticks. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the upper portions and the lower portions of each of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  are formed of the same material and the material has a durometer between about 55 Shore A to about 85 Shore A. In a further preferred embodiment, the material of the upper portions and lower portions of each of the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  has a durometer of about 74 Shore A. It will be appreciated that the measurement of the durometer of the material of the cushioned caps may vary from the desired durometer by about 5 Shore A due to variations in molding, materials, and variations in durometer measurement techniques. It will be appreciated that the durometer of the material, the shape as described herein, and the surface shape and/or texture of the cushioned caps contribute to the overall desired feel of the cushioned caps. It will further be appreciated that compounds and/or additives to the material of the cushioned caps may alter the overall feel of the cushioned caps and the effect of such compounds and additives on the cushioned cap durometer may vary over time and exposure to environmental conditions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 44 and 45 , there is illustrated an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap, indicated generally at  2100 , in accordance with the present invention. The cushioned cap  2100  has an upper portion  2102  and a lower portion  2104 . The upper portion  2102  may include at least one nub  2106 . The upper portion  2102  of the cushioned cap  2100  may include a depending skirt portion  2108 , although such is not required. The upper portion  2102  may have an outer diameter of between about 7.2 millimeters and about 8.4 millimeters, although such is not required. 
     The lower portion  2104  may have an outer diameter of between about 7.1 millimeters and about 7.4 millimeters, although such is not required. The lower portion  2104  includes a recess  2110  being sized to accommodate at least a portion of a cursor control stick therein. The recess  2110  may have a generally rectangular cross-section. The recess  2110  may have a height of between about 1.9 millimeters and about 2.1 millimeters, although such is not required. The recess  2110  may have a width of between about 2.6 millimeters and about 3.0 millimeters, although such is not required. In a preferred embodiment, the recess  2110  may have a width of between about 2.8 millimeters and about 3.0 millimeters. It will be appreciated that the width of the recess  2110  may be slightly smaller than the width or diameter of a cursor control stick (not shown) to be inserted within the recess  2110 , such that the cap  2100  has a stretch or tight fit relative to the cursor control stick (not shown). For example, a preferred embodiment of the recess  2110  may have a height of about 2.0 millimeters and a generally square cross-section with a width of about 2.9 millimeters to allow for the insertion of a cursor control stick with a generally square cross-section and a width of about 3.0 millimeter+/−0.1 millimeters. It is believed that the sizing of the recess  2110  to have a slightly smaller cross-sectional width than the cross-sectional width of a desired corresponding cursor control stick (not shown) will optimize the insertion force required to assembly the cap  2100  onto the cursor control stick (not shown) and also optimize the retention force desired to keep the cap  2100  in place on the desired cursor control stick (not shown). It will further be appreciated that, alternatively, the recess  2110  may have a generally rectangular cross-section with slightly rounded corners. In a preferred embodiment, a minimal chamfer may be formed on the leading edge of the recess  2110 . It will further be appreciated that the recess  2110  may be a two-stepped recess similar to the two-step recesses shown in other embodiments of the invention herein. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the recess  2110  extends into the cushioned cap  2100  a depth D 1  as shown in  FIG. 45  of about 2.0 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the cushioned cap  2100  extends upwardly from the top of the recess  2110  a height H 1  as shown in  FIG. 45  of between about 1.15 millimeters and about 1.20 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the cushioned cap  2100  has an overall height of between about 3.7 millimeters and about 4.0 millimeters. It will be appreciated that all dimensions throughout this application are approximate and may be +/−0.1 millimeters from the dimensions listed in practice due to molding tolerances. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the cushioned cap  2100  may be adjusted for optimum performance with the desired surrounding input devices (not shown). For example, the dimensions of the cushioned cap  2100  may be varied for optimum use given the height of keys (not shown) surrounding the installed cushioned cap  2100  and/or the configuration of a pointing stick module (not shown) on which the cushioned cap  2100  may be installed. In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the cushioned cap  2100  are altered so that the cushioned cap  2100  does not make contact with the pointing stick module base, such as the base  914  illustrated in  FIG. 26 , during normal use. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 44 and 45 , the at least one nubs  2106  may be comprised of concentric rings of nubs of graduated heights that become shorter from the outer perimeter of the upper portion  2102  to the center of the upper portion  2102 . The concentric rings of nubs of graduated heights provide a user the feel of a concave upper surface on the cushioned cap  2100 . It will be appreciated that the cushioned cap  2100  has a generally flat upper surface  2122 , although such is not required. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one nubs  2106  comprises three concentric rings of nubs, each of the nubs of each of the ring of nubs having heights of about 0.45 millimeters, about 0.55 millimeters, and about 0.65 millimeters taken from the innermost ring of nubs to the outermost ring of nubs relative to the upper portion  2102 . 
     It will be appreciated that the upper portion  2102  and the lower portion  2104  are formed integrally, although such is not required. It will further be appreciated that the upper portion  2102  and the lower portion  2104  may be formed of the same material, although such is not required. The upper portion  2102  and the lower portion  2104  may be formed of a material that has a durometer between about 60 to about 85 Shore A. In a further preferred embodiment, the material of the upper portion  2102  and lower portion  2104  has a durometer of between about 74 Shore A and about 76 Shore A. It will be appreciated that the measurement of the durometer of the material of the cushioned caps may vary from the desired durometer by about 5 Shore A due to variations in molding, material mixture variations, and variations in durometer measurement techniques. It will be appreciated that the durometer of the material, the shape as described herein, and the surface shape and/or texture of the cushioned caps contribute to the overall desired feel of the cushioned caps. 
     An alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap  2200 , in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated in  FIGS. 46 and 47 . The cushioned cap  2200  is similar to the cushioned cap  2100 , and only the differences will be described herein. The upper portion  2202  is similar to the upper portion  2102  except in that the upper portion  2202  contains a slightly different pattern of nubs  2206 . The upper portion  2202  has an upper surface  2224  that is generally concave. The upper portion  2202  may be provided in combination with any of the other cushioned cap elements and embodiments described herein in accordance with the present invention. A recess  2210  is provided in a lower portion  2204  and may have a generally rectangular cross-section. It will be appreciated that the recess  2210  may have a generally rectangular cross-section and the corners of the generally rectangular cross-section may have a radius, so that the corners are slightly rounded as illustrated in  FIG. 46 . It will further be appreciated that the recess  2210  may be a two-stepped recess similar to the two-step recesses shown in other embodiments of the invention herein. 
     It will be appreciated that the upper portion  2202  and the lower portion  2204  are formed integrally, although such is not required. It will further be appreciated that the upper portion  2202  and the lower portion  2204  may be formed of the same material, although such is not required. The upper portion  2202  and the lower portion  2204  may be formed of a material that has a durometer between about 60 to about 85 Shore A. In a further preferred embodiment, the material of the upper portion  2202  and lower portion  2204  has a durometer of between about 74 Shore A and about 76 Shore A. It will be appreciated that the measurement of the durometer of the material of the cushioned caps may vary from the desired durometer by about 5 Shore A due to variations in molding, material mixture variations, and variations in durometer measurement techniques. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 48 and 49 , there is a illustrated an alternate embodiment of a cushioned cap, in accordance with the present invention and indicated generally at  2300 . The cushioned cap  2300  is similar to the cushioned cap  1100 , and only the differences will be described herein. The cushioned cap  2300  has an upper portion  2302  and a lower portion  2304 . In this embodiment, the upper portion  2302  is annular, taking the form of a toroid formed by the revolution of a generally D-shaped plane curve about an axis that lies in the plane of the curve and that does not intersect the curve, in other words, forming a circumferentially extending ring with, generally, a curved upper portion  2302   a  and a flat lower surface  2302   b . Of course, the upper portion  2302  may take other shapes, including, but not limited to, a ribbed or castellated upper surface, an inwardly and downwardly tapered outer surface, an irregular inner surface forming a part of a decorative or utilitarian design, etc. 
     The lower portion  2304  extends into the central opening through the upper portion  2302  and has an upper surface  2304   a . The upper surface  2304   a  and the upper surface  2302   a  cooperate to form an upper engagement surface, indicated generally at  2305 , of the cushioned cap  2300 . The upper engagement surface  2305  may include at least one nub  2306 , groove (not shown) or other surface feature, formed on either or both of the upper surfaces  2304   a  and  2302   a , although such is not required. The upper surface  2304   a  of the lower portion  2304  may be flat, concave or convex, and may be flush with, stand proud of, or, preferably, be recessed with respect to the adjacent upper surface  2302   a . The lower portion  2304  includes a recess  2310  being sized to accommodate at least a portion of a cursor control stick therein. The recess  2310  may be a two-stepped recess similar to that provided in the cushioned caps  1100 ,  1000 , or  950 , for example, or another shape. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the recess  2310  has a tapered wall lower portion having a generally rectangular cross-section defining a void in the shape of the frustum of a square pyramid, and an upper portion having walls defining a void with a generally square cross-section. In this embodiment, the upper portion  2302  and the lower portion  2304  are not formed simultaneously, but rather as part of a multi-shot injection molding process, which will be explained below. Of course, any suitable process for manufacturing the cushioned cap  2300  may be used. It will further be appreciated that the upper portion  2302  and the lower portion  2304  may be formed of the same material, although such is not required, and indeed, certain advantages may be experienced if the material forming the upper portion  2302  is not the same as that forming the lower portion  2304 , as will be explained below. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  2302  and the lower portion  2304  are formed of the same polymer, but formulated to achieve different durometers, with the upper portions  2302  preferably having a lower durometer than the lower portion  2304 . The material of the lower portion  2304  preferably has a durometer of about 50 to 65 Shore A, and more preferably a durometer of 50 Shore A, while the material of the upper portion  2302  preferably has a durometer between about 40 to about 60 Shore A, and more preferably about a durometer of 40 Shore A. It will be appreciated that the measurement of the durometer of the material of the cushioned cap  2300 , and indeed any of the cushioned caps described herein may vary from the desired durometer by about 5 Shore A due to variations in molding, materials, and variations in durometer measurement techniques. It will be appreciated that the durometer of the material, the shape as described herein, and the surface shape and/or texture of the cushioned caps contribute to the overall desired feel of the cushioned caps. 
     The lower portion  2304  is formed with a circumferentially extending flange  2304   b  having a radially extending support surface  2304   c , which abuts, is bonded to, and supports the radially outer part of the lower surface  2302   b  of the upper portion  2302 . The lower portion  2304  is also formed with a radially inwardly extending step having a radially extending surface  2304   d  which is co-planar with the support surface  2304   c , and abuts, is bonded to, and supports the radially inner part of the lower surface  2302   b  of the upper portion  2302 . The flange  2304   b  has a tapered cross-section, being thinner in the more radially outward portions, as seen in  FIG. 48 . Thus the flange  2304  provides progressively less support for the radially outer regions of the upper portion  2302  compared to the radially inner regions of the upper portion  2302 . This arrangement provides a first feel for the cushioned cap  2300 . 
     In contrast, consider the cushioned cap  2400  illustrated in  FIG. 50 . The cushioned cap  2400  is illustrated as part of a keyboard, indicated generally at  2401 . The cushioned cap  2400  may be formed of the same materials as the cushioned cap  2300 , and yet have a different perceived softness due to the difference of the structure of the cushioned cap  2400  compared to the cushioned cap  2300 . The cushioned cap  2400  includes an upper portion  2402 , and a lower portion  2404 . The upper portion  2402  is preferably formed of the same material as the upper portion  2302 , has the same durometer as the upper portion  2302 , and has an identical structure as the upper portion  2302 . The lower portion  2404  is preferably formed of the same material as the lower portion  2304 , has the same durometer as the lower portion  2304 , and has an identical structure as the lower portion  2304 , except that the lower portion  2404  is not provided with a flange corresponding to the flange  2304   b . Thus, the radially outer portion of the lower surface of the upper portion  2302  receives no direct support from the lower portion  2404 . For this reason, the cushioned cap  2400  may be perceived as being softer than the cushioned cap  2300  since upper portion  2302  will displace more in response to some forces exerted on the upper portion  2302 . 
     Now consider the cushioned cap  2500  illustrated in  FIG. 51 . The cushioned cap  2500  may be formed of the same materials as the cushioned cap  2300 , and yet have a different perceived softness due to the difference of the structure of the cushioned cap  2500  compared to the cushioned cap  2300 . The cushioned cap  2500  includes an upper portion  2502 , and a lower portion  2504 . The upper portion  2502  is preferably formed of the same material as the upper portion  2302 , has the same durometer as the upper portion  2302 , and has an identical structure as the upper portion  2302 . Thus, the upper portion has a lower surface  2502   b . The lower portion  2504  is preferably formed of the same material as the lower portion  2304 , has the same durometer as the lower portion  2304 , and has an identical structure as the lower portion  2304 , except that the diameter of the lower portion  2504  is greater than that of the lower portion  2304 , and has no flange corresponding to the flange  2304   b . The diameter of the lower portion  2504  is preferably equal to the major diameter of the upper portion  2502 . As seen in  FIG. 51 , the lower portion  2504  is formed with a radially inwardly extending step having a radially extending surface  2504   d  which abuts, is bonded to, and supports the entire lower surface  2502   b  of the upper portion  2502 . Thus the entire lower surface  2502   b  is supported by a thick section of the lower portion  2504 , with the result that the cushioned cap  2500  will have less perceived softness than either the cushioned cap  2400  or the cushioned cap  2300 . 
     Refer now to  FIGS. 52 and 53 . A cushioned cap is shown, indicated generally at  2600 , provided with an indicating portion  2600   a . The cushioned cap  2600  includes an upper portion  2602  and a lower portion  2604 . Unlike the upper portions  2302 ,  2402 , and  2502  described above, the upper portion  2602  is a castellated toroid, that is, formed as a toroid with a plurality of spaced apart castellations  2602   a  or nubs on the upper surface thereof. Also unlike the upper portions  2302 ,  2402 , and  2502  described above, the overmold comprising the upper portion  2602  includes not only the castellated toroid portion about the periphery of the lower portion  2604 , but also includes additional elements disposed on the upper surface  2604   a  of the lower portion  2604 , including, for example a stripe  2602   x  extending diametrically across the upper surface  2604   a , and rings  2602   y  disposed about nubs formed on the upper surface  2604   a.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion  2602  and the lower portion  2604  are formed of material having contrasting colors or textures, to form a visually or tactilely perceptible design. These designs could be, for example, serve a utilitarian purpose, such as forming a trademark, or the design could serve a purely decorative purpose. The upper portion  2602  and the lower portion  2604 , as is evident in light of the discussion relating to some of the earlier embodiments discussed above, may also be formed of material having different durometers, so that by varying the durometer and distribution of the materials comprising the cap  2600 , the perceived softness and handling properties of the cushioned cap  2600  may be adjusted during manufacture. 
     While the elements  2602   x  and  2603   y  are illustrated as being disposed in grooves (recesses) formed in the lower portion  2604  so that these elements  2602   x  and  2602   y  are flush with the surrounding surface, the elements forming part of the upper portion  2602  could be otherwise (i.e., stand proud of the surrounding surface, or even be recessed below the surrounding surface in even deeper grooves formed in the lower portion  2604 ). 
     Suitable ones of the cushioned caps described above, including at least the cushioned caps illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 39  and  44  through  53  may be formed using a multi-shot molding process. In the simplest form, this is a two-shot molding process, as described in  FIG. 54 , but additional shots and other finishing steps may be used to form the cushioned caps. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 54 , a first step  2701  is to provide a mold including at least a first part and a second part cooperating to form a first cavity for molding one of a lower portion and an upper portion of a cushioned cap. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that molds of more than two parts used at one time could be utilized. Similarly, it is believed that it would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that either the upper portion or the lower portion of a cushioned cap could be molded first. Assume, for the sake of illustration, that the lower portion of a cushioned cap is to be molded first. 
     According to a second step  2702 , insert a first material (suitable for forming part of a cushioned cap, as described above) into the first cavity, and let the material cure partially to form the one of the lower portion and the upper portion (the lower portion per the assumption in the previous paragraph). The first material may be inserted by any suitable process, such as in an injection molding process. 
     According to a third step  2703 , remove the second part of the mold, and position a third part of the mold in operative relationship to the first part of the mold. The third part of the mold will be spaced away from at least portions of the first material in the first mold, so as to define a second cavity into which additional material can be inserted. 
     According to a fourth step  2704 , insert a second material (suitable for forming part of a cushioned cap, as described above) into the mold in the cavity between the first material and the third part of the mold, so the second material will come into contact with the first material to form the other of the upper and lower portions (the upper portion, per the illustrative assumption above) during the molding process. The second material may be inserted by any suitable process, such as in an injection molding process. The second material will bond to the first material, forming a unitary cushioned cap. In a preferred embodiment the first material is a polymeric material which is only partially cured when the second material, also a polymeric material, is injected, so that the second material will bond to the first material as the two materials cure, forming a unitary cushioned cap. 
     According to a fifth step  2705 , remove the bonded first and second materials as a fully formed cushioned cap. It may be necessary to perform additional processes, such as cutting sprue from the fully formed cap, but the cushioned cap is fully formed. 
     It will be appreciated that any combination of the elements of the embodiments described herein may be combined and practiced together in accordance with the present invention. It will also be appreciated that the durometer of the material, the shape as described herein, and the surface shape and/or texture of the cushioned caps contribute to the overall desired feel of the cushioned caps. 
     It will be appreciated that a host of factors can result in slight variations in the durometer of the cushioned caps described herein. Accordingly, the values and ranges of Shore A durometer measurements should be understood to be plus or minus about 5 Shore A. 
     It will be appreciated that, while the caps described herein have been described as being provided with a recess (such as the recesses  2310 ,  2210 ,  2110 ,  1110 ,  1010 ,  960 , and  34 , and the pockets (recesses)  910 ,  510 , and  410 ) as a structure for coupling a cushioned cap to a control stick, other structures are possible (such as a recess formed in a cursor control stick, into which a protrusion formed on a cushioned cap is inserted (not shown), or the overmolding of a cushioned cap onto a perforated end of a cursor control stick (not shown), or the use of a third element to couple the cap and the cursor control stick together (not shown), etc.). 
     The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.