Patent ID: 11733743

Abstract:
An innovative palmrest assembly for a computer has fewer components and reduces costs. The palmrest assembly has a cover that holds a tactile pointing device (such as a touch/click pad). The cover, though, is integrally molded with a holder for the tactile pointing device. The cover thus includes a molded pocket or recess into which the tactile pointing device is inserted, perhaps in a snap-fit arrangement. Because the tactile pointing device snuggly fits into the cover, the palmrest assembly has fewer components and fastening screws may be eliminated. Moreover, the cover may further include one or more elastomeric springs that are integrally molded with the holder for the tactile pointing device. The integrally-molded elastomeric springs further reduce componentry and eliminate complicated assembly operations. When a user taps or clicks the tactile pointing device, the elastomeric springs slightly compress and then rebound, thus providing a return motion to the tactile pointing device. The elastomeric springs may be tuned in material and in shape to achieve any desired feel or experience metric.