Abstract:
A computer mouse with an integral attached mouse pad is herein disclosed. The top portion of the mouse moves conventionally while the base is equipped with sliding X-Y access plates having a protruding analog stick. The bottom surface of the base plate comprises a non-slip material. The top portion has both left and right mouse buttons as found on a conventional mouse. In use, the top portion of the device slides in relation to the base generating higher resolution computer cursor movements. This device is ideal for use on desktops with crowded spaces or for with notebook computers.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/070,270 filed on Mar. 24, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a computer mouse and, more particularly, to an interconnected computer mouse and pad. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     One (1) of the most common computer accessories is the computer mouse. Various versions such as mechanical/optical encoders, laser mice, trackballs, touchpad, and the like are readily available to suit almost any user&#39;s preference. Many of these devices are of a large size compared to the space occupied by a typical mouse pad. When using the conventional mouse, the device detects two-dimensional motion of the mouse relative to a supporting surface and translates such motion into a pointing movement on a computer screen. This motion translation requires ample space to perform tasks effectively. Often, space is limited on a desktop and users find themselves continually fighting with the mouse, the mouse cord, and the pad itself. A regular problem with a conventional mouse used in a limited space is that users find they must continually pick up the mouse device and reposition it in order to accurately reach a desired location with the pointer on the computer screen. 
     Various attempts have been made in the past to overcome these disadvantages and provide a computing mouse device without the aforementioned problems. Among the relevant attempts to address these problems are several U.S. Patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,841,426; 5,990,869; 6,191,774 and 6,504,528. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,144, issued in the name of Scholder et al., describes a mouse pointing device and a method of providing movement and position data using a mouse device comprising a mouse body, a movement tracking mechanism, and a user position tracking mechanism. The Scholder device uses the tracking mechanism to produce data regarding the movement of the body in relation to a substantially planer surface and the user position tracking mechanism which provides a pressure sensitive means of enabling the user to enter the third dimension in relation to the movement of the mouse device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,260, issued in the name of Graham et al., describes a user input device for electronic devices comprising a grid of light produced from a light source which provides positional information using the grid of light. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,593,911, issued in the name of Murphy, describes an infrared cordless mouse with mouse pad receiver comprising a transmission port which transmits a light signal downwardly into the mouse pad receiver. The mouse pad receiver comprises two sections directs and receives light signals from the mouse and transmits the signals to a computer. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffers from one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the functionality and feel of a conventional computer mouse can be provided in a device which utilizes less physical space while still producing outstanding resolution. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for an interconnected computer mouse and pad and thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide an interconnected computer mouse and pad, which provides a means for a computer pointing device with an integrated surface for improved operation which functions similar to a conventional computer mouse and mouse pad, yet requires less physical space. The apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a desktop computer or notebook computer and is positioned to the side of a keyboard in the general position usually occupied by a conventional computer mouse or similar pointing device. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus comprising a stationary lower plate, a movable upper plate, a grippable protrusion, an X-Y axis control, a pair of auxiliary controls, a track system, a vertical rod pair, a horizontal rod pair, a wheel guide, movement encoders, a junction point, a central circuit board, a connection cable, a connection plug and all associated electrical and electronic components. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the stationary lower plate comprising a base plate of the apparatus which remains stationary on a desktop, counter, or other horizontal surface. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the movable upper plate which provides a means of mimicking a desired direction of a cursor on a screen portion of a computing device and works in conjunction with the X-Y axis control and the tracking system. The X-Y axis control and tracking system provide a means to separate, support, and control the stationary lower plate and the movable upper plate. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the grippable protrusion comprising a generally knob shaped portion located at a top center portion of the movable upper plate which provides a gripping means for a hand of the user. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the auxiliary controls comprising button-style switches located in an adjacent area to the grippable protrusion which provide various additional means of user interface and computing functions similar to a standard left and right control button on a conventional mouse device. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the vertical rod pair and the horizontal rod pair which provide a means to support the tracking functionality of the apparatus and are each arranged in a parallel manner to themselves and in a perpendicular manner to each other. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the wheel guide which provides a means to support each distal end of the vertical rod pair and horizontal rod pair. The ends of the vertical rod pair and the horizontal rod pair are inserted into the wheel guide and provide an axle system. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the movement encoders which are attached to the wheel guides and which provide a means of converting the two-dimensional movement of the movable upper plate to discrete signals in the “X” and the “Y” directions. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the junction point at the intersection of the vertical rod pair and the horizontal rod pair which comprises a circular receiver for the grippable protrusion to reside as provided on the movable upper plate. As the grippable protrusion is moved in the “X” or “Y” direction, the vertical rod pair and the horizontal rod pair move as well thus, relative movement of the grippable protrusion results in the generation of corresponding electrical signals relative to the speed and position of the movement. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the tracking system comprising a pathway which borders the stationary lower plate and provides a guide for the wheel guides to travel within. The tracking system provides a means of smooth movement between the movable upper plate and the stationary lower plate. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the central circuit board which receives signals from the movement encoders and the auxiliary controls and provides a means of processing those input signals and transmitting an appropriate output signal which is understood by a personal computing device. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a means of interconnection of the apparatus to a computing device comprising a connection cable and a connection cable plug. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the use of the interconnected computer mouse and pad which provides for comfortable, long-term use of a mouse in a manner which is not only quick, easy, and effective, but in a manner that utilizes less physical space. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an interconnected computer mouse and pad  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the interconnected computer mouse and pad  10  depicting a partially deployed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a side view of the interconnected computer mouse and pad  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a sectional view of the interconnected computer mouse and pad  10  as seen along line B-B, as shown in  FIG. 1 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a sectional view of the interconnected computer mouse and pad  10  as seen along a line A-A, as shown in  FIG. 3 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a close-up view of a X-Y axis control  45 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is an electrical block diagram of the interconnected computer mouse and pad  10  depicting the major electrical components, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 interconnected computer mouse and pad 
               
               
                 15 
                 stationary lower plate 
               
               
                 20 
                 movable upper plate 
               
               
                 25 
                 connection cable 
               
               
                 30 
                 connection plug 
               
               
                 35 
                 grippable protrusion 
               
               
                 40 
                 primary auxiliary control 
               
               
                 43 
                 secondary auxiliary control 
               
               
                 45 
                 X-Y axis control 
               
               
                 50 
                 vertical rod pair 
               
               
                 55 
                 horizontal rod pair 
               
               
                 60 
                 wheel guide 
               
               
                 65 
                 movement encoders 
               
               
                 70 
                 interconnecting wiring 
               
               
                 75 
                 central circuit board 
               
               
                 80 
                 junction point 
               
               
                 90 
                 track system 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for an interconnected computer mouse and pad (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a computer pointing device with an integrated surface for improving the operation thereof. Said apparatus  10  comprises a stationary lower plate  15 , a movable upper plate  20 , a connection cable  25 , a connection plug  30 , a grippable protrusion  35 , a pair of auxiliary controls  40 ,  43 , a track system  90 , and associated electrical and electronic components. Said apparatus  10  functions similar thereto a conventional computer mouse and mouse pad, yet requires less physical space. Said apparatus  10  is utilized in conjunction with a desktop computer or notebook computer and is positioned to the side of a keyboard in the general position usually occupied by a conventional computer mouse or similar pointing device. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 2  a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a partially deployed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. While depicted as a separate component or computer accessory for the purposes of illustration, the apparatus  10  could be built-in as an integral part of other computing devices such as a keyboard assembly, a portable or “notebook” computer, or the like, and as such, the independent and separate configuration of said apparatus  10  should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. 
     The apparatus  10  comprises two (2) major physical components, a stationary lower plate  15  and a movable upper plate  20 . The stationary lower plate  15  forms the base plate of the apparatus  10  and would remain stationary on a desktop, counter, or other horizontal surface. The movable upper plate  20  mimics the desired direction of a cursor on a screen portion of a computing device and works in conjunction with an X-Y axis control  45  and tracking system  90  (see  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b ). The stationary lower plate  15  and movable upper plate  20  are fabricated from a plastic material, yet other materials may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The stationary lower plate  15  and the movable upper plate  20  are separated, supported and controlled by a moving X-Y axis control  45  and track system  90  which will be described in greater detail herein below. The overall dimensions of the apparatus  10  are approximately two (2) inches in length to four (4) inches in width. 
     The apparatus  10  is interconnected to a computing device by use of a connection cable  25  and a connection plug  30 . The connection plug  30  would be a conventional PS2 or USB connection plug that is well known in the art. However, other combinations such as older serial port mouse connections as well as proprietary connections should be considered eligible as well. Said connection cable  25  and a connection plug  30  are located on a front side portion of the apparatus  10 . 
     A grippable protrusion  35  is located at a top center portion of the movable upper plate  20  and serves as a grasping area for a human hand during use. While depicted as generally “knob-shaped” for the purposes of illustration, it should be noted that the grippable protrusion  35  can take the shape of a computer mouse, a joy stick, a lever or other similar shape which is not only easy to grasp but provides comfort and increased control when used for long periods of time. Said grippable protrusion  35  is fabricated from a material such as, but not limited to: plastic, rubber, or the like. 
     A pair of auxiliary controls  40 ,  43  such as button-style switches to produce left and right clicks is provided as well in the area of the grippable protrusion  35 . Said auxiliary controls  40 ,  43  provide the user with selection options similar thereto conventional computer pointing devices such as, but not limited to: highlighting an object, dragging an object, or the like. A primary auxiliary control  40  is located on an upper left side of the grippable protrusion  35  and simulates functions similar to a conventional left button thereon computer pointing devices. A secondary auxiliary control  43  is located on an upper right side of the grippable protrusion  35  and simulates functions similar to a conventional right button thereon a computer pointing devices. Exact placement of the auxiliary controls  40 ,  43  would depend on the exact configuration of the grippable protrusion  35  as well as specific model preferences. Said auxiliary controls  40 ,  43  are connected to a central circuit board  75  therewith interconnecting wire  70  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , a side view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 3B  a sectional view of the apparatus  10  as seen along line B-B, as shown in  FIG. 1 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. These figures more clearly show the relationship between the stationary lower plate  15  and the movable upper plate  20 . An X-Y axis control  45  is clearly visible between the stationary lower plate  15  and the movable upper plate  20  and will be described in greater detail herein below. The overall thickness of the interconnected computer mouse and pad  10  is approximately one-quarter (¼) inch to one-half (½) inch in a typical configuration, but could be greater in the case of desktop usage for drawing/gaming applications, or could be thinner in the instance of the interconnected computer mouse and pad  10  being incorporated into a portable laptop computer. Additionally, the grippable protrusion  35  is present on the movable upper plate  20  as aforementioned described. Said grippable protrusion  35  is integrally connected thereto the junction point  80  (also see  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b ). Further, the auxiliary control devices  40  is also present on the movable upper plate  20  as aforementioned described and interconnected thereto the central circuit board  75  therewith interconnecting wiring  70 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , a sectional view of the apparatus  10  taken along a section line A-A, as shown in  FIG. 3   a , and  FIG. 4   b  a close-up view of an X-Y axis control  45 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises an X-Y axis control  45 , a vertical rod pair  50 , a horizontal rod pair  55 , a wheel guide  60 , and a tracking system  90 . These figures more clearly depict the X-Y axis control  45  and its various components. A vertical rod pair  50  and horizontal rod pair  55  form the basis of support for the tracking functionality of the apparatus  10 . The vertical rod pair  50  and horizontal rod pair  55  are each arranged in a parallel manner to themselves and in a perpendicular manner to each other. The ends of the vertical rod pair  50  and horizontal rod pair  55  are supported by a wheel guide  60  at each of the four (4) end locations. The end portions of the vertical rod pair  50  and horizontal rod pair  55  are inserted thereinto the wheel guide  60  creating an axle system. Said wheel guide  60  is positioned thereon a tracking system  90 , thereby providing a pathway for the wheel guides  60  to travel. Said tracking system  90  borders the entire stationary lower plate  15 . Said support provides a smooth surface to glide the movable upper plate  20  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and provides responsive tactile feedback for usage of the interconnected computer mouse and pad  10 . 
     Two (2) of the above mentioned wheel guides  60  comprise graduated radiating lines thereon a front surface, thereby enabling the movement encoders  65  to relay positional information to a central circuit board  75 . Said movement encoders  65  are located on an end portion of the vertical rod pair  50  and horizontal rod pair  55  and are directed toward a respected wheel guide  60 . Said movement encoders  65  convert the movement of the X-Y axis control  45  to discrete electrical impulses in the “X” and “Y” directions. A preferred method of encoding is to be laser diode based for purposes of accurate resolution. However, other methods of encoding including slotted wheel, potentiometer type, and other methods of encoding yet to be established as standards could be utilized as well, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. The electronic signals as generated by the movement encoders  65  are carried by interconnecting wiring  70  to the central circuit board  75 . 
     The intersection of the vertical rod pair  50  and the horizontal rod pair  55  form a junction point  80  which is circular in nature and always of the same size regardless of the location of either the vertical rod pair  50  or horizontal rod pair  55  anywhere on the stationary lower plate  15 . It is in this junction point  80  which the grippable protrusion  35  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) as provided on the movable upper plate  20  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) resides. As such, as the grippable protrusion  35  is moved in the “X” or “Y” direction, the vertical rod pair  50  and the horizontal rod pair  55  move as well. Thus, relative movement of the grippable protrusion  35  results in the generation of corresponding electrical signals relative to the speed and position of the movement. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an electrical block diagram of the apparatus  10  depicting the major electrical components, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The electrical signals from both of the movement encoders  65  are routed to the central circuit board  75  along with signals from any and all of the auxiliary control devices  40  as shown. The central circuit board  75  then performs the necessary signal conditioning along with any of the synchronization and modulation of the signals provided into a resultant signal that can be used by any conventional personal computer. Such signal conditioning, synchronization and modulation are well-known in the art and not within the scope of the present invention. The resultant signal is envisioned to follow the following standards: 
     Pin connection would be derived as shown in Table 1: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Pin 
                 Name 
                 Dir 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1 
                 DATA 
                 
                           
                 
                 Key Data 
               
               
                 2 
                 n/c 
                 − 
                 Not connected 
               
               
                 3 
                 GND 
                 __ 
                 Gnd 
               
               
                 4 
                 VCC 
                 → 
                 Power, +5 VDC 
               
               
                 5 
                 CLK 
                 → 
                 Clock 
               
               
                 6 
                 n/c 
                 − 
                 Not connected 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Note: 
               
               
                 Direction is Computer relative Mouse. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Various name descriptions are as follows: 
     Data—Mouse data packets or keyboard scan codes are sent from the mouse or keyboard to the computer on this single wire serially. 
     Clock—This signal is sent from the mouse or keyboard to synchronize the data signal. 
     +5 Vdc—This is a simple 5 volts signal for giving power to the mouse or keyboard. 
     Ground—This is a common ground signal used as a return path for data and is a reference to logical 0. 
     The CLK and DATA lines control bi-directional transmission. Both are fed by an open collector device which lets either host or mouse force the line to “0”. During non-transmission, CLK is at “1” and DATA can be at “0” or “1”. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; placing said apparatus  10  at a desired location relative to a computing device; connecting the connection plug  30  to an appropriate output thereon a computing device; placing a hand on the grippable protrusion  35 ; directing said grippable protrusion  35  to a left or right direction, thereby moving the Y-axis wheel guides  60  along the track system  90 , and simulating movement along the X-axis of a X-Y axis control  45 ; directing said grippable protrusion  35  to an up or down direction, thereby moving the X-axis wheel guides  60  along the track system  90 , and simulating movement along the Y-axis of a X-Y axis control  45 ; mimicking a desired location for the cursor on a screen of the computing device therewith the movement of the movable upper plate  20 ; enabling the movement encoders  65  thereto transfer data to the central circuit board  75  therewith interconnecting wire  70 ; utilizing as necessary; and, enjoying the freedom to control a computing device in a small space with no hassle. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.