Pistol-grip trackball mouse

Abstract

A computer input device, comprising a pistol grip handle and having the functionality of a conventional computer mouse. In the preferred mode, the invention is hand-held and comprises a pistol grip with front and rear edges, left and right edges, and a top end and butt end. A thumb-operated control is located upon at least one side of the grip, in a position suitable to allow the user's thumb to engage same easily when the pistol grip is normally held. A plurality of buttons to emulate functions of conventional computer mouse buttons, such as a first button on an upper portion of the grip front edge, and a second button at a lower position upon the front edge. A third button may be included at a lower position, and each button allows the user to depress the same in a trigger-like fashion. Moreover, the device provides a latching function to allow a user to perform click and drag type functions. Such generates a continuous signal, as if a button were being depressed and held in position. Thus, the hand-held input device allows for usage with reduced desk space and the device may be easily used in moving vehicles. Enhanced embodiments of the device include a version worn on the user's hand, and the device may be cordless and further comprises a data link transmitter which may be upon an upper surface thereof. Such embodiment is sufficiently compact to allow a user to operate a computer keyboard while the input device is held in place via restraint means.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.