Stylus sheath for use with touch-sensitive screens
AssigneeIntermec Corporation
InventorRobert A. Zigler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sheath consists of an elongated member with an internal volume designed to securely and removably receive the end of an elongated cylindrical instrument with a suitable radius, such as a pen or pencil. The sheath can be comprised of an elastomeric material which allows the sheath to expand as the cylindrical instrument is inserted into the internal volume, and thus exert a radial force upon the instrument and restrain any motion of the instrument relative to the sheath. The elastomeric material has a lesser hardness than the screen material so that it will not damage the screen, but a greater hardness than a soft pencil eraser so that it overcomes the problems associated therewith. The sheath can be made with a tip of any shape and sharpness so that it will be compatible with any touch-sensitive screen.
Claims30
A sheath capable of being used and enclosing an end of a stylus having a first diameter and a touch-sensitive screen having a first hardness, comprising:
- an elongated member extending in a longitudinal direction between a distal end and a proximal end, the member having an exterior surface generally tapering between the proximal and distal ends to reach a tip at the distal end, and having an interior volume having a second diameter and capable of securely and removably receiving the end of the stylus when inserted through a proximal opening,
- wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter and wherein the proximal opening expands transversely at the proximal end of the sheath as a result of the difference between the first and second diameters,
- wherein the elongated member is formed at least partially of an elastomeric material having a second hardness, and wherein the second hardness is less than the first hardness.
A cover capable of being used and enclosing an end of an elongated cylindrical instrument and a touch-sensitive screen having a first hardness, comprising:
- a cover member extending in a longitudinal direction between a distal end and a proximal end, the cover member having an exterior surface between the proximal and distal ends, and having an interior volume capable of securely and removably receiving the end of the elongated cylindrical instrument when inserted through a proximal opening of the cover member;
- and
- a tip coupled to the distal end of the cover member having a second hardness, wherein the second hardness is less than the first hardness.
An input system, comprising:
- a touch-sensitive electronic screen having a first hardness;
- control electronics coupled to the touch-sensitive screen;
- an elongated cylindrical instrument;
- a cover member and enclosing a distal portion of the elongated cylindrical instrument extending in a longitudinal direction between a distal end and a proximal end, the cover member having an exterior surface between the proximal and distal ends, and having an interior volume capable of securely and removably receiving an end of the elongated cylindrical instrument when inserted through a proximal opening of the cover member;
- and
- a tip coupled to the distal end of the cover member and having a second hardness, wherein the second hardness is less than the first hardness.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.