US Patent No: 5,949,401
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
Two-handed input apparatus and method
Stats
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Sep 7, 1999
Issued date -
Nov 21, 1996
filing date -
08/754,680
serial no -
Expired
status
Importance
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for inputting data including controls to a computer, or other equipment. Included are a two-handed, hand-held apparatus and a method for inputting data using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of input devices, each having input elements for inputting data to a computer or other equipment by the transmission of signals to such computer or equipment, and a pair of holders that mount the input devices and have holding portions and hand resting portions. The holders are releasably joined in back-to-back relation by a connector mechanism that allows the holders to be individually held in free space by and between the two hands of a user. The apparatus can be used in any position but the preferred method of use involves turning or rotating the hands so that a selected input device is positioned on top in a convenient position for manipulation by the uppermost hand while it rests on the uppermost holder and while the entire apparatus is being supported by the lowermost hand. More specifically, the connector mechanism pivotally interconnects the holders and has features which enable the holders and their input devices to be separated from the apparatus so that they can be interchanged with other holders mounting different input devices.
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First Claim
Related Publications
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International Classification(s)
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- [Patents Count]
Cited Art
| Patent Info | (Count) | # Cites | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
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| 4,952,919 Trackball mechanism | 72 | 1989 | |
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| 5,313,230 Three degree of freedom graphic object controller | 110 | 1992 | |
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| 5,379,054 Pointing device | 4 | 1994 | |
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| 5,563,631 Portable information apparatus | 130 | 1994 | |
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| 5,457,480 Integrated mouse and numerical keypad device | 46 | 1994 | |
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| 5,512,892 Hand held control device | 55 | 1994 | |
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| 5,063,289 Combined mouse and trackball | 52 | 1990 | |
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| 5,339,097 Computer keyboard | 23 | 1992 | |
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| 5,298,919 Multi-dimensional input device | 112 | 1992 | |
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| 4,933,670 Multi-axis trackball | 109 | 1988 | |
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| 5,280,276 Combination mouse/trackball input device | 73 | 1992 | |
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| 5,551,693 Controller unit for electronic devices | 95 | 1995 | |
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| 4,424,947 Helicopter deicer system power transfer assembly | 4 | 1981 | |
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| 4,927,364 Steering wheel | 5 | 1988 | |
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| 4,458,238 Hand held data entry unit | 63 | 1982 | |
| 4,850,880 Anti-tangle swivel electrical connector | 23 | 1987 | |
| 5,063,376 Numeric mouse one hand controllable computer peripheral pointing device | 68 | 1989 | |
| 5,260,696 Multiple signaling mouse with faceted surfaces | 54 | 1991 | |
| 5,296,871 Three-dimensional mouse with tactile feedback | 255 | 1992 | |
| 5,287,090 Combination mouse and track ball unit | 54 | 1992 | |
| 5,334,997 Foot-operated computer control | 38 | 1992 | |
| 5,426,449 Pyramid shaped ergonomic keyboard | 115 | 1993 | |