Pointing device with reciprocating grip cap

Abstract

A user-manipulable in-keyboard pointing device is provided, for use in portable electronic apparatus such as laptop computers, for allowing the user to move a symbol, such as a cursor, around a GUI display. For small laptops whose displays close over their keyboards, such as in clamshell fashion, the device protects the display surface from smearing or abrasion from physical contact with the user-manipulable device. The device includes a post, rigidly coupled to motion sensors for producing motion signals, responsive to user manipulation, the post having a head-and-shoulder contour. The device further includes a resilient fingertip grip cap that fits over the head of the post. The grip cap has a shape which provides two cooperative arrangements for fitting onto the post. The first configuration, which is for normal use, has the cap projecting above the post by a first height. Responsive to downward pressure, such as exerted by the display surface when the laptop is closed, the grip cap deforms such that it now fits over the post in the second cooperative arrangement, in which the cap projects above the post by a second, lesser height. Therefore the display is less apt to become dirty or damaged that would be the case if the grip cap remained at the first height over the post.