Patents by Inventor Dean Dodson

Dean Dodson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5841426
    Abstract: A foot operated mouse for controlling a computer, providing similar functions as a conventional hand operated mouse. The novel foot operated mouse has a base which rests on a horizontal pad or surface, and a separate platform for supporting the foot. A ball for generating positional signals based upon an x-and-y coordinate grid is fixed to the base. The foot platform is attached to the ball and can wobble, or simultaneously rotate and incline, thereon. Switch operators corresponding to conventional finger operated control buttons of a conventional hand operated mouse are provided. Preferably, these switch operators are hinged to the foot platform, and incline when depressed. In an alternative embodiment, the foot platform and switch operators are integral. In the latter embodiment, switch operation results from contact of the platform with the base. Preferably, the upper surface of the platform is inclined, thereby establishing a toe position and a heel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: Dean Dodson, Timothy Kelley