WO2014087127A1 - A stylus - Google Patents

A stylus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014087127A1
WO2014087127A1 PCT/GB2013/052853 GB2013052853W WO2014087127A1 WO 2014087127 A1 WO2014087127 A1 WO 2014087127A1 GB 2013052853 W GB2013052853 W GB 2013052853W WO 2014087127 A1 WO2014087127 A1 WO 2014087127A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stylus
body portion
screen
radially extending
tcd
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2013/052853
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Chris Towns
Peter Rickett
Dan INNES
Original Assignee
C & J Clark International Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB1313662.7A external-priority patent/GB201313662D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB1313901.9A external-priority patent/GB201313901D0/en
Application filed by C & J Clark International Limited filed Critical C & J Clark International Limited
Priority to EP13792942.8A priority Critical patent/EP2929416A1/en
Publication of WO2014087127A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014087127A1/en
Priority to HK16103934.5A priority patent/HK1216042A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03545—Pens or stylus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a stylus for use with a touchscreen of a touchscreen computer device (TCD).
  • TCD touchscreen computer device
  • a stylus for use in conjunction with a TCD comprising an elongate first element having a holding portion at one end and a screen engaging portion at the other end, and a second element comprising a cylindrical body portion surrounding at least a portion of the first element, the first element being mounted for limited axial movement relative the cylindrical body portion and the body portion having an annular external contact surface.
  • the axially facing end of the body portion remote from the holding portion has a smooth radially extending surface in a single plane for sliding over a touchscreen or touchscreen cover.
  • the radially extending surface is continuous and annular.
  • the first element is resiliency urged in an axial direction into an inactive position relative to the body such that the screen engaging portion is retracted inside the body portion above the radially extending surface of the body portion and the first element can be moved axially into an active position in which the screen engaging portion is in radial alignment with said radially extending surface of the body portion so as to contact in use the screen of a TCD.
  • the first element is resiliency urged by means of a coil spring disposed between the body portion and the holding portion.
  • the body portion is freely rotatable about a central lengthwise axis of the first element.
  • an annular roller sleeve disposed coaxially around the body portion, the roller sleeve being free to rotate around the body portion. Also, an exterior surface of the holding portion has a plurality of formations/indentations to aid grip.
  • Figure 1 is a vertical section through a stylus according to the present invention in an inactive position
  • Figure 2 is a vertical section through the stylus in an active position
  • Figure 3 is a plan view of an alternative stylus according to the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a side view of the stylus of figure 3
  • Figure 5 is a vertical section on AA of figure 4 through the stylus in an inactive position
  • Figure 6 is a vertical section through the stylus in an active position.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 there is shown a stylus 12 which is intended, in use, to engage the screen 10 of a Touchscreen Computer Device (TCD), for example a computer tablet, mini-tablet or even phone.
  • the stylus 12 comprises a first element 40 and a second element 41.
  • the second element 41 comprises a cylindrical body portion 42 having a circular cylindrical, axially extending external contact surface 43 and an internal projection 44 having a central hole/bore 45.
  • the lower face 46 of the body portion is smooth and extends radially in a single plane to enable the face 46 to slide easily over the upper surface of the screen 10 of the TCD with the surface 43 substantially perpendicular to the surface of the screen.
  • the first element 40 comprises a holding portion 47 having a downwardly extending stem 48 which passes through the central hole 45 of the body portion and is a sliding fit therein.
  • the central hole 45 has a length in the vertical direction (as viewed in the figures) sufficient to support the first element in a vertical orientation relative to the second element.
  • the lowermost end of the stem 48 has a screen engaging portion 49 in the form of a tip which could have any desired shape.
  • the first element 40 is axially movable relative to the body portion 42 but is resiliently urged upwards by a coil spring 50 disposed between the projection 44 and the holding portion 47.
  • the stylus has an inactive position in which the first element 40 is urged upwards by the spring 50 so that the screen engaging portion 49 is retracted (figure 1).
  • the stylus also has an active position in which the first element 40 is pressed down against the force of the spring 50 so that the screen engaging portion 49 is level with the radial face 46 of the body portion 42 so as to engage the screen 10 of the TCD.
  • the materials of the first element 40, and in particular the screen engaging portion 49 must be TCD compatible such that contacts with the screen of the TCD 23 are registered by the TCD.
  • the stylus 12 can be placed on the screen 10 of the TCD so that its axial contact surface 43 lies against the perimeter of an object and the lower face 46 lies against the platform. Downward pressure is applied to the holding portion 47 of the stylus so that the screen engaging portion 49 is moved into its active position. The stylus 12 is then moved around the object such that the stylus follows a path determined by the shape of the object.
  • the stem 48 is circular in section and the body portion 42 is able to rotate around the stem 48.
  • the body portion effectively rolls around the object thereby minimising any effects of friction between the stylus and the object.
  • the TCD 22 can incorporate suitable programming (an app) such that from the traced path, and from the known radial distance from the lengthwise axis of the stylus 12 to the axial contact surface 43, the TCD can establish details relating to the object such as shape and size.
  • an app such that from the traced path, and from the known radial distance from the lengthwise axis of the stylus 12 to the axial contact surface 43, the TCD can establish details relating to the object such as shape and size.
  • the stylus can be used for purposes other than tracing and can be used for effecting basic point contacts with the screen of the TCD or drawing lines on the screen of the TCD.
  • FIGS 3 to 6 there is shown another stylus 112 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the stylus 112 is very similar to that shown in figures 1 and 2 and so like features have been given like reference numerals. These features will not be described again.
  • stylus 112 there is an external annular groove 60 which enables the device to be gripped and retained by a suitable device with which the stylus 112 may be associated.
  • the overall proportions of stylus 112 compared to stylus 12 are different, with stylus 112 being somewhat shorter and wider.
  • the underside of the body portion 42 is recessed at 113 such that the radial lower face 46 is peripheral and is spaced from the screen engaging portion 49. This enables the stylus to remain in good contact with the screen 10 but reduces the friction between the screen and the axial contact surface.
  • the radial lower face 46 is shown as being a continuous annular surface, it could be discontinuous around its periphery whilst still providing a stable engagement with the screen 10, perhaps even only three points of contact with the screen being necessary to establish sufficient stability.
  • the screen engaging portion 49 is shown disposed within a stepped recess 62 having an upper shoulder 63 which limits the upward travel of the first element 40 and associated screen engaging portion 49 away from the screen 10.
  • the upper end of the spring 50 is received in an upwardly extending recess 64 in the holding portion 47 of the stylus 112.
  • the lower end of the handle portion 47 is in the form of an annular projection 65 which is slidably received in a corresponding stepped recess 66 in the upper end of the body portion 42.
  • the depths of the stepped recesses 62, 66 are such that the spring 50 remains shrouded or concealed and is therefore less susceptible to damage and the stepped recess limits downward travel of the first element.
  • a freely rotating cylindrical sleeve around the body portion 42 there is provided a freely rotating cylindrical sleeve around the body portion 42.
  • the axial contact surface 43 is constituted by the external surface of the cylindrical sleeve.
  • the stylus is also able to roll around the periphery of an object while the stylus is being used to trace around the object and could, for example, be used in arrangements where the central hole 45 of the body portion 42/stem 48 are not of circular cross-section. Any changes to the diameter of any stylus can be reflected in the programming of the app to ensure accurate measurement.

Abstract

There is provided a stylus (12) for use with a touchscreen computer device. The stylus has an elongate first element (40) and a surrounding body portion (42) which has a screen contacting surface (46). The first element (40) can be held at one end and has a screen engaging portion (49). The first element (40) can be pressed down against the force of a spring (50) so that the screen engaging portion (49) contacts the screen. The body portion (42) has an annular external contact surface (43) for engaging and tracing an object.

Description

A Stylus
The present invention relates to a stylus for use with a touchscreen of a touchscreen computer device (TCD).
According to the present invention there is provided a stylus for use in conjunction with a TCD comprising an elongate first element having a holding portion at one end and a screen engaging portion at the other end, and a second element comprising a cylindrical body portion surrounding at least a portion of the first element, the first element being mounted for limited axial movement relative the cylindrical body portion and the body portion having an annular external contact surface.
Ideally the axially facing end of the body portion remote from the holding portion has a smooth radially extending surface in a single plane for sliding over a touchscreen or touchscreen cover. Preferably, the radially extending surface is continuous and annular. It is a preferred feature that the first element is resiliency urged in an axial direction into an inactive position relative to the body such that the screen engaging portion is retracted inside the body portion above the radially extending surface of the body portion and the first element can be moved axially into an active position in which the screen engaging portion is in radial alignment with said radially extending surface of the body portion so as to contact in use the screen of a TCD. A further preferred feature is that the first element is resiliency urged by means of a coil spring disposed between the body portion and the holding portion. In a preferred embodiment the body portion is freely rotatable about a central lengthwise axis of the first element.
In a further arrangement there is further provided an annular roller sleeve disposed coaxially around the body portion, the roller sleeve being free to rotate around the body portion. Also, an exterior surface of the holding portion has a plurality of formations/indentations to aid grip.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail. The description makes reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a vertical section through a stylus according to the present invention in an inactive position, Figure 2 is a vertical section through the stylus in an active position,
Figure 3 is a plan view of an alternative stylus according to the present invention,
Figure 4 is a side view of the stylus of figure 3,
Figure 5 is a vertical section on AA of figure 4 through the stylus in an inactive position, and
Figure 6 is a vertical section through the stylus in an active position.
In figures 1 and 2 there is shown a stylus 12 which is intended, in use, to engage the screen 10 of a Touchscreen Computer Device (TCD), for example a computer tablet, mini-tablet or even phone. The stylus 12 comprises a first element 40 and a second element 41. The second element 41 comprises a cylindrical body portion 42 having a circular cylindrical, axially extending external contact surface 43 and an internal projection 44 having a central hole/bore 45. The lower face 46 of the body portion is smooth and extends radially in a single plane to enable the face 46 to slide easily over the upper surface of the screen 10 of the TCD with the surface 43 substantially perpendicular to the surface of the screen. The first element 40 comprises a holding portion 47 having a downwardly extending stem 48 which passes through the central hole 45 of the body portion and is a sliding fit therein. The central hole 45 has a length in the vertical direction (as viewed in the figures) sufficient to support the first element in a vertical orientation relative to the second element. The lowermost end of the stem 48 has a screen engaging portion 49 in the form of a tip which could have any desired shape.
The first element 40 is axially movable relative to the body portion 42 but is resiliently urged upwards by a coil spring 50 disposed between the projection 44 and the holding portion 47. The stylus has an inactive position in which the first element 40 is urged upwards by the spring 50 so that the screen engaging portion 49 is retracted (figure 1). The stylus also has an active position in which the first element 40 is pressed down against the force of the spring 50 so that the screen engaging portion 49 is level with the radial face 46 of the body portion 42 so as to engage the screen 10 of the TCD. The materials of the first element 40, and in particular the screen engaging portion 49, must be TCD compatible such that contacts with the screen of the TCD 23 are registered by the TCD.
In use, the stylus 12 can be placed on the screen 10 of the TCD so that its axial contact surface 43 lies against the perimeter of an object and the lower face 46 lies against the platform. Downward pressure is applied to the holding portion 47 of the stylus so that the screen engaging portion 49 is moved into its active position. The stylus 12 is then moved around the object such that the stylus follows a path determined by the shape of the object.
In preferred arrangements the stem 48 is circular in section and the body portion 42 is able to rotate around the stem 48. When tracing around an object, the body portion effectively rolls around the object thereby minimising any effects of friction between the stylus and the object.
The TCD 22 can incorporate suitable programming (an app) such that from the traced path, and from the known radial distance from the lengthwise axis of the stylus 12 to the axial contact surface 43, the TCD can establish details relating to the object such as shape and size. By keeping the radial lower face 46 of the body portion flat against the window and the axial contact surface 43 against the object, an accurate tracing can be made with no angling of the stylus which would result in inaccurate tracing and hence inaccurate recordal of details by the TCD.
It will be appreciated that the stylus can be used for purposes other than tracing and can be used for effecting basic point contacts with the screen of the TCD or drawing lines on the screen of the TCD.
In figures 3 to 6 there is shown another stylus 112 in accordance with the present invention. The stylus 112 is very similar to that shown in figures 1 and 2 and so like features have been given like reference numerals. These features will not be described again.
In stylus 112 there is an external annular groove 60 which enables the device to be gripped and retained by a suitable device with which the stylus 112 may be associated. The overall proportions of stylus 112 compared to stylus 12 are different, with stylus 112 being somewhat shorter and wider.
The underside of the body portion 42 is recessed at 113 such that the radial lower face 46 is peripheral and is spaced from the screen engaging portion 49. This enables the stylus to remain in good contact with the screen 10 but reduces the friction between the screen and the axial contact surface. Although the radial lower face 46 is shown as being a continuous annular surface, it could be discontinuous around its periphery whilst still providing a stable engagement with the screen 10, perhaps even only three points of contact with the screen being necessary to establish sufficient stability.
Also with stylus 112, the screen engaging portion 49 is shown disposed within a stepped recess 62 having an upper shoulder 63 which limits the upward travel of the first element 40 and associated screen engaging portion 49 away from the screen 10. In addition, in this embodiment, the upper end of the spring 50 is received in an upwardly extending recess 64 in the holding portion 47 of the stylus 112. Furthermore, the lower end of the handle portion 47 is in the form of an annular projection 65 which is slidably received in a corresponding stepped recess 66 in the upper end of the body portion 42. The depths of the stepped recesses 62, 66 are such that the spring 50 remains shrouded or concealed and is therefore less susceptible to damage and the stepped recess limits downward travel of the first element. These are preferred but not essential features.
In an alternative stylus, there is provided a freely rotating cylindrical sleeve around the body portion 42. In this arrangement the axial contact surface 43 is constituted by the external surface of the cylindrical sleeve. In such an embodiment the stylus is also able to roll around the periphery of an object while the stylus is being used to trace around the object and could, for example, be used in arrangements where the central hole 45 of the body portion 42/stem 48 are not of circular cross-section. Any changes to the diameter of any stylus can be reflected in the programming of the app to ensure accurate measurement.

Claims

Claims
1. A stylus for use in conjunction with a touchscreen computer device (TCD) comprising an elongate first element having a holding portion at one end and a screen engaging portion at the other end, and a second element comprising a body portion surrounding at least a portion of the first element, the first element being mounted for limited axial movement relative the cylindrical body portion and the body portion having an annular external contact surface.
2. A stylus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the axially facing end of the body portion remote from the holding portion has a smooth radially extending surface in a single plane for sliding over a touchscreen or touchscreen cover.
3. A stylus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the radially extending surface is continuous and annular.
4. A stylus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the first element is resiliency urged in an axial direction into an inactive position relative to the body such that the screen engaging portion is retracted inside the body portion above the radially extending surface of the body portion and the first element can be moved axially into an active position in which the screen engaging portion is in radial alignment with said radially extending surface of the body portion so as to contact in use the screen of a TCD.
5. A stylus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first element is resiliency urged by means of a coil spring disposed between the body portion and the holding portion.
6. A stylus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the body portion is freely rotatable about a central lengthwise axis of the first element.
7. A stylus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein there is further provided an annular roller sleeve disposed coaxially around the body portion, the roller sleeve being free to rotate around the body portion.
8. A stylus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein an exterior surface of the holding portion has a plurality of formations/indentations to aid grip.
PCT/GB2013/052853 2012-12-06 2013-11-01 A stylus WO2014087127A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13792942.8A EP2929416A1 (en) 2012-12-06 2013-11-01 A stylus
HK16103934.5A HK1216042A1 (en) 2012-12-06 2016-04-07 A stylus

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201221972 2012-12-06
GB1221972.1 2012-12-06
GBGB1313662.7A GB201313662D0 (en) 2013-07-31 2013-07-31 A footgauge
GB1313662.7 2013-07-31
GB1313901.9 2013-08-02
GBGB1313901.9A GB201313901D0 (en) 2013-08-02 2013-08-02 A stylus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014087127A1 true WO2014087127A1 (en) 2014-06-12

Family

ID=49622841

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2013/052853 WO2014087127A1 (en) 2012-12-06 2013-11-01 A stylus

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2929416A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2509583A (en)
HK (1) HK1216042A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2014087127A1 (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4492819A (en) * 1982-12-30 1985-01-08 Kurta Corporation Graphic tablet and method
US20080259053A1 (en) * 2007-04-11 2008-10-23 John Newton Touch Screen System with Hover and Click Input Methods
US20090309854A1 (en) * 2008-06-13 2009-12-17 Polyvision Corporation Input devices with multiple operating modes
US20110285670A1 (en) * 2010-05-21 2011-11-24 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Stylus pen
WO2012145226A2 (en) * 2011-04-17 2012-10-26 Wimo Labs LLC Electrically conductive touch pen
US20120274680A1 (en) * 2011-04-29 2012-11-01 Silk Road Gifts, Inc. Stylus with carbon fiber
KR101208366B1 (en) * 2011-07-05 2012-12-05 정광수 A capacitive sensing touch pen

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4791249A (en) * 1986-05-02 1988-12-13 Santoro Eugene A Digitizer pen caddy
DE202007000243U1 (en) * 2007-01-08 2007-05-10 Great Performance Industries Co., Ltd. Telescopic stylus for e.g. cell phone, has positioning device with positioning opening, pressure spring and two pins, where spring and pins are accommodated in opening and pins are provided at both ends of spring and project from opening
CN102147668B (en) * 2010-02-08 2014-12-10 南通奥普机械工程有限公司 Touch pen
CN202584031U (en) * 2012-01-20 2012-12-05 李锦珠 Multifunctional touch cleaning pen

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4492819A (en) * 1982-12-30 1985-01-08 Kurta Corporation Graphic tablet and method
US20080259053A1 (en) * 2007-04-11 2008-10-23 John Newton Touch Screen System with Hover and Click Input Methods
US20090309854A1 (en) * 2008-06-13 2009-12-17 Polyvision Corporation Input devices with multiple operating modes
US20110285670A1 (en) * 2010-05-21 2011-11-24 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Stylus pen
WO2012145226A2 (en) * 2011-04-17 2012-10-26 Wimo Labs LLC Electrically conductive touch pen
US20120274680A1 (en) * 2011-04-29 2012-11-01 Silk Road Gifts, Inc. Stylus with carbon fiber
KR101208366B1 (en) * 2011-07-05 2012-12-05 정광수 A capacitive sensing touch pen

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201319303D0 (en) 2013-12-18
HK1216042A1 (en) 2016-10-07
GB2509583A (en) 2014-07-09
EP2929416A1 (en) 2015-10-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3036609B1 (en) Touch screen stylus with force and/or angle sensing functionality
US8947404B2 (en) Stylus
EP2833244A3 (en) Pen pressure detecting module and position indicator
WO2015013533A3 (en) Methods and apparatus for implementing dual tip functionality in a stylus device
CN205262349U (en) Utensil is examined to circular cone height
EP2551644A3 (en) Position detection device
EP2929416A1 (en) A stylus
CN203792984U (en) Compass for mathematic teaching
CN102902376A (en) Wireless mouse employing multiple sensors
CN204249645U (en) A kind of cyclograph
CN105934731A (en) Adjustable stylus pen
CN204100993U (en) 3 D measuring instrument support
CN107478137A (en) Round bar depth gauge rule
CN207214991U (en) Round bar depth gauge rule
CN202182679U (en) Go and no-go gauge
CN202378557U (en) Cyclograph
CN104165187B (en) A kind of ball-bearing retainer
CN105547094A (en) Tool for detecting height of circular cone
CN103639923A (en) Supporting and locating device capable of being adjusted automatically
CN204025352U (en) A kind of ball-bearing retainer
CN204228084U (en) A kind of cubing for detecting the engine cylinder cover spark-plug hole degree of depth
CN203172264U (en) Multipurpose ruler
CN203236914U (en) Safe compass ruler
CN201863580U (en) Cyclograph
CN204881478U (en) Motor transmission toper piece detector

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13792942

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2013792942

Country of ref document: EP