recognize this component?

[Wags1974]

We were taking apart a hp laptop at work and found this close to the touchpad not really secured to anything.

http://picasaweb.google.com/WAGNERTRAILS/WorkRelated#

I am not sure if it belongs there or not. Model of laptop to follow.
ibm thinkpad t41 type: 2379

 

[Nitemare]

could have just been cushioning or some buffer type piece of plastic.