Typewriting machines – Key-board or key lever-actuating mechanism – Key-cap or key-stem structure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-07
2001-12-18
Yan, Ren (Department: 2854)
Typewriting machines
Key-board or key lever-actuating mechanism
Key-cap or key-stem structure
C400S494000, C400S490000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331083
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The field of the invention is key covers for computer keyboards.
Although there are many types of key covers which cover an entire computer keyboard,usually to protect the keys from dust when not in use,there is only one known example of a key cover for an individual key of a computer keyboard. U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,417 to Wade et al. discloses a key cover which has a pair of spaced apart feet,a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the feet,and a top wall connecting the sidewalls,with an opening in the top wall. This structure is different from the present invention and is designed for a different purpose, namely, to avoid inadvertently striking certain keys.
Color coding of computer keys is also known in the prior art,for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,097 to Kuhlenschmidt, which also discloses enlarged keys. In the prior art, however, it is the keys themselves which are colored,rather than a key cover. No prior art has been found which discloses the use of a key cover with a colored background and fluorescent letters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is key covers for individual keys of a computer keyboard,each key having a colored background and a fluorescent letter of a contrasting color. Each key cover is about the same size as the key it is intended to cover,and can be firmly but removably attached to the key by adhesive means.
An object of the invention is to make it easier for people to see the keys better at all times,including under low light circumstances.
Another object of the invention is to provide a multi-colored background in order to enable people to distinguish each key more easily.
Still another object of the invention is to make it easier for people, especially children,to learn to type on a computer keyboard by providing key covers of one color for keys to be typed with the right hand and key covers of a contrasting color for keys to be typed with the left hand.
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Tate Thomas B.
Williams Kevin D.
Yan Ren
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