Supports – Miscellaneous
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-12
2001-04-03
King, Anita M. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Miscellaneous
C248S918000, C200S300000, C345S156000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209845
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of computer peripherals. More particularly, this invention relates to the field of removable keyboard interface devices, for allowing a user to removably couple the keyboard interface device to an underlying keyboard.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the past decade, the use of personal computers has grown at a tremendous pace. Since the introduction of the personal computer, there have been numerous inventions to help users input information and interface with their computers. The most common computer interface device is the standard “QRTY” keyboard. However, the standard “QRTY” keyboards may prevent people from using a computer if they have limited dexterity or who simply cannot type. There is a strong need for a computer interface device that can securely and removably attach to any underlying computer keyboard.
As a result, there have been numerous inventions attempts to overcome these inherent limitations of computer keyboards. For example, joysticks are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,034,574 and 4,945,357. These joysticks reside above the numeric keypad and attach to at least one of the numeric keys. However, these joysticks are not securely anchored onto the keyboard and can be accidentally dislocated if they are bumped.
Further, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,855 discloses a keyboard overlay which is designed to fit over a specific “QRTY” keyboard. However, this keyboard overlay is not securely attached to the keyboard and can inadvertently be removed from the underlying keyboard. Further, this keyboard overlay disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,855 patent does not teach being adaptable to non-standard computer keyboards such as curved “QRTY” keyboards.
What is needed is a keyboard interface device which securely yet removably couples to computer keyboards of varying sizes. What is further needed is a keyboard interface device that automatically aligns itself with respect to the underlying keyboard when the keyboard interface device and the underlying keyboard are coupled together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a keyboard interface device that can removably and conveniently attach to computer keyboards of varying sizes. This present invention is preferably user adjustable to accommodate keyboards with a wide variety of sizes and shapes. The keyboard interface device preferably provides means for attaching which is configured to securely attach the interface device with the underlying keyboard. Similarly, the means for attaching is also preferably configured to quickly release the underlying keyboard from the keyboard interface device in response to the user. For example, the means for attaching comprises: quick-release latch, hook/loop fabric, aperture/peg fastener, guiding fins, and the like. Further, the keyboard interface device is preferably configured to be automatically aligned with the underlying keyboard when the interface device is coupled to the underlying keyboard and provide the user with visual alignment confirmation.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a keyboard interface device which conveniently and removably attaches to an underlying keyboard. Additionally, another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard interface device which adapts to underlying keyboards of varying sizes. Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard interface device which automatically aligns with the underlying keyboard.
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Argentine Jeff
Clemens Brian
Klitsner Dan
Liebowitz Michael
Fish & Richardson P.C.
King Anita M.
Klitsner Industrial Design, LLC
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