Coded data generation or conversion – Bodily actuated code generator – Including keyboard or keypad
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-29
2001-09-04
Horabik, Michael (Department: 2735)
Coded data generation or conversion
Bodily actuated code generator
Including keyboard or keypad
C400S714000, C400S479100, C150S154000, C150S165000, C235S14500A
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285299
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cover device for customizing and/or simplifying the use of a computer keyboard to render the keyboard more suitable for specific uses and for users who require a simplified keyboard design.
2. Prior Art
Keyboards for personal computers are typically designed with the primary portion of the keyboard comprising individual letter keys arranged in a pattern similar to that used for typewriters, that is, the so-called “QWERTY” pattern. In addition a standard computer keyboard will contain a number of function keys, or command keys, to control various functions of the computer. The keys are relatively small and the operation of the keyboard requires a degree of skill and dexterity similar to that required for the operation of a typewriter. For some users, especially young children or persons with various mental or physical disabilities, a standard computer keyboard may be confusing, or may require too high a level of skill and/or manual dexterity. This problem has led to the development of devices for adapting standard keyboards to provide a simplified input keyboard offering a fewer number of keys and keys that are larger in size. Others have developed alternative keyboards specifically designed for persons with limited skill and/or manual dexterity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,855 discloses a computer keyboard adapter device providing large size key surfaces in the form of a molded rigid panel designed to fit over a standard keyboard. The panel is provided with a plurality of over-sized keys, each of which, when depressed will, in turn, depress on or more of a select group of keys on the standard keyboard beneath it. The keyboard adapter is designed for use with a specialized children's software application.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,158,130 discloses an auxiliary keyboard assembly for changing the key configuration of the keyboard of a data terminal device. The assembly includes a rigid cover which may be mounted on the keyboard of a data terminal device and a number of auxiliary keys held in predetermined position to operate associated control keys in the terminal device keyboard.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,459 discloses a transparent plastic case for encapsulation of a remote control unit to shield the pushbuttons and protect them from contact with foreign substances, especially liquids or foods. the case has a number of deflectable pads, individually depressible to operate an associated push-button on the control unit. The plastic case may be held in place with the aid of VELCRO™ patches.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,497 discloses a decorative two part cover assembly for computer keyboards, comprising a body covering portion and a key covering portion. The body covering portion may be held in place by elastic banding and/or hook and loop fastening strips. The key covering portion may be held in place by hook and loop fastening strips. The cover assembly material may be a textile fabric, leather, vinyl, or the like.
Simplified and/or customized keyboards for use with small children or individuals with disabilities are available from Intellitools®, Inc. in the form of alternative keyboards. The Intellikeys® alternative keyboards may be used in place of a standard keyboard and provide various “keyboards” in the form of membrane overlays that may be used to customize settings for individual users. These alternative keyboards and their use are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,078.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a simple and low cost method and apparatus for adapting the keyboard of a personal computer to render it more suitable for small children or persons with limited skill or manual dexterity.
It is a further object of this invention to provide keyboard cover device that may be conveniently attached to the keyboard or alternative keyboard of a personal computer to modify or customize its use for specific users and which also may be conveniently removed to return the keyboard to its standard or conventional mode.
Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention.
Briefly, the present invention provides an easily attachable, keyboard cover assembly for adapting and simplifying the input to a computer keyboard. The keyboard cover assembly comprises a cover formed of a flexible material having an upper surface and a lower surface, shaped to cover a computer keyboard; a plurality of plates, removably attached to the lower surface of the cover; a plurality of identifying icons, removably attached to the upper surface of the cover with each of the icons being positioned above one of the plates; attaching means for removably attaching the cover material to the computer keyboard in such a manner as to align each of plates above a pre-selected key or group of keys so that each pre-selected key or group of keys is responsive to pressure from the plate above which, in turn, is responsive to pressure from the icon above. With the cover assembly in place, a simplified keyboard input is provided for use in conjunction with a software application for children or persons with limited mental acuity or manual dexterity. The cover assembly may be used to adapt various keyboards with either an IBME type or MacIntosh® personal computer.
The flexible cover material may be selected from a variety of materials including, for example, a textile fabric, leather, a polymeric material such as vinyl, polyurethane, etc., or other similar material.
The plates, removably attached to the lower surface of the flexible cover material, are of a material sufficiently hard to serve effectively to transmit pressure to the key or keys over which they are positioned. Suitable materials include, for example, wood, metal, cardboard, ceramic, or various plastics. The plate may be circular, rectangular, or other shape. Typically, the plate is in the form of a hard plastic disc similar to the form of a poker chip. The plate may be attached to the lower surface of the cover material by various means, such as snap buttons, or the like. Preferably, the plates are attached to the underside of the cover material by means of hook and loop fasteners, for example, of the type of material sold under the trademark VELCRO.
The icons on the upper surface of the cover material may be in the form of photos, drawings, or other images or designs appropriate to the particular program and or user and may be on paper, cardboard, plastic or the like and are removably attached and repositionable on the upper surface of the cover material. If desired, the icons may be in the form of a three dimensional object, such as a miniature animal, or a geometric shape such as a cube, pyramid, etc., or a miniature model of a car, house, etc.
The cover of the keyboard cover assembly is made of a flexible sheet material comformable to the size and shape of a key board, preferably a material that can be sewn, such as a textile fabric. The specific size and shape of the cover will depend on the size and shape of the computer keyboard that it is intended to cover. The cover may be constructed as a single unit or may be of two or more separable pieces. In the latter instance, the cover may, for example, constitute two parts: 1) a body portion, for example, a cover that envelopes the sides and all or part of the bottom to the computer keyboard and the top perimeter, leaving the keys uncovered; and 2) a key covering portion holding the plates and icons described hereinabove and constructed to be removably attachable to the body portion. The body portion may be removably attached to the computer keyboard by elastic banding, hook and loop fastener, or other easily removable fastening methods or devices. Similarly, the key covering portion may be attached to the body portion by such easily openable devices as snap buttons, hook and loop fasteners or the like. Preferably, the cover is formed as a single unit, for example, of sewn fabric, covering the keys. In one embodiment, the cover may surround the keys, sides, and
Cookfair Arthur S.
Horabik Michael
Wong Albert K.
LandOfFree
Soft cover adapter for computer keyboard does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Soft cover adapter for computer keyboard, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Soft cover adapter for computer keyboard will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2538740