AU2001284716A1 - Keyboard overlay - Google Patents

Description

Keyboard Overlay

Background of the Invention

Keyboard overlays to ease operation of keyboards are well known in the art.

Keyboard overlays have been used to ease operation of portable laptop type

computers. Additionally, keyboard overlays have been used to simplify the interface

with a computer so younger less sophisticated users may interact with the computer.

Various keyboard overlays are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,786,768, 5,514,855,

5,667,319, 5,894,406 and 5,992,817, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein

by reference.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to keyboard overlays, and more

particularly to a keyboard overlay that may be adjusted to match a particular

keyboard, and then removed and replaced at will. The overlay is self-supporting so

that potential damage to the keyboard is limited. The overlay also requires no straps or

other retaining devices so that removal and replacement of the overlay is simple. It is

particularly intended for use by young children.

The advantages of the present invention will be understood more readily after a

consideration of the drawings and the Detailed Description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a top view of a keyboard overlay according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view showing the keyboard overlay of Fig. 1, positioned over a

keyboard. Fig. 3 is cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of the overlay of Fig 2,

showing a support assembly attaching a body of the keyboard overlay.

Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a retainer mechanism of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the support assembly of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the support assembly of Fig. 5, shown telescopically

extended.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the support assembly of Fig. 5, shown from the opposite

side.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the support assembly Fig. 1, taken along line

8-8.

Detailed Description and Best Mode of the Invention

Turning initially to Fig. 1, a keyboard overlay according to one embodiment of

the present invention is generally indicated at 10. Overlay 10 includes a body 12 and

a support assembly 14. In the depicted embodiment, two support assemblies 14 are

shown.

Support assemblies 14 are adjustably connected to body 12 by a first support

assembly tab 16. First support assembly tab 16 includes a tab slot 18 through which a

screw 20 secures support assembly 14 to body 12. An additional second support

assembly tab helps secure support assembly 14 to body 12, as will be discussed below.

Support assembly 14 may move relative to body 12, as shown, on the left side of Fig.

1, in dashed lines. To move support assembly 14 relative to body 12, a user loosens

screw 20 and slides support assembly 14 in the desired direction. Once repositioned,

the user retightens screw 20 to secure support assembly 14 relative to body 12. Support assembly 14 adjusts still further by extending and retracting an inner section

22 out of an outer section 24. Retraction of inner section 22 into outer section 24 is

shown on the right side of Fig. 1. A retainer mechanism 26 secures inner section 22

relative to outer section 24, thereby preventing extension or retraction, as will be

explained in detail below.

Body 12 includes a plurality of keys 28 configured to actuate a key on an

underlying keyboard when depressed, as will be discussed below. Plurality of keys 28

may be arranged into various groups; as shown, such as a group of geometrically

shaped keys 30, a group of alphabetically arranged keys 32, and a group of

numerically arranged keys 34. Body 12 also includes a rotating actuator 36, which

actuates a key on the underlying keyboard when rotated. Similarly, a textured key 38

is included on body 12 and when depressed actuates a key on the underlying

keyboard. Body 12 may also include an ornamental design, as illustrated at 40. Keys

28 are arranged in groups 30, 32, and 34 to make interaction with a computer simpler

for young children.

Turning to Fig. 2, overlay 10 is configured for positioning above an underlying

computer keyboard 100. A series of actuators 42 extend from the bottom of body 12

and are configured to depress keyboard keys 102, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2.

Proper alignment may be obtained through alignment mechanisms 44. Alignment

mechanisms 44 extend downward from the bottom of body 12 and are configured to

position body 12 relative to keys 102 of keyboard 100. When body 12 is properly

aligned with keyboard 100, overlay 10 will function correctly. Overlay 10 is functioning correctly when depressing one of keys 28 actuates the appropriate key 102

on keyboard 100.

Additionally, in Fig. 2, support assembly 14 is shown in more detail. Support

assembly 14 includes a telescoping crossbeam 46, which interconnects a pair of legs

48. Legs 48 have feet 50 and are vertically adjustable by threaded shafts 52.

Telescoping crossbeam 46 may be formed from inner section 22 and an outer section

24. As previously discussed, inner section 22 is sized to fit within the inner diameter

of outer section 24, so that inner section 22 and outer section 24 may slide relative to

one another extending and retracting the length of crossbeam 46.

Retainer mechanism 26 is configured to secure inner section 22 and outer

section 24 in a fixed position. Retainer mechanism 26 includes a handle 54, which is

configured to withdraw the retainer mechanism when pulled. A user may release

inner section 22 from outer section 24 for relative telescopic motion by pulling handle

54.

A retainer mechanism slot 56 permits sliding of retainer mechanism 26 and

handle 54, within a range of motion. The range of motion may be defined by the

length of slot 56. A series of recesses 58 are positioned along a wall opposite slot 56

in outer section 24, as will be discussed further below. Recesses 58 provide for

discrete positions at which telescopic movement between inner section 22 and outer

section 24 may be securely fixed.

As discussed above, inner section 22 is sized to fit within outer section 24, as

shown in Fig. 3. Outer section 24 includes a first wall 24a and a second wall 24b

spaced apart from one another. Retainer mechanism 26 passes through slot 56 in first wall 24a of outer section 24. Retainer mechanism 26 includes a detent end 60

configured to engage recesses 58, which may be positioned along wall 24b of outer

section 24. Inner section 22 includes an alignment sleeve 62 for aligning detent end

60 of retainer mechanism 26, while retainer mechanism 26 is being inserted or

withdrawn.

Retainer mechanism 26 includes a stop collar 64, positioned adjacent detent

end 60. Stop collar 64 abuts alignment sleeve 62 when retainer mechanism 26 is

engaged.

Retainer mechanism 26 further includes a retainer shaft 66 adjacent stop collar

64. Retainer shaft 66 may be sized to accommodate a biasing member 68, as shown in

Fig. 3. Biasing member 68 may be a spring or other suitable resilient material.

Biasing member 68 may be configured to bias detent end 60 of retainer mechanism 26

into engagement with one of recesses 58.

Handle 54 is coupled with retainer shaft 66. As noted above, handle 54 may be

configured for withdrawing retainer mechanism 26, permitting crossbeam 46 to move

telescopically. Handle 54 may be coupled with retainer shaft 66 by a screw or other

suitable attachment means.

A cross-section showing crossbeam 46 and its attachment to body 12 is shown

in Fig. 3. Body 12 includes an alignment guide slot 72 configured to receive a second

support assembly tab 70. Second support assembly tab 70 is positioned on support

assembly 14 to insert into alignment guide slot 72 in body 12. Tab 70 may have an

upturned end to secure the tab within slot 72. As noted above, support assembly 14 is also secured to body 12 by screw 20, which may be tightened into body 12 through

slot 18 of first support assemble tab 16, thus securing support assembly 14 to body 12.

Turning briefly to Fig. 4, as indicated above, retainer mechanism 26 includes

detent end 60 adapted to engage recesses 58. Retainer mechanism 26 also includes

stop collar 64 adapted to abut alignment sleeve 62 and provide a shoulder against

which biasing member 68 acts. Retainer shaft 66 extends from collar 64 through wall

24a of outer section 24 and may be configured to receive handle 54.

Turning to Fig. 5, it can be seen that recesses 58 are positioned along wall 24b

of outer section 24. As noted above, recesses 58 define the discrete positions at which

inner section 22 and outer section 24 may be fixed relative to one another. Detent end

60 of retainer mechanism 26 is positioned to secure inner section 22 from moving

relative to outer section 24, as shown at discrete recess 58a. When detent 60 is

engaged with recess 58^ crossbeam 36 is fully retracted, having the shortest length

within its range of motion.

Turning to Fig. 6, pulling handle 54 disengages, or withdraws, detent end 60

from recess 58a and permits telescopic extension of crossbeam 36. After extension of

crossbeam 36, releasing handle 54 reengages detent 60 with one of the discrete

recesses 58, as shown at 58b. In Fig. 6 crossbeam 46 has been extended to

accommodate keyboard 100. In this manner, crossbeam 46 may be adjusted in length,

and may be both extended and retracted.

Turning to Fig. 7, it may be seen that handle 54 may be configured to slide

along retainer mechanism guide slot 56 in crossbeam 46 of support assembly 14, as

discussed above. Guide slot 56 may be positioned on wall 24a of crossbeam 46. Guide slot 56 permits retainer mechanism 26 to move perpendicular to wall 24a.

The length of guide slot 56 defines the maximum range of motion that crossbeam 46

may telescopically extend and retract.

Turning to Fig. 8, a cross-sectional view of support assembly 14 is shown,

cross-sectioned along line 8-8 of Fig. 1. Legs 48, as noted above, may be adjusted

vertically through the use of threaded shafts 52. To raise body 12 of keyboard overlay

10, feet 50 may be rotated counter clockwise. Similarly, to lower body 12, feet 50

may be rotated clockwise. In this manner, the vertical position of keyboard overlay 10

above keyboard 100 may be optimized.

In summary, keyboard overlay 10 may be positioned over computer keyboard

100 by adjustment of support assemblies 14. Crossbeams 46 may be extended and

retracted by releasing retainer mechanism 26, to position support assemblies 14

horizontally over keyboard 100. Mechanism 26 may be released by pulling handle 54.

Pulling handle 54 withdraws detent end 60 from one of the set of recesses 58.

Withdrawal of detent end 60 releases inner section 22 and outer section 24 for motion

relative to one another. Support assemblies 14 may be adjusted vertically over

keyboard 100 by adjusting the height of threaded shafts 52. Once all the adjustments

in position have been completed, the overlay easily sets over keyboard 100 and may

be placed and removed with little effort.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct

inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed

in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated

herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious

combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or

properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite "a" or "a first" element

or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation

of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such

elements.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain

combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions

and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and

subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed

through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a

related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a

different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader,

narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within

the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.

Claims (26)

I CLAIM:

1. An overlay for a computer keyboard comprising:

a body having elongate slots; and

a support assembly including a tab inserted into one of the elongate slots in the

body; wherein:

the tab may slide within the slot, thereby defining a range of motion for the

support assembly; and

the support assembly may be secured at a selectable position within the range

of motion for the support assembly, thus allowing the position of the support assembly

to be changed relative to the body.

2. The overlay of claim 1, wherein the support assembly further comprises:

a pair of spaced-apart legs; and

a telescopically adjustable crossbeam that can be repositioned relative to the

body extending between the legs.

3. The overlay of claim 2, wherein the telescopically adjustable crossbeam

is generally horizontal and includes an inner section and an outer section.

4. The overlay of claim 2, wherein the length of the legs is adjustable for

changing the vertical position of the body relative to a computer keyboard.

5. The overlay of claim 3 , wherein:

the inner section of the telescoping crossbeam is adjustable relative to the outer

section within a predefined range of motion; and

the position of the inner section of the telescoping crossbeam may be fixed at

any one of a set of discrete positions within the predefined range of motion.

6. The overlay of claim 5, wherein the inner section of the telescoping

crossbeam is fixed relative to the outer section by a retainer mechanism.

7. The overlay of claim 6, wherein the retainer mechanism:

is coupled with the inner section;

is configured to secure the inner section relative to the corresponding outer

section;

includes a detent end for engaging a set of discrete positions defined by

recesses along a first wall of the corresponding outer section;

includes a biasing member positioned to urge the detent into one of the

recesses; and

includes a handle extending through a slot in a second wall of the outer section,

the slot in the second wall being opposed to the recesses in the first wall.

8. The overlay of claim 7, wherein the detent end of the retainer

mechanism extends laterally into one of the recesses and is retracted laterally from the

same recess by pulling on the handle.

9. The overlay of claim 1, wherein the body includes a plurality of keys.

10. The overlay of claim 9, wherein the plurality of keys includes a set of

keys having an alphabetic layout.

11. The overlay of claim 9, wherein the plurality of keys includes a set of

keys having a numeric layout.

12. The overlay of claim 9, wherein the plurality of keys includes a set of

geometric shaped keys.

13. The overlay of claim 1, further including a rotating actuator configured

to transmit rotating motion of the actuator into a corresponding keystroke on an

underlying keyboard.

14. An overlay for a computer keyboard comprising:

a body; and

at least two support assemblies coupled with the body, each support assembly

including legs interconnected by a telescoping crossbeam having an inner section and

an outer section that slide relative to each other, wherein the support assemblies are

configured to be selectively movable relative to the body to accommodate computer

keyboards of different sizes.

15. The overlay of claim 14, wherein the telescoping crossbeams are

generally horizontal.

16. The overlay of claim 14, wherein the length of the legs is adjustable for

changing the vertical position of the body relative to a computer keyboard.

17. The overlay of claim 14, wherein the inner section of each telescoping

crossbeam may be fixed in a position relative to the corresponding outer section at any

one of a set of discrete positions.

18. The overlay of claim 17, further comprising a retainer mechanism to

releasably fix the inner section of each of the telescoping crossbeams relative to the

corresponding outer section.

19. The overlay of claim 18, wherein:

the outer section of each crossbeam further comprises:

a set of recesses along a first wall of the outer section; and

a slot along a second wall of the outer section opposed to the first wall; and

the retainer mechanism further comprises:

a detent end for engaging one of the set of recesses along the first wall of the

outer section;

a biasing member positioned to urge the detent into one of the recesses; and

a handle extending through the slot in the second wall of the outer section.

20. The overlay of claim 19, wherein the detent end of the retainer

mechanism extends laterally into one of the recesses and is retracted laterally from the

same recess by pulling on the handle.

21. The overlay of claim 14, wherein the body includes a plurality of keys.

22. The overlay of claim 21, wherein the plurality of keys includes a set of

keys having an alphabetic layout.

23. The overlay of claim 21, wherein the plurality of keys includes a set of

keys having a numeric layout.

24. The overlay of claim 21, wherein the plurality of keys includes a set of

geometric shaped keys.

25. The overlay of claim 14, further including a rotating actuator configured

to transmit rotating motion of the actuator into a corresponding keystroke on an

underlying keyboard.

26. An overlay for a computer keyboard comprising:

a body; and

a support assembly coupled with the body, the support assembly including a

telescoping crossbeam having an inner section and an outer section that slide relative

to each other, wherein the support assembly is configured to be selectively movable

relative to the body to accommodate computer keyboards of different sizes.