US20040238710A1 - Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard - Google Patents
Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040238710A1 US20040238710A1 US10/448,929 US44892903A US2004238710A1 US 20040238710 A1 US20040238710 A1 US 20040238710A1 US 44892903 A US44892903 A US 44892903A US 2004238710 A1 US2004238710 A1 US 2004238710A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- keys
- keyboard
- key
- pointing device
- resilient
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/039—Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
- G06F3/0395—Mouse pads
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1662—Details related to the integrated keyboard
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
- G06F1/169—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being an integrated pointing device, e.g. trackball in the palm rest area, mini-joystick integrated between keyboard keys, touch pads or touch stripes
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
- G06F3/021—Arrangements integrating additional peripherals in a keyboard, e.g. card or barcode reader, optical scanner
- G06F3/0213—Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick
Definitions
- This invention relates to computer equipment and, more particularly, to equipment for supporting a computer pointing device on or over a keyboard while still permitting use of the keyboard.
- the space available for the keyboard and pointing device may be limited. Rather than reduce the size of the keyboard or point device, it is preferable if some of the space occupied by the keyboard can be used by the pointing device.
- One prior art solution is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,294 to Greenquist which disclose a raised platform that supports a mouse over a portion of the keyboard. The disadvantage of this approach is that the keys under the platform are unavailable to the user.
- the present invention provides apparatus that readily accommodate positioning of a pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard.
- the present invention takes the form of a keyboard pointing device pad that works in conjunction with standard keyboard and pointing devices to position the pointing device over a portion of the keyboard and within the keyboard footprint while permitting full use of the pointing device and all the keyboard keys.
- the present invention comprises a keyboard having modified key surfaces to support a pointing device.
- the present invention provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
- [0007] means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in the surface.
- the present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
- a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device
- the present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising a plurality of key caps, each key cap being positionable over a key of the keyboard such that the plurality of key caps co-operate to define a platform to support a pointing device.
- the present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
- the present invention provides in a keyboard for a computer, the keyboard having a plurality of depressible keys, the improvement comprising at least a portion of the keys being formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
- the present invention also provides a keyboard for a computer comprising:
- a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information to the computer having second top surfaces for defining a planar surface to support a pointing device.
- the present inventions also provides a keyboard unit for a computer comprising:
- a plurality of depressible keys mounted within the housing and formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad installed on a typical keyboard
- FIG. 1 a is a view of the keyboard pointing device pad of FIG. 1 alone;
- FIG. 1 b is a view of an alternative keyboard pointing device pad formed with a resilient surface
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3A is a detail view of a post member that can be used with the embodiment of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 3B is a detail cross-section view of an alternative main layer and upper layer that can be used with the embodiment of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 3C is a detail cross-section view of a still further embodiment that uses a rigid layer to support a point device and resilient pockets in the rigid layer to permit manipulation of keys below the rigid layer;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention comprising a transparent platform with key receiving recesses in a lower surface for application over top of a keyboard;
- FIG. 4A is a detail cross-section view of a keycap arrangement according to the present invention.
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention comprising a raised pad for supporting a pointing device in conjunction with the top surfaces of the keys;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention comprising a keyboard unit with specially formed keys to define a surface to support a pointing device;
- FIG. 5A is a perspective of a still further embodiment of the invention comprising a keyboard with a specially formed section having keys to define a surface to support a pointing device;
- FIG. 6 is a cross sectional detail view of the keys of the keyboard unit of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a detail view showing a key design for use with the keyboard according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a side elevation view showing an alternative keyboard arrangement.
- FIG. 9 is a detail view of a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a detail view of a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a detail section-view of a still further key design.
- FIGS. 1 and 1 a there is shown a first embodiment of a keyboard pointing device pad 2 according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1 shows the pad 2 installed over the numeric keypad region 4 , the cursor key region 5 and the editing keys (Insert, delete, page up, page down) region 6 of a standard keyboard 7 . Keys in regions 4 , 5 and 6 tend to be less used than the keys of the main QWERTY keyboard region 8 .
- the illustrated keyboard is an ergonomic model having the QWERTY keyboard region 8 separated into two angled sections 8 a and 8 b with the keys in each section being manipulated by one hand. It will be appreciated that the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention can be used in conjunction with any keyboard design or layout. In addition, while the following description may refer to a specific arrangement in which a particular pointing device such as a mechanical mouse is used, it will be understood that the pointing device pad of the present invention can be used in conjunction with other pointing devices such as optical mice or track balls.
- Keyboard pointing device pad 2 comprises a surface 10 positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a mouse.
- surface 10 is formed with means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in surface 10 in the form of a plurality of openings 12 that extend through the surface to permit a user's finger tips to touch and depress the keys covered by the pad 2 .
- Surface 10 is a rigid surface that includes support legs 14 at opposite edges of the surface to raise and support the surface above the keys. Legs 14 preferably rest against the surface 15 of the keyboard housing, however, an alternative arrangement in which a portion of legs 14 are elongated to form extensions 14 b to rest on the same surface as the keyboard is possible.
- Surface 10 and legs 14 are preferably moulded from plastic as a one piece unit.
- Surface 10 is preferably transparent or translucent to allow the user a clear view of the keys below the pad.
- Openings 12 are formed in surface 10 to align with the keys covered by the surface such that each opening permits access to at least one key.
- openings 12 can be dimensioned such that one opening provides access to more than one key.
- the arrangement of keys in regions 4 , 5 and 6 of the keyboard tend to be standardized across different keyboard designs, and, therefore, a few different models of the pointing device pad of the present invention each with a different hole pattern will be sufficient to accommodate most keyboard designs.
- a mechanical or optical mouse or track ball placed on surface 10 is supported above the keyboard for normal operation by a user.
- the rotatable ball rolls over surface 10 to operate in the usual manner. If the mouse ball is positioned over an opening 12 , the ball will tend to roll over the top of the key or keys exposed through the opening. The spring force biasing the keyboard keys to their default ready position is sufficient to prevent unintended depression of the key.
- the surface of the pad and the exposed keys provides an optically varied appearance that allows the mouse to detect movement.
- the surface of the pad acts simply to support the weight of the unit.
- FIG. 1 a is shown with a resilient wrist rest portion 19 for the comfort of the user extending from leg 14 .
- portion 19 is a gel cushion.
- Wrist rest portion 19 can be also be included with any of the additional embodiments described below.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention.
- support surface 10 for the pointing is a resilient member 17 of a pre-determined thickness having a lower side 16 to engage surface 15 of keyboard and an upper side 18 positioned above the keys to support the pointing device.
- a plurality of openings 12 extend through the resilient member from lower side 16 to upper side 18 with each opening permitting access to at least one key.
- three large openings 12 a , 12 b and 12 c are formed through resilient member 17 to provide access to the groups of keys in the keypad key region 4 , the cursor key region 5 and the editing key region 6 , respectively
- resilient member 17 is formed from a foam material that is suitably rigid to support a pointing device such as a mechanical or optical mouse or a track ball.
- Resilient member 17 creates a raised surface at upper side 18 that is co-extensive with the exposed tops of the keyboard keys to define a surface for the pointing device.
- the spring force biasing the keyboard keys to their default ready position is sufficient to prevent unintended depression of the key.
- Resilient member 17 can also be formed from other materials such as plastic, rubber or thermoplastic elastomers such as the material sold under the trademark Santoprene®.
- the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of FIG. 2 also includes an optional resilient region 19 to support the wrist of a user.
- the keyboard pointing device pads of FIGS. 1, 1 a , and 2 are illustrated with openings 12 that extend through surface 10 , it is contemplated that a deformable layer or film can be positioned across each opening to permit depression of the keys through openings 12 by resilient stretching of the deformable layer.
- the deformable layer can be a transparent flexible film layer of sufficient rigidity to support a pointing device.
- Such a deformable layer 17 a is shown over the opening 12 b to accommodate the navigation keys in FIG. 2.
- Suitable materials for the deformable layer include resilient plastics, rubber or silicone.
- resilient member 17 is selected to be of sufficient thickness to position the deformable layer above the keys of the keyboard.
- the deformable layer may be formed with downwardly depending posts adapted to engage with keys of the keyboard to limit the extent to which the deformable layer must be stretched to manipulate the keys.
- FIG. 1 b illustrates an example of an arrangement that relies on a resilient surface.
- Rigid legs 14 support a resilient surface 10 a which preferably extends between a rigid frame 14 a defining a single large opening over the keys.
- Resilient surface 10 a allows pressing of the keys below the surface by applying pressure to the resilient surface.
- resilient surface 10 a is transparent or translucent so that the keyboard keys can be viewed below the surface. If the surface 10 a is formed from an opaque material, the surface is marked with indicia to indicate the position of the keys below the deformable surface.
- FIG. 1 b also shows extensions 14 b that permit frame 14 a to be supported by the same surface that supports the keyboard, in addition to the frame resting on the keyboard housing.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention in an exploded view to clearly show component parts.
- the assembled pad structure defines a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device.
- the platform includes deformable regions to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform.
- the pad of the third embodiment comprises a lower layer 20 having openings 21 therethrough to permit access to one or more keys.
- Lower layer 20 is preferably formed from a resilient foam material of sufficient thickness to extend upwardly from the keyboard surface to adjacent the tops of the keys.
- Lower layer 20 supports an upper resilient layer 23 having a lower surface 25 formed with key engaging members and an upper surface 26 to support the pointing device. As best shown in FIG.
- key engaging members may comprise a plurality of downwardly extending posts 24 with each post being adapted to engage at least one key.
- each post 24 is formed with a convex lower surface 24 a to engage with the corresponding concave upper surface 200 of the keyboard key 202 to ensure reliable manipulation of the keys.
- FIG. 3B is a cross-section through an alternative resilient layer 23 in which each post 24 is associated with folds 23 a of excess material in the layer defining a series of pockets below the layer.
- folds 23 a are formed in an accordion pleat configuration having a base 23 b supported by angled walls 23 c .
- Posts 24 and associated convex lower surfaces 24 a are mounted centrally on the lower base 23 b of the pleat in order to engage keys below resilient layer 23 .
- the pleats accommodate movement of posts 24 to engage the keys by flexing of angled walls 23 c .
- This arrangement permits resilient layer 23 to be formed from a material of lesser elasticity.
- angled walls 23 c define a small gap 23 d in resilient layer 23 associated with each key to readily permit flexing of the angled walls.
- gap 23 d will have a width of less than about 2 mm to handle pointing devices, such as optical mice, which generally cannot navigate across gaps of more than 2 mm.
- upper surface 28 may be applied over resilient layer 23 to cover gaps 23 d , however, this will limit the flexing of the angled walls.
- the folded accordion pleat configuration described above can be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention which rely on a resilient deformable surface positioned over the keys of a keyboard.
- FIG. 3C illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in FIG. 3B.
- folds 23 a of excess resilient material defining pockets 302 are mounted to a rigid layer 300 adjacent openings 304 in the layer to permit access to keyboard keys underneath the layer.
- Pockets 302 are preferably attached by gluing to the underside 301 of rigid layer 300 .
- each fold of resilient material supports a key engaging member in the form of a post 324 .
- the upper end 324 b of each post is preferably dimensioned to substantially fill opening 304 in the rigid layer 300 to present a comfortable surface to the user's finger to depress in order to press a key.
- each post is preferably formed with a convex region 324 a to engage a key.
- the resilient material defining pockets 302 is deformed and stretched to allow the post to move downwardly to contact the corresponding key below the post.
- the resiliency of the pocket material returns post 324 to the default position illustrated in FIG. 3C with upper end 324 b substantially flush with the upper side of rigid layer 300 to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
- the resilient pocket with post arrangement of FIG. 3C attached to a rigid surface can be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention which rely on a rigid surface positioned over the keys of a keyboard.
- the key engaging members comprise a plurality of recesses 25 a in lower surface 25 with each recess being dimensioned to receive at least one key.
- Recesses 25 a would replace posts 24 and would enclose each key about four sides and the top of the key to positively interconnect the keys to the resilient layer 23 .
- Resilient layer 23 may be transparent or translucent to allow the user to view the keys directly through the layer.
- an upper layer 28 may be mounted over upper surface 26 of resilient layer 23 to provide a surface of suitable roughness for reliable operation of a mechanical mouse. If upper layer 28 is opaque, indicia 30 are marked thereon to indicate the positions of the keys below resilient layer 23 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates a still further embodiment similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3.
- keyboard pointing device pad 2 is preferably formed from a single piece of resilient material without the layers of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
- the single piece of material defines a platform structure 31 having a planar upper surface 32 to support a pointing device and a lower surface 34 formed with a plurality of recesses 36 extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface.
- Each recess is dimensioned to receive at least one key.
- Recesses 36 are formed in lower surface 34 to be negative impressions of one or more keys.
- each recess corresponds to one key and encloses the key about four sides and the top of the key to positively interconnect the key and platform structure 31 .
- Platform structure 31 may be formed from a transparent or translucent material as shown in FIG. 4 to allow the user to view the keys directly through upper surface 32 .
- platform structure 31 may be formed from an opaque material or may include an opaque upper surface 32 which is marked with indicia to indicate the keys below the surface within each recess 36 .
- the recess 36 formed in lower surface 34 may extend all the way to upper surface 32 to define an opening in the upper surface through which the key is visible. While a platform structure that covers all the keys in a particular region is shown in FIG. 4, it will be understood that a smaller platform structure covering single keys or groups of keys may be used. For example, as illustrated in cross-section in FIG.
- platform structure 31 can be formed with a recess 36 and an upper surface 32 dimensioned to fit over a single key in a key cap arrangement 37 , and a pointing device supporting surface can be formed by a user selecting a plurality of desired keys with individual key caps.
- FIG. 4B shows a further arrangement, in which the apparatus for supporting the computer pointing device works in co-operation with top surfaces of the keyboard keys.
- a pad 250 is positionable about a plurality of keys to create a raised top surface 251 that is co-extensive with the top surfaces of the keys to support a pointing device.
- pad 250 is formed with a plurality of cut outs 255 corresponding to different groups of keys.
- the thickness 256 of pad 250 is selected such that surface 251 is at substantially the same level as the tops of the keys.
- a pointing device placed on pad 250 will be freely movable over pad top surface 251 and the top surfaces of the keys to support the pointing device within the footprint of the keyboard.
- Pad 250 is preferably formed from a resilient, light weight material such as foam, plastic or Santoprene®. While pad 250 has been illustrated with cut outs 255 for multiple groups of keys, it will be understood that the pad can be formed as a rectangular member with a single central opening to fit about a particular grouping of keys such as the numeric keypad keys or the editing keys.
- a resilient, light weight material such as foam, plastic or Santoprene®. While pad 250 has been illustrated with cut outs 255 for multiple groups of keys, it will be understood that the pad can be formed as a rectangular member with a single central opening to fit about a particular grouping of keys such as the numeric keypad keys or the editing keys.
- a weak magnet 39 in either the surface supporting the pointing device or the pointing device 40 and a ferrous material attracted to the magnet in the article without the magnet.
- This ferrous material can be iron particles distributed throughout the supporting surface.
- the ferrous material can be existing metal in the keypad or keyboard. The attraction of the ferrous material to the magnet assists in retaining the pointing device on the surface without slipping.
- a flat ferrous magnet can be attached to the bottom of the mouse for attraction to any ferrous material in the keyboard.
- keyboard keys instead of providing an additional pad or platform structure to support a pointing device above an existing keyboard, it is also possible to modify the shape of some or all of the keyboard keys to define a surface that is better able to support a pointing device directly on the top surface of the keys.
- Such an arrangement finds particular application with respect to the keyboard of a laptop computer. As best shown in FIG. 5, this may involve forming a separate keyboard unit 50 which includes a plurality of keys 52 formed with top surfaces 54 that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
- Such a keyboard unit would be for use in conjunction with a main keyboard of conventional design.
- a conventional keyboard layout can be modified to include one or more regions that have a plurality of keys 52 formed with top surfaces to support a pointing device.
- FIG. 5A shows one such keyboard arrangement 51 with a modified keyboard housing in which the usual extended keypad region 53 of the keyboard is integrated with the main housing, but is moulded at a different level and angle from the alphanumeric key region 55 .
- the keys that co-operate to define a supporting surface for the pointing device will generally be the numeric keypad keys, the editing keys, and the cursor keys.
- keyboard unit 50 it is preferably that the keyboard housing 56 be positionable in a generally horizontal configuration so that keys' top surfaces 54 are generally level to support a pointing device place on the surfaces without slipping. While keyboard unit 50 may be separate from a main keyboard 100 , it may be desirable to pivotally connect the housing of keyboard unit 50 to the housing of main keyboard 100 to permit pivoting of the unit 50 . Pivoting allows keyboard unit 50 to maintain a flat (perpendicular to gravity) area for supporting a pointing device independent of the angle of the main keyboard.
- the pivotal connection may be at the lower edge of the housing of the main keyboard 100 as shown in FIG. 5 for typical users who generally tilt the main keyboard toward the user.
- the pivotal connection would be at the upper edge of the housing of the main keyboard.
- each individual key has a structure which is best illustrated by the cross sectional view through the keys of FIG. 6.
- Each key comprises a generally hollow, parallelepiped body 60 with sides 62 that are parallel to the sides of adjacent keys and a flat top surface.
- the base of the key is open and includes connection means 66 for releasably or permanently attaching the key to a conventional mounting location on the keyboard.
- connection means 66 for releasably or permanently attaching the key to a conventional mounting location on the keyboard.
- Key bodies 60 are preferably spaced closely together with minimal spacing between adjacent top surface 64 such that a substantially continuous planar support surface 70 is defined to support a pointing device.
- a small gap less than about 2 mm is left between the side walls and the top surface of adjacent keys to provide clearance so that the keys do not interfere with each other when depressed.
- Pointing devices such as optical mice generally cannot navigate across gaps of more than 2 mm, therefore, the smaller the gap between keys, the better the performance of an optical mouse.
- FIG. 7 illustrates in cross section an alternative key design in which each key comprises a generally trapezoidal body 74 with a wider top surface 76 tapering to a narrower base 78 .
- Key connecting means 80 joins each key to a corresponding mounting location 82 on the keyboard housing 56 .
- the wider top surfaces 76 of the keys are dimensioned to be spaced apart by a minimal gap such that the keys' top surfaces define a substantially planar support surface.
- the tapering side walls 75 of the body provide clearance between the keys to minimize interference between adjacent keys when one key is depressed.
- any detritus that inevitably accumulates on keyboards will tend to fall between the keys to the bottom of the keyboard housing in the channels formed by tapering side walls 75 to minimize jamming or sticking of the keys.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a third embodiment show in plan view in which each key comprises a generally trapezoidal body 84 with a wider base 86 tapering to a narrower flat top surface 88 .
- the planar surface to support a pointing device is formed from the plurality of discrete flat top surfaces 88 of individual keys.
- each key includes a layer of high friction material 90 on the top surface 88 of the key to provide a non-slip surface for supporting a pointing device and for reliably receiving and supporting a user's fingertip when the key is depressed.
- FIG. 9 illustrates still a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention to define a support surface for pointing device.
- each key 92 comprises a rigid central post 94 for joining to the keyboard housing and an upper platform 96 extending about the perimeter of the post.
- Platform 96 is preferably a resilient material such as silicone or foam that surrounds a hard plastic central post.
- Upper platform 96 defines a top surface of the key that supports a pointing device in conjunction with the platforms on other adjacent keys.
- the contrast between the relatively hard central post 94 and the relatively soft platform 96 provides tactile feed back to the user to permit centring of the fingers on the keys when being used for entering data.
- the different materials also provide visual cues to the user regarding the separation of the different keys.
- the resiliency of platform 96 ensures that keys will not bind are interfere with each other when being depressed.
- FIG. 10 illustrates another key design which is similar to that shown in FIG. 9.
- each key 100 includes an upper platform 96 of resilient material mounted over a rigid central post. 94 such that the upper surface of the post does not extend through the platform.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-section through another key design similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10.
- the entire key 102 including post 94 and upper platform 96 is made from the same resilient material.
- one group of keys 55 are conventional depressible keys for inputting information into the computer having first top surfaces, such as concave surfaces.
- the other group of keys 53 are keys having a different top surface which perform the dual role of permitting inputting of information while also defining a planar surface to support a pointing device.
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Abstract
Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device such as a mechanical or optical mouse or a track ball unit within the footprint of a keyboard. The apparatus supports the pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard to permit full use of both the pointing device and the keys. The apparatus comprises a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support the pointing device and regions formed in the platform to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform. The regions can be openings through the platform to allow a user's fingers to press the keys directly. The regions can be deformable to permit a user to manipulate the keys underneath the platform indirectly. Alternatively, the keyboard itself can be designed with keys having specially shaped surfaces to support a pointing device.
Description
- This invention relates to computer equipment and, more particularly, to equipment for supporting a computer pointing device on or over a keyboard while still permitting use of the keyboard.
- Keyboards and computer pointing devices, such as mice or track balls, are currently the most common means for a user to control a computer by allowing input of control commands or control data. Normally, computer mice, whether they are mechanical or optical, are placed on the same surface as the keyboard often on a mouse pad. Track balls, which rely on a movable ball mounted in a stationary body, are generally positioned on the same surface directly adjacent the keyboard. Particularly with today's Graphical User Interface (GUI) computer operating systems, it is necessary for the user to frequently switch between keyboard and pointing device to input control commands. From an ergonomic point of view, it is preferable if the movement of a user's hand between keyboard and pointing device is minimized. As well, the space available for the keyboard and pointing device may be limited. Rather than reduce the size of the keyboard or point device, it is preferable if some of the space occupied by the keyboard can be used by the pointing device. One prior art solution is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,294 to Greenquist which disclose a raised platform that supports a mouse over a portion of the keyboard. The disadvantage of this approach is that the keys under the platform are unavailable to the user.
- There exists a need for equipment that will position the pointing device and the keyboard in a more ergonomically efficient relationship without sacrificing the use of any keys of the keyboard.
- The present invention provides apparatus that readily accommodate positioning of a pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard. In one aspect, the present invention takes the form of a keyboard pointing device pad that works in conjunction with standard keyboard and pointing devices to position the pointing device over a portion of the keyboard and within the keyboard footprint while permitting full use of the pointing device and all the keyboard keys. In another aspect, the present invention comprises a keyboard having modified key surfaces to support a pointing device.
- Accordingly, the present invention provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
- a surface positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device; and
- means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in the surface.
- The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
- a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device; and
- deformable regions in the platform to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform.
- The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising a plurality of key caps, each key cap being positionable over a key of the keyboard such that the plurality of key caps co-operate to define a platform to support a pointing device.
- The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
- a lower layer with at least one opening therethrough corresponding to at least one key on the keyboard;
- an upper deformable layer over the lower layer of sufficient rigidity to support a pointing device and deformable to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the at least one opening.
- In a further aspect, the present invention provides in a keyboard for a computer, the keyboard having a plurality of depressible keys, the improvement comprising at least a portion of the keys being formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
- The present invention also provides a keyboard for a computer comprising:
- a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information into the computer having first top surfaces; and
- a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information to the computer having second top surfaces for defining a planar surface to support a pointing device.
- The present inventions also provides a keyboard unit for a computer comprising:
- a housing;
- a plurality of depressible keys mounted within the housing and formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
- Aspects of the present invention are illustrated, merely by way of example, in the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad installed on a typical keyboard;
- FIG. 1a is a view of the keyboard pointing device pad of FIG. 1 alone;
- FIG. 1b is a view of an alternative keyboard pointing device pad formed with a resilient surface;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 3A is a detail view of a post member that can be used with the embodiment of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 3B is a detail cross-section view of an alternative main layer and upper layer that can be used with the embodiment of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 3C is a detail cross-section view of a still further embodiment that uses a rigid layer to support a point device and resilient pockets in the rigid layer to permit manipulation of keys below the rigid layer;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention comprising a transparent platform with key receiving recesses in a lower surface for application over top of a keyboard;
- FIG. 4A is a detail cross-section view of a keycap arrangement according to the present invention;
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention comprising a raised pad for supporting a pointing device in conjunction with the top surfaces of the keys;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention comprising a keyboard unit with specially formed keys to define a surface to support a pointing device;
- FIG. 5A is a perspective of a still further embodiment of the invention comprising a keyboard with a specially formed section having keys to define a surface to support a pointing device;
- FIG. 6 is a cross sectional detail view of the keys of the keyboard unit of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a detail view showing a key design for use with the keyboard according to the present invention; and
- FIG. 8 is a side elevation view showing an alternative keyboard arrangement.
- FIG. 9 is a detail view of a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention;
- FIG. 10 is a detail view of a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention; and
- FIG. 11 is a detail section-view of a still further key design.
- Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1a, there is shown a first embodiment of a keyboard
pointing device pad 2 according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows thepad 2 installed over thenumeric keypad region 4, the cursorkey region 5 and the editing keys (Insert, delete, page up, page down)region 6 of astandard keyboard 7. Keys inregions QWERTY keyboard region 8. The illustrated keyboard is an ergonomic model having theQWERTY keyboard region 8 separated into twoangled sections pointing device pad 2 of the present invention can be used in conjunction with any keyboard design or layout. In addition, while the following description may refer to a specific arrangement in which a particular pointing device such as a mechanical mouse is used, it will be understood that the pointing device pad of the present invention can be used in conjunction with other pointing devices such as optical mice or track balls. - Keyboard
pointing device pad 2 comprises asurface 10 positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a mouse. In the illustrated embodiment,surface 10 is formed with means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed insurface 10 in the form of a plurality ofopenings 12 that extend through the surface to permit a user's finger tips to touch and depress the keys covered by thepad 2.Surface 10 is a rigid surface that includessupport legs 14 at opposite edges of the surface to raise and support the surface above the keys.Legs 14 preferably rest against thesurface 15 of the keyboard housing, however, an alternative arrangement in which a portion oflegs 14 are elongated to formextensions 14 b to rest on the same surface as the keyboard is possible.Surface 10 andlegs 14 are preferably moulded from plastic as a one piece unit.Surface 10 is preferably transparent or translucent to allow the user a clear view of the keys below the pad. -
Openings 12 are formed insurface 10 to align with the keys covered by the surface such that each opening permits access to at least one key. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1a, there is anopening 12 formed for each individual key onkeyboard 5. It will be understood thatopenings 12 can be dimensioned such that one opening provides access to more than one key. The arrangement of keys inregions - A mechanical or optical mouse or track ball placed on
surface 10 is supported above the keyboard for normal operation by a user. In the case of a mechanical mouse with a rotatable mouse ball extending from the underside of the mouse body, the rotatable ball rolls oversurface 10 to operate in the usual manner. If the mouse ball is positioned over anopening 12, the ball will tend to roll over the top of the key or keys exposed through the opening. The spring force biasing the keyboard keys to their default ready position is sufficient to prevent unintended depression of the key. In the case of an optical mouse, the surface of the pad and the exposed keys provides an optically varied appearance that allows the mouse to detect movement. In the case of a track ball unit, the surface of the pad acts simply to support the weight of the unit. - As an additional feature, the embodiment of FIG. 1a is shown with a resilient
wrist rest portion 19 for the comfort of the user extending fromleg 14. Preferably,portion 19 is a gel cushion.Wrist rest portion 19 can be also be included with any of the additional embodiments described below. - FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the keyboard
pointing device pad 2 of the present invention. In this embodiment,support surface 10 for the pointing is aresilient member 17 of a pre-determined thickness having alower side 16 to engagesurface 15 of keyboard and anupper side 18 positioned above the keys to support the pointing device. In this arrangement, a plurality ofopenings 12 extend through the resilient member fromlower side 16 toupper side 18 with each opening permitting access to at least one key. In the illustrated embodiment, threelarge openings resilient member 17 to provide access to the groups of keys in the keypadkey region 4, the cursorkey region 5 and the editingkey region 6, respectively - Preferably,
resilient member 17 is formed from a foam material that is suitably rigid to support a pointing device such as a mechanical or optical mouse or a track ball.Resilient member 17 creates a raised surface atupper side 18 that is co-extensive with the exposed tops of the keyboard keys to define a surface for the pointing device. As previously, described, the spring force biasing the keyboard keys to their default ready position is sufficient to prevent unintended depression of the key.Resilient member 17 can also be formed from other materials such as plastic, rubber or thermoplastic elastomers such as the material sold under the trademark Santoprene®. - The keyboard
pointing device pad 2 of FIG. 2 also includes an optionalresilient region 19 to support the wrist of a user. - While the keyboard pointing device pads of FIGS. 1, 1a, and 2 are illustrated with
openings 12 that extend throughsurface 10, it is contemplated that a deformable layer or film can be positioned across each opening to permit depression of the keys throughopenings 12 by resilient stretching of the deformable layer. For example, the deformable layer can be a transparent flexible film layer of sufficient rigidity to support a pointing device. Such a deformable layer 17 a is shown over theopening 12 b to accommodate the navigation keys in FIG. 2. Suitable materials for the deformable layer include resilient plastics, rubber or silicone. In the case of the second embodiment of FIG. 2,resilient member 17 is selected to be of sufficient thickness to position the deformable layer above the keys of the keyboard. In addition, the deformable layer may be formed with downwardly depending posts adapted to engage with keys of the keyboard to limit the extent to which the deformable layer must be stretched to manipulate the keys. - FIG. 1b illustrates an example of an arrangement that relies on a resilient surface.
Rigid legs 14 support aresilient surface 10 a which preferably extends between arigid frame 14 a defining a single large opening over the keys.Resilient surface 10 a allows pressing of the keys below the surface by applying pressure to the resilient surface. Preferably,resilient surface 10 a is transparent or translucent so that the keyboard keys can be viewed below the surface. If thesurface 10 a is formed from an opaque material, the surface is marked with indicia to indicate the position of the keys below the deformable surface. Note that FIG. 1b also showsextensions 14 b that permitframe 14 a to be supported by the same surface that supports the keyboard, in addition to the frame resting on the keyboard housing. - FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the keyboard
pointing device pad 2 of the present invention in an exploded view to clearly show component parts. The assembled pad structure defines a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device. The platform includes deformable regions to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform. The pad of the third embodiment comprises alower layer 20 havingopenings 21 therethrough to permit access to one or more keys.Lower layer 20 is preferably formed from a resilient foam material of sufficient thickness to extend upwardly from the keyboard surface to adjacent the tops of the keys.Lower layer 20 supports an upperresilient layer 23 having alower surface 25 formed with key engaging members and anupper surface 26 to support the pointing device. As best shown in FIG. 3A, key engaging members may comprise a plurality of downwardly extendingposts 24 with each post being adapted to engage at least one key. In a preferred arrangement, each post 24 is formed with a convexlower surface 24 a to engage with the corresponding concaveupper surface 200 of thekeyboard key 202 to ensure reliable manipulation of the keys. - FIG. 3B is a cross-section through an alternative
resilient layer 23 in which each post 24 is associated withfolds 23 a of excess material in the layer defining a series of pockets below the layer. Preferably, folds 23 a are formed in an accordion pleat configuration having a base 23 b supported by angled walls 23 c.Posts 24 and associated convexlower surfaces 24 a are mounted centrally on thelower base 23 b of the pleat in order to engage keys belowresilient layer 23. The pleats accommodate movement ofposts 24 to engage the keys by flexing of angled walls 23 c. This arrangement permitsresilient layer 23 to be formed from a material of lesser elasticity. The upper edges of angled walls 23 c define asmall gap 23 d inresilient layer 23 associated with each key to readily permit flexing of the angled walls. Preferably,gap 23 d will have a width of less than about 2 mm to handle pointing devices, such as optical mice, which generally cannot navigate across gaps of more than 2 mm. Alternatively,upper surface 28 may be applied overresilient layer 23 to covergaps 23 d, however, this will limit the flexing of the angled walls. The folded accordion pleat configuration described above can be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention which rely on a resilient deformable surface positioned over the keys of a keyboard. - FIG. 3C illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in FIG. 3B. However, in the arrangement of FIG. 3C, folds23 a of excess resilient
material defining pockets 302 are mounted to a rigid layer 300adjacent openings 304 in the layer to permit access to keyboard keys underneath the layer.Pockets 302 are preferably attached by gluing to the underside 301 of rigid layer 300. As in the previous arrangement of FIG. 3B, each fold of resilient material supports a key engaging member in the form of apost 324. Theupper end 324 b of each post is preferably dimensioned to substantially fill opening 304 in the rigid layer 300 to present a comfortable surface to the user's finger to depress in order to press a key. The lower end of each post is preferably formed with aconvex region 324 a to engage a key. When a post is pressed by the user, the resilientmaterial defining pockets 302 is deformed and stretched to allow the post to move downwardly to contact the corresponding key below the post. The resiliency of the pocket material returns post 324 to the default position illustrated in FIG. 3C withupper end 324 b substantially flush with the upper side of rigid layer 300 to define a planar surface to support a pointing device. The resilient pocket with post arrangement of FIG. 3C attached to a rigid surface can be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention which rely on a rigid surface positioned over the keys of a keyboard. - Returning to FIG. 3, a further alternative arrangement is possible in which the key engaging members comprise a plurality of
recesses 25 a inlower surface 25 with each recess being dimensioned to receive at least one key.Recesses 25 a would replaceposts 24 and would enclose each key about four sides and the top of the key to positively interconnect the keys to theresilient layer 23.Resilient layer 23 may be transparent or translucent to allow the user to view the keys directly through the layer. Alternatively, anupper layer 28 may be mounted overupper surface 26 ofresilient layer 23 to provide a surface of suitable roughness for reliable operation of a mechanical mouse. Ifupper layer 28 is opaque,indicia 30 are marked thereon to indicate the positions of the keys belowresilient layer 23. - FIG. 4 illustrates a still further embodiment similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3. In this case, however, keyboard
pointing device pad 2 is preferably formed from a single piece of resilient material without the layers of the embodiment of FIG. 3. The single piece of material defines aplatform structure 31 having a planarupper surface 32 to support a pointing device and a lower surface 34 formed with a plurality ofrecesses 36 extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface. Each recess is dimensioned to receive at least one key.Recesses 36 are formed in lower surface 34 to be negative impressions of one or more keys. Preferably, each recess corresponds to one key and encloses the key about four sides and the top of the key to positively interconnect the key andplatform structure 31.Platform structure 31 may be formed from a transparent or translucent material as shown in FIG. 4 to allow the user to view the keys directly throughupper surface 32. Alternatively,platform structure 31 may be formed from an opaque material or may include an opaqueupper surface 32 which is marked with indicia to indicate the keys below the surface within eachrecess 36. In a still further variation, therecess 36 formed in lower surface 34 may extend all the way toupper surface 32 to define an opening in the upper surface through which the key is visible. While a platform structure that covers all the keys in a particular region is shown in FIG. 4, it will be understood that a smaller platform structure covering single keys or groups of keys may be used. For example, as illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 4A,platform structure 31 can be formed with arecess 36 and anupper surface 32 dimensioned to fit over a single key in akey cap arrangement 37, and a pointing device supporting surface can be formed by a user selecting a plurality of desired keys with individual key caps. - FIG. 4B shows a further arrangement, in which the apparatus for supporting the computer pointing device works in co-operation with top surfaces of the keyboard keys. In this embodiment, a
pad 250 is positionable about a plurality of keys to create a raisedtop surface 251 that is co-extensive with the top surfaces of the keys to support a pointing device. In the illustrated example, pad 250is formed with a plurality ofcut outs 255 corresponding to different groups of keys. Thethickness 256 ofpad 250 is selected such thatsurface 251 is at substantially the same level as the tops of the keys. A pointing device placed onpad 250 will be freely movable over padtop surface 251 and the top surfaces of the keys to support the pointing device within the footprint of the keyboard.Pad 250 is preferably formed from a resilient, light weight material such as foam, plastic or Santoprene®. Whilepad 250 has been illustrated withcut outs 255 for multiple groups of keys, it will be understood that the pad can be formed as a rectangular member with a single central opening to fit about a particular grouping of keys such as the numeric keypad keys or the editing keys. - In all the various embodiments of the present invention, and, particularly as illustrated in FIG. 4, it is possible to embed a
weak magnet 39 in either the surface supporting the pointing device or thepointing device 40 and a ferrous material attracted to the magnet in the article without the magnet. This ferrous material can be iron particles distributed throughout the supporting surface. Alternatively, the ferrous material can be existing metal in the keypad or keyboard. The attraction of the ferrous material to the magnet assists in retaining the pointing device on the surface without slipping. For example, a flat ferrous magnet can be attached to the bottom of the mouse for attraction to any ferrous material in the keyboard. - Instead of providing an additional pad or platform structure to support a pointing device above an existing keyboard, it is also possible to modify the shape of some or all of the keyboard keys to define a surface that is better able to support a pointing device directly on the top surface of the keys. Such an arrangement finds particular application with respect to the keyboard of a laptop computer. As best shown in FIG. 5, this may involve forming a separate keyboard unit50 which includes a plurality of
keys 52 formed withtop surfaces 54 that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device. Such a keyboard unit would be for use in conjunction with a main keyboard of conventional design. - Alternatively, a conventional keyboard layout can be modified to include one or more regions that have a plurality of
keys 52 formed with top surfaces to support a pointing device. FIG. 5A shows onesuch keyboard arrangement 51 with a modified keyboard housing in which the usualextended keypad region 53 of the keyboard is integrated with the main housing, but is moulded at a different level and angle from the alphanumerickey region 55. With either a separate keyboard unit 50 or a modifiedkeyboard 51, the keys that co-operate to define a supporting surface for the pointing device will generally be the numeric keypad keys, the editing keys, and the cursor keys. It is also contemplated that just a single group of either the numeric keypad keys, the editing keys or the cursor keys can be formed to define a supporting surface. In the case of separate keyboard unit 50 (FIG. 5), it is preferably that thekeyboard housing 56 be positionable in a generally horizontal configuration so that keys'top surfaces 54 are generally level to support a pointing device place on the surfaces without slipping. While keyboard unit 50 may be separate from amain keyboard 100, it may be desirable to pivotally connect the housing of keyboard unit 50 to the housing ofmain keyboard 100 to permit pivoting of the unit 50. Pivoting allows keyboard unit 50 to maintain a flat (perpendicular to gravity) area for supporting a pointing device independent of the angle of the main keyboard. The pivotal connection may be at the lower edge of the housing of themain keyboard 100 as shown in FIG. 5 for typical users who generally tilt the main keyboard toward the user. Alternatively, for users who are accustomed to tilting the keyboard away from the user such that the space bar is higher or level with the function keys, the pivotal connection would be at the upper edge of the housing of the main keyboard. - Different designs for the individual keys that make up the keys of the keyboard are possible. For example, in the keyboard unit50 of FIG. 5, each individual key has a structure which is best illustrated by the cross sectional view through the keys of FIG. 6. Each key comprises a generally hollow,
parallelepiped body 60 withsides 62 that are parallel to the sides of adjacent keys and a flat top surface. The base of the key is open and includes connection means 66 for releasably or permanently attaching the key to a conventional mounting location on the keyboard. There are various known arrangements for connecting keys to the keyboard housing in such a manner as to permit depression of the key to send a signal to the computer to which the keyboard is connected. The keys of the keyboard of the present invention can be adapted for use in any of these known arrangements.Key bodies 60 are preferably spaced closely together with minimal spacing between adjacenttop surface 64 such that a substantially continuousplanar support surface 70 is defined to support a pointing device. A small gap less than about 2 mm is left between the side walls and the top surface of adjacent keys to provide clearance so that the keys do not interfere with each other when depressed. Pointing devices such as optical mice generally cannot navigate across gaps of more than 2 mm, therefore, the smaller the gap between keys, the better the performance of an optical mouse. - FIG. 7 illustrates in cross section an alternative key design in which each key comprises a generally
trapezoidal body 74 with a widertop surface 76 tapering to anarrower base 78. Key connectingmeans 80 joins each key to a corresponding mountinglocation 82 on thekeyboard housing 56. The widertop surfaces 76 of the keys are dimensioned to be spaced apart by a minimal gap such that the keys' top surfaces define a substantially planar support surface. The taperingside walls 75 of the body provide clearance between the keys to minimize interference between adjacent keys when one key is depressed. In addition, any detritus that inevitably accumulates on keyboards will tend to fall between the keys to the bottom of the keyboard housing in the channels formed by taperingside walls 75 to minimize jamming or sticking of the keys. - FIG. 8 illustrates a third embodiment show in plan view in which each key comprises a generally
trapezoidal body 84 with awider base 86 tapering to a narrower flattop surface 88. In this arrangement, the planar surface to support a pointing device is formed from the plurality of discrete flattop surfaces 88 of individual keys. - As best shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that each key includes a layer of
high friction material 90 on thetop surface 88 of the key to provide a non-slip surface for supporting a pointing device and for reliably receiving and supporting a user's fingertip when the key is depressed. - FIG. 9 illustrates still a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention to define a support surface for pointing device. In this arrangement, each key92 comprises a rigid
central post 94 for joining to the keyboard housing and anupper platform 96 extending about the perimeter of the post.Platform 96 is preferably a resilient material such as silicone or foam that surrounds a hard plastic central post.Upper platform 96 defines a top surface of the key that supports a pointing device in conjunction with the platforms on other adjacent keys. The contrast between the relatively hardcentral post 94 and the relativelysoft platform 96 provides tactile feed back to the user to permit centring of the fingers on the keys when being used for entering data. The different materials also provide visual cues to the user regarding the separation of the different keys. The resiliency ofplatform 96 ensures that keys will not bind are interfere with each other when being depressed. - FIG. 10 illustrates another key design which is similar to that shown in FIG. 9. In this case, each key100 includes an
upper platform 96 of resilient material mounted over a rigid central post.94 such that the upper surface of the post does not extend through the platform. - FIG. 11 is a cross-section through another key design similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10. In this case, the
entire key 102 includingpost 94 andupper platform 96 is made from the same resilient material. - The various key designs described above may be installed in keyboards to create a keyboard having a combination of different key types. For example, as best shown in FIG. 5A, one group of
keys 55 are conventional depressible keys for inputting information into the computer having first top surfaces, such as concave surfaces. The other group ofkeys 53 are keys having a different top surface which perform the dual role of permitting inputting of information while also defining a planar surface to support a pointing device. - Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practised within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (60)
1. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
a surface positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device; and
means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in the surface.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the surface is a rigid surface and the means to permit manipulation of the keys comprises at least one opening through the surface, each of the at least one openings permitting access to at least one key.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 including a fold of resilient material defining a pocket associated with the at least one opening in the rigid surface, the fold of resilient material supporting a key engaging member.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including rigid support legs to position the surface over the computer keyboard.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the support legs rest on a surface of the keyboard.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the support legs rest on a surface that supports the keyboard.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the means to permit manipulation of the keys comprises a frame supported by legs having at least one opening therethrough and a deformable layer extending over the at least one opening to permit pressing of the keys by applying pressure to the resilient surface.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the surface is a resilient surface and the means to permit manipulation of the keys comprises deformable regions of the resilient surface to allow pressing of the keys by applying pressure to the resilient surface.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the resilient surface includes indicia to indicate the positions of the keys below the surface.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the resilient surface is translucent for viewing of the keys below the surface.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the resilient surface is formed with folds to accommodate deformation of the resilient layer.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the surface is a resilient member having a lower side to engage a surface of the keyboard and an upper side positioned above the keys to support the pointing device.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which the means to permit manipulation of the keys comprises at least one opening extending through the resilient member from the lower side to the upper side, each of the at least one openings permitting access to at least one key.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which resilient member is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of foam, rubber, plastic and thermoplastic elastomer.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a resilient region to support the wrist of a user.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 in which the resilient region is a gel cushion.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the one of the surface and the pointing device includes a magnet and the other includes a material attracted to the magnet to assist in retaining the pointing device on the surface.
18. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device; and
deformable regions in the platform to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform.
19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which the platform includes a resilient layer having a lower surface formed with key engaging members and an upper surface to support the pointing device.
20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the platform includes a lower layer to support the resilient layer above the keys.
21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the lower surface includes a plurality of downwardly extending posts, each post being adapted to engage at least one key.
22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which the resilient layer is formed with folds of material adjacent each post to accommodate deformation of the resilient layer.
23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which each post is formed with a convex surface to engage with the corresponding concave surface of the key.
24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the lower surface is formed with a plurality of recesses, each recess being dimensioned to receive at least one key.
25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 24 in which each recess is formed to enclose the key about four sides and the top of the key.
26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the upper surface is marked with indicia to indicate the positions of the keys below the platform.
27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 including a resilient region to support the wrist of a user.
28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 27 in which the resilient region is a gel cushion.
29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which one of the platform and the pointing device includes a magnet and the other includes a material attracted to the magnet to assist in retaining the pointing device on the platform.
30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which the platform includes a rigid layer having a plurality of openings through the layer with an upper surface to support the pointing device and a lower surface formed with fold of resilient material defining a pocket associated with each of the plurality of openings, each pocket being deformable to permit pressing of at least one key below the rigid layer.
31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 in which the platform includes a lower layer to support the rigid layer above the keys.
32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 in which each pocket is formed with a downwardly extending post to engage at least one key.
33. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
a lower layer with at least one opening therethrough corresponding to at least one key on the keyboard;
an upper deformable layer over the lower layer of sufficient rigidity to support a pointing device and deformable to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the at least one opening.
34. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which the at least one opening in the lower layer comprises a plurality of openings with each opening corresponding to a group of keys on the keyboard.
35. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which the lower layer has a lower surface to engage the keyboard and an upper surface to which the deformable layer is mounted, the lower layer being formed from a resilient material of sufficient thickness to position the deformable layer above the keys.
36. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which the deformable layer is formed with downwardly depending posts adapted to engage with keys of the keyboard.
37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 36 in which the deformable layer is formed with folds of material adjacent each post to accommodate deformation of the deformable layer.
38. Apparatus as claimed in claim 35 in which the upper surface is marked with indicia to indicate the positions of the keys below the platform.
39. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 including a resilient region in the lower layer to support the wrist of a user.
40. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which the resilient region is a gel cushion.
41. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which one of the upper layer and the pointing device includes a magnet and the other includes a material attracted to the magnet to assist in retaining the pointing device on the upper layer.
42. In a keyboard for a computer, the keyboard having a plurality of depressible keys, the improvement comprising at least a portion of the keys being formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
43. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys comprises a generally parallelepiped body with sides that are parallel to the sides of adjacent keys and a flat top surface.
44. A keyboard as claimed in claim 43 in which the keys are positioned with minimal spacing between adjacent top surfaces such that the planar surface is substantially continuous.
45. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys comprises a generally trapezoidal body with a wider base tapering to a narrower flat top surface such that the planar surface is defined by a plurality of discrete flat surfaces.
46. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys comprises a generally trapezoidal body with a wider top surface tapering to a narrower base with minimal spacing between adjacent top surfaces such that the planar surface is substantially continuous.
47. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys includes a high friction material on the top surface of the key.
48. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which the keys of the keyboard are arranged to include an alpha-numeric key region and an extended key region having an editing key region, a cursor key region, and a numeric key region with keys of the extended key region being formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
49. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which the keys of the keyboard are arranged into an editing key region, a cursor key region, and a numeric key region.
50. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys includes a rigid central post supporting an upper platform of resilient material extending about the perimeter of the central post to define a top surface of the key.
51. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys includes an upper platform of resilient material mounted over a rigid central post.
52. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys includes an central post and an upper platform formed from resilient material.
53. A keyboard for a computer comprising:
a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information into the computer having first top surfaces; and
a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information to the computer having second top surfaces for defining a planar surface to support a pointing device.
54. A keyboard as claimed in claim 53 in which the plurality of depressible keys having second top surfaces is formed as at least one group of keys in a separate keyboard housing that is integrated with a housing for the plurality of depressible keys having first top surfaces.
55. A keyboard as claimed in claim 53 in which the plurality of depressible keys having second top surfaces is formed as at least one group of keys in a separate housing that is releasably connectable to a separate housing for the plurality of depressible keys having first top surfaces.
56. A keyboard unit for a computer comprising:
a housing;
a plurality of depressible keys mounted within the housing and formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
57. A keyboard unit as claimed in claim 56 in which the keyboard unit is pivotally connectable to a main keyboard.
58. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising a plurality of key caps, each key cap being positionable over a key of the keyboard such that the plurality of key caps co-operate to define a platform to support a pointing device.
59. Apparatus as claimed in claim 58 in which each key cap comprises a recess to receive a key and an upper surface to define a portion of the platform to support a pointing device.
60. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on a plurality of keys of a computer keyboard having a keyboard housing comprising a surface positionable about a plurality of keys on the keyboard housing to create a raised surface co-extensive with a plurality of top surfaces of the keys to support the pointing device.
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/448,929 US20040238710A1 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2003-05-30 | Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard |
CA002527073A CA2527073A1 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2004-05-28 | Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard |
PCT/CA2004/000798 WO2004107154A2 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2004-05-28 | Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard |
CNA2004800149966A CN1856764A (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2004-05-28 | Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard |
EP04735169A EP1629372A2 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2004-05-28 | Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard |
JP2006529505A JP2007505414A (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2004-05-28 | A device that allows the use of computer pointing devices within the keyboard footprint |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/448,929 US20040238710A1 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2003-05-30 | Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040238710A1 true US20040238710A1 (en) | 2004-12-02 |
Family
ID=33451638
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/448,929 Abandoned US20040238710A1 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2003-05-30 | Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20040238710A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1629372A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007505414A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1856764A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2527073A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004107154A2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080075515A1 (en) * | 2006-09-26 | 2008-03-27 | William Thomas Large | Ergonomic and Key Recognition Advantage by Numeric Key Elevation |
US20100124634A1 (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 2010-05-20 | Slotta Mark R | Cushioned cap with annular portion and method for forming same |
US20100247213A1 (en) * | 2009-03-27 | 2010-09-30 | Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Specialized keyboard for electronic devices |
US20140048397A1 (en) * | 2012-08-14 | 2014-02-20 | Microsoft Corporation | Self aligning minimal gap keycaps |
WO2014107155A1 (en) * | 2013-01-04 | 2014-07-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Keyboard assembly including an electromagnet |
US20190302933A1 (en) * | 2018-03-30 | 2019-10-03 | Concraft Holding Co., Ltd. | Touch button with better feel in pressing |
USD985567S1 (en) * | 2021-02-24 | 2023-05-09 | Cloud Nine Ergo Llc | Ergonomic keyboard |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN103412654B (en) * | 2013-09-03 | 2017-01-18 | 黄雪昀 | Computer keyboard and tablet computer using same |
TWI747700B (en) * | 2021-01-06 | 2021-11-21 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Keyboard |
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-
2003
- 2003-05-30 US US10/448,929 patent/US20040238710A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2004
- 2004-05-28 CN CNA2004800149966A patent/CN1856764A/en active Pending
- 2004-05-28 WO PCT/CA2004/000798 patent/WO2004107154A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2004-05-28 EP EP04735169A patent/EP1629372A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-05-28 CA CA002527073A patent/CA2527073A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-05-28 JP JP2006529505A patent/JP2007505414A/en active Pending
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US166938A (en) * | 1875-08-24 | Improvement in rulers | ||
US299029A (en) * | 1884-05-20 | Car-coupling | ||
US368081A (en) * | 1887-08-09 | Solomon b | ||
US391939A (en) * | 1888-10-30 | Rolling seat for row-boats | ||
US4020328A (en) * | 1975-12-16 | 1977-04-26 | Ncr Corporation | Auxiliary keyboard apparatus |
US4294555A (en) * | 1979-02-01 | 1981-10-13 | International Standard Electric Corporation | Multi-row keyboard for typewriters or similar machines |
US4540858A (en) * | 1982-08-16 | 1985-09-10 | Nixdorf Computer Ag | Modular switch unit with snap-in base, separate modular switch unit and cover coded switch actuating interior lugs |
US4604605A (en) * | 1983-05-10 | 1986-08-05 | Pierre Meyers | Safety device for manually operable code generation |
US4565460A (en) * | 1984-03-05 | 1986-01-21 | Kline Alva C | Convex key top configurations |
US4546947A (en) * | 1984-03-15 | 1985-10-15 | Jeffrey Gesten | Keyboard dust cover having integral copyholder |
US4635893A (en) * | 1985-07-15 | 1987-01-13 | Nelson Stephen M | Adjustable support for a computer system |
US4671688A (en) * | 1985-10-02 | 1987-06-09 | Honeywell Inc. | Shielded keyboard |
US4917516A (en) * | 1987-02-18 | 1990-04-17 | Retter Dale J | Combination computer keyboard and mouse data entry system |
US5274217A (en) * | 1990-10-16 | 1993-12-28 | Fritz Hartmann Geratebau GmbH & Co. KG | Keyboard having keys with different heights |
US5089690A (en) * | 1990-12-14 | 1992-02-18 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Keyboard overlay |
US5092459A (en) * | 1991-01-30 | 1992-03-03 | Daniel Uljanic | Cover for remote control unit |
US5193924A (en) * | 1991-08-08 | 1993-03-16 | Larson Carlyn F | Cap cover for keyboard keys |
US5413294A (en) * | 1993-12-23 | 1995-05-09 | At&T Corp. | Platform positioned above a keyboard for use with a computer mouse |
US5667320A (en) * | 1994-09-29 | 1997-09-16 | Ambrose; Frederic C. | Keyboard, palm rest, and, mouse tray positioning system |
US5492298A (en) * | 1994-11-15 | 1996-02-20 | Walker; Lyn E. | Ergonomic mouse pad |
US5593128A (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 1997-01-14 | Odom; Patricia B. | Lap supported computer mouse surface |
US5755410A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1998-05-26 | Flex-Rest, Llc | Sliding pointing device tray |
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US5944292A (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 1999-08-31 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Ergonomical trackball mount |
US6369795B1 (en) * | 1998-04-01 | 2002-04-09 | Siemens Information And Communication Mobile Llc | Mousepad telephone |
US6262716B1 (en) * | 1998-07-01 | 2001-07-17 | Gateway, Inc. | Information processing apparatus having a numeric keypad with cover that functions as a palm rest |
US6285299B1 (en) * | 1999-03-29 | 2001-09-04 | King-Debaun Pati | Soft cover adapter for computer keyboard |
US6384812B1 (en) * | 2000-01-20 | 2002-05-07 | Kay Ann Guinn Dunn | Keyboard deck |
US6752631B2 (en) * | 2001-04-03 | 2004-06-22 | Dawn Marie Schwarzkopf | Teaching apparatus and method of enabling use of keyboard by young children |
US20030070909A1 (en) * | 2001-06-18 | 2003-04-17 | Sullivan Michael J. | Tactile keyboard for electrical appliances and equipment |
US6465750B1 (en) * | 2001-07-29 | 2002-10-15 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Cover for nonfunctional buttons |
US6798399B2 (en) * | 2001-09-04 | 2004-09-28 | S Twenty One International, Inc. | Elevated input device |
US6950680B2 (en) * | 2001-09-17 | 2005-09-27 | Nokia Corporation | Electronic device |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100124634A1 (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 2010-05-20 | Slotta Mark R | Cushioned cap with annular portion and method for forming same |
US20080075515A1 (en) * | 2006-09-26 | 2008-03-27 | William Thomas Large | Ergonomic and Key Recognition Advantage by Numeric Key Elevation |
US20100247213A1 (en) * | 2009-03-27 | 2010-09-30 | Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Specialized keyboard for electronic devices |
US8931969B2 (en) * | 2009-03-27 | 2015-01-13 | Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Specialized keyboard for electronic devices |
US20140048397A1 (en) * | 2012-08-14 | 2014-02-20 | Microsoft Corporation | Self aligning minimal gap keycaps |
WO2014028263A1 (en) * | 2012-08-14 | 2014-02-20 | Microsoft Corporation | Self aligning minimal gap keycaps |
US9256294B2 (en) * | 2012-08-14 | 2016-02-09 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Self aligning minimal gap keycaps |
WO2014107155A1 (en) * | 2013-01-04 | 2014-07-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Keyboard assembly including an electromagnet |
US9401713B2 (en) | 2013-01-04 | 2016-07-26 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Keyboard assembly including an electromagnet |
US20190302933A1 (en) * | 2018-03-30 | 2019-10-03 | Concraft Holding Co., Ltd. | Touch button with better feel in pressing |
US10642440B2 (en) * | 2018-03-30 | 2020-05-05 | Concraft Holding Co., Ltd | Touch button with better feel in pressing |
USD985567S1 (en) * | 2021-02-24 | 2023-05-09 | Cloud Nine Ergo Llc | Ergonomic keyboard |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1856764A (en) | 2006-11-01 |
JP2007505414A (en) | 2007-03-08 |
CA2527073A1 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
EP1629372A2 (en) | 2006-03-01 |
WO2004107154A3 (en) | 2005-10-13 |
WO2004107154A2 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |