WO2000046121A1

WO2000046121A1 - Overlay for computer peripheral devices and method for making same

Info

Publication number: WO2000046121A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/002232
Authority: WO
Inventors: William J. Brady; Edward Brady
Original assignee: Brady William J; Edward Brady
Priority date: 1999-02-02
Filing date: 2000-02-01
Publication date: 2000-08-10
Also published as: AU2635100A

Abstract

An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay (10) and a method for making the same. The membrane is formed to substantially match and at least partially cover an outer surface of a computer component, or alternatively, is attached to a substrate that is formed to substantially match and at least partially cover an outer surface of a computer component. The membrane has an aesthetically appealing design formed thereon and can be formed from a photograph or from a raw material different from that of the computer component. The membrane is positioned on and secured to the outer surface of the computer component so as to avoid interfering with functional operation of the computer component.

Description

OVERLAY FOR COMPUTER PERIPHERAL DEVICES AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computer device overlay, and more particularly, to an overlay for various peripheral computer components providing an aesthetically pleasing surface thereon. The present invention is also directed to a method for making and mounting the aesthetically pleasing overlay.

Various computer apparatus is utilized in the prior art to provide covers for computer peripheral devices. These apparatus general take the outer shape of the peripheral device that it will cover and is mechanically attached to the device by snap hooks or screws. These apparatus are used to protect the computer peripheral device to which they are attached. For example, U.S. Patent 5,096,317 discloses a computer keyboard cover apparatus designed to fit over an existing keyboard to selectively cover certain keys to prevent inadvertent depression of such keys. This reference discloses a keyboard cover having a cavity adapted to be fit over a corresponding keyboard. The cover has openings formed therein to allow access to certain keys. The cover is held onto the keyboard by snap fittings.

U.S. Patent 4,075,465 discloses an exchangeable overlay for changing the character representations associated with keys of a keyboard. The overlay is disposed on the keyboard and has openings to receive each key with the inner portion of each opening above the associated key sloped to form a character bearing surface for easy visibility. U.S. Patent 5,089,690 discloses a keyboard overlay for a printer wherein the overlay sits on top of a previously arranged keyboard system and provides either an alternate menu or an alternate language menu for the keys already in existence.

In addition, other prior art illustrate protective computer device covers. For instance, U.S. Design Patent 353,369 is directed to a keyboard overlay for a computer keyboard system. The overlay sits on top of an existing keyboard element. The shading lines indicate curvature of edges. Given the shading lines on the top of the device, this overlay appears to be a sold structure with no openings to the keys. U.S. Design Patent 381,327 is directed to an ornamental front panel for a computer. The panel is placed on the front portion of a computer housing. There has been rapid advancement of computer hardware design relating to operating speeds, memory capability and visual and audio enhancements . Because computer operating parameters are virtually identical between competing brands, developing alternative marketing designs for selling computers has become important. Such marketing designs include the aesthetic appearance of the computer device. In the past, the aesthetic appearance of computer devices was almost identical. There is a need to enhance the aesthetic appearance of computer devices without interfering with the operational aspects of the computer. None of the above described prior art adequately addresses this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an enhance the aesthetic appearance of computer devices for new and already existing computer devices that does not interfere with operational aspects of the computer. A further object is to provide a method that will overcome the heretofore noted disadvantages and provide a process for providing computer components with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

To obtain these and other advantages, one aspect of the present invention is an aesthetically appealing computer component overlay comprising a membrane having an inner and outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces are formed to substantially match and at least partially cover an outer surface of a computer component. The outer surface of the membrane has an aesthetically appealing design formed thereon and the inner surface of the membrane is positioned on the outer surface of the computer component so as to avoid interfering with functional operation of the computer component. Alternatively, the membrane could be a thin layer that is positioned on an intermediate substrate that is formed to be mounted on and at least partially cover the component. The aesthetically appealing overlay may be formed from a photographic reproduction or from a material that is different than a material used as the computer component. The aesthetically appealing overlay may be positioned on a computer keyboard, mouse, monitor, terminal, printer, speaker or other auxiliary computer component.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for making an aesthetically appealing computer component overlay. The method comprises the step of forming an overlay having an inner and outer surface that substantially matches to at least partially cover an outer surface of a computer component. A further step according to the invention includes forming an aesthetically appealing design on the outer surface of the overlay. Another step of the invention is positioning the overlay on an outer surface of the computer component so as to avoid interfering with functional operation of the computer component . These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof which makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view with top and sides of a keyboard overlay according to a first embodiment of the invention .

Fig. 2 A front view of a keyboard overlay. Fig. 3 A side view of a 3 dimensional keyboard overlay

Fig. 4 A side view of a flat keyboard overlay.

Figs. 5 and 6 are top and side views of a computer mouse overlay according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are front and side views of a computer monitor overlay according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are front and side views of a computer mainframe overlay according to a fourth embodiment of the invention .

Figs. 13, 14 and 15 are front and side views of a computer printer overlay according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 16, 17 and 18 are front and side views of a computer speaker overlay according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 19, 20 and 21 are front and side views of an auxiliary computer component overlay according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following is a brief description of the fundamental processes for creating an aesthetically appealing computer component overlay. The objective of this process is to create a visually stimulating environment for the computer user by customizing and/or personalizing the appearance of their computer components with aesthetically appealing designs. This would be achieved by providing the user with an infinite number of options in selecting the appearance of their computer components. The appearance of each component within a system would be considered separate and unique but at the same time each would be designed to be part of a set. It would be the user's decision to have any, all, or none of the components match. Those components would include any or all devices used in conjunction with each other or as separate units which would comprise a computer system. These components would not be limited to only the components in existence at the time of this patent application but also any new computer components, devices, and add-ons developed that would then be considered part of the computer system.

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to Figs. 1 to 4 thereof, a new and improved, aesthetically appealing computer keyboard cover apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

The overlay 10 comprises an aesthetic membrane that can be positioned on an outer surface of a substrate shell 14. The substrate covers all or part of a computer component and includes sides 12 and 13 and provides the main structural support for the component. The substrate could be an existing element to a computer component. Cutouts 11 are provided such that when the substrate is positioned on the computer component, the overlay does not interfere with operation of the specific computer component. Alternatively, the membrane could be formed thickly enough to cover all or part of the computer component itself, thereby eliminating or replacing the substrate. As seen in Figs. 3 and 4, the substrate 14 may be formed as an overlay with side portions 13 or as a flat substrate without sides.

To most effectively achieve the objective described above, preferably the aesthetically appealing design is obtained by using a photographic process when creating the overlays for each device. This would allow for the most versatile and infinite array of possibilities as it includes anything that can be photographed. In some cases an overlay made of a synthetic or standard raw material may be more visually appealing and therefore more suitable and that this patent would cover all aesthetically appealing computer component overlays.

If the aesthetic effect to be achieved is with a non-photographic material, such as wood, metal, stone, etc., then the overlay would not be the same type of thin membrane referred to above and the thickness would be determined by what would be considered the most practical application. For example, the thin shell would most likely be used for selected materials that are stamped, pressed, molded, formed, etc. or a thicker shell would most likely be used for selected materials that are machined, carved, poured, molded, etc.

The overlay can be formed to fit a variety of computer devices. As seen in Figs. 5 and 6, the substrate 21 can be positioned on outer surfaces of a mouse 20. Figs. 7-9 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention wherein the substrate 30 is positioned on a monitor. The substrate can be of the previously described design having side portions 31 or as a flat substrate 32 to be positioned on the front of the monitor.

Figs. 10-12 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention wherein the substrate 40 is positioned on a computer terminal. The substrate can be of the previously described design having side portions 41 or as a flat substrate 42 to be positioned on the front of the terminal.

Figs. 13-15 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention wherein the substrate 50 is positioned on a printer. The substrate can be designed having side portions 51 or as a flat substrate 52 to be positioned on the front and top of the printer .

Figs. 16-18 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention where the substrate 60 is positioned on a speaker. The substrate can be designed having side portions 61 or as a flat substrate 62 to be positioned on the front of the speaker.

Figs. 19-21 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention wherein the substrate 70 is positioned on an auxiliary computer device. The substrate can be of the previously described design having side portions 71 or as a flat substrate 72 to be positioned on the front of the device.

The present invention is also directed to a method for making an aesthetically appealing computer component overlay. The method includes the step of forming an overlay having an inner and outer surface that substantially matches to at least partially cover an outer surface of a computer component. A further step according to the invention is forming an aesthetically appealing design on the outer surface of the overlay. This step can be done by either a photographic process or by using a raw material different than that which is used for the computer device.

In a preferred embodiment, the aesthetically appealing design is obtained by a photographic process. The desired aesthetic appearance of the computer component is determined and the proper photographic negative is produced. This design may be computer generated and exist as a file.

The photo, file or negative is edited, modified, enlarged or reduced to achieve the desired visual effect proportionate to the device that is being treated. In this process the photo is edited and modified to customize the areas desirable. Multiple negatives, files, and/or photos may be used for each component. Optionally, after the photo is developed the photo may be altered in anyway necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic effect. The photo is then re-shot and is subject to the above-described processing .

A finished negative, file or editing instructions for the first negative are given to a photo processor, which could be a separate manufacturing facility, along with the specific dimensions of the computer component to be covered by the overlay. As an alternative the component itself may be submitted to the facility at which point they will determine the dimensions of the overlay.

The facility may prefer to use its own process to develop the negative and then edit and re-shoot the resulting photo if it is necessary. Then for each component a photo is developed that is then attached to a substrate membrane, The photo is then coated with a protective clear coat. After or before it cures, the substrate is trimmed to the final dimensions so that when positioning the overlay on an outer surface of the computer component interference with functional operation of the computer component avoided. The final product is packed for shipping.

The finished membranes are matched to their appropriate component. The membranes are then adhered to the surface of their specific component using the process best suited for that specific component. In some cases it may be a spray adhesive for uniform adhesion. In other cases it may be specific points of adhesion best suited to the device. It may also be mechanically fastened. The components are cleaned with the proper cleaning solutions. Logos, patent and specification information may be applied at this time. The components are prepared for shipping. The facility used for the process may perform any or all of the previous steps.

If the aesthetically appealing design is obtained using standard raw materials and synthetic materials, the following steps may be used. The desired aesthetic appearance of the component is determined and the synthetic or raw material needed is selected. If the desired surface is of a standard raw material, such as wood, metal, stone, plexiglass, etc., it can either be machined, carved, stamped, pressed, molded, formed, poured, etc. as a thin membrane overlay for the device or as a thicker membrane in order to also provide the main structural support for the device.

If the desired surface is a synthetic material it would first be colored and or processed for the desired aesthetic effect and then poured or molded to create a thin membrane overlay for the device or a thicker membrane in order to also provide the main structural support for the device. The overlay is sanded or buffed and then cleaned to prepare the surface for a protective coating if needed. A clear coat is applied that protects the surface and also enhances the aesthetic appearance of the component. The overlay coating is then cured.

The finished membranes are then matched to their appropriate components . The overlays are then adhered to the surface of their specific device using the process best suited for that specific component, in some cases it may be a spray adhesive for uniform adhesion. In other cases it may be specific points of adhesion best suited to the device. It may also be mechanically fastened. The components are cleaned with the proper cleaning solutions. Logos, patent and specification information may be applied at this time. The components are then prepared for shipping.

It is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS

1. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay comprising a membrane formed to substantially match and at least partially cover an a computer component, the membrane further comprises an aesthetically appealing design formed thereon, the membrane being positioned on and secured to the outer surface of the computer component so as to avoid interfering with functional operation of the computer component.

2. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay according to claim 1, wherein the aesthetically appealing design is a photographic reproduction.

3. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay according to claim 1, wherein the aesthetically appealing design is a material that is different than a material used as the computer component.

4. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay according to claim 1, wherein the computer component is a keyboard.

5. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay according to claim 1, wherein the computer component is a mouse.

6. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay according to claim 1, wherein the computer component is a monitor .

7. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay according to claim 1, wherein the computer component is a terminal .

8. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay according to claim 1, wherein the computer component is a printer .

9. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay according to claim 1, wherein the computer component is a speaker .

10. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay according to claim 1, wherein the computer component is an auxiliary computer component.

11. An aesthetically appealing computer component overlay according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is a thin layer positioned on a substrate.

12. A method for making an aesthetically appealing computer component comprising the steps of: forming an aesthetically appealing design on the outer surface of a membrane; forming the membrane that is pre-formed into a shape substantially the same as an outer surface of a computer component; and positioning the membrane on the computer component so as to avoid interfering with functional operation of the computer component .

13. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of forming the aesthetically appealing design from a photograph.

14. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of forming aesthetically appealing design from a material that is different than a material used as the computer component.

15. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of positioning the membrane on a keyboard.

16. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of positioning the membrane on a mouse.

17. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of positioning the membrane on a monitor.

18. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of positioning the membrane on a terminal.

19. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of positioning the membrane on a printer.

20. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of positioning the membrane on a speaker.

21. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of positioning the membrane on an auxiliary computer component .

22. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of positioning the membrane on a substrate prior to positioning the membrane on the computer component.