Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard
First Claim
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.
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Accused Products
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.
46 Citations
60 Claims
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1. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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- 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.
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53. A keyboard for a computer comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (54, 55)
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56. A keyboard unit for a computer comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (57)
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- 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.
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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.
Specification