Computer keyboard emergency function key

• US 20110095985A1
• Filed: 10/28/2009
• Published: 04/28/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Geltech Solutions, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Geltech Solutions, Inc.
• Inventors: Cordani, Peter
• Application Number:
  US12/607,483
• Publication Number:
  US 20110095985A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/016 Personal emergency signalling and security systems emergency non-personal manually actuated alarm activators G08B25/12
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/705 characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/002 replaceable; adaptable
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2231/002 Calculator, computer
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/03 Avoiding erroneous switching
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/032 Anti-tamper
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/287 wherein the operating part is made inaccessible or more difficult to access by a lid, cover or guard, e.g. lockable covers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72424 with manual activation of emergency-service functions

Abstract

A computer keyboard function key conversion kit provides the necessary software connections to allow ease of calling an emergency responder through a keyboard, and a modified function key that both highlights the function key operation and makes the function key resistant to accidental depression. In one embodiment, a conventional computer that is connected to the internet is programmed with an emergency contact number that can be dialed upon the press of a function key. The function key is capped with a device that inhibits accidental operation of the function key. The function key may have a rigid body that requires a force to depressing, the force can be sufficient to cause destruction of the protector in a similar way the operation of a fire alarm causing destruction of the fire alarm. The device can be installed on a new computer or a currently installed computer.

Claims

1. A kit for use in combination with a computer coupled to the internet for converting a function key of a conventional desktop or laptop computer keyboard to a responder contact function key comprising:

a software program for programming a function key on the desktop computer keyboard, said software program responsive to the depression of the programmed function key for connecting said computer to a preselected responder by use of the internet;

a frangible cap for placement over said programmed keyboard function key, said frangible cap including indicia for indicating special emergency only operation of the programmed function key; and

a microphone operatively associated with a computer, said microphone enabling an individual to communicate with an emergency responder after said function key is activated.

2. The kit of claim 1 wherein said indicia is an element which provides an indication that said function key has been activated.

3. The kit of claim 1 wherein said frangible cap is constructed and arranged to require significantly more pressure that normally required to activate a key on a keyboard, said cap deforming upon activation and not returning to the original shape of said cap whereby an indication that said key had been activated.

4. The key of claim 3 wherein said cap is constructed from metallic foil.

5. The kit of claim 1 wherein said frangible cap is constructed and arranged to require significantly more pressure that normally required to activate a key on a keyboard, said cap deforming upon activation and returning to the original shape of said cap for reuse.

6. The key of claim 5 wherein said cap includes a Belleville spring

7. The kit of claim 1 wherein said software enables nonverbal communication between an individual and an emergency service provider.

8. The kit of claim 4 wherein said nonverbal communication comprises text on a computer monitor and input from a keyboard.

9. The kit of claim 1 wherein said responder is a public emergency responder.

10. The kit of claim 1 wherein said computer connects to multiple responders.