Wrap-around auxiliary keyboard

• US 4,564,751 A
• Filed: 03/26/1985
• Issued: 01/14/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 03/26/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Legacy Group Research and Development The
• Original Assignee: The Legacy Group Research and Development Limited Partnership
• Inventors: Alley, Lynn D., Burton, Richard A., Alley, Stephen W., Sadlier, William K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fuller, Benjamin R.
• Application Number:
  US06/716,200
• Time in Patent Office: 294 Days
• Field of Search: 235/145 R-146, 364/708, 200/5 A
• US Class Current: 235/146
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/70 having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard mounting together a plurality of independent switches H02B
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/022 Modular assembly
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/042 Snap coupling; Snap mounting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/928 Modular electrically interengaging parts, e.g. stove with replaceable heating elements formed on coupling parts

Abstract

A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard having (1) housing, (2) keys positioned in the housing and (3) circuitry means in the housing. The housing has a base and at least one extension extending from the base. The base and extension(s) are shaped and positioned with respect to each other so as to be able to wrap-around a primary keyboard.

Claims

1. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard comprising:

(a) housing;

(b) keys positioned in said housing; and

(c) circuitry means in said housing for input of character set data from said keys and for output of said character set data from said auxiliary keyboard;

wherein said housing comprises a base and an extension extending from said base; and

wherein said base and said extension are shaped and are positioned with respect to each other so as to be able to wrap-around a primary keyboard.

2. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

(d) a restraining means for restraining vertical movement of said primary keyboard relative to said housing.

3. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard in accordance with claim 2 wherein said restraining means includes a lip extending from said housing.

4. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard in accordance with claim 3 wherein said lip extending from said housing is positioned above the area to be occupied by said primary keyboard.

5. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein said primary keyboard is substantially rectangular.

6. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard in accordance with claim 5 wherein said extension is substantially perpendicular to said base.

7. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

(d) circuitry means for the transfer of character set data between said auxiliary keyboard and said primary keyboard.

8. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein said housing further comprises a second extension extending from said base;

wherein said base and said second extension are shaped and are positioned with respect to each other so as to be able to wrap-around said primary keyboard; and

wherein said second extension is positioned to interface the side of said primary keyboard that is opposite the side of said primary keyboard interfaced by said first extension.

9. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard in accordance with claim 8 wherein said second extension is substantially parallel to said first extension.

10. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

(d) a restraining means for restraining vertical movement of said primary keyboard;

wherein said primary keyboard is substantially rectangular; and

wherein said extension is substantially perpendicular to said base.

11. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard in accordance with claim 10 wherein said housing further comprises a second extension extending from said base;

wherein said base and said second extension are shaped and are positioned with respect to each other so as to be able to wrap-around said primary keyboard;

wherein said second extension is positioned to interface with the side of said primary keyboard that is opposite the side of said primary keyboard interfaced by said first extension;

wherein said restraining means includes a lip extending from said housing; and

wherein said housing is a single unitary body.

12. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard housing comprising:

(a) a base; and

(b) an extension extending from said base;

wherein said base and said extension form a substantially L-shaped housing; and

wherein said housing is shaped and adapted to accommodate keys and circuitry for the input and transfer of character set data.

13. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard housing in accordance with claim 12 further comprising:

(c) a second extension extending from said base;

wherein said base, said first extension and said second extension form a substantially U-shaped housing.

14. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard housing in accordance with claim 13 further comprising:

(d) a restraining means for restraining the vertical movement of a primary keyboard positioned between said first extension and said second extension.

15. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard housing in accordance with claim 14 wherein said restraining means includes a lip extending from at least one member of the group consisting of said base, said first extension and said second extension.

16. A wrap-around auxiliary keyboard housing comprising:

(a) a substantially rectangular base;

(b) a substantially rectangular first extension;

(c) a substantially rectangular second extension; and

(d) a restraining means;

wherein said first extension is substantially perpendicular to said base;

wherein said second extension is substantially perpendicular to said base;

wherein said base, said first extension and said second extension form a substantially U-shaped housing;

wherein said housing is shaped and adapted to accommodate keys and circuitry for the input and transfer of character set data;

wherein said restraining means is for restraining the vertical movement of a primary keyboard relative to said housing;

wherein said restraining means includes a lip extending from said base, said first extension and said second extension to restrain said primary keyboard against upward movement relative to said housing; and

wherein said restraining means further includes means for restraining said primary keyboard against downward movement relative to said housing.

17. A keyboard system comprising:

a substantially rectangular primary keyboard and a substantially L-shaped wrap-around auxiliary keyboard;

wherein said primary keyboard and said auxiliary keyboard are in close physical proximity to each other; and

wherein said auxiliary keyboard is positioned to wrap-around said primary keyboard.

18. A keyboard system in accordance with claim 17 wherein said auxiliary keyboard includes a means for restraining said primary keyboard against vertical movement, in at least one direction, relative to said auxiliary keyboard.

19. A keyboard system comprising:

a substantially rectangular primary keyboard and a substantially U-shaped wrap-around auxiliary keyboard;

wherein said primary keyboard and said auxiliary keyboard are in close physical proximity with each other; and

wherein said auxiliary keyboard is positioned to wrap-around said primary keyboard.

20. A keyboard system in accordance with claim 19 wherein said auxiliary keyboard includes a means for restraining said primary keyboard against vertical movement, in at least one direction, relative to said auxiliary keyboard.

21. A keyboard system comprising:

a substantially rectangular primary keyboard and an O-shaped wrap-around auxiliary keyboard;

wherein said primary keyboard and said auxiliary keyboard are in close physical proximity to each other; and

wherein said auxiliary keyboard is positioned to wrap-around said primary keyboard.