Computer keyboard adapter providing large size key surfaces

• US 5,514,855 A
• Filed: 04/10/1995
• Issued: 05/07/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alpha Logic, Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Alpha Logic, Incorporated
• Inventors: Sullivan, Daniel O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gellner, Michael L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEE, EDDIE C H
• Application Number:
  US08/419,062
• Time in Patent Office: 393 Days
• Field of Search: 235/145 R, 235/146, 235/145 A, 400/98, 400/99, 400/472, 400/473, 400/476, 400/489, 400/490, 400/496, 273/148 B, 273/438
• US Class Current: 235/145.00R
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/84 characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback legends H01H13/83

Abstract

An adapter device, for use with a standard personal computer having affixed thereto a keyboard, is comprised of a molded rigid panel which is provided with a plurality of over-sized keys. The adapter is intended to simplify standard personal computer input methods by providing an input devise with a fewer number of Adapter keys than a standard keyboard. The adapter keys are also larger than standard keys. Raised spines on the under side of the adapter secure the adapter to a standard computer keyboard. Each of the keys on the adapter are attached via hinge along one side of the key. Depressing any of the adapter keys will cause that adapter key to contact the keys of host keyboard in a prescribed manner. An accompanying simplified software program is installed on the personal computer to work in conjunction with the adapter.

Claims

1. A keyboard adapter of unitary construction for placement on a keyboard having a plurality of keys, comprising:

a frame including an upper wall defining a plurality of apertures, said upper wall defining an upper surface and a lower surface, said frame being dimensioned to envelop the plurality of keys on the keyboard;

a plurality of adapter keys, one located at each of said apertures, each said adapter key including an upper wall having an upper surface and a lower surface, each said upper wall of said adapter keys being sized to surround and extend over a plurality of preselected keys on the keyboard, and being hingedly connected to said frame for vertical movement relative to said frame, the lower surface of each of said adapter keys having a portion which engages one or more of said respective preselected keys of the keyboard when said upper wall of said adapter key is depressed for movement relative to said frame.

2. The keyboard adapter as described in claim 1, further including securing means for securing the adapter to the keyboard, said securing means comprising rigid spines depending from the lower surface of the said frame and being dimensioned and arranged to seat between the keys of the keyboard, thereby preventing the keyboard adapter from moving relative to the keyboard.

3. The keyboard adapter as described in claim 1, wherein each said adapter key includes means for retaining a label.

4. The keyboard adapter as described in claim 1, wherein said keyboard adapter defines an axial cavity dimensioned to receive at least a portion of said keyboard with said adapter keys being disposed above the keys thereof.

5. The keyboard adapter as described in claim 1, wherein the upper surface of each said adapter key is joined to a front panel, a left side panel, a right side panel and a rear panel.

6. The keyboard adapter as described in claim 1, wherein the portion of the lower surface defines a bulbous surface thereof, said bulbous surface being adapted to more precisely contact the keys.

7. The keyboard adapter as described in claim 1, wherein each said adapter key is responsive to movement of said keys, so that each said adapter key is moveable between a depressed condition and an undepressed condition.

8. The keyboard adapter as described in claim 1, wherein each said adapter key is provided with a lip on a front edge thereof, said lip being adapted to prevent a corresponding depressible surface from resting in any position other than said depressed or undepressed condition.

9. The keyboard adapter as described in claim 1, wherein each said adapter key is adapted to cause said keyboard to generate signals recognizable as input by a software program resident on a personal computer, said software program being adapted to prompt a user to depress at least one of said adapter keys.

10. The keyboard adapter as described in claim 9, where each said adapter key is operable to cause said software program to provide a display on a monitor coupled to said personal computer.

11. The keyboard adapter of claim 1, further comprising said keyboard.