Opaque, one-size-fits-all computer keyboard cover which covers only the three or four alpha-numeric rows

• US 6,050,825 A
• Filed: 05/08/1998
• Issued: 04/18/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: SpeedSkin LLC
• Original Assignee: Claudia D. Nichol, Sandra B. Brazier
• Inventors: Nichol, Claudia D., Brazier, Sandra B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Kien T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MILLER, BENA B
• Application Number:
  US09/075,471
• Time in Patent Office: 711 Days
• Field of Search: 434/4, 434/227, 434/233, 235/145 R
• US Class Current: 434/227
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 13/04 Devices used in association with a real typewriter, teleprinter, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/002 replaceable; adaptable
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/028 Printed information
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2223/044 Protecting cover

Abstract

An improved opaque computer keyboard cover (10) which covers only the three- or four alpha-numeric rows of the keyboard (12). Function and format keys (12) are not covered which provides a one-size-fits-all design. This configuration eliminates the need to order from 3000 various keyboard cover sizes. This cover is for use in keyboarding instruction and prevents peeking to accelerate user memorization. This cover can also be imprinted with a language option layout or Dvorak keyboard layout thus fully conforming the keyboard layout to one of the 60 or so languages available in the computer operating system keyboard preference options.

Claims

1. A cover for a partial section of a keyboard having a frame and multiple alpha-numeric, function and format keys, the cover comprising:

a resiliently flexible non-transparent body which is configured to only overlie a predetermined number of non-format and non-function keys totaling less than all of the keys of the keyboard;

a wall extending downwardly from a perimeter of the body; and

grooves within the body and configured so that the body individually form-fits the predetermined number of keys, whereby the cover is adapted for use on a variety of keyboards.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the wall envelops peripheral keys of the predetermined number of keys.

3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body overlies all alphabetical keys of the keyboard.

4. The cover of claim 3, wherein the body further overlies numerical keys of the keyboard.

5. The cover of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the body includes character inscriptions.

6. The cover of claim 5, wherein the character inscriptions comprise foreign language alpha-numeric symbols.

7. The cover of claim 5, wherein the character inscriptions comprise Dvorak keyboard symbols.

8. The cover of claim 1, including a mid-line marking which defines a separation line for adapting the cover to an ergonomic keyboard having a separation between two sets of keys.

9. The cover of claim 8, wherein the mid-line marking is perforated.

10. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body removably rests on the predetermined keys of the keyboard.

11. The cover of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the body includes home-row indication protrusions.

12. A cover for a partial section of a keyboard having a frame and multiple alpha-numeric, function and format keys, the cover comprising:

a resiliently flexible non-transparent body having home-row indicating protrusions and configured to only overlie a predetermined number of non-format and non-function keys totaling less than all of the keys of the keyboard;

a wall extending downwardly from a perimeter of the body which envelops peripheral keys of the predetermined number of keys;

grooves within the body and configured so that the body form-fits the individual predetermined number of keys; and

a perforated mid-line marking which defines a separation line for adapting the cover to an ergonomic keyboard having a separation between two sets of keys, whereby the cover is adapted for use on a variety of keyboards.

13. The cover of claim 12, wherein the body overlies all alpha-numeric keys of the keyboard.

14. The cover of claim 12, wherein the body includes character inscriptions comprising Dvorak keyboard symbols.

15. The cover of claim 12, wherein the body removably rests on the predetermined keys of the keyboard.

16. A combination keyboard and partial cover, comprising:

a keyboard having multiple alpha-numeric, format and function keys, and

a cover removably resting on the keyboard and comprised of a resiliently flexible non-transparent body which overlies a predetermined number of non-format and non-function keys totaling less than all of the keys of the keyboard, a wall extending downwardly from a perimeter of the body which envelops peripheral keys of the predetermined number of keys, and grooves within the body and configured so that the body form-fits the individual predetermined number of keys, whereby the cover is adapted for use on a variety of keyboards.

17. The combination of claim 16, wherein the body overlies all alpha-numerical keys of the keyboard.

18. The combination of claim 17, wherein a top surface of the body includes character inscriptions.

19. The combination of claim 18, wherein the character inscriptions comprise Dvorak keyboard symbols.

20. The combination of claim 17, including a perforated mid-line marking which defines a separation line for adapting the body to an ergonomic keyboard having a separation between two sets of keys.