Slipcover touch input apparatus for displays of computing devices

• US 7,109,977 B2
• Filed: 10/05/2003
• Issued: 09/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: T2D, Inc.
• Original Assignee: T2D, Inc.
• Inventors: Durso, Nick P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Liang, Regina
• Application Number:
  US10/679,930
• Publication Number:
  US 20050073504A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,080 Days
• Field of Search: 345/173, 178/18.01, 178/18.03, 361679-683
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 45/06 Electric alarm locks E05B45/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0082 for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/166 related to integrated arrangements for adjusting the position of the main body with respect to the supporting surface, e.g. legs for adjusting the tilt angle
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1611 CRT monitor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1612 Flat panel monitor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/041 Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures

Abstract

This invention provides a slipcover touch input apparatus and structure for displays for computing devices that converts a non-touch screen display to a touch screen display. The slipcover assembly acts as a sheath or cover for the display, and the touch screen is mounted in a window or opening of the casing of the display so that the touch screen is oriented to mimic the position of the display. This touch screen slipcover can convert any display of a computing device into a touch screen display.

Claims

1. A structure suitable for converting a non-touch screen display into a touch screen display for a computing device comprising:

a touch screen;

a casing;

the casing having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides are oriented to face to each other and are non-pivoting in relation to one another;

the first side of the casing having an opening for the touch screen;

the second side of the casing being closed and lacking any openings;

at least one casing surface;

a controller for the touch screen;

a computing device software driver for the touch screen;

a connection from the controller of the touch screen to the computing device,

whereby the casing is positioned over and substantially around the display for the computing device such that the touch screen in the casing opening is oriented directly over the display to convert a non-touch screen display to a touch screen display.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the connection to the computing device is a Universal Serial Bus, Fire Wire, wireless, or cable connection.

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein the casing further comprises at least one outer casing surface and at least one inner casing surface, whereby the at least one outer casing surface and the at least one inner casing surface define a space for the display to fit.

4. The structure of claim 1 wherein the casing comprises a plastic composite.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein the casing further comprises at least one pivotable stand, which is positioned opposite to the opening of the casing, whereby the at least one stand supports the structure and the display.

6. A structure suitable for converting a non-touch screen display into a touch screen display for a computing device comprising:

a touch screen;

a casing;

the casing having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides are oriented to face to each other;

the first side of the casing having an opening for the touch screen;

the second side of the casing being closed and lacking any openings;

at least one casing surface;

a controller for the touch screen;

a computing device software driver for the touch screen;

a connection from the controller of the touch screen to the computing device;

whereby the casing is positioned over and substantially around the display for the computing device such that the touch screen in the casing opening is oriented directly over the display to convert a non-touch screen display to a touch screen display.

7. The structure of claim 6 wherein the connection to the computing device is a Universal Serial Bus, Fire Wire, wireless, or cable connection.

8. The structure of claim 6 wherein the casing further comprises at least one outer casing surface and at least one inner casing surface, whereby the at least one outer casing surface and the at least one inner casing surface define a space for the display to fit.

9. The structure of claim 6 wherein the casing comprises a plastic composite.

10. The structure of claim 6 wherein the casing further comprises at least one pivotable stand, which is positioned on the second side of the casing, whereby the at least one stand supports the structure and the display.

11. A method of using structure suitable for converting a non-touch screen display into a touch screen display for a computing device, said structure comprising a touch screen;

a casing;

the casing having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides are oriented to face to each other;

the first side of the casing having an opening for the touch screen;

the second side of the casing being closed and lacking any openings;

the casing having at least one outer casing surface and at least one inner casing surface;

the at least one outer casing surface and the at least one inner casing surface further defining a space for the display;

a controller for the touch screen;

a computing device software driver for the touch screen;

a connection from the controller of the touch screen to the computing device, comprising the following steps;

Placing the casing over and substantially around the display into the space defined by the at least one outer casing surface and the at least one inner casing surface;

Installing the computing device software driver; and

Attaching the connection from the controller of the touch screen to the computing device,

Whereby the touch screen in the casing opening is oriented directly over the display to convert a non-touch screen display to a touch screen display.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising moving a pivotable stand on the casing from a first closed position to a second opened position.