CN1856764A - A device that allows the use of a computer pointing device within the outlines of a keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for supporting a computer pointing device, such as a mechanical or optical mouse or a tracking ball unit, within the outline of a keyboard. The device supports the pointing device above the keys of a computer keyboard so that the user can fully use the pointing device and the keys. The device includes: a platform positionable on at least a portion of the keyboard to support the pointing device; and an area formed on the platform to allow the user to operate the keys of the keyboard through the platform. The area may be an opening through the platform to allow the user's fingers to directly press the keys. The area may be deformable to allow the user to directly operate the keys under the platform. Alternatively, the keys of the keyboard itself may be designed to have a specially shaped surface to support the pointing device.

Description

A device that allows the use of a computer pointing device within the outlines of a keyboard

Field of invention:

The present invention relates to computer devices, and more particularly to a device on a keyboard that can support a computer pointing device without interfering with the use of the keyboard.

Background of the invention:

Keyboards and computer pointing devices, such as mice and trackballs, are now the most common means of controlling computers by allowing control commands or control data to be entered. Generally, a computer mouse, whether it is a mechanical mouse or an optical mouse, rests on the same surface as the keyboard, usually on a mouse pad. Trackballs, which operate by means of a movable ball mounted in a fixed body, are generally positioned directly on the same surface adjacent to the keyboard. Especially with today's computer operating systems with graphical user interfaces (GUIs), users often need to switch back and forth between the keyboard and pointing device to enter control commands. From an ergonomic point of view, it is advantageous that the movement of the user's hand between the keyboard and the pointing device is minimized. Likewise, the space available for keyboards and pointing devices is limited. It is better to place a pointing device in the space occupied by the keyboard than to reduce the size of the keyboard or pointing device. One prior art is shown in US Patent No. 5,413,294 (Applicant: Greenquist), which discloses an elevated platform that supports a mouse on a portion of a keyboard. But this method has a disadvantage, that is, users cannot use the keys under this platform.

There exists a need for devices that place the pointing device and keyboard in a more ergonomically efficient relationship without sacrificing user access to the keys of the keyboard.

Summary of the invention:

The present invention provides a device capable of locating a pointing device within the contours of a keyboard. In one aspect, the present invention takes the form of a keyboard pointing device pad that enables a standard keyboard and pointing device to cooperate so that the pointing device is located above a portion of the keyboard and within the contours of the computer while allowing full use of the pointing device and all of the keyboard keys . In another aspect, the invention includes a keyboard having modified key surfaces to support a pointing device.

Accordingly, the present invention provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on the keys of a computer keyboard, comprising:

a surface positionable on at least a portion of the keyboard to support a surface of a pointing device; and

A means of allowing operation of the keys of a keyboard formed on a surface.

The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on the keys of a computer keyboard, comprising:

a surface positionable on at least a portion of the keyboard to support a platform for a pointing device; and

A deformable area within a platform that allows the keys of the keyboard to be manipulated through the platform.

The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on keys of a computer keyboard, comprising: a plurality of keycaps fitted over a plurality of keyboard keys to define a positionable platform for supporting the pointing device.

The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on the keys of a computer keyboard, comprising:

a lower layer having at least one opening therethrough corresponding to at least one key of the keyboard;

A deformable upper layer overlies the lower layer sufficiently rigid to support the pointing device and is deformable to permit operation of the keys of the keyboard through the at least one opening.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer keyboard having a plurality of depressible keys including at least a portion of the keys formed to cooperate to define a top surface for supporting a pointing device plane.

The present invention also provides a keyboard for a computer, comprising:

a plurality of depressible keys having a first top surface for entering information into a computer; and

A plurality of depressible keys for entering information into the computer have a second top surface defining a plane for supporting the pointing device.

The present invention also provides a keyboard unit for a computer, comprising:

case;

A plurality of depressible keys are mounted within the housing and define a common plane to support the top surface of the pointing device.

Description of drawings

Various aspects of the invention are illustrated, by way of illustration only, in the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a keyboard positioning device pad installed on a typical keyboard;

Figure 1a is an illustration of the pointing device pad of Figure 1 alone;

Figure 1b is an illustration of another keyboard pointing device pad formed from a resilient surface;

Fig. 2 is the perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of a third example of the present invention;

Figure 3A is a detailed view of a column section that may be used in the embodiment of Figure 3;

Figure 3B is a detailed cross-sectional view of an alternative main layer and upper layer that may be used in the embodiment of Figure 3;

3C is a detailed cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment using a rigid layer to support a pointing device and an elastic pouch in a rigid layer to allow user manipulation of keys beneath the rigid layer;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention, which includes a transparent platform with receiving grooves on the lower surface for mounting on top of a keyboard;

4A is a cross-sectional view of a keycap configuration according to the present invention;

Figure 4B is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention including a raised pad supporting the pointing device with the top surfaces of the keys;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention including a keyboard unit having specially formed keys to define a surface for supporting a pointing device;

Figure 5A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention with a keyboard unit having keys specially formed to define the surface supporting the pointing device;

Figure 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the keys of the keyboard unit in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a detailed view of a key design used on a keyboard according to the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a side view showing still another keyboard arrangement.

Fig. 9 is another kind of key design detail diagram that is used on the keyboard of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is another kind of key design detail diagram that is used on the keyboard of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a detailed cross-sectional view of yet another one-button design.

Detailed ways

Referring to Figures 1 and 1a, there is shown a first embodiment of a keyboard pointing device pad according to the present invention. In FIG. 1 is shown a pad 2 mounted on a numeric keypad area 4, a cursor key area 5 and an editing key (insert, delete, page up, page down) area 6. The keys on keypads 4, 5 and 6 are used less frequently than the keys on the main QWERTY keypad 8. The illustrated keyboard is an ergonomic model, the QWERTY keypad 8 is divided into two parts 8a and 8b with an angle, and the keys of each part are operated by one hand. It will be appreciated that the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention may be used in conjunction with any keyboard design or layout. Additionally, although the following description is directed to a particular configuration employing a particular pointing device such as a mechanical mouse, it should be understood that the pointing device pad of the present invention may be used in conjunction with other pointing devices such as an optical mouse or a trackball.

The keyboard pointing device pad 2 includes a surface 10 positionable over at least a portion of a keyboard to support a mouse. In the illustrated embodiment, means are formed on the surface 10 to allow operation of keyboard keys in the form of a plurality of openings 12 extending through the surface, allowing the user's fingertips to contact and press the keys. Lower the keys covered by pad 2. Surface 10 is a rigid surface that includes support feet 14 on opposite sides of the surface to elevate and support the surface on the keys. The support feet 14 advantageously rest against the surface 15 of the keyboard casing, however, in an alternative arrangement a portion of the support feet 14 are lengthened to form extensions 14b so as to rest on the same surface as the keyboard. Surface 10 and support feet 14 are preferably molded from plastic as a one-piece assembly. Surface 10 is advantageously transparent or translucent so that the user can clearly see the keys beneath the mat.

Openings 12 are formed in surface 10 so as to be aligned with the keys covered by the surface, whereby each opening provides user access to at least one key. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1a, one opening 12 is formed for each key on the keyboard 5. As shown in FIG. It will be appreciated that the openings may be sized such that one opening provides access to more than one key. The arrangement of the keys in the keypads 4, 5, 6 of a keyboard tends to be standardized among different keyboard designs, and therefore, a small number of different models of the pointing device pad of the present invention, each with a different hole layout, will suffice to suit most keyboard design.

A mechanical or optical mouse or trackball disposed on the surface 10 is supported on the keyboard for normal operation by the user. In the case of a mechanical mouse with a rotatable ball extending from the underside of the mouse body, the rotatable ball rolls on surface 10 to function in the usual manner. If the mouse ball is positioned over an opening 12, the mouse ball tends to roll over the tops of the key or keys exposed through the opening. The spring force that biases the keyboard keys back to their default ready positions is sufficient to prevent unwanted indentation of the keys. In the case of an optical mouse, the pad surface and exposed keys provide an optically changing profile that enables the mouse to detect motion. In the case of a trackball unit, the surface of the pad is used simply to support the weight of the trackball unit.

As a further feature, the embodiment of Fig. 1a is shown with a resilient wrist rest portion 19 extending from the support foot 14 for greater comfort to the user. Advantageously, the elastic wrist rest portion 19 is a gel pad. Wrist rest portion 19 may be or may be included in any of the other embodiments described below.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad of the present invention. In this embodiment, the support surface 10 for pointing is an elastic body 17 having a predetermined thickness, which includes a lower end 16 combined with a keyboard surface 15 and an upper end 18 positioned on the keys to support the pointing device. In this configuration, a plurality of openings 12 extend through the elastomeric body from a lower end 16 to an upper end 18, wherein each opening provides user access to at least one key. In the illustrated embodiment, three large openings 12a, 12b, 12c are formed through the elastomeric body 17 to enable the user to access a set of keys in the keyboard keypad 4, cursor keypad 5 and editing keypad 6, respectively.

Advantageously, the elastic body 17 is formed of a foamed material which is sufficiently rigid to support a pointing device such as a mechanical or optical mouse or trackball. The elastomeric body 17 is formed at an upper end 18 with a raised surface coextensive with the exposed tops of the keyboard keys, thereby defining the surface of the pointing device. As mentioned earlier, the spring force that biases the keyboard keys to their default ready positions is sufficient to prevent unwanted indentation of the keys. The elastomer 17 is also formed from other materials, such as plastic, rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer, such as that sold under the trademark Santoprene.

The keyboard pointing device pad 2 of Figure 2 also includes an optional elastic region 19 to support the user's wrist.

Although the keyboard pointing device pads of FIGS. 1, 1a, and 2 have openings 12 extending through surface 10, it is also contemplated that a deformable layer or membrane may be positioned across each opening to allow for elastic stretching of the deformable layer. Instead, the keys are depressed through the openings 12 . For example, the deformable layer may be a transparent stretchable film layer of sufficient rigidity to support the pointing device. As shown in Figure 2, such a deformable layer 17a is positioned over the opening 12b to accommodate the navigation keys. Suitable materials for the elastic layer include elastic plastics, rubber or silicone. In the second embodiment in Figure 2, the elastomer 17 is chosen to be of sufficient thickness to position the deformable layer on the keys of the keyboard. Additionally, depending posts may be formed on the deformable layer which are capable of cooperating with the keys of the keyboard to limit the extent to which the deformable layer must be extended to operate the keys.

Figure 1b shows an example of a layout that relies on elastic surfaces. Rigid feet 14 support resilient surfaces 10a which advantageously extend between rigid frames 14a which define a large opening in the keys. The resilient surface 10a allows the keys beneath the surface to be depressed by applying force to the resilient surface. Advantageously, the resilient surface 10a is transparent or translucent so that the keyboard keys can be viewed beneath the surface. If the surface 10a is formed from an opaque material, markings are made on the surface to indicate the positions of the keys under the deformable surface. Note that Fig. Ib also shows an extension 14b which enables the rigid frame 14a to be supported by the same support surface that supports the keyboard in addition to the frame resting on the keyboard case.

Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention in an exploded view to clearly represent the components. The mounting pad structure defines a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support the pointing device. The platform includes a deformable region to enable operation of the keyboard keys through the platform. The pad of the third embodiment includes a lower layer 20 having a plurality of openings 21 therethrough to allow user access to one or more keys. The lower layer 20 is preferably formed of a resilient foam material of sufficient thickness to deform upwardly along the keyboard surface toward the adjacent tops of the keys. The lower layer 20 supports an upper resilient layer 23 comprising a lower surface 25 formed with key fits and an upper surface 26 supporting the pointing means. As preferably shown in Figure 3A, the key fit includes a plurality of downwardly extending posts 24, each of which is engageable with at least one key. In a more advantageous configuration, each post 24 is formed with a raised lower surface 24a to mate with a corresponding concave upper surface 200 of a keyboard key 202, thereby ensuring reliable operation of the keys.

Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view through another elastic layer 23, where each post 24 is associated with a fold of excess material in the layer defining a series of pouches in the elastic layer. Advantageously, the folds 23a form an accordion-like structure having a base 23b supported by an angled wall 23c. The post 24 and associated convex lower surface 24a are mounted centrally on the lower bottom 23b of the pleat structure so as to cooperate with the keys beneath the elastic layer 23 . The pleat structure conforms to the movement of the post 24 to fit the keys under the elastic layer 23 . This configuration allows the elastic layer 23 to be formed from a less elastic material. The upper edge 23c of the angled wall defines a small-sized gap in the elastic layer 23 corresponding to each key, thereby conveniently allowing the angled wall to be flexible. Advantageously, the gap 23d has a width of approximately less than 2 mm to accommodate pointing devices such as optical mice, which generally do not span a gap of more than 2 mm. Alternatively, an upper surface 28 could be applied to the elastic layer 23 to cover the gap 23d, however, this would limit the flexibility of the angled walls. The folded accordion configuration described above may be used in any embodiment of the invention wherein the elastically deformable surfaces are positioned over the keys of the keyboard.

Figure 3C shows yet another embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in Figure 3B. However, in the configuration of Figure 3C, the folds 23a of excess elastic material defining the pouch 302 are positioned in the rigid layer 300 adjacent to the opening 304 to enable the user to access the keyboard keys beneath the layer. The pouch 302 is secured to the underside of the rigid layer 300, advantageously by gluing. As in the previous configuration of FIG. 3B , each fold of elastic material supports a key fit in the form of a post 324 . Advantageously, the lower end 324b of each post is sized to substantially fill the opening 304 of the rigid layer 300 to provide a comfortable surface for the user's fingers to press against, thereby depressing the key. The lower end of each post is advantageously formed with a raised area 324a to fit the key. When the post is depressed by the user, the elastic material defining the pouch 302 deforms and stretches to move the post down and contact the corresponding key below the post. The elasticity of the pouch material returns post 324 to a default position as shown in Figure 3C, with its upper end 324b generally flush with the upper end of rigid layer 300 to define a plane for supporting the pointing device. The elastic pouch with post structure secured to a rigid surface in Figure 3C can be used in any embodiment of the invention that relies on a rigid surface positioned on the keys of a keyboard.

Returning to Fig. 3, another alternative configuration may be used in which the keying member includes a plurality of grooves 25a in the lower surface 25, each groove being sized to receive at least one key. Grooves 25a replace posts 24 and surround the four sides of each key and the top of the key to thoroughly interconnect the keys to the elastic layer 23 . The resilient layer 23 may be transparent or translucent, allowing the user to view the keys directly through the layer. Alternatively, an upper layer 28 may be mounted over the upper layer of the resilient layer 23 to provide a surface with the appropriate roughness for reliable use of a mechanical mouse. If the upper layer 28 is opaque, markings 30 are made on it to indicate the positions of the keys under the elastic layer 23 .

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 3 . In this case, however, the keyboard pointing device pad 2 is advantageously formed as a single piece of resilient material without the layers of the FIG. 3 embodiment. The single piece of material defines a platform structure 31 having an upper surface 32 for supporting the pointing device and a lower surface 34 formed with a plurality of grooves 36 extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface. Each recess is sized to accept at least one key. A groove 36 is formed in the lower surface 34 to counteract the depression of one or more keys. Advantageously, each groove corresponds to a key and surrounds the four sides of the key and the top of the key to positively interconnect the keys and the platform structure 31 . As shown in FIG. 4 , platform structure 31 may be formed from a transparent or translucent material, thereby allowing a user to directly view the keys through upper surface 32 . Alternatively, platform structure 31 may be formed of an opaque material or include an opaque upper surface 32 marked to indicate subsurface keys in each groove 36 . In yet another variation, the groove 36 formed in the lower surface 34 may extend a path to the upper surface 32 to define an opening of the upper surface for the key to become visible. Although a platform structure covering all bonds in a particular area is shown in Figure 4, it will be appreciated that smaller platform structures covering a single bond or group of bonds among the bonds can also be used. For example, as shown in cross-section in FIG. A, platform structure 31 may be formed with a recess 36 and an upper surface 32 sized to accommodate more than one key in keycap structure 37, all of which may be selected by the user with individual keycaps. Keys are required to form multiple pointing device support surfaces.

Figure 4B shows another arrangement in which the means for supporting the computer pointing device cooperates with the keys on the top surface of the keyboard. In this embodiment, a pad 250 may be positioned around a plurality of keys to form a raised top surface 251 that is coextensive with the top surfaces of the keys to support the pointing device. In the illustrated example, a plurality of hollow patterns 255 corresponding to different key groups are formed on the pad 250 . The thickness 256 of the pad 250 is selected so that the surface 251 is approximately at the same level as the tops of the keys. The pointing device on the pad 250 is free to move on the pad top surface 251 and the top surfaces of the keys to support the pointing device within the contours of the keyboard. Pad 250 is advantageously formed from a resilient, lightweight material such as foam, plastic or Santoprene. Although the pad 250 is illustrated as having cutout patterns 255 corresponding to sets of keys, it will be appreciated that the pad may be formed as a rectangular body including a single central opening to fit in a particular set of keys, such as a numeric keypad set of keys. or edit key groups).

In various embodiments of the invention, particularly the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a weak magnet 39 may be embedded in the surface supporting the pointing device or in the pointing device 40 and iron attracted to objects without magnets. magnetic material. The ferromagnetic material may be iron particles distributed over the entire support surface, or the ferromagnetic material may be existing metal on the keypad or keyboard. The magnet's attraction to this ferromagnetic material helps keep the pointing device on the surface without slipping off. For example, a flat ferromagnetic material can be adhered to the bottom of the mouse to attract any ferromagnetic material in the keyboard.

Some or all of the keyboard keys may be modified to define surfaces that better support the pointing device directly on the top surfaces of the keys, rather than providing additional pad or platform structures to support the pointing device on existing keyboards. This type of configuration is particularly suitable for laptop computer keyboards. In the preferred example shown in Figure 5, separate keyboard units 50 may be formed comprising a plurality of keys 52 formed on a top surface 54 which cooperate to define a plane for supporting the pointing device. Thus the keyboard unit can be realized by the conventional design of the keyboard.

Alternatively, a conventional keyboard layout may be modified to include one or more regions having a plurality of keys 62 formed with a top surface to support a pointing device. The keyboard layout 51 shown in FIG. 5A includes a modified keyboard case in which instead of the usual extended keypad 53 of the keyboard is integrally formed with the main housing, it is molded at a different height and angle relative to the alphabetic keypad 55 . Whether a separate keyboard unit 50 or a modified keyboard 51, the keys that act together to define a pointing device support surface are typically the set of numeric pad keys, the set of edit keys and the set of cursor keys. It is also conceivable to form only one of the numeric keypad key set, the edit key set or the cursor key set to define the support surface. In the case of a separate keyboard unit 50 (FIG. 5), it is advantageous to position the keyboard housing 56 in a substantially horizontal configuration so that the top surfaces 54 of the keys are substantially horizontal to support the pointing device without sliding. On the surface. Since the keyboard unit 50 is detachable from the main keyboard 100, it may be required to pivotally couple the housing of the keyboard unit 50 to the housing of the main keyboard 100 to allow the keyboard unit 50 to pivot. Pivoting maintains the keyboard unit 50 in a planar (perpendicular to gravity) region, which supports the pointing device independent of the angle of the main keyboard. As shown in FIG. 5, a pivot connection may be formed on the lower edge of the main keyboard 100 housing, which is designed for typical users who are accustomed to tilting the keyboard toward them. Alternatively, for those users who are accustomed to tilting the keyboard away from them to make the space bar higher or to align the function keys, the pivot connection can be formed on the upper edge of the main keyboard case.

The design of the individual keys making up the keys of the keyboard can vary. For example, in the keyboard unit 50 of FIG. 5, each individual key preferably has the structure of the cross-sectional view of the key as shown in FIG. Each key comprises a substantially hollow parallelepiped 60 having sides 42 parallel to the sides of adjacent keys and a flat top surface. The bottom of the key is open and includes connectors 66 to removably or permanently secure the key to a conventional mounting location on a keyboard. There are many known arrangements of connecting the keys to the keyboard case in this way, which allows pressing of the key to send a signal to the computer to which the keyboard is connected. The keys of the keyboard of the present invention can be adapted to any of these known configurations. The key bodies 60 advantageously abut each other with minimal spacing between adjacent top surfaces 64, thereby defining a generally continuous planar support surface 70 for supporting the pointing device. A small gap of less than 2 mm is left between the side walls and adjacent key tops to provide spacing so that the keys do not interfere with each other when they are depressed. Pointing devices such as optical mice generally do not span a gap of more than 2 millimeters, so the smaller the gap between the keys, the better the performance of the optical mouse.

Yet another key design is shown in cross-section in FIG. 7 , wherein each key includes a generally trapezoidal key body 74 tapered from a wider top surface 76 to a narrower bottom 78 . On the keyboard housing 56 , a key connector 80 mates each key to a corresponding mounting location 82 . The wider top surfaces 76 of the keys are designed to be spaced from each other by a minimum clearance such that the key top surfaces define a generally planar bearing surface. The tapered side walls 75 of the key bodies provide spacing between the keys to minimize interference between adjacent keys when the keys are depressed. In addition, any dust that inevitably collects on the keyboard will then easily fall from between the keys into the channels formed by the tapered side walls 75 at the bottom of the keyboard case, thereby minimizing jamming and sticking of the keys.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment in top view, wherein each key comprises a trapezoidal key body 84 tapering from a wider base 86 to a narrower top 88 . In this configuration, the plane supporting the pointing device is formed by the separate flat top surfaces 88 of the keys.

As shown in Figure 8, each key advantageously includes a layer of high friction material 90 on the key top surface 88 to provide a non-slip surface for supporting the pointing device and to reliably accept and support the user's body when the key is depressed. fingertip.

Figure 9 shows another key design for the keyboard of the present invention to define the support surface of the pointing device. In this configuration, each key 92 includes a rigid central post 94 for mating to the keyboard housing and an upper platform 96 that extends along the perimeter of the post. Platform 96 is advantageously formed of a resilient material, such as silicone or foam, surrounding a hard plastic central post. Upper platform 96 defines a key top surface that supports the pointing device with other platforms on adjacent keys. Relative to the stiffer central column 94, the softer platform 96 provides tactile feedback to the user when entering data so that the user's fingers are centered. The different materials can provide visual cues to the user so that the user can distinguish different keys. The elasticity of the platform 96 ensures that the keys will not stick or interfere with each other when depressed.

FIG. 10 shows yet another key design similar to that shown in FIG. 9 . In this case, each key 100 includes an upper platform 96 of resilient material mounted on a rigid central post 94 whereby the upper surface of the post does not extend beyond the platform.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of another key design, which is similar to the design of FIGS. 9 and 10 . In this case, each key 102 includes an upper platform 96 of resilient material mounted on a rigid central post 94, whereby the upper surface of the post does not extend beyond the platform.

Various key designs as described above can be installed on the keyboard with different key type combinations. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a set of keys 55 are generally depressible keys having a first top surface, such as a concave surface, for entering information into a computer. Another set of keys 53 are keys with different top surfaces, which perform a double function, ie the input of information while defining a plane to support the pointing device.

Although the invention has been described in some detail by way of example, for purposes of clarity and understandability. However, certain changes and modifications are permissible to practice within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (60)

1. Apparatus for supporting computer pointing devices on the keys of computer keyboards, including: a surface positionable on at least a portion of the keyboard to support a surface of a pointing device; and A means of allowing operation of the keys of a keyboard formed on a surface. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface is a rigid surface, and the means for allowing operation of the keys comprises at least one opening through the surface, each of the at least one opening allowing the user to access at least a key. 3. The apparatus of claim 2 including a fold of elastic material defining a pouch associated with at least one opening in the rigid surface, the fold of elastic material supporting the key fit. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, including rigid support feet to position the surface on a computer keyboard. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the support feet rest on the surface of the keyboard. 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the support feet rest on a surface supporting the keyboard. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for permitting operation of the keys comprises: a frame supported by feet having at least one opening therethrough; and deformation over the at least one opening to enable the user to A deformable layer that depresses the keys by applying pressure to the resilient surface. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface is a resilient surface, the means allowing operation of the keys comprising a deformable region of the resilient surface to allow a user to depress the keys by applying pressure to the resilient surface. 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the resilient surface includes indicia for indicating the location of the keys below the surface. 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the resilient surface is translucent to enable a user to view the keys beneath the surface. 11. The device of claim 8, wherein folds are formed on the elastic surface to accommodate deformation of the elastic layer. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surface is an elastomer including a lower end for mating with a keyboard surface and an upper end positioned over the keys to support the pointing device. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the means for allowing operation of the keys comprises at least one opening extending through the elastomer from the lower end to the upper end, each of the at least one opening allowing user access to at least one key. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the elastic body is formed from a material selected from foam, rubber, plastic, and thermoplastic elastomer. 15. The device of claim 1, including an elastic region to support a user's wrist. 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the elastic region is a gel pad. 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the surface and the pointing device includes a magnet and the other includes a material attracted to the magnet to help retain the pointing device on the surface. 18. An apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on the keys of a computer keyboard, comprising: a surface positionable on at least a portion of the keyboard to support a platform for a pointing device; and A deformable area within a platform that allows the keys of the keyboard to be manipulated through the platform. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the platform includes a resilient layer having a lower surface formed with a fitting and an upper surface supporting the pointing device. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the platform includes a lower surface to support the resilient layer on the keys. 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the lower surface includes a plurality of downwardly extending posts, each post adapted to fit over at least one key. 22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein folds of material are formed in the elastic layer adjacent to each post to accommodate deformation of the elastic layer. 23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein each post is formed with a convex surface to mate with a corresponding concave surface of the key. 24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a plurality of recesses are formed on the lower surface, each recess being sized to receive at least one key. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein each groove is formed to surround the four sides of the key and the top of the key. 26. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein markings are provided on the upper surface to indicate the location of the keys under the platform. 27. The device of claim 18, including an elastic region to support a user's wrist. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the elastic region is a gel pad. 29. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein one of the platform and the pointing device includes a magnet and the other includes a material attracted to the magnet to retain the pointing device on the platform. 30. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the platform comprises a rigid layer having a plurality of openings extending through the layer of the upper surface of the belt to support the pointing device, and a fold of elastic material is formed defining a pocket corresponding to each opening. On the lower surface, each pouch is deformable to allow extrusion of at least one key under the rigid layer. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the platform includes a lower surface to support the rigid layer over the keys. 32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein each pouch is formed with a downwardly extending post to engage at least one key. 33. An apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on the keys of a computer keyboard, comprising: a lower layer having at least one opening therethrough corresponding to at least one key of the keyboard; A deformable upper layer overlies the lower layer sufficiently rigid to support the pointing device and is deformable to permit operation of the keys of the keyboard through the at least one opening. 34. The device of claim 33, wherein at least one opening in the lower layer comprises a plurality of openings, each of the plurality of openings corresponding to a set of keys of a keyboard. 35. The device of claim 33, wherein the lower layer has an upper surface to fit the keyboard and an upper surface on which the deformable layer is mounted, the lower surface being formed of a resilient material of sufficient thickness to position the deformable layer in the above the keys. 36. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the deformable layer is formed with depending posts adapted to engage keys of a keyboard. 37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the deformable layer is formed with folds of material adjacent each post to accommodate deformation of the deformable layer. 38. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the upper surface is marked to indicate the location of the keys below the platform. 39. The device of claim 33, wherein the lower layer includes an elastic region to support the user's wrist. 40. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the elastic region is a gel pad. 41. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein one of the upper layer and the pointing means includes a magnet and the other includes a material attracted to the magnet to help retain the pointing means on the upper surface. 42. A computer keyboard having a plurality of depressible keys comprising: formed on at least a portion of the keys a top surface coacting to define a planar surface for supporting a pointing device. 43. The keyboard of claim 42, wherein each key of at least a portion of the keys includes a substantially parallelepiped key body, the sides of the parallelepiped being parallel to the sides of the flat top surface of the adjacent key. 44. A keyboard as claimed in claim 43 wherein the keys are positioned with minimal spacing between adjacent top surfaces whereby the plane is substantially continuous. 45. The keyboard of claim 42 , wherein each key of at least a portion of the keys includes a generally trapezoidal key body tapered from a wider base to a narrower flat top, whereby the planar Bounded by a number of discrete planes. 46. The keyboard of claim 42 , wherein each key of at least a portion of the keys includes a generally trapezoidal key body that tapers from a wider top surface to a narrower bottom and ends adjacent the top. A minimum distance is formed between the faces, whereby the plane is substantially continuous. 47. The keyboard of claim 42, wherein each key of at least a portion of the keys has a high friction material on a top surface of the key. 48. The keyboard of claim 42, wherein the keys of the keyboard are configured to include an alphanumeric keypad and an extended keypad with an edit keypad, a cursor keypad, and a numeric keypad, wherein the extended keypads Keys are formed thereon which cooperate to define a planar top surface for supporting the pointing device. 49. The keyboard of claim 42, wherein the keys of the keyboard are assigned to an edit keypad, a cursor keypad and a numeric keypad. 50. The keyboard of claim 42 , wherein each key of at least a portion of the keys includes a rigid post supporting an upper platform formed of resilient material extending along the periphery of the central post, thereby defining the key's upper surface. 51. The keyboard of claim 42, wherein each key of at least a portion of the keys includes an upper platform of resilient material mounted on a rigid central post. 52. The keyboard of claim 42, wherein each key of at least a portion of the keys includes a central post and an upper surface formed of a resilient material. 53. A keyboard for a computer, comprising: a plurality of depressible keys having a first top surface for entering information into a computer; and A plurality of depressible keys for entering information into the computer have a second top surface defining a plane for supporting the pointing device. 54. The keyboard of claim 53, wherein the plurality of depressible keys having the second top surface are formed as at least one set of keys on a separate keyboard housing, said keyboard housing being associated with the plurality of depressible keys having the first The housing of the depressible key on the top surface is integrally combined. 55. The keyboard of claim 53, wherein the plurality of depressible keys having the second top surface are formed as at least one set of keys on a separate housing, said housing being detachably coupled to a plurality of keys having A separate housing for depressible keys on the first top surface. 56. The present invention also provides a keyboard unit for a computer, comprising: case; A plurality of depressible keys are mounted within the housing and define a top surface together defining a plane for supporting the pointing device. 57. The keyboard of claim 56, wherein the keyboard unit is pivotally connected to the main keyboard. 58. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on the keys of a computer keyboard, comprising: a plurality of keycaps, each keycap positionable on a key of the keyboard, whereby the plurality of keycaps collectively define a platform for supporting the pointing device . 59. The keyboard of claim 58, wherein each keycap includes a recess for receiving a key and an upper surface for defining a portion of the platform for supporting the pointing device. 60. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on a plurality of keys of a computer keyboard having a keyboard casing, comprising: a keyboard casing positionable around a plurality of keys on the keyboard casing to form a raised surface, said raised surface being aligned with A plurality of top surfaces of the keys are coextensive to support the pointing device.

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