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US20040238710A1 - Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard - Google Patents

Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard Download PDF

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Publication number
US20040238710A1
US20040238710A1 US10/448,929 US44892903A US2004238710A1 US 20040238710 A1 US20040238710 A1 US 20040238710A1 US 44892903 A US44892903 A US 44892903A US 2004238710 A1 US2004238710 A1 US 2004238710A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
keys
keyboard
key
pointing device
resilient
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/448,929
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English (en)
Inventor
Jerry Hsu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/448,929 priority Critical patent/US20040238710A1/en
Priority to EP04735169A priority patent/EP1629372A2/en
Priority to CNA2004800149966A priority patent/CN1856764A/zh
Priority to PCT/CA2004/000798 priority patent/WO2004107154A2/en
Priority to JP2006529505A priority patent/JP2007505414A/ja
Priority to CA002527073A priority patent/CA2527073A1/en
Publication of US20040238710A1 publication Critical patent/US20040238710A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/039—Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
    • G06F3/0395—Mouse pads
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1662—Details related to the integrated keyboard
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
    • G06F1/169—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being an integrated pointing device, e.g. trackball in the palm rest area, mini-joystick integrated between keyboard keys, touch pads or touch stripes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • G06F3/021—Arrangements integrating additional peripherals in a keyboard, e.g. card or barcode reader, optical scanner
    • G06F3/0213—Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick

Definitions

  • This invention relates to computer equipment and, more particularly, to equipment for supporting a computer pointing device on or over a keyboard while still permitting use of the keyboard.
  • the space available for the keyboard and pointing device may be limited. Rather than reduce the size of the keyboard or point device, it is preferable if some of the space occupied by the keyboard can be used by the pointing device.
  • One prior art solution is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,294 to Greenquist which disclose a raised platform that supports a mouse over a portion of the keyboard. The disadvantage of this approach is that the keys under the platform are unavailable to the user.
  • the present invention provides apparatus that readily accommodate positioning of a pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard.
  • the present invention takes the form of a keyboard pointing device pad that works in conjunction with standard keyboard and pointing devices to position the pointing device over a portion of the keyboard and within the keyboard footprint while permitting full use of the pointing device and all the keyboard keys.
  • the present invention comprises a keyboard having modified key surfaces to support a pointing device.
  • the present invention provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
  • [0007] means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in the surface.
  • the present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
  • a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device
  • the present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising a plurality of key caps, each key cap being positionable over a key of the keyboard such that the plurality of key caps co-operate to define a platform to support a pointing device.
  • the present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:
  • the present invention provides in a keyboard for a computer, the keyboard having a plurality of depressible keys, the improvement comprising at least a portion of the keys being formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
  • the present invention also provides a keyboard for a computer comprising:
  • a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information to the computer having second top surfaces for defining a planar surface to support a pointing device.
  • the present inventions also provides a keyboard unit for a computer comprising:
  • a plurality of depressible keys mounted within the housing and formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad installed on a typical keyboard
  • FIG. 1 a is a view of the keyboard pointing device pad of FIG. 1 alone;
  • FIG. 1 b is a view of an alternative keyboard pointing device pad formed with a resilient surface
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3A is a detail view of a post member that can be used with the embodiment of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 3B is a detail cross-section view of an alternative main layer and upper layer that can be used with the embodiment of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 3C is a detail cross-section view of a still further embodiment that uses a rigid layer to support a point device and resilient pockets in the rigid layer to permit manipulation of keys below the rigid layer;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention comprising a transparent platform with key receiving recesses in a lower surface for application over top of a keyboard;
  • FIG. 4A is a detail cross-section view of a keycap arrangement according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention comprising a raised pad for supporting a pointing device in conjunction with the top surfaces of the keys;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention comprising a keyboard unit with specially formed keys to define a surface to support a pointing device;
  • FIG. 5A is a perspective of a still further embodiment of the invention comprising a keyboard with a specially formed section having keys to define a surface to support a pointing device;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional detail view of the keys of the keyboard unit of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a detail view showing a key design for use with the keyboard according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a side elevation view showing an alternative keyboard arrangement.
  • FIG. 9 is a detail view of a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a detail view of a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a detail section-view of a still further key design.
  • FIGS. 1 and 1 a there is shown a first embodiment of a keyboard pointing device pad 2 according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows the pad 2 installed over the numeric keypad region 4 , the cursor key region 5 and the editing keys (Insert, delete, page up, page down) region 6 of a standard keyboard 7 . Keys in regions 4 , 5 and 6 tend to be less used than the keys of the main QWERTY keyboard region 8 .
  • the illustrated keyboard is an ergonomic model having the QWERTY keyboard region 8 separated into two angled sections 8 a and 8 b with the keys in each section being manipulated by one hand. It will be appreciated that the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention can be used in conjunction with any keyboard design or layout. In addition, while the following description may refer to a specific arrangement in which a particular pointing device such as a mechanical mouse is used, it will be understood that the pointing device pad of the present invention can be used in conjunction with other pointing devices such as optical mice or track balls.
  • Keyboard pointing device pad 2 comprises a surface 10 positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a mouse.
  • surface 10 is formed with means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in surface 10 in the form of a plurality of openings 12 that extend through the surface to permit a user's finger tips to touch and depress the keys covered by the pad 2 .
  • Surface 10 is a rigid surface that includes support legs 14 at opposite edges of the surface to raise and support the surface above the keys. Legs 14 preferably rest against the surface 15 of the keyboard housing, however, an alternative arrangement in which a portion of legs 14 are elongated to form extensions 14 b to rest on the same surface as the keyboard is possible.
  • Surface 10 and legs 14 are preferably moulded from plastic as a one piece unit.
  • Surface 10 is preferably transparent or translucent to allow the user a clear view of the keys below the pad.
  • Openings 12 are formed in surface 10 to align with the keys covered by the surface such that each opening permits access to at least one key.
  • openings 12 can be dimensioned such that one opening provides access to more than one key.
  • the arrangement of keys in regions 4 , 5 and 6 of the keyboard tend to be standardized across different keyboard designs, and, therefore, a few different models of the pointing device pad of the present invention each with a different hole pattern will be sufficient to accommodate most keyboard designs.
  • a mechanical or optical mouse or track ball placed on surface 10 is supported above the keyboard for normal operation by a user.
  • the rotatable ball rolls over surface 10 to operate in the usual manner. If the mouse ball is positioned over an opening 12 , the ball will tend to roll over the top of the key or keys exposed through the opening. The spring force biasing the keyboard keys to their default ready position is sufficient to prevent unintended depression of the key.
  • the surface of the pad and the exposed keys provides an optically varied appearance that allows the mouse to detect movement.
  • the surface of the pad acts simply to support the weight of the unit.
  • FIG. 1 a is shown with a resilient wrist rest portion 19 for the comfort of the user extending from leg 14 .
  • portion 19 is a gel cushion.
  • Wrist rest portion 19 can be also be included with any of the additional embodiments described below.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention.
  • support surface 10 for the pointing is a resilient member 17 of a pre-determined thickness having a lower side 16 to engage surface 15 of keyboard and an upper side 18 positioned above the keys to support the pointing device.
  • a plurality of openings 12 extend through the resilient member from lower side 16 to upper side 18 with each opening permitting access to at least one key.
  • three large openings 12 a , 12 b and 12 c are formed through resilient member 17 to provide access to the groups of keys in the keypad key region 4 , the cursor key region 5 and the editing key region 6 , respectively
  • resilient member 17 is formed from a foam material that is suitably rigid to support a pointing device such as a mechanical or optical mouse or a track ball.
  • Resilient member 17 creates a raised surface at upper side 18 that is co-extensive with the exposed tops of the keyboard keys to define a surface for the pointing device.
  • the spring force biasing the keyboard keys to their default ready position is sufficient to prevent unintended depression of the key.
  • Resilient member 17 can also be formed from other materials such as plastic, rubber or thermoplastic elastomers such as the material sold under the trademark Santoprene®.
  • the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of FIG. 2 also includes an optional resilient region 19 to support the wrist of a user.
  • the keyboard pointing device pads of FIGS. 1, 1 a , and 2 are illustrated with openings 12 that extend through surface 10 , it is contemplated that a deformable layer or film can be positioned across each opening to permit depression of the keys through openings 12 by resilient stretching of the deformable layer.
  • the deformable layer can be a transparent flexible film layer of sufficient rigidity to support a pointing device.
  • Such a deformable layer 17 a is shown over the opening 12 b to accommodate the navigation keys in FIG. 2.
  • Suitable materials for the deformable layer include resilient plastics, rubber or silicone.
  • resilient member 17 is selected to be of sufficient thickness to position the deformable layer above the keys of the keyboard.
  • the deformable layer may be formed with downwardly depending posts adapted to engage with keys of the keyboard to limit the extent to which the deformable layer must be stretched to manipulate the keys.
  • FIG. 1 b illustrates an example of an arrangement that relies on a resilient surface.
  • Rigid legs 14 support a resilient surface 10 a which preferably extends between a rigid frame 14 a defining a single large opening over the keys.
  • Resilient surface 10 a allows pressing of the keys below the surface by applying pressure to the resilient surface.
  • resilient surface 10 a is transparent or translucent so that the keyboard keys can be viewed below the surface. If the surface 10 a is formed from an opaque material, the surface is marked with indicia to indicate the position of the keys below the deformable surface.
  • FIG. 1 b also shows extensions 14 b that permit frame 14 a to be supported by the same surface that supports the keyboard, in addition to the frame resting on the keyboard housing.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention in an exploded view to clearly show component parts.
  • the assembled pad structure defines a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device.
  • the platform includes deformable regions to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform.
  • the pad of the third embodiment comprises a lower layer 20 having openings 21 therethrough to permit access to one or more keys.
  • Lower layer 20 is preferably formed from a resilient foam material of sufficient thickness to extend upwardly from the keyboard surface to adjacent the tops of the keys.
  • Lower layer 20 supports an upper resilient layer 23 having a lower surface 25 formed with key engaging members and an upper surface 26 to support the pointing device. As best shown in FIG.
  • key engaging members may comprise a plurality of downwardly extending posts 24 with each post being adapted to engage at least one key.
  • each post 24 is formed with a convex lower surface 24 a to engage with the corresponding concave upper surface 200 of the keyboard key 202 to ensure reliable manipulation of the keys.
  • FIG. 3B is a cross-section through an alternative resilient layer 23 in which each post 24 is associated with folds 23 a of excess material in the layer defining a series of pockets below the layer.
  • folds 23 a are formed in an accordion pleat configuration having a base 23 b supported by angled walls 23 c .
  • Posts 24 and associated convex lower surfaces 24 a are mounted centrally on the lower base 23 b of the pleat in order to engage keys below resilient layer 23 .
  • the pleats accommodate movement of posts 24 to engage the keys by flexing of angled walls 23 c .
  • This arrangement permits resilient layer 23 to be formed from a material of lesser elasticity.
  • angled walls 23 c define a small gap 23 d in resilient layer 23 associated with each key to readily permit flexing of the angled walls.
  • gap 23 d will have a width of less than about 2 mm to handle pointing devices, such as optical mice, which generally cannot navigate across gaps of more than 2 mm.
  • upper surface 28 may be applied over resilient layer 23 to cover gaps 23 d , however, this will limit the flexing of the angled walls.
  • the folded accordion pleat configuration described above can be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention which rely on a resilient deformable surface positioned over the keys of a keyboard.
  • FIG. 3C illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in FIG. 3B.
  • folds 23 a of excess resilient material defining pockets 302 are mounted to a rigid layer 300 adjacent openings 304 in the layer to permit access to keyboard keys underneath the layer.
  • Pockets 302 are preferably attached by gluing to the underside 301 of rigid layer 300 .
  • each fold of resilient material supports a key engaging member in the form of a post 324 .
  • the upper end 324 b of each post is preferably dimensioned to substantially fill opening 304 in the rigid layer 300 to present a comfortable surface to the user's finger to depress in order to press a key.
  • each post is preferably formed with a convex region 324 a to engage a key.
  • the resilient material defining pockets 302 is deformed and stretched to allow the post to move downwardly to contact the corresponding key below the post.
  • the resiliency of the pocket material returns post 324 to the default position illustrated in FIG. 3C with upper end 324 b substantially flush with the upper side of rigid layer 300 to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
  • the resilient pocket with post arrangement of FIG. 3C attached to a rigid surface can be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention which rely on a rigid surface positioned over the keys of a keyboard.
  • the key engaging members comprise a plurality of recesses 25 a in lower surface 25 with each recess being dimensioned to receive at least one key.
  • Recesses 25 a would replace posts 24 and would enclose each key about four sides and the top of the key to positively interconnect the keys to the resilient layer 23 .
  • Resilient layer 23 may be transparent or translucent to allow the user to view the keys directly through the layer.
  • an upper layer 28 may be mounted over upper surface 26 of resilient layer 23 to provide a surface of suitable roughness for reliable operation of a mechanical mouse. If upper layer 28 is opaque, indicia 30 are marked thereon to indicate the positions of the keys below resilient layer 23 .
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a still further embodiment similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • keyboard pointing device pad 2 is preferably formed from a single piece of resilient material without the layers of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
  • the single piece of material defines a platform structure 31 having a planar upper surface 32 to support a pointing device and a lower surface 34 formed with a plurality of recesses 36 extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface.
  • Each recess is dimensioned to receive at least one key.
  • Recesses 36 are formed in lower surface 34 to be negative impressions of one or more keys.
  • each recess corresponds to one key and encloses the key about four sides and the top of the key to positively interconnect the key and platform structure 31 .
  • Platform structure 31 may be formed from a transparent or translucent material as shown in FIG. 4 to allow the user to view the keys directly through upper surface 32 .
  • platform structure 31 may be formed from an opaque material or may include an opaque upper surface 32 which is marked with indicia to indicate the keys below the surface within each recess 36 .
  • the recess 36 formed in lower surface 34 may extend all the way to upper surface 32 to define an opening in the upper surface through which the key is visible. While a platform structure that covers all the keys in a particular region is shown in FIG. 4, it will be understood that a smaller platform structure covering single keys or groups of keys may be used. For example, as illustrated in cross-section in FIG.
  • platform structure 31 can be formed with a recess 36 and an upper surface 32 dimensioned to fit over a single key in a key cap arrangement 37 , and a pointing device supporting surface can be formed by a user selecting a plurality of desired keys with individual key caps.
  • FIG. 4B shows a further arrangement, in which the apparatus for supporting the computer pointing device works in co-operation with top surfaces of the keyboard keys.
  • a pad 250 is positionable about a plurality of keys to create a raised top surface 251 that is co-extensive with the top surfaces of the keys to support a pointing device.
  • pad 250 is formed with a plurality of cut outs 255 corresponding to different groups of keys.
  • the thickness 256 of pad 250 is selected such that surface 251 is at substantially the same level as the tops of the keys.
  • a pointing device placed on pad 250 will be freely movable over pad top surface 251 and the top surfaces of the keys to support the pointing device within the footprint of the keyboard.
  • Pad 250 is preferably formed from a resilient, light weight material such as foam, plastic or Santoprene®. While pad 250 has been illustrated with cut outs 255 for multiple groups of keys, it will be understood that the pad can be formed as a rectangular member with a single central opening to fit about a particular grouping of keys such as the numeric keypad keys or the editing keys.
  • a resilient, light weight material such as foam, plastic or Santoprene®. While pad 250 has been illustrated with cut outs 255 for multiple groups of keys, it will be understood that the pad can be formed as a rectangular member with a single central opening to fit about a particular grouping of keys such as the numeric keypad keys or the editing keys.
  • a weak magnet 39 in either the surface supporting the pointing device or the pointing device 40 and a ferrous material attracted to the magnet in the article without the magnet.
  • This ferrous material can be iron particles distributed throughout the supporting surface.
  • the ferrous material can be existing metal in the keypad or keyboard. The attraction of the ferrous material to the magnet assists in retaining the pointing device on the surface without slipping.
  • a flat ferrous magnet can be attached to the bottom of the mouse for attraction to any ferrous material in the keyboard.
  • keyboard keys instead of providing an additional pad or platform structure to support a pointing device above an existing keyboard, it is also possible to modify the shape of some or all of the keyboard keys to define a surface that is better able to support a pointing device directly on the top surface of the keys.
  • Such an arrangement finds particular application with respect to the keyboard of a laptop computer. As best shown in FIG. 5, this may involve forming a separate keyboard unit 50 which includes a plurality of keys 52 formed with top surfaces 54 that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.
  • Such a keyboard unit would be for use in conjunction with a main keyboard of conventional design.
  • a conventional keyboard layout can be modified to include one or more regions that have a plurality of keys 52 formed with top surfaces to support a pointing device.
  • FIG. 5A shows one such keyboard arrangement 51 with a modified keyboard housing in which the usual extended keypad region 53 of the keyboard is integrated with the main housing, but is moulded at a different level and angle from the alphanumeric key region 55 .
  • the keys that co-operate to define a supporting surface for the pointing device will generally be the numeric keypad keys, the editing keys, and the cursor keys.
  • keyboard unit 50 it is preferably that the keyboard housing 56 be positionable in a generally horizontal configuration so that keys' top surfaces 54 are generally level to support a pointing device place on the surfaces without slipping. While keyboard unit 50 may be separate from a main keyboard 100 , it may be desirable to pivotally connect the housing of keyboard unit 50 to the housing of main keyboard 100 to permit pivoting of the unit 50 . Pivoting allows keyboard unit 50 to maintain a flat (perpendicular to gravity) area for supporting a pointing device independent of the angle of the main keyboard.
  • the pivotal connection may be at the lower edge of the housing of the main keyboard 100 as shown in FIG. 5 for typical users who generally tilt the main keyboard toward the user.
  • the pivotal connection would be at the upper edge of the housing of the main keyboard.
  • each individual key has a structure which is best illustrated by the cross sectional view through the keys of FIG. 6.
  • Each key comprises a generally hollow, parallelepiped body 60 with sides 62 that are parallel to the sides of adjacent keys and a flat top surface.
  • the base of the key is open and includes connection means 66 for releasably or permanently attaching the key to a conventional mounting location on the keyboard.
  • connection means 66 for releasably or permanently attaching the key to a conventional mounting location on the keyboard.
  • Key bodies 60 are preferably spaced closely together with minimal spacing between adjacent top surface 64 such that a substantially continuous planar support surface 70 is defined to support a pointing device.
  • a small gap less than about 2 mm is left between the side walls and the top surface of adjacent keys to provide clearance so that the keys do not interfere with each other when depressed.
  • Pointing devices such as optical mice generally cannot navigate across gaps of more than 2 mm, therefore, the smaller the gap between keys, the better the performance of an optical mouse.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates in cross section an alternative key design in which each key comprises a generally trapezoidal body 74 with a wider top surface 76 tapering to a narrower base 78 .
  • Key connecting means 80 joins each key to a corresponding mounting location 82 on the keyboard housing 56 .
  • the wider top surfaces 76 of the keys are dimensioned to be spaced apart by a minimal gap such that the keys' top surfaces define a substantially planar support surface.
  • the tapering side walls 75 of the body provide clearance between the keys to minimize interference between adjacent keys when one key is depressed.
  • any detritus that inevitably accumulates on keyboards will tend to fall between the keys to the bottom of the keyboard housing in the channels formed by tapering side walls 75 to minimize jamming or sticking of the keys.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a third embodiment show in plan view in which each key comprises a generally trapezoidal body 84 with a wider base 86 tapering to a narrower flat top surface 88 .
  • the planar surface to support a pointing device is formed from the plurality of discrete flat top surfaces 88 of individual keys.
  • each key includes a layer of high friction material 90 on the top surface 88 of the key to provide a non-slip surface for supporting a pointing device and for reliably receiving and supporting a user's fingertip when the key is depressed.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates still a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention to define a support surface for pointing device.
  • each key 92 comprises a rigid central post 94 for joining to the keyboard housing and an upper platform 96 extending about the perimeter of the post.
  • Platform 96 is preferably a resilient material such as silicone or foam that surrounds a hard plastic central post.
  • Upper platform 96 defines a top surface of the key that supports a pointing device in conjunction with the platforms on other adjacent keys.
  • the contrast between the relatively hard central post 94 and the relatively soft platform 96 provides tactile feed back to the user to permit centring of the fingers on the keys when being used for entering data.
  • the different materials also provide visual cues to the user regarding the separation of the different keys.
  • the resiliency of platform 96 ensures that keys will not bind are interfere with each other when being depressed.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates another key design which is similar to that shown in FIG. 9.
  • each key 100 includes an upper platform 96 of resilient material mounted over a rigid central post. 94 such that the upper surface of the post does not extend through the platform.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-section through another key design similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10.
  • the entire key 102 including post 94 and upper platform 96 is made from the same resilient material.
  • one group of keys 55 are conventional depressible keys for inputting information into the computer having first top surfaces, such as concave surfaces.
  • the other group of keys 53 are keys having a different top surface which perform the dual role of permitting inputting of information while also defining a planar surface to support a pointing device.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
US10/448,929 2003-05-30 2003-05-30 Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard Abandoned US20040238710A1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/448,929 US20040238710A1 (en) 2003-05-30 2003-05-30 Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard
EP04735169A EP1629372A2 (en) 2003-05-30 2004-05-28 Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard
CNA2004800149966A CN1856764A (zh) 2003-05-30 2004-05-28 允许在键盘的轮廓内使用计算机定点装置的设备
PCT/CA2004/000798 WO2004107154A2 (en) 2003-05-30 2004-05-28 Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard
JP2006529505A JP2007505414A (ja) 2003-05-30 2004-05-28 キーボードのフットプリント内でコンピュータポインティングデバイスの使用を許容する装置
CA002527073A CA2527073A1 (en) 2003-05-30 2004-05-28 Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/448,929 US20040238710A1 (en) 2003-05-30 2003-05-30 Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard

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US20040238710A1 true US20040238710A1 (en) 2004-12-02

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US10/448,929 Abandoned US20040238710A1 (en) 2003-05-30 2003-05-30 Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard

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US20080075515A1 (en) * 2006-09-26 2008-03-27 William Thomas Large Ergonomic and Key Recognition Advantage by Numeric Key Elevation
US20100124634A1 (en) * 1996-09-26 2010-05-20 Slotta Mark R Cushioned cap with annular portion and method for forming same
US20100247213A1 (en) * 2009-03-27 2010-09-30 Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Specialized keyboard for electronic devices
WO2014028263A1 (en) * 2012-08-14 2014-02-20 Microsoft Corporation Self aligning minimal gap keycaps
WO2014107155A1 (en) * 2013-01-04 2014-07-10 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Keyboard assembly including an electromagnet
US20190302933A1 (en) * 2018-03-30 2019-10-03 Concraft Holding Co., Ltd. Touch button with better feel in pressing
USD985567S1 (en) * 2021-02-24 2023-05-09 Cloud Nine Ergo Llc Ergonomic keyboard

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CN103412654B (zh) * 2013-09-03 2017-01-18 黄雪昀 一种电脑键盘及使用该键盘的平板电脑
TWI747700B (zh) * 2021-01-06 2021-11-21 致伸科技股份有限公司 鍵盤

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US20100124634A1 (en) * 1996-09-26 2010-05-20 Slotta Mark R Cushioned cap with annular portion and method for forming same
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US20100247213A1 (en) * 2009-03-27 2010-09-30 Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Specialized keyboard for electronic devices
US8931969B2 (en) * 2009-03-27 2015-01-13 Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Specialized keyboard for electronic devices
WO2014028263A1 (en) * 2012-08-14 2014-02-20 Microsoft Corporation Self aligning minimal gap keycaps
US20140048397A1 (en) * 2012-08-14 2014-02-20 Microsoft Corporation Self aligning minimal gap keycaps
US9256294B2 (en) * 2012-08-14 2016-02-09 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Self aligning minimal gap keycaps
WO2014107155A1 (en) * 2013-01-04 2014-07-10 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Keyboard assembly including an electromagnet
US9401713B2 (en) 2013-01-04 2016-07-26 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Keyboard assembly including an electromagnet
US20190302933A1 (en) * 2018-03-30 2019-10-03 Concraft Holding Co., Ltd. Touch button with better feel in pressing
US10642440B2 (en) * 2018-03-30 2020-05-05 Concraft Holding Co., Ltd Touch button with better feel in pressing
USD985567S1 (en) * 2021-02-24 2023-05-09 Cloud Nine Ergo Llc Ergonomic keyboard

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1856764A (zh) 2006-11-01
WO2004107154A3 (en) 2005-10-13
WO2004107154A2 (en) 2004-12-09
JP2007505414A (ja) 2007-03-08
EP1629372A2 (en) 2006-03-01
CA2527073A1 (en) 2004-12-09

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