Auxiliary keyboard apparatus
AssigneeNCR Corporation
InventorWilliam R. Bradam
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A low cost auxiliary keyboard is disclosed which is mounted on the keyboard of a data terminal device comprising a cover member having an array of auxiliary control keys which overlie and engage associated control keys on the keyboard of the data terminal device. Sealing means are mounted in the edge of the cover member preventing liquids from entering the terminal keyboard. The auxiliary control keys are constructed to provide a sealing environment on the cover member. A shroud secured to the cover member contains any liquid spilled on the auxiliary keyboard. An opening in the shroud drains the liquid from the shroud and away from the auxiliary keyboard. Means are provided to releasably secure the cover member to the terminal keyboard to allow the interchanging of auxiliary keyboards to meet changing business conditions.
Claims19
An auxiliary keyboard apparatus adapted for mounting on a business machine keyboard having key members therein, the auxiliary keyboard apparatus comprising
- a. means for slidably supporting a plurality of key means on the keyboard wherein the key means are operatively associated with the key members for actuation thereof;
- b. and means carried by said supporting means and engaging the keyboard when mounted thereon for sealing the key members from any liquids however deposited on said keyboard.
In combination with a keyboard having key members therein, an auxiliary keyboard adapted for mounting on the keyboard comprising
- a. support means having defined portions for supporting the support means on the keyboard;
- b. first means associated with said defined portions for sealing the key members in the keyboard from liquids however deposited on the keyboard;
- c. auxiliary key members mounted in said support means for movement to a position engaging the key members in the keyboard;
- d. second means secured to said auxiliary key members for sealing the key members in the keyboard from liquid however deposited on the support means;
- e. and means operatively associated with said support means for releasably securing the support means to the keyboard.
In combination with a data input device having a keyboard including a plurality of control key members for controlling the operation of the terminal device, an auxiliary keyboard comprising
- a. a rigid support member having defined surfaces for supporting the support member on the keyboard of the terminal device;
- b. first sealing means engaging said supporting surfaces and the keyboard when the support member is positioned on said keyboard to prevent liquids however deposited on the keyboard from engaging the control key members;
- c. a plurality of auxiliary key members slidably mounted in said support member and adapted to be positioned adjacent the control key members for actuation thereof upon operation of said auxiliary key members;
- d. second sealing means carried by said auxiliary key members to prevent liquid however deposited on said support member from engaging the control key members;
- e. and means for releasably securing the support member to the keyboard of the input device.
In combination with a keyboard of a data input device having an array of control key members located therein, an auxiliary keyboard apparatus adapted for positioning on said keyboard and over the control key members comprising
- a. rigid support member having defined surfaces for supporting the support member on the keyboard of the data terminal device, said support member including shoulder portions extending upwardly from the support member, each shoulder portion having an aperture therein extending through the support member;
- b. an elastic member engaging said supporting surface and the keyboard upon the positioning of the support member on the keyboard to seal the control key members from liquids however deposited on the keyboard;
- c. a plurality of auxiliary key members having data bearing indicia thereon each slidably positioned within an aperture in the shoulder portion of the support member and extending through the support member for engaging and actuating an associated control key member upon operation of such auxiliary key member, each of said auxiliary key members including an overhang portion adjacent and extending downwardly below the top edge of the shoulder portion to prevent liquids deposited on said support member from entering the aperture;
- d. a shroud member secured to the top of said support member and extending around the auxiliary key members to contain and liquids however deposited on the support member;
- e. means in said shroud member for draining liquids deposited on the support member away from said input device;
- f. and means for releasably securing the support member to the keyboard of the input device whereby support members having auxiliary key members with different data bearing indicia may be interchangeably secured to the data input device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.