US 5,514,855 AGranted

Computer keyboard adapter providing large size key surfaces

AssigneeAlpha Logic, Incorporated

InventorDaniel O. Sullivan

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Abstract

An adapter device, for use with a standard personal computer having affixed thereto a keyboard, is comprised of a molded rigid panel which is provided with a plurality of over-sized keys. The adapter is intended to simplify standard personal computer input methods by providing an input devise with a fewer number of Adapter keys than a standard keyboard. The adapter keys are also larger than standard keys. Raised spines on the under side of the adapter secure the adapter to a standard computer keyboard. Each of the keys on the adapter are attached via hinge along one side of the key. Depressing any of the adapter keys will cause that adapter key to contact the keys of host keyboard in a prescribed manner. An accompanying simplified software program is installed on the personal computer to work in conjunction with the adapter.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A keyboard adapter of unitary construction for placement on a keyboard having a plurality of keys, comprising:

a frame including an upper wall defining a plurality of apertures, said upper wall defining an upper surface and a lower surface, said frame being dimensioned to envelop the plurality of keys on the keyboard;
a plurality of adapter keys, one located at each of said apertures, each said adapter key including an upper wall having an upper surface and a lower surface, each said upper wall of said adapter keys being sized to surround and extend over a plurality of preselected keys on the keyboard, and being hingedly connected to said frame for vertical movement relative to said frame, the lower surface of each of said adapter keys having a portion which engages one or more of said respective preselected keys of the keyboard when said upper wall of said adapter key is depressed for movement relative to said frame.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.