Patent ID: 6705787
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A shield for protecting a keyboard assembly having a plurality of keys each having a top surface and side walls, the totality of the plurality of keys defining a key array having an outer periphery defined by side walls of outer keys of the array, the keys being grouped into a plurality of key clusters, and a deck portion surrounding each key cluster and the key array, the shield comprising:a one-piece resiliently flexible membrane including a generally planar base configured to overlay the deck portion of the keyboard assembly, and a single raised bubble formed in the membrane and configured to envelop the entire key array, the bubble being defined by a raised wall approximating the height of the sidewalls of the keys defining the outer periphery of the key array and positionable adjacent to the sidewalls so as to encircle the outer periphery of the key array, and a cover extending from the raised wall and configured to overlay the top surface of the plurality of keys of the key array; and grooves formed in the raised bubble and configured to surround and form-fit no more than punctuation, symbol, alphabetical and numeric keys of an alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster of the key array; whereby the shield is adapted for use on a keyboard assembly selected from numerous keyboard assemblies having different key configurations.