Joystick converter apparatus

A joystick converter apparatus for use with computer keyboard arrow key arrays. A control rod includes four actuators which are structured and configured to interface with the UP, DOWN, RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys in an arrow key array. Two of the actuators are detachably coupled to two of the arrow keys, while the other two branches are positioned above and spaced apart from the other two arrow keys. Tilting or rocking the control rod in a desired direction provides corresponding cursor movement or directional control in computer programs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention pertains generally to joystick controls for computers, and 
more particularly to a joystick attachment for computer keyboard cursor or 
arrow keys which employs a central control rod coupled to a plurality of 
leg segments which interface with selected keys on the keyboard. 
2. Description of the Background Art 
Computer keyboards generally include a plurality of arrow or cursor control 
keys which are typically arranged in an array in a portion of the 
keyboard. The arrow keys are used for directional control and/or cursor 
movement in computer games, word processing programs, computer menus, 
software editing, and other applications. The most common arrow key array 
pattern used on computer keyboards comprises a LEFT arrow key, a DOWN 
arrow key, and a RIGHT arrow key which are adjacent to each other in a 
co-linear arrangement, and an UP arrow key positioned above the Down arrow 
key, to provide an inverted "T"-shaped layout. This key array is typically 
included in the lower right portion of the computer keyboard. 
Direct manipulation of arrow keys tends to provide relatively slow cursor 
movement and directional control when playing computer games. Thus, 
various adaptive accessories have been developed for actuation of the 
arrow keys on computer keyboards. However, many keyboards are configured 
such that the arrow keys are immediately adjacent to each other without 
any hard keyboard surface between the arrow keys, and thus devices wherein 
a base rests on a keyboard surface by narrow walls cannot be used. Devices 
which use a clip, clamp or other bracket assembly to hold a control switch 
over the arrow keys are difficult and inconvenient to attach to and remove 
from computer keyboards. Such devices requiring a bracket assembly 
additionally tend to be unaesthetic and detract from the computer work 
environment. External joystick controls, "mouse" devices and tracking 
balls, which are used as alternatives to arrow keys, are relatively 
expensive and require mapping software to convert signals from the mouse 
or joystick controls to the equivalent keystrokes for the computer arrow 
keys. 
Accordingly, there is a need for a joystick converter apparatus for use 
with arrow key arrays which does not require a solid keyboard surface 
between the arrow keys, which does not require the use of a clamp or 
bracket assembly to mount a joystick over the arrow keys, which is quick 
and simple to install and remove, and which is inexpensive. The present 
invention satisfies these needs, as well as others, and generally 
overcomes the deficiencies found in the background art. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention comprises a joystick converter apparatus for use with 
computer keyboard arrow key arrays. The apparatus provides quick and 
accurate cursor movement or directional control with computer programs, 
and can be easily installed and removed as required without use of a 
support bracket. In general terms, the invention comprises a vertically 
oriented control rod or joystick, and first, second, third and fourth 
actuating means associated with the control rod for depressing keys, with 
three of the actuating means being aligned generally co-linear relative to 
each other. Means are provided for coupling two of the actuating means to 
two of the arrow keys, while the other two actuating means are positioned 
over and slightly above the two other arrow keys. 
By way of example and not of limitation, there are generally first, second, 
third, and fourth key actuating means which are structured, configured and 
arranged to correspond respectively to the UP, RIGHT, LEFT and DOWN arrow 
keys in standard arrow key arrays on computer keyboards. The coupling 
means preferably comprises a fastening hook and pile fabric arrangement 
such as VELCRO.RTM.. The coupling means is preferably included with the 
first and fourth actuating means of the apparatus, with the first and 
fourth actuating means coupled to the UP and DOWN arrow keys respectively. 
The second and third actuating means are preferably positioned slightly 
above the RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys respectively. Means for preventing 
scratching of the arrow key surfaces such as rubber tips may be included 
on the second and third actuating means to prevent scratching of the key 
surfaces. 
In a first embodiment of the invention, the actuating means comprises a 
substantially flat T-shaped plate which is structured and configured to 
generally cover a standard T-shaped arrow key array. The T-shaped plate 
includes first, second and third branches which comprise the first, second 
and third actuating means. A junction region between the branches 
comprises the fourth actuating means. VELCRO.RTM.-covered portions are 
included on the lower surfaces of first branch and junction region of the 
T-shaped plate and couple to the UP and DOWN arrow keys. Downwardly 
disposed nibs or protuberances are provided on the lower surfaces of the 
second and third branches, with the protuberances positioned over the 
RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys respectively, and slightly spaced apart from the 
RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys. The control rod or joystick is coupled to the 
upper surface of the T-shaped plate adjacent the first branch and the 
junction region. 
In a second or alternative embodiment of the invention, the first, second, 
third and fourth actuating means comprise first, second, third, and fourth 
downwardly disposed branches or legs which are coupled to a lower end of 
the control rod. The first, second and third branches extend outward and 
downward from the control rod, while the fourth leg extends generally 
straight downward from the control rod, with the control rod positioned 
vertically co-linear with the fourth branch. The lower tips of the first 
and fourth branches are coupled to the UP and DOWN arrow keys 
respectively, while the lower tips of the second and third branches are 
positioned slightly above the RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys. 
The invention is utilized by affixing, attaching, or coupling the first and 
fourth actuating means to the UP and DOWN arrow keys respectively of the 
arrow key array on a computer keyboard. When the first and fourth 
actuating means are thus coupled to the UP and DOWN arrow keys, the second 
and third actuating means are positioned over and slightly above the RIGHT 
and LEFT arrow keys respectively. By moving or tilting the control rod 
forward, pressure is applied by the first actuating means on the UP arrow 
key, thereby actuating the UP arrow key and providing corresponding cursor 
movement or directional change in computer programs. When the control rod 
is moved or tilted to the left, the second actuating means depresses the 
LEFT arrow key to provide cursor movement or directional change to the 
left. When the control rod is moved or tilted to the right, the third 
actuating means actuates the RIGHT arrow key to provide cursor movement or 
directional change to the right. When the control rod is moved or tilted 
back, the fourth actuating means contacts the DOWN arrow key, and causes 
corresponding downward cursor movement or directional change. 
An object of the invention is to provide a joystick converter apparatus 
which allows quick and accurate cursor movement or directional control by 
direct actuation of arrow keys on computer keyboards. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a joystick converter 
apparatus which can be quickly and easily attached to and removed from the 
arrow key array on computer keyboards. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a joystick converter 
apparatus which does not require a bracket or clamp assembly associated 
with a computer keyboard to hold a joystick control over the arrow key 
array. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a joystick converter 
apparatus which is inexpensive to fabricate. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a joystick converter 
apparatus which may be used with computer keyboards that do not have a 
solid keyboard surface between the arrow keys. 
Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following 
portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the 
purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limits thereon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the 
present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in FIG. 1 
through FIG. 9. It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to 
configuration and as to details without departing from the basic concepts 
as disclosed herein. While the invention is disclosed in terms of use with 
an arrow key array having a standard inverted T-shaped layout, it will 
also be appreciated that the invention may be structured and configured 
for use with other arrow key array layouts. 
Referring first to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, there is shown a first embodiment 
of a joystick converter apparatus 10 in accordance with the present 
invention. The apparatus 10 is generally used in conjunction with a 
computer keyboard arrow key array 12, seen most clearly in FIG. 2, which 
is shown generally as having an inverted T-shaped layout. Arrow key array 
12 includes an UP arrow key 14, a RIGHT arrow key 16, a LEFT arrow key 18, 
and a DOWN arrow key 20, with RIGHT arrow key 16, LEFT arrow key 18 and 
DOWN arrow key 20 in a aligned in a co-linear arrangement or along a 
common axis as shown. 
The joystick converter apparatus 10 includes a control rod 22, with a 
first, a second, a third, and a fourth key actuating means for depressing 
arrow keys associated with control rod 22. In the first embodiment of the 
invention, a substantially flat T-shaped plate 24 is provided with the 
joystick converter apparatus 10. Plate 24 includes a plurality of 
actuators or actuator branches, preferably in the form of a first branch 
26, a second branch 28, a third branch 30 and a junction region 32 which 
is generally located between first, second and third branches 26, 28, 30. 
The first branch 26, second branch 28 and third branch 30 of plate 24 
serve as the first, second and third key actuating means, respectively, 
and the junction region 32 serves as the fourth key actuating means. 
Generally, first branch 26 is structured and configured to correspond with 
UP arrow key 14, second branch 28 is structured and configured to 
correspond with arrow key 16, third branch 30 is structured and configured 
to correspond with LEFT arrow key 18, and junction region 32 is structured 
and configured to correspond with DOWN arrow key 20. Thus, when the 
invention is mounted on arrow key array 12 as described below, first 
branch 26 is positioned generally adjacent to UP arrow key 14, second 
branch 28 is positioned adjacent RIGHT arrow key 16, third branch 30 is 
positioned adjacent LEFT arrow key 18, and junction region 32 is 
positioned adjacent DOWN arrow key 20. Control rod 22 couples or connects 
to the top surface 34 of plate 24 by means of a bore 36 in plate 24, with 
a lower end 38 of control rod 22 frictionally engaging or snap fitting 
into bore 36. Lower end 38 of control rod may 22 may alternatively be 
coupled to plate 24 by adhesives or other conventional standard coupling 
means. 
The invention includes means for detachably coupling at least one of the 
four actuating means to a corresponding arrow key in key array 12. 
Preferably, the coupling means are associated with the first and fourth 
actuating means, with the detachable coupling means structured and 
configured to reversibly attach the first and fourth actuating means to UP 
arrow key 14 and DOWN arrow key 20 respectively. The coupling means 
preferably comprises a fastening hook and pile fabric arrangement such as 
VELCRO.RTM. fasteners or the like. The coupling means is preferably 
associated with the lower surface 40 of plate 24 adjacent first branch 26 
and junction region 32, and includes a fastener 42a of VELCRO.RTM. or like 
material. Corresponding fasteners 42b, 42c of VELCRO.RTM. or like material 
are provided on UP arrow key 14 and DOWN arrow key 20, respectively, so 
that fastener 42a may reversibly engage fasteners 42b, 42c, thereby 
coupling first branch 26 and junction region 32 to UP arrow key 14 and 
DOWN arrow key, respectively. Fastener 42a may alternatively comprise 
smaller VELCRO.RTM. pieces suitably positioned on first branch 26 and 
junction region 32, but a single strip fastener 42a works effectively and 
is generally easier to use. As is well known, VELCRO.RTM. and like 
fasteners use both a fastening hook portion and an opposing or mating pile 
fabric portion, with the hooks of the fastening hook portion engaging and 
intermeshing with the pile fabric of the pile fabric portion to form a 
coupling. Fastener 42a may comprise either the fastening hook portion or 
pile fabric portion of VELCRO.RTM. or like material, with fasteners 42b, 
42c comprising the corresponding mating portions. Fastener 42a and 
portions 42b, 42b each preferably include an adhesive backing (not shown) 
which allows facile attachment of the fastener 42a with fasteners 42b, 42c 
to appropriate surfaces as related above. VELCRO.RTM. or like pile fabric 
and fastening hook coupling arrangements are preferred for use with the 
invention because fasteners 42b, 42c may be removed from UP arrow key 14 
and DOWN arrow key 20, if desired, when the joystick converter apparatus 
10 is not being used. However, other standard coupling means may also be 
used to couple first branch 26 and junction region 32 to UP arrow key 14 
and DOWN arrow key 20 respectively. The detachable coupling means of the 
invention may alternatively be associated with the second and third 
actuating means. 
Also included on lower surface 40 of plate 24 are a pair of nibs or 
protuberances 44, 46, with protuberance 44 included on second branch 28 
and protuberance 46 included on third branch. Protuberance 44 is 
positioned on lower surface 40 of plate 24 so that protuberance 44 is 
centered slightly above RIGHT arrow key array 12 as mounted on arrow key 
array 12 as shown in FIG. 3. Protuberance 46 is likewise positioned on 
lower surface 40 of plate 24 so that protuberance 46 is centered slightly 
above LEFT arrow key 18 and spaced when plate 24 is mounted on arrow key 
array 12. 
Plate 24 and control rod 22 are preferably fabricated from durable, 
inexpensive plastic or engineering resin, or composite materials thereof, 
although metal and metal alloy materials may also be used. Protuberances 
44, 46 may be integral portions of plate 24, or may be attached to the 
lower surface 40 of plate. Protuberances 44, 46 may be elastomeric or 
resilient in nature, or may include an elastomeric coating, to prevent 
scratching of the surfaces of RIGHT arrow key 16 and LEFT arrow key 18 
which may damage or remove the arrow decals or indicators on the key 
surfaces. 
The apparatus 10 is employed by attaching fasteners 42b, 42c to the upper 
surfaces of UP arrow key 14 and DOWN arrow key, respectively, and by 
attaching fastener 42a to the lower surface 40 of plate with glue, 
adhesive backing or the like. Lower end 38 of control rod 22 is engaged in 
hole 36 in the top surface 34 of plate 24, and fastener 42a is engaged 
with mating fasteners 42b, 42c to couple first branch 26 of plate 24 to UP 
arrow key 14, and to couple junction region 32 to DOWN arrow key 20. When 
fastener 42a and fasteners 42b, 42c are engaged or mated together, 
protuberance 44 is centered slightly above RIGHT arrow key 16, and 
protuberance 46 is centered slightly above LEFT arrow key 18, as described 
above. 
When first branch 24 and junction region 32 are thus coupled to UP and DOWN 
arrow keys 14, 20 respectively, control rod 22 may be moved or tilted to 
selectively and accurately actuate chosen arrow keys. By moving or tilting 
control rod 22 forward, first branch 26 depresses or actuates UP arrow key 
14, and providing corresponding cursor motion or directional control, or 
like functions for computer programs. When control rod 22 is tilted or 
moved to the right, protuberance 44 on second branch 28 depresses and 
actuates RIGHT arrow key 16, causing corresponding cursor movement or 
directional control. Similarly, when control rod 22 is moved or tilted to 
the left, protuberance 46 on left branch 30 depresses and actuates LEFT 
arrow key 18 for corresponding cursor movement or directional control. 
Actuation of LEFT arrow key 18 by protuberance 46 and third branch 30 is 
illustrated in FIG. 4. By tilting or moving control rod 22 back, rearward, 
or generally towards the user of the invention, junction region 32 on 
plate 24 depresses and actuates DOWN arrow key 20. Since protuberances 44, 
46 are positioned above and spaced apart from RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys 
16, 18, as described above, the movement or tilting of control rod 22 in a 
rearward direction does not result in actuation of RIGHT and LEFT arrow 
keys 16, 18, although protuberances 44, 46 may come into contact with 
RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys 16, 18 respectively and slightly depress RIGHT 
and LEFT arrow keys 16, 18. 
The invention thus provides for quick, easy and accurate cursor movement 
and/or directional control in computer programs without the use of 
expensive peripheral devices such as an external joystick, mouse or 
tracking ball. No bracket assembly is necessary for attachment to computer 
keyboard 48 in order to correctly position the joystick converter 
apparatus 10 over arrow key array 12, as required with conventional 
devices. Further, plate 24 may be structured and configured for use with 
cross-shaped arrow key arrays by including a fourth branch (not shown) to 
serve as the fourth actuation means, and providing VELCRO.RTM. or like 
pieces as described above coupled to the fourth branch to the DOWN arrow 
key. Such an arrangement would otherwise operate in the same manner as 
related above for the joystick converter apparatus 10. 
Referring next to FIG. 5 through FIG. 9 a second embodiment 50 of a 
joystick converter apparatus in accordance with the invention is shown. In 
this embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth actuating means 
comprise a plurality of actuators or actuator branches, preferably in the 
form of first, second, third, and fourth branches or legs 52, 54, 56, 58 
respectively, which are coupled to a control rod 60 at, its lower end 62. 
Control rod 60 and branches 52, 54, 56, 58 are preferably fabricated from 
plastic or engineering resin or composite materials thereof. Preferably, 
control rod 60 and branches 52 through 58 are integral portions of a 
single molded piece. Joystick converter apparatus 50 is structured and 
configured such that first branch 52 corresponds to UP arrow key 14, 
second branch 54 corresponds to RIGHT arrow key 16, third branch 56 
corresponds to LEFT arrow key 18, and fourth branch 58 corresponds to DOWN 
arrow key 20. Thus, when the second embodiment 50 is mounted on arrow key 
array 12, first branch 52 is positioned adjacent UP arrow key 14, second 
branch 54 is positioned adjacent RIGHT arrow key 16, third branch 56 is 
positioned adjacent LEFT arrow key 18, and fourth branch 58 is positioned 
adjacent DOWN arrow key 20. Fourth branch 58 is generally co-linear with 
control rod 60, and second, third and fourth branches 54, 56, 58 are 
arranged in a substantially co-planar relationship. Referring particularly 
to FIG. 7, second and third branches 54, 56 preferably are slightly 
shorter than first and fourth branches 52, 58, so that second and third 
branches 54, 56 are slightly spaced above LEFT arrow key and RIGHT arrow 
key 16, 18, respectively when the device is attached to arrow key array 
12. 
As with the first embodiment of the invention, means for coupling two of 
the four actuating means to two of the four arrow keys in array 12 are 
provided. The coupling means includes pads 64, 66 coupled to first and 
fourth branches 52, 58 respectively. The coupling means also includes 
fasteners 68a, 70a of VELCRO.RTM. or like material mounted on the bottom 
of pads 64, 66 respectively, and corresponding mating fasteners 68b, 70b, 
mounted on UP and DOWN arrow keys 14, 20 respectively. By engaging 
fasteners 68a, 70a on pads 64, 66 to the corresponding mating fasteners 
68b, 70b on UP and DOWN arrow keys 14, 20, first and fourth branches 52, 
58 are effectively coupled to UP and DOWN arrow keys 14, 20 respectively. 
Pads 64, 66 are preferably made of an elastomeric or resilient material 
such as a natural or synthetic rubber, and are held onto first and fourth 
branches by friction, adhesives, snap-fitting, or like means. 
Means for preventing scratching of the arrow key surfaces are preferably 
included with second and third branches 54, 56, and preferably comprise 
rubber tips 72, 74, which are held onto second and third branches 54, 56 
respectively by friction, adhesives, or like means. Like pads 64, 66, tips 
72, 74 are preferably made of natural or synthetic rubber or other 
elastomeric material. The second embodiment 50 differs from the first 
embodiment 10 primarily in that the first, second, third, and fourth 
actuating means are slightly extended in length and are structured and 
configured to form narrow, elongated branches rather than wide flattened 
branches provided in the first embodiment 10 described above. Otherwise, 
the first and second embodiments of the invention operate in generally the 
same manner, with tilting, rocking, or otherwise directionally moving 
control rod 60 providing selective cursor movement or directional control. 
By moving or tilting control rod 60 forward, first branch 52 actuates UP 
arrow key 14, and when control rod 60 is tilted or moved to the right, 
second branch 54 depresses and actuates RIGHT arrow key 16. Movement of 
control rod 60 to the left causes third branch 56 to actuate LEFT arrow 
key 18, and moving control rod 60 back towards the user causes fourth 
branch 58 to actuate DOWN arrow key 20. As with the first embodiment 
apparatus 10, moving control rod 60 back may cause second and third 
branches 54, 56 to come into slight contact with RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys 
16, 18 respectively, but without actuating these arrow keys. FIG. 9 
illustrates movement of control rod 60 forward for actuation of Up arrow 
key 14. 
The joystick converter apparatus 50 may be structured and configured for 
use with arrow key arrays in a standard cross-shaped configuration by 
simply extending fourth branch 58 out from control rod 60 in the same 
manner as first branch 52, so that first, second, third, and fourth 
branches 52 through 58 are arranged in a cross-shaped arrangement 
corresponding to the standard cross-shaped arrow key array. Such an 
arrangement would operate in a fashion identical to that described above 
for the apparatus 50. 
Accordingly, it will be seen that the present invention provides a joystick 
converter apparatus which allows quick and accurate cursor movement and 
directional control by direct actuation of keyboard arrow keys. Although 
the description above contains many specificities, these should not be 
construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing 
illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this 
invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the 
appended claims and their legal equivalents.