Abstract:
A shield for protecting a keyboard assembly includes a one-piece resiliently flexible membrane having a generally planar base overlaying a deck portion of the keyboard assembly, and one or more raised bubbles formed in the membrane and configured to envelope an entire key array or separate or combined key clusters of the keyboard assembly. In a particularly preferred form, a raised bubble enveloping an alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster includes grooves configured to surround and form-fit only alphabetical, numeric, punctuation and symbol keys of the cluster. Thus, a shield adapted for use on the keyboard assembly selected from numerous keyboard assemblies having different key configurations is attained.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to protective keyboard covers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a protective shield adapted for use on any commercially available keyboard assembly selected from numerous keyboard assemblies having different key configurations.  
           [0002]    Keyboards are an integral part of many machines such as word processing devices, personal computers and the like. Keyboards include a series or array of keys which are movable through a deck portion of the keyboard in order to generate an electrical or mechanical signal by movement of one or more keys. However, the presence of passages in the deck portion in the vicinity of the movable keys permits access of various contaminants such as water, dust and the like into the interior of the keyboard. The entry of such contaminants effects the internal operation resulting in malfunction of the keyboard and the expense of its replacement. Thus, there have been devised keyboard covers which prevent the entry of contaminants into the interior of the keyboard, especially in those passages between the keys and the deck of the keyboard.  
           [0003]    There have been devised keyboard overlays or “masks” which are typically opaque and act to provide a translation device or to facilitate keyboard memorization. One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,825 to Nichol et al. However, such masks typically only cover a portion of the keyboard and are not very effective in preventing nor are they intended to prevent contaminants from entering the interior of the keyboard.  
           [0004]    Yet other prior-art keyboard covers are made to cover the entire keyboard frame and include grooves molded to form-fit the four sides of all individual keys of the keyboard. Exemplary devices are the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,638 to Nopper et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,317 to Phillippe. However, the display of keyboards vary from device to device. For example, the “enter” key may be rectangular in shape on certain keyboards, and a backwards “L” shape in others. Other format keys including the “caps lock”, “shift”, “control”, “alt”, “space bar” “tab”, and “backspace” keys also vary from keyboard to keyboard. Although function keys typically are aligned along a top portion of the keyboard, the relative size and position of these keys can vary from keyboard to keyboard. Directional arrow or cursor keys, defined for purposes in this application as those keys having arrows thereon capable of moving the cursor up, down or side to side, as well as the “insert”, “home”, “page up”, “delete”, “end” and “page down” also vary in size and position from keyboard to keyboard. Although many keyboards include a 10-key pad, which is often fairly universal in nature, this cluster of keys is spaced from the other clusters to differing degrees from keyboard to keyboard.  
           [0005]    Thus, while keyboard covers such as that of Nopper et al., and others provide the “touch” or “feel” of the keyboard, the result is that there are over 3,000 different keyboard covers. This is because each keyboard manufacturer uses different dimensions and spacing for the format, function keys, etc. of its brand/model of keyboard. Manufacturers of such keyboard covers must necessarily keep in stock nearly 3,000 different keyboard models with which the specific keyboard cover can be produced by thermoformed over vacuum-molded plastic processing.  
           [0006]    When purchasing, to assure proper fit of a prior-art keyboard cover, a consumer must order the cover by brand name and model or serial number. This is a rather lengthy and time-consuming process as the consumer must determine and inventory the model/serial number of each keyboard, locate the specific cover in a catalog/price list, compute the purchase amount, order the cover, pre-pay for the order, and then often wait weeks to receive the order. Those keyboard covers which do not produce high-volume orders must be manufactured as a low-volume custom order, increasing the cost of the cover. Some companies which have manufactured custom covers based on brand name/model number variations have discontinued manufacturing certain model numbers as the demand has been insufficient to merit maintaining its production capabilities. This leaves certain consumers without the option of adequately protecting the keyboard from environmental contaminants.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need for a keyboard cover or shield which is capable of being utilized on any commercially available keyboard, and capable of being manufactured in high volume, thus decreasing the cost to the consumer. Such a cover should prevent contaminants from entering into the interior of the keyboard, especially in those passages between the keys and deck of the keyboard while preserving the “touch” or “feel” of the individual keys of the keyboard typically used. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention resides in a shield for protecting a keyboard assembly. The typical keyboard assembly has a plurality of keys defining a key array having an outer periphery defined by side walls of outer keys of the array. The keys of the keyboard are grouped into a plurality of key clusters. A deck portion of the keyboard assembly surrounds each key cluster and the key array.  
           [0009]    The shield of the present invention generally comprises a one-piece resiliently flexible membrane having a generally planar base overlaying the deck portion of the keyboard assembly. In one form, a raised bubble is formed in the membrane and configured to envelope the key array. The bubble is defined by a raised wall approximating the height of the side walls of the keys defining the outer periphery of the key array, and is positioned immediately adjacent to the side wall so as to encircle the outer periphery of the key array. A generally planar cover extends from the raised wall and overlays top surfaces of the enclosed keys. Preferably, the membrane is transparent or translucent so as to enable the user to see the keys under the keyboard shield. However, the membrane may be opaque to facilitate keyboard memorization. An outer edge of the base is attached to the deck portion of the keyboard assembly, side walls of the keyboard assembly, or an obverse side of the keyboard assembly to hold the membrane in place.  
           [0010]    In another form, the raised wall encircles keys comprising an outer periphery of a cluster of keys to define a raised bubble enveloping one or more clusters of keys. Such cluster of keys comprises a function-key cluster, an alpha-numeric and command/format key cluster, a directional arrow or cursor key cluster, a 10-key pad key cluster or a combination of clusters. Preferably, multiple raised bubbles are formed, each raised bubble enveloping an individual or combined cluster of keys. In such an embodiment, the base overlays deck portions of the keyboard assembly between the keyboard clusters.  
           [0011]    In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the raised bubble enveloping the alpha-numeric and command/format key cluster includes grooves configured to surround and form-fit the alphabetical, numerical, and punctuation keys of the cluster. These keys have been found to be “universal” amongst the numerous keyboard assemblies having different key configurations. Thus, bubbles are formed around clusters of keys, while the alphabetical, numerical and punctuation keys common amongst all keyboard assemblies are form-fitted so that a one-size-fits-all cover having the “touch” and “feel” of the individual keys commonly used in the keyboard is attained.  
           [0012]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a keyboard with a protective shield having a single bubble overlying keys of the keyboard;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a keyboard with a protective shield having multiple bubbles overlying key clusters of the keyboard;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  3 - 3  of FIG. 2, illustrating the coverage of the bubbles and attachment of the shield to the keyboard;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  4 - 4  of FIG. 2, and illustrating configurations and coverage by two bubbles of the shield in this embodiment;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a keyboard having a protective shield embodying the present invention overlying a top surface of the keyboard and having multiple bubbles overlying key clusters, as well as a form-fitted alpha-numeric section; and  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  6 - 6  of FIG. 5, and illustrating the form-fitted section of the alpha-numeric bubble. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0020]    As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention is concerned with a protective shield, generally referred to in FIG. 1 by the reference number  10 , in FIGS.  2 - 4  by the reference number  12 , and in FIGS.  5 - 6  by the reference number  14 . The shield  10 - 14  is designed to overly a top face of a keyboard assembly  16  to prevent the entry of particles, liquids and other contaminants within the keyboard assembly  16 , while providing the natural feel of the keys to the greatest extent possible and being universal in nature so that it can be applied to any commercially available keyboard.  
         [0021]    Keyboard assemblies  16  are well known in the art and have become an integral part of many machines including word processing devices and computers. Such keyboard assemblies  16  include a rigid frame  18  defining a top deck  20 , side walls  22 , and a rear or obverse face  24  of the keyboard assembly  16 . The keyboard assembly  16  also includes a plurality of keys  26  which are generally formed into rows and columns having a predetermined configuration and collectively forming a two-dimensional array  28 . Each key  26  of the array  28  extends through the deck  20  of the frame  18  and by depression operate, either electronically or mechanically, through intervening means (not shown), so as to generate a signal to the device with which the keyboard assembly  16  is associated. The various keys  26  may be of varying size, but all keys  26  generally include a relatively planar top surface and side walls  32  which extend from the top surface toward the frame deck  20 . The side walls  32  generally have a small degree of taper, as illustrated in the drawings. It will be appreciated that there exist openings between the frame deck  20  and the individual keys  26  so that the keys  26  can be depressed into the frame  18  to generate the appropriate signal. As described above, a common problem with keyboard assemblies  16  is that liquids, particles and other contaminants enter through these openings and adversely affect the typically electronic intervening means within the keyboard.  
         [0022]    With reference to FIG. 1, a protective shield  10  embodying the present invention is illustrated which is comprised of a one-piece resiliently flexible membrane, such as polyurethane, plastic or rubber material, which is transparent or translucent so as to enable a user of the shield  10  to view the keys  26  through the shield  10 . Alternatively, the shield  10  can be opaque to facilitate keyboard memorization. The shield  10  is manufactured using conventional thermo-forming, vacuum molding, or any other suitable method of molding and formation. The shield  10  includes a generally planar base  34  which overlays the deck portion  20  of the keyboard assembly  16 . Although the planar base  34  is shown in the drawings as attached to an obverse face  24  of the keyboard assembly  16  in the various FIGS., it should be understood by the reader that the planar base  34  may be attached directly to the deck  20 , frame sidewalls  22 , or obverse face  24  by hook and loop tape, adhesive, or any other suitable means to hold the shield  10  in place on the keyboard assembly  16 .  
         [0023]    A raised bubble  36  is formed in the flexible membrane and configured to envelope the key array  28 . The bubble  36  is defined by a raised wall  38  which approximates the heights of the key side walls  32  and extends around an outer periphery of the key array  28  so as to encircle the key array  28 . A generally planar cover  40  extends from the raised wall  38  of the bubble  36  and overlays the top surface  30  of the plurality of keys  26  comprising the key array  28 . Thus, a single bubble  36  is formed which substantially envelopes the key array  28 . The bubble  36  is positioned immediately adjacent to the side walls  32  of the peripheral keys  26  of the key array  28  so that the planar base  34  of the membrane substantially rests upon the deck portion  20  of the frame  18 .  
         [0024]    The shield  10  as described above protects the keyboard assembly  16  from water, dust and other contaminants while universally fitting over the key array  28  of any commercially available keyboard assembly  16 .  
         [0025]    With reference now to FIG. 2, the key array  28  can actually be divided into a number of key clusters. For example, a top row of keys  26  comprising the “escape”, “functions 1-12”, “print screen”, “scroll”, “pause break”, and in certain models “number lock”, “caps lock”, and “scroll lock” are aligned with one another and form what is referred to collectively in this application as a function-key cluster  42 . The spacing between the keys  26  of the function-key cluster  42  varies from keyboard assembly manufacturer, with some manufacturers including the number lock, caps lock or scroll lock keys, while others not including these raised keys.  
         [0026]    All commercially available keyboard assemblies  16  also include a 10-key cluster  44  comprising a “numbers lock”, “/”, “*”, “−”, “7”, “8”, “9”, “+”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “0”, “.”, and “enter” keys  26 .  
         [0027]    All commercially available keyboard assemblies  16  also include what is referred to in this application as a cursor-key cluster  46  comprising the “insert”, “home”, “page up”, “delete”, “end”, “page down”, and directional arrow or cursor keys.  
         [0028]    Each commercially available keyboard assembly  16  also includes what is referred to in this application as an alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster  48  comprising the alphabetical, numeric, punctuation and symbols (including “−”, “_”, “+”, “=”, “{”, “[”, “}”, “]”, “:”, “;”, “″”, “′”, “&lt;”, “,”, “&gt;”, “.”, “?”, “/”), “back space”, “tab”, “caps lock”, “enter”, “right and left shift”, “control”, “alt”, “space bar” and “˜/” keys. Different manufacturers may place additional keys within the alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster  48  which are specific in use to the keyboard assembly  16  and machine to which it is operably connected. These unique keys are typically placed on either side of the “space bar key”. Thus, the “space bar key” can be of varying lengths depending upon the keyboard assembly  16  type.  
         [0029]    With continuing reference to FIG. 2, a shield  12  embodying the present invention is shown which is similar to that described in FIG. 1, but having a plurality of key cluster bubbles  50 - 56 . A function-key cluster bubble  50  includes a raised wall  38  which encircles the function-key cluster  42  keys  26 . A cover  40  extends from the raised wall  38  so that the bubble  50  envelopes the keys  26  of the function-key cluster  42 . It will be noted that the function-key cluster bubble  50  extends across the entire length of the function-key cluster  42 , whether there are any number, caps, or scroll lock keys or not so as to accommodate keyboard assemblies  16  having such raised keys. Similarly, a 10-key cluster bubble  52  envelopes the keys  26  of the 10-key cluster  44 .  
         [0030]    With reference to FIG. 4, raised walls  38  of the bubble  52  encircle the outer periphery of the 10-key cluster  44 , and a cover  40  extends from the raised wall  38  so as to envelope the 10-key cluster keys  26 . Likewise, a cursor-key cluster bubble  54 , and alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster bubble  56  envelope the cursor-key cluster  46  and alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster  48 , respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the planar base  34  of the shield membrane overlays the deck portion  20  between the various key clusters  42 - 48 . The planar base  34  also preferably extends over the frame sidewalls  22  for attachment to the obverse face  24  of the frame  18  with adhesive or double-sided tape  58  or other appropriate attachment means. However, the planar base  34  can extend only to the farthest edge of the desk  20  and be secured there or on the sidewalls  22 .  
         [0031]    Referring back to FIG. 3, the function-key cluster bubble  50  and alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster bubble  56  are shown with the shield membrane forming a “V” instead of lying substantially parallel to or on the deck  20  between these bubbles  50  and  56 . This is due to the fact that there is a variable distance of a fraction of an inch between the function-key cluster  42  and the other key clusters  44 - 48  between makes and model of keyboard assemblies  16 , necessitating the “V” configuration. The “V” configuration provides maximum width for bubbles  52 - 54  which permits optimal, lateral space to the left or right of the key clusters  44 - 46  covered by these bubbles.  
         [0032]    It has also been found that there are slight variations in distance between the 10-key cluster  44  and cursor-key cluster  46  between the various brand names and models. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a similar “V” configuration in the shield  10  between the key clusters  44  and  46  can be utilized to accommodate for this variable distance. Alternatively, a single bubble (not shown) could envelop the keys  26  ×of both the 10-key cluster  44  and cursor-key cluster  46  referred to herein as a combined 10-key and cursor-key cluster.  
         [0033]    Although the spacing between the cursor-key cluster  46  and the alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster  48  is fairly standard, such a “V” configuration could be formed between the bubbles  54 - 56  enveloping these key clusters  46 - 48  as well if found necessary.  
         [0034]    With reference now to FIG. 5, yet another shield  14  embodying the present invention is illustrated, wherein the shield  14  includes function-key cluster bubble  50  overlying the function keys  42 , and a single bubble  57  overlying the 10-key cluster  44 , cursor-key cluster  46 , and alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster  48 . Grooves  60  are formed in the alphanumeric and format/command key cluster  48  so that the bubble  57  substantially surrounds and form-fits only to the alphabetical, numeric, and punctuation and symbol keys  26 . The form-fitted keys comprise what is known in the art as the four alpha-numeric rows. That portion of the bubble  57  being grooved to form-fit the alpha-numeric keys is designated by the reference number  59  in FIGS. 5 and 6. Regardless of the keyboard assembly  16  type, the four rows of alpha-numeric keys are of the same size and configuration. Thus, no matter the model or brand of the computer keyboard, the alpha-numeric rows including the keys  26  illustrated can be substantially form-fitted within the bubble  57 .  
         [0035]    It will be noted that the “backspace” key, “˜−′”, “enter”, “tab”, “shift”, “Ctrl”, “Alt”, “space bar”, and other formatting and command keys are not form-fitted as these keys vary in size, configuration, and placement between the various keyboard assemblies  16 . Thus, the bubble  57  forms a uniform bubble having a generally planar cover  40  over the 10-key cluster keys  44 , cursor-key cluster keys  46 , and format and command keys of the alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster  48 , with the alpha-numeric and punctuation keys being form-fitted. Of course, the bubble  57  could be altered so that not all of the alpha-numeric or punctuation keys are form-fitted. For example, the punctuation and symbol keys could underlie the generally planar cover  40  and not be form-fitted. However, it is preferable that the alpha-numeric and punctuation and symbol keys which are universally common between the various model and brand keyboard assemblies  16  be form-fitted so as to preserve their “touch” and “feel”. Of course, the four alpha-numeric rows in any of the previously described and illustrated embodiments could be form-fitted as well while retaining the configuration of the bubble(s)  50 - 56 .  
         [0036]    Aside from providing a natural feel to the keystroke of each of these keys  26 , these alpha-numeric and punctuation keys can be covered by the opaque, one-size-fits-all computer keyboard cover disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,825 by Nichol et al., which facilitates memorization of these keys. Thus, this shield  14  when covered by the opaque cover of Nichols et al. can be used to facilitate memorization of the alphabetical, numerical, and punctuation keys, as well as providing a protective cover which can be used universally on all commercially available keyboard assemblies  16 .  
         [0037]    It will therefore be appreciated that the present invention provides a protective shield  10 - 14  for a keyboard assembly  16  which totally prevents contamination of the keyboard assembly  16  by completely encapsulating a top surface keyboard array  28  and deck  20 . The present invention also permits the retention, to varying degrees, of the “touch” or “feel” of the individual keys  26  by the operator of the keyboard assembly  16 . Of particular importance, the shields  10 - 14  of the present invention are configured such that they can be used on any commercially available keyboard assembly  16 , eliminating the expensive requirement to manufacture and pre-order very specific keyboard covers according to model and brand type.  
         [0038]    Ultimately, the invention could be manufactured as a disposable cover for use in hospitals, doctor and dentist offices. These could be manufactured very thin so as to become a single-use, disposable product. Such a cover would be particularly advantageous due to the concern for hazardous bio-waste which routinely contaminates keyboards in these settings. Additionally, the invention could be manufactured as an inexpensive, disposable cover for use in school classrooms, libraries, and offices in order to minimize the spread of contagious viruses and bacteria.  
         [0039]    Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.