Patent Publication Number: US-6209845-B1

Title: Keyboard interface

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/019,489, filed Feb. 4, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,819, and titled “Keyboard Interface Device.” This application also is a co-pending patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/018,691 filed on Feb. 4, 1998, entitled “Mechanical Interface Device.” The contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/018,691 filed on Feb. 4, 1998, entitled “Mechanical Interface Device” is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of computer peripherals. More particularly, this invention relates to the field of removable keyboard interface devices, for allowing a user to removably couple the keyboard interface device to an underlying keyboard. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the past decade, the use of personal computers has grown at a tremendous pace. Since the introduction of the personal computer, there have been numerous inventions to help users input information and interface with their computers. The most common computer interface device is the standard “QRTY” keyboard. However, the standard “QRTY” keyboards may prevent people from using a computer if they have limited dexterity or who simply cannot type. There is a strong need for a computer interface device that can securely and removably attach to any underlying computer keyboard. 
     As a result, there have been numerous inventions attempts to overcome these inherent limitations of computer keyboards. For example, joysticks are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,034,574 and 4,945,357. These joysticks reside above the numeric keypad and attach to at least one of the numeric keys. However, these joysticks are not securely anchored onto the keyboard and can be accidentally dislocated if they are bumped. 
     Further, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,855 discloses a keyboard overlay which is designed to fit over a specific “QRTY” keyboard. However, this keyboard overlay is not securely attached to the keyboard and can inadvertently be removed from the underlying keyboard. Further, this keyboard overlay disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,855 patent does not teach being adaptable to non-standard computer keyboards such as curved “QRTY” keyboards. 
     What is needed is a keyboard interface device which securely yet removably couples to computer keyboards of varying sizes. What is further needed is a keyboard interface device that automatically aligns itself with respect to the underlying keyboard when the keyboard interface device and the underlying keyboard are coupled together. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a keyboard interface device that can removably and conveniently attach to computer keyboards of varying sizes. This present invention is preferably user adjustable to accommodate keyboards with a wide variety of sizes and shapes. The keyboard interface device preferably provides means for attaching which is configured to securely attach the interface device with the underlying keyboard. Similarly, the means for attaching is also preferably configured to quickly release the underlying keyboard from the keyboard interface device in response to the user. For example, the means for attaching comprises: quick-release latch, hook/loop fabric, aperture/peg fastener, guiding fins, and the like. Further, the keyboard interface device is preferably configured to be automatically aligned with the underlying keyboard when the interface device is coupled to the underlying keyboard and provide the user with visual alignment confirmation. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a keyboard interface device which conveniently and removably attaches to an underlying keyboard. Additionally, another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard interface device which adapts to underlying keyboards of varying sizes. Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard interface device which automatically aligns with the underlying keyboard. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1C illustrates a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1D illustrates a sample QRTY keyboard. 
     FIG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of a first alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2B illustrates a back perspective view of the first alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2C illustrates a bottom view of the first alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3A illustrates a detailed diagram of a first connecting means of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 3B illustrates a detailed diagram of a second connecting means of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed diagram of a third connecting means of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed diagram of a fourth connecting means of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the fourth connecting means of the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG.  5 A. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed diagram of a fifth connecting means of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed diagram of a sixth connecting means of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed diagram of seventh connecting means of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 9A illustrates a front perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of a base of an interface device. 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a spring assembly of the interface device of FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 12 is a cutaway perspective view of an actuation mechanism. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     FIG. 1A shows a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an interface device  30 . The interface device  30  is adapted to be removably coupled to an underlying keyboard (not shown). The underlying keyboard can comprise any plurality of contiguous keys. For example, in the present invention, the underlying keyboard can be in a standard “QRTY” configuration with a flat one-piece keyboard, a curved one-piece keyboard, or a two-piece keyboard. Additionally, the underlying keyboard comprises at least two keys which are adjacent to each other. A sample QRTY keyboard is shown in FIG.  1 D. 
     Preferably, once the interface device  30  is securely coupled to the underlying keyboard, the interface device  30  can only be intentionally detached by the user from the underlying keyboard. It will be apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art to apply the interface device  30  to various underlying keyboards which are not a standard “QRTY” keyboard. 
     The interface device  30  has a base  5  for providing structure to the interface device  30 . Preferably, the base  5  is attached to a front standoff  10  and a back standoff  20 . The back standoff  20  is considered the edge of the keyboard furthest from the user during normal use. In the case of a standard “QRTY” keyboard being the underlying keyboard, the front standoff  10  would preferably be adjacent to the space bar of the keyboard, and the back standoff  20  rests between the function keys and the number keys of the underlying keyboard. When the interface device  30  is coupled to the underlying keyboard, the front standoff  10  rests adjacent to the outer perimeter of the contiguous plurality of keys at the front of the underlying keyboard. Similarly, the back standoff  20  rests adjacent to the outer perimeter of the contiguous plurality of keys at the back of the underlying keyboard. While the interface device  30  is coupled to the underlying keyboard, the height of the front standoff  10  and the back standoff  20  are preferably configured such that the base  5  remains approximately level. Preferably, a plurality of rubber feet  60  are attached to the bottom of the front standoff  10  and the bottom of the back standoff  20 . The plurality of rubber feet  60  prevent the front standoff  10  and the back standoff  20  of the interface device from slipping relative to the underlying keyboard. 
     An additional support leg  25  protrudes downward from the base  5  in the same direction as the front standoff  10  and the back standoff  20  and is in close proximity to the back standoff  20 . It is also preferable to have at least one of the plurality of rubber feet  60  attached to the bottom of the additional support leg  25  to prevent the support leg  25  from accidentally slipping while resting on a surface. While the interface device  30  is resting on a level surface and not coupled with an underlying keyboard, the interface device  30  is preferably configured to be supported by the front standoff  10  and the additional support leg  25  such that the base  5  remains approximately level. Further, the additional support leg  25  is configured to be folded and stored within the base  5  when the support leg  25  is not in use. The support leg  25  as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the support leg  25  in an extended position. 
     A block  50  illustrates a method for attaching a strap  40  to the base  5  in close proximity to the front standoff  10 . This method for attaching, represented in block  50 , may take many different forms and will be described in greater detail below and illustrated in subsequent drawings. For example, the method for attaching the strap  40  to the base  5  at block  50  can be accomplished via a permanent mount, a hook/loop fastener, a quick-release fastener, or an aperture/peg fastener. 
     When the interface device  30  is coupled to the underlying keyboard, the strap  40  is preferably in contact with and surrounding portions of the underlying keyboard. Preferably, the strap  40  is a flexible material such that the strap  40  conforms to the specific shape of a particular underlying keyboard. The length of the strap  40  can be either be stretchable or rigid. A stretchable strap  40  does not require the strap  40  to have an adjustable length because the stretchable strap  40  can automatically adjust to different sizes of underlying keyboards. On the other hand, if the strap  40  is not stretchable, then the strap  40  will preferably provide a means to adjust the length in order to compensate for underlying keyboards of varying sizes. 
     FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A block  70  illustrates a method for attaching the strap  40  to the base  5  in close proximity to the back standoff  20 . Similar to the block  50 , this method for attaching represented in block  70  can take many different forms and will be described in greater detail below and illustrated in subsequent drawings. Just as in block  50 , block  70  can be accomplished via a permanent mount, a hook/loop brand fastener, a quick-release fastener, or an aperture/peg fastener. 
     Further, an aperture  80  is preferably located through the base  5  to allow a user to see one of the plurality of keys on the underlying keyboard. This aperture  80  aids the user in properly aligning the interface device  30  relative to the coupled underlying keyboard. 
     FIG. 1C illustrates the bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The preferred embodiment also utilizes a plurality of alignment guide fins  95  coupled to the base  5 . The plurality of alignment guide fins  95  guide the interface device  30  in correct alignment with respect to the underlying keyboard as the interface device  30  is securely coupled to this underlying keyboard. Correct alignment between the underlying keyboard and the interface device  30  is desired for proper operation of the interface device  30 . 
     When the interface device  30  is engaged with an underlying keyboard, the interface device  30  is preferably configured to remain coupled with the underlying keyboard even if the strap  40  is not utilized. When coupled with the underlying keyboard, the front standoff  10  is configured to prevent the interface device  30  from sliding away from the user and off the underlying keyboard in normal use. Similarly, the back standoff  20  is configured to prevent the interface device  30  from sliding toward the user and away from the underlying keyboard in normal use. Additionally, the plurality of guiding fins  95  is configured to prevent the interface device  30  from sliding side to side with respect to the underlying keyboard in normal use. As a result of the front standoff  10 , the back standoff  20 , and the plurality of guiding fins  95 , the interface device  30  is capable of remaining coupled with the underlying keyboard without the use of the strap  40 . 
     FIG. 2A shows a front perspective view of alternate embodiment of an interface device  500 . The interface device  500  is adapted to be removably coupled to an underlying keyboard (not shown). The underlying keyboard can comprise any plurality of contiguous keys. For example, in the present invention, the underlying keyboard can be in a standard “QRTY” configuration with a flat one-piece keyboard, a curved one-piece keyboard, or a two-piece keyboard. Additionally, the underlying keyboard comprises at least two keys which are adjacent to each other. 
     Preferably, once the interface device  500  is securely coupled to the underlying keyboard, the interface device  500  can only be intentionally detached by the user from the underlying keyboard. It will be apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art to apply the interface device  500  to various underlying keyboards which are not a standard “QRTY” keyboard. 
     The interface device  500  is preferably coupled to a front standoff  510  and a back standoff  520 . The back standoff  520  is considered the edge of the keyboard furthest from the user during normal use. In the case of a standard “QRTY” keyboard being the underlying keyboard, the front standoff  510  would preferably be adjacent to the space bar of the keyboard, and the back standoff  520  rests between the function keys and the number keys of the underlying keyboard. When the interface device  500  is coupled to the underlying keyboard, the front standoff  510  rests adjacent to the outer perimeter of the contiguous plurality of keys at the front of the underlying keyboard. Similarly, the back standoff  520  rests adjacent to the outer perimeter of the contiguous plurality of keys at the back of the underlying keyboard. 
     The interface device  500  also has the ability to independently adjust the height of the front standoff  510  and the back standoff  520 . A front pair of height adjustment assemblies  530  are coupled to the front standoff  510 . A back pair of height adjustment assemblies  540  are coupled to the back standoff  520 . The front and back pairs of height adjustment assemblies ( 530  and  540 ) preferably support the front standoff  510  and the back standoff  520 , respectively. Additionally, when the interface device  500  is coupled to the underlying keyboard, the front and back pairs of height adjustment assemblies ( 530  and  540 ) contact the underlying keyboard. The front pair of height adjustment assemblies  530  are configured to adjust the distance between the front standoff  510  and the underlying keyboard. Likewise, the back pair of height adjustment assemblies  540  are configured to adjust the distance between the back standoff  520  and the underlying keyboard. This allows the height of the front standoff  510  and the back standoff  520  to independently adjust such that the interface device  500  is configured to remain level independent of the shape of the underlying keyboard. By adjusting the height adjusting assemblies ( 530  and  540 ), the bottom stroke of an element from the interface device  500  can be made coincident with a full stroke of the keys of the underlying keyboard. This will allow the keys to be appropriately toggled while preventing damage thereto. 
     Further, an aperture  590  is preferably located through a base  570  to allow a user to see one of the plurality of keys on the underlying keyboard. This aperture  590  aids the user in properly aligning the interface device  500  relative to the coupled underlying keyboard. 
     FIG. 2C illustrates the bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A pair of tracks  550  is embedded into the base  570  of the interface device  500 . Preferably, the front standoff  510  is securely anchored to the pair of tracks  550  such that the front standoff  510  can selectively slide toward or away from the back standoff  520 . Similarly, a pair of tracks  560  is preferably also embedded into the base  570  of the interface device  500  wherein the back standoff  520  can selectively slide toward or away from the front standoff  510 . By being able to adjust the positions of the front standoff  510  and back standoff  520 , the interface device  500  can accommodate a wider size range of underlying keyboards. It would be apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art to construct a single track instead of a pair of tracks for the front standoff  510  or the back standoff  520 . Further, it would be within the scope and spirit of the preferred embodiment of the present invention to construct a single long track which would span the width of the base  570  to anchor both the front standoff  510  and the back standoff  520  on this same single track. 
     Further, like the preferred embodiment, FIG. 2C utilizes a plurality of alignment guide fins  580  coupled to the base  570 . The plurality of alignment guide fins  580  guide the interface device  500  in correct alignment with respect to the underlying keyboard. Correct alignment between the underlying keyboard and the interface device  30  is desired for proper operation of the interface device  500 . Further, the plurality of alignment guide fins  580  also ensures that the interface device  500  does not laterally shift side to side with respect to the underlying keyboard. 
     FIG. 3A shows a detailed illustration of a quick-release fastener  105  as described in blocks  50  and  70  (FIGS. 1A and 1B) in the preferred embodiment. A male portion  120  of the connector  105  is preferably permanently attached to a side of the base  5 . Hence, the female portion  110  is coupled to the strap  40 . The male portion  120  of the connector  105  is configured to be releasably connected to the corresponding female portion  110 . A release button  130  is integrally formed within the female portion  110  for quickly detaching from the male portion  120 . Once the female portion  110  and the male portion  120  are connected, they can only be disconnected by a user intentionally depressing the release button  130 . The connector  105  along with the corresponding female portion  110  and the male portion  120  can be utilized as the method for attaching as represented in the blocks  50  and/or  70  in FIGS.  1 A and  1 B, respectively. The interface device  30  could have the connector at both the front and back of the interface device  30  or preferably just one place. 
     Additionally, FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment of a quick release fastener by utilizing a hook/loop fastener. A top portion  36  of the strap  40  is preferably made of either the hook or loop fastener fabric. Preferably, a receiving portion  135  is coupled to the side of the base  5 . This receiving portion  135  is either the hook or loop fastener fabric configured to engage the top portion  36  of the strap  40 . Preferably, once the receiving portion  135  and the top portion of the strap  40  are coupled together, they may be purposely detached by the user. 
     FIG. 4 shows a detailed illustration of the peg/aperture attaching device as described as blocks  50  and  70  in the preferred embodiment. The strap  40  preferably has at least one aperture  45 . Preferably, a peg  140  protrudes from the top surface of the base  5 . Further, it is also preferable that the aperture  45  of the strap  40  fits through the peg  140 . In use, the user may attach the strap  40  to the base  5  by slipping the aperture  45  towards the base  5  and through the peg  140 . The user can release the connected strap  40  from the base  5  by pulling the strap  40  away from the base  5  such that the aperture  45  is drawn away from the base  5  and becomes free from the peg  140 . The peg/aperture attaching device may be utilized as the method for attaching the interface apparatus to the underlying keyboard as represented in blocks  50  and  70  in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively. 
     FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed drawing of the hook/loop fastener device as described in blocks  50  and  70  in the preferred embodiment. The strap  40  preferably has a hook fastener type of fabric on an end portion  160  of the strap  40  and a loop fastener type of fabric a remaining portion  165  of the strap  40 . The hook fastener portion  160  is configured to engage the loop fastener portion  165  such that once pressed together, the connected hook  160  and loop fastener  165  is capable of withstanding lateral forces. Preferably, a loop  150  is attached to the base  5 . The loop  150  should preferably be large enough to allow the strap  40  to pass through the loop  150 . 
     FIG. 5B shows a side view of the strap  40  attached to the base  5  utilizing the hook/loop fastener. In use, to attach the strap  40  to the base  5 , a free end  180  of the strap  40  is first guided through the loop  150 . Next, to complete the fastening, the free end  180  of the strap  40  is pressed against a portion  170  of the strap  40  such that the hook fastener fabric  160  on the free end  180  of the strap connects to the portion  170  with the loop fastener portion  165 . To disconnect the connected strap  40 , the user will preferably be required to deliberately pull the free end  180  of the strap away from the portion  170 . It would be obvious to a person skilled in the art to substitute the hook fastener fabric with the loop fastener fabric and likewise substitute the loop fastener fabric with the hook fastener fabric. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed drawing of a permanent method to attach the strap  40  to the base  5  as described in blocks  50  and  70  shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B of the preferred embodiment. An opening  210  is located in the base  5  at where attachment of the strap  40  to the base  5  is desired. Preferably, a semi-rigid propylene connector  200  is attached to the end of the strap  40  and is housed inside the base  5 . When the strap  40  is in use and under tension, the propylene connector  200  contacts an interior wall  205  of the base  5 . The opening  210  is sized to allow the strap  40  to pass through while also preventing the propylene connector  200  from exiting the base  5 . The propylene connector  200  is preferably flexible enough to allow the strap  40  to stretch even if the strap itself  40  is not made from a stretchable material. However, the propylene connector  200  is also rigid enough to prevent the propylene connector  200  from collapsing such that the connector  200  exits the base  5  through the opening  210 . 
     FIG. 7 shows a detailed drawing of a releasable connector to attach the strap  40  to the base  5  as described in the preferred embodiment in blocks  50  and  70  shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 7 shows a releasable connector with a coupling connector  225  that preferably attaches to the end of the strap  40 . The coupling connector  225  has a plurality of interlocking raised teeth  220  on one side. A coupling base  228  is preferably mounted onto the base  5  in a desired location where the strap  40  connects to the base  5 . Preferably, there are at least two interlocking raised receptors  230  mounted onto the surface of the coupling base  228  which are configured to receive at least one of the plurality of interlocking raised teeth  220  on the coupling connector  225  when the coupling base  228  is securely mounted onto the base  5 . Preferably, the user locks the raised teeth  220  into the corresponding raised receptors  230  to effectively connect the strap  40  to the base  5 . 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a connecting device similar to the peg/aperture attaching device as described above and illustrated in FIG.  3 . However, this connecting device shown in FIG. 8 is preferably utilized as both blocks  50  and  70  at the same location for connecting the interface apparatus  30  to the underlying keyboard. The strap  40  preferably includes at least two apertures. A first aperture  250  should be located on the proximate end of the strap  40  and a second aperture  260  should be located on the distal end of the strap  40  such that there is enough distance between the apertures  250  and  260  for the strap  40  to completely wrap around the attached base  5  and underlying keyboard. Preferably, there are additional apertures  270  to allow the interface apparatus to connect with underlying keyboards of varying sizes. A peg  275  extends through the apertures  250 ,  260  to secure the strap. 
     FIG. 9A illustrates an interface device  400  as an alternate embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of clarity and simplicity, common elements of FIGS. 1A,  1 B,  9 A, and  9 B share the same reference numbers. For example, the base  5 , the front standoff  10 , and the back standoff  20  are common to FIGS. 1A,  1 B,  9 A, and  9 B and accordingly, share the same reference numbers. However, the interface device  400  also preferably includes a recess  340  and a void  345  in the base  5 . Preferably, a first end of a member  310  is coupled to the base  5  within the recess  340  via a hinge connector  300  such that the member  310  preferably rotates about the hinge connector  300 . Further, the member  310  preferably rotates in parallel with the top surface of the base  5  and is configured to be stored within the recess  340  when a side of the member  310  is rotated against the base  5 . Preferably, a pin  330  is rotatably coupled to a second end of the member  310  such that the pin  330  can rotate about its axis. Further, a flange  320  preferably protrudes from a side of the pin  330  such that when the pin  330  rotates, the flange  320  rotates as well. 
     In use, the void  345  is configured such that when the member  310  is capable of rotating entirely within the area of the recess  340 , the pin  330  is received within the void  345 , thus forming a closed position. Further, when the apparatus  400  is in this closed position, the flange  320  preferably engages the base  5  by sandwiching the base  5  between the flange  320 , the pin  330 , and the member  310 , thus locking the apparatus  400  in this closed position. While the interface apparatus  400  is locked in this closed position, the apparatus  400  may be either compactly stored or used in a free-free standing mode without the underlying keyboard. 
     FIG. 9B shows a side view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention in the closed position in the free-standing mode. As can be seen, in FIG. 9B, the apparatus  400  can stand level on its own by being supported by the front standoff  10  and the pin  330 . 
     In FIG. 9A, the member  310 , the pin  330 , and the flange  320  are shown connecting the apparatus  400  to the underlying keyboard. The member  310  is shown rotated outward from the recess  340  and the pin  330  is outside the void  345 . When the apparatus is connected to the underlying keyboard, the flange  320  is engaged with a portion of the underlying keyboard. The position of the flange  320  relative to the underlying keyboard is defined by the position of the member  310  and the pin  330 . With the flange  320  engaged with the underlying keyboard, the apparatus  400  is preferably connected to the underlying keyboard. 
     Each of the interface devices described above may include one or more key-contacting mechanisms that press a key of the keyboard in response to actuation of a mechanism on the interface device. FIG. 10 illustrates a cutaway view of a base  5  of an interface device  30  such that internal components of the base  5  are revealed. The base includes several depressing mechanisms that are coupled to actuation mechanisms on the interface device. For example, a depressing mechanism  1032  corresponds to a first actuation mechanism, a depressing mechanism  1034  corresponds to a second actuation mechanism, a depressing mechanism  1036  corresponds to a third actuation mechanism, a depressing mechanism  1044  corresponds to a fourth actuation mechanism, a depressing mechanism  1040  corresponds to a fifth actuation mechanism, a depressing mechanism  1042  corresponds to a sixth actuation mechanism, and a depressing mechanism  1046  corresponds to a seventh actuation mechanism. In general, each of these underlying depressing mechanisms is located below its respective actuation mechanism and above the underlying keyboard. In other words, each depressing mechanism may act as a connector between each actuation mechanism and the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed drawing of a spring assembly  1100  that may be used in the depressing mechanisms  1032 ,  1034 ,  1036 ,  1038 ,  1040 ,  1042  and  1044 . The spring assembly  1100  includes a secondary spring  1110 , a contact  1120 , a primary spring  1130 , an actuator  1140 , and a PVC portion  1150 . The PVC portion  1150  forms a portion of the actuator  1140  which extends through a hole  1160  in the base to press a particular key of the underlying keyboard. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed cutaway view of an actuation mechanism including a three-dimensional representational object in the form of a drill  1200 . The drill  1200  has a drill housing  1205  which is coupled to the interface device  30 . A handle  1210  is rotatably coupled to the drill housing  1205  such that the user may rotate a first end of the handle  1210  relative to the drill housing  1205 . A cam  1215  is attached to a second end of the handle  1210 . Further, a first end of a vertical connector  1220  preferably contacts the cam  1215 , and a second end of the vertical connector  1220  preferably contacts the depressing mechanism  1042  (FIG.  10 ). The cam  1215  contacts the vertical connector  1220  at two different positions: an “on” position  1225  and an “off” position  1230 . When the cam  1215  contacts the vertical connector  1220  at the “on” position  1225 , the vertical connector  1220  moves downward and depresses the depressing mechanism  1042  such that the particular key of the underlying keyboard related to the drill  1200  is depressed. When the cam  1215  contacts the vertical connector  1220  at the “off” position  1230 , the vertical connector  1220  preferably does not depress the depressing mechanism  1042 . 
     In use, when the cam  1215  contacts the vertical connector  1220  at the “off” position  1230 , the vertical connector  1220  does not depress the depressing mechanism  1042 . As a result, the depressing mechanism  1042  is also not depressing the particular key related to the drill  1200 . Further, while in the “off” position  1230 , the depressing mechanism  1042  preferably urges the vertical connector  1220  towards the cam  1215  and prevents the particular key related to the drill  1200  from being depressed. 
     When the first end of the handle  1210  is turned by the user, the handle  1210  rotates relative to the drill housing  1205 . As the handle  1210  rotates, the cam  1215  preferably rotates as well. When the handle  1210  is rotated by the user such that the cam  1215  contacts the vertical connector  1220  at the “on” position  1230 , the vertical connector  1220  preferably moves downward and depresses the depressing mechanism  1042 . When the depressing mechanism  1042  is depressed, the actuator preferably depresses the particular key related to the drill  1200 . 
     In use, the contact  1120  receives an outside force from the user manipulating a particular actuation mechanism. When the outside force is sufficient to depress the corresponding underlying key, the primary spring  1130  compresses and lowers the actuator  1140 . As a result, the PVC portion  1150  depresses the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard. The PVC portion  1150  is configured to securely grip the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard. 
     Additionally, the secondary spring  1110  is preferably coupled between the contact  1120  and the actuator  1140 . When the PVC portion  1150  is depressing the underlying key, the secondary spring  1110  preferably prevents the PVC portion  1150  from transferring too much of the outside force to the underlying key and possibly damaging this underlying key. Preferably, the secondary spring  1110  absorbs this excess force directed to the underlying key from the PVC portion  1150  when this corresponding key is already fully depressed. When the underlying key is already fully depressed and there is additional outside force, the secondary spring  1110  preferably compresses to absorb this additional downward force thereby preventing the PVC portion  1150  from exerting additional downward force on the fully depressed, underlying key. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Specifically, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the device of the present invention could be implemented in several different ways and the apparatus disclosed above is only illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the invention and is in no way a limitation. For example, it would be within the scope of the invention to vary the fastening means disclosed herein. It will be apparent that fastening means of one type, such as quick-release, hook/latch fabric, aperture/peg can be substituted for each other and so forth.