Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard

Abstract

Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device such as a mechanical or optical mouse or a track ball unit within the footprint of a keyboard. The apparatus supports the pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard to permit full use of both the pointing device and the keys. The apparatus comprises a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support the pointing device and regions formed in the platform to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform. The regions can be openings through the platform to allow a user's fingers to press the keys directly. The regions can be deformable to permit a user to manipulate the keys underneath the platform indirectly. Alternatively, the keyboard itself can be designed with keys having specially shaped surfaces to support a pointing device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to computer equipment and, more particularly, to equipment for supporting a computer pointing device on or over a keyboard while still permitting use of the keyboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Keyboards and computer pointing devices, such as mice or track balls, are currently the most common means for a user to control a computer by allowing input of control commands or control data. Normally, computer mice, whether they are mechanical or optical, are placed on the same surface as the keyboard often on a mouse pad. Track balls, which rely on a movable ball mounted in a stationary body, are generally positioned on the same surface directly adjacent the keyboard. Particularly with today's Graphical User Interface (GUI) computer operating systems, it is necessary for the user to frequently switch between keyboard and pointing device to input control commands. From an ergonomic point of view, it is preferable if the movement of a user's hand between keyboard and pointing device is minimized. As well, the space available for the keyboard and pointing device may be limited. Rather than reduce the size of the keyboard or point device, it is preferable if some of the space occupied by the keyboard can be used by the pointing device. One prior art solution is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,294 to Greenquist which disclose a raised platform that supports a mouse over a portion of the keyboard. The disadvantage of this approach is that the keys under the platform are unavailable to the user.

[0003] There exists a need for equipment that will position the pointing device and the keyboard in a more ergonomically efficient relationship without sacrificing the use of any keys of the keyboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides apparatus that readily accommodate positioning of a pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard. In one aspect, the present invention takes the form of a keyboard pointing device pad that works in conjunction with standard keyboard and pointing devices to position the pointing device over a portion of the keyboard and within the keyboard footprint while permitting full use of the pointing device and all the keyboard keys. In another aspect, the present invention comprises a keyboard having modified key surfaces to support a pointing device.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:

[0006] a surface positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device; and

[0007] means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in the surface.

[0008] The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:

[0009] a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device; and

[0010] deformable regions in the platform to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform.

[0011] The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising a plurality of key caps, each key cap being positionable over a key of the keyboard such that the plurality of key caps co-operate to define a platform to support a pointing device.

[0012] The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:

[0013] a lower layer with at least one opening therethrough corresponding to at least one key on the keyboard;

[0014] an upper deformable layer over the lower layer of sufficient rigidity to support a pointing device and deformable to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the at least one opening.

[0015] In a further aspect, the present invention provides in a keyboard for a computer, the keyboard having a plurality of depressible keys, the improvement comprising at least a portion of the keys being formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.

[0016] The present invention also provides a keyboard for a computer comprising:

[0017] a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information into the computer having first top surfaces; and

[0018] a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information to the computer having second top surfaces for defining a planar surface to support a pointing device.

[0019] The present inventions also provides a keyboard unit for a computer comprising:

[0020] a housing;

[0021] a plurality of depressible keys mounted within the housing and formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Aspects of the present invention are illustrated, merely by way of example, in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad installed on a typical keyboard;

[0024] FIG. 1a is a view of the keyboard pointing device pad of FIG. 1 alone;

[0025] FIG. 1b is a view of an alternative keyboard pointing device pad formed with a resilient surface;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 3A is a detail view of a post member that can be used with the embodiment of FIG. 3;

[0029] FIG. 3B is a detail cross-section view of an alternative main layer and upper layer that can be used with the embodiment of FIG. 3;

[0030] FIG. 3C is a detail cross-section view of a still further embodiment that uses a rigid layer to support a point device and resilient pockets in the rigid layer to permit manipulation of keys below the rigid layer;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention comprising a transparent platform with key receiving recesses in a lower surface for application over top of a keyboard;

[0032] FIG. 4A is a detail cross-section view of a keycap arrangement according to the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention comprising a raised pad for supporting a pointing device in conjunction with the top surfaces of the keys;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention comprising a keyboard unit with specially formed keys to define a surface to support a pointing device;

[0035] FIG. 5A is a perspective of a still further embodiment of the invention comprising a keyboard with a specially formed section having keys to define a surface to support a pointing device;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional detail view of the keys of the keyboard unit of FIG. 5;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a detail view showing a key design for use with the keyboard according to the present invention; and

[0038] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view showing an alternative keyboard arrangement.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a detail view of a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a detail view of a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention; and

[0041] FIG. 11 is a detail section-view of a still further key design.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1a, there is shown a first embodiment of a keyboard pointing device pad 2 according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the pad 2 installed over the numeric keypad region 4, the cursor key region 5 and the editing keys (Insert, delete, page up, page down) region 6 of a standard keyboard 7. Keys in regions 4, 5 and 6 tend to be less used than the keys of the main QWERTY keyboard region 8. The illustrated keyboard is an ergonomic model having the QWERTY keyboard region 8 separated into two angled sections 8a and 8b with the keys in each section being manipulated by one hand. It will be appreciated that the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention can be used in conjunction with any keyboard design or layout. In addition, while the following description may refer to a specific arrangement in which a particular pointing device such as a mechanical mouse is used, it will be understood that the pointing device pad of the present invention can be used in conjunction with other pointing devices such as optical mice or track balls.

[0043] Keyboard pointing device pad 2 comprises a surface 10 positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a mouse. In the illustrated embodiment, surface 10 is formed with means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in surface 10 in the form of a plurality of openings 12 that extend through the surface to permit a user's finger tips to touch and depress the keys covered by the pad 2. Surface 10 is a rigid surface that includes support legs 14 at opposite edges of the surface to raise and support the surface above the keys. Legs 14 preferably rest against the surface 15 of the keyboard housing, however, an alternative arrangement in which a portion of legs 14 are elongated to form extensions 14b to rest on the same surface as the keyboard is possible. Surface 10 and legs 14 are preferably moulded from plastic as a one piece unit. Surface 10 is preferably transparent or translucent to allow the user a clear view of the keys below the pad.

[0044] Openings 12 are formed in surface 10 to align with the keys covered by the surface such that each opening permits access to at least one key. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1a, there is an opening 12 formed for each individual key on keyboard 5. It will be understood that openings 12 can be dimensioned such that one opening provides access to more than one key. The arrangement of keys in regions 4, 5 and 6 of the keyboard tend to be standardized across different keyboard designs, and, therefore, a few different models of the pointing device pad of the present invention each with a different hole pattern will be sufficient to accommodate most keyboard designs.

[0045] A mechanical or optical mouse or track ball placed on surface 10 is supported above the keyboard for normal operation by a user. In the case of a mechanical mouse with a rotatable mouse ball extending from the underside of the mouse body, the rotatable ball rolls over surface 10 to operate in the usual manner. If the mouse ball is positioned over an opening 12, the ball will tend to roll over the top of the key or keys exposed through the opening. The spring force biasing the keyboard keys to their default ready position is sufficient to prevent unintended depression of the key. In the case of an optical mouse, the surface of the pad and the exposed keys provides an optically varied appearance that allows the mouse to detect movement. In the case of a track ball unit, the surface of the pad acts simply to support the weight of the unit.

[0046] As an additional feature, the embodiment of FIG. 1a is shown with a resilient wrist rest portion 19 for the comfort of the user extending from leg 14. Preferably, portion 19 is a gel cushion. Wrist rest portion 19 can be also be included with any of the additional embodiments described below.

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention. In this embodiment, support surface 10 for the pointing is a resilient member 17 of a pre-determined thickness having a lower side 16 to engage surface 15 of keyboard and an upper side 18 positioned above the keys to support the pointing device. In this arrangement, a plurality of openings 12 extend through the resilient member from lower side 16 to upper side 18 with each opening permitting access to at least one key. In the illustrated embodiment, three large openings 12a, 12b and 12c are formed through resilient member 17 to provide access to the groups of keys in the keypad key region 4, the cursor key region 5 and the editing key region 6, respectively

[0048] Preferably, resilient member 17 is formed from a foam material that is suitably rigid to support a pointing device such as a mechanical or optical mouse or a track ball. Resilient member 17 creates a raised surface at upper side 18 that is co-extensive with the exposed tops of the keyboard keys to define a surface for the pointing device. As previously, described, the spring force biasing the keyboard keys to their default ready position is sufficient to prevent unintended depression of the key. Resilient member 17 can also be formed from other materials such as plastic, rubber or thermoplastic elastomers such as the material sold under the trademark Santoprene®.

[0049] The keyboard pointing device pad 2 of FIG. 2 also includes an optional resilient region 19 to support the wrist of a user.

[0050] While the keyboard pointing device pads of FIGS. 1, 1a, and 2 are illustrated with openings 12 that extend through surface 10, it is contemplated that a deformable layer or film can be positioned across each opening to permit depression of the keys through openings 12 by resilient stretching of the deformable layer. For example, the deformable layer can be a transparent flexible film layer of sufficient rigidity to support a pointing device. Such a deformable layer 17a is shown over the opening 12b to accommodate the navigation keys in FIG. 2. Suitable materials for the deformable layer include resilient plastics, rubber or silicone. In the case of the second embodiment of FIG. 2, resilient member 17 is selected to be of sufficient thickness to position the deformable layer above the keys of the keyboard. In addition, the deformable layer may be formed with downwardly depending posts adapted to engage with keys of the keyboard to limit the extent to which the deformable layer must be stretched to manipulate the keys.

[0051] FIG. 1b illustrates an example of an arrangement that relies on a resilient surface. Rigid legs 14 support a resilient surface 10a which preferably extends between a rigid frame 14a defining a single large opening over the keys. Resilient surface 10a allows pressing of the keys below the surface by applying pressure to the resilient surface. Preferably, resilient surface 10a is transparent or translucent so that the keyboard keys can be viewed below the surface. If the surface 10a is formed from an opaque material, the surface is marked with indicia to indicate the position of the keys below the deformable surface. Note that FIG. 1b also shows extensions 14b that permit frame 14a to be supported by the same surface that supports the keyboard, in addition to the frame resting on the keyboard housing.

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention in an exploded view to clearly show component parts. The assembled pad structure defines a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device. The platform includes deformable regions to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform. The pad of the third embodiment comprises a lower layer 20 having openings 21 therethrough to permit access to one or more keys. Lower layer 20 is preferably formed from a resilient foam material of sufficient thickness to extend upwardly from the keyboard surface to adjacent the tops of the keys. Lower layer 20 supports an upper resilient layer 23 having a lower surface 25 formed with key engaging members and an upper surface 26 to support the pointing device. As best shown in FIG. 3A, key engaging members may comprise a plurality of downwardly extending posts 24 with each post being adapted to engage at least one key. In a preferred arrangement, each post 24 is formed with a convex lower surface 24a to engage with the corresponding concave upper surface 200 of the keyboard key 202 to ensure reliable manipulation of the keys.

[0053] FIG. 3B is a cross-section through an alternative resilient layer 23 in which each post 24 is associated with folds 23a of excess material in the layer defining a series of pockets below the layer. Preferably, folds 23a are formed in an accordion pleat configuration having a base 23b supported by angled walls 23c. Posts 24 and associated convex lower surfaces 24a are mounted centrally on the lower base 23b of the pleat in order to engage keys below resilient layer 23. The pleats accommodate movement of posts 24 to engage the keys by flexing of angled walls 23c. This arrangement permits resilient layer 23 to be formed from a material of lesser elasticity. The upper edges of angled walls 23c define a small gap 23d in resilient layer 23 associated with each key to readily permit flexing of the angled walls. Preferably, gap 23d will have a width of less than about 2 mm to handle pointing devices, such as optical mice, which generally cannot navigate across gaps of more than 2 mm. Alternatively, upper surface 28 may be applied over resilient layer 23 to cover gaps 23d, however, this will limit the flexing of the angled walls. The folded accordion pleat configuration described above can be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention which rely on a resilient deformable surface positioned over the keys of a keyboard.

[0054] FIG. 3C illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in FIG. 3B. However, in the arrangement of FIG. 3C, folds 23a of excess resilient material defining pockets 302 are mounted to a rigid layer 300 adjacent openings 304 in the layer to permit access to keyboard keys underneath the layer. Pockets 302 are preferably attached by gluing to the underside 301 of rigid layer 300. As in the previous arrangement of FIG. 3B, each fold of resilient material supports a key engaging member in the form of a post 324. The upper end 324b of each post is preferably dimensioned to substantially fill opening 304 in the rigid layer 300 to present a comfortable surface to the user's finger to depress in order to press a key. The lower end of each post is preferably formed with a convex region 324a to engage a key. When a post is pressed by the user, the resilient material defining pockets 302 is deformed and stretched to allow the post to move downwardly to contact the corresponding key below the post. The resiliency of the pocket material returns post 324 to the default position illustrated in FIG. 3C with upper end 324b substantially flush with the upper side of rigid layer 300 to define a planar surface to support a pointing device. The resilient pocket with post arrangement of FIG. 3C attached to a rigid surface can be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention which rely on a rigid surface positioned over the keys of a keyboard.

[0055] Returning to FIG. 3, a further alternative arrangement is possible in which the key engaging members comprise a plurality of recesses 25a in lower surface 25 with each recess being dimensioned to receive at least one key. Recesses 25a would replace posts 24 and would enclose each key about four sides and the top of the key to positively interconnect the keys to the resilient layer 23. Resilient layer 23 may be transparent or translucent to allow the user to view the keys directly through the layer. Alternatively, an upper layer 28 may be mounted over upper surface 26 of resilient layer 23 to provide a surface of suitable roughness for reliable operation of a mechanical mouse. If upper layer 28 is opaque, indicia 30 are marked thereon to indicate the positions of the keys below resilient layer 23.

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates a still further embodiment similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3. In this case, however, keyboard pointing device pad 2 is preferably formed from a single piece of resilient material without the layers of the embodiment of FIG. 3. The single piece of material defines a platform structure 31 having a planar upper surface 32 to support a pointing device and a lower surface 34 formed with a plurality of recesses 36 extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface. Each recess is dimensioned to receive at least one key. Recesses 36 are formed in lower surface 34 to be negative impressions of one or more keys. Preferably, each recess corresponds to one key and encloses the key about four sides and the top of the key to positively interconnect the key and platform structure 31. Platform structure 31 may be formed from a transparent or translucent material as shown in FIG. 4 to allow the user to view the keys directly through upper surface 32. Alternatively, platform structure 31 may be formed from an opaque material or may include an opaque upper surface 32 which is marked with indicia to indicate the keys below the surface within each recess 36. In a still further variation, the recess 36 formed in lower surface 34 may extend all the way to upper surface 32 to define an opening in the upper surface through which the key is visible. While a platform structure that covers all the keys in a particular region is shown in FIG. 4, it will be understood that a smaller platform structure covering single keys or groups of keys may be used. For example, as illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 4A, platform structure 31 can be formed with a recess 36 and an upper surface 32 dimensioned to fit over a single key in a key cap arrangement 37, and a pointing device supporting surface can be formed by a user selecting a plurality of desired keys with individual key caps.

[0057] FIG. 4B shows a further arrangement, in which the apparatus for supporting the computer pointing device works in co-operation with top surfaces of the keyboard keys. In this embodiment, a pad 250 is positionable about a plurality of keys to create a raised top surface 251 that is co-extensive with the top surfaces of the keys to support a pointing device. In the illustrated example, pad 250is formed with a plurality of cut outs 255 corresponding to different groups of keys. The thickness 256 of pad 250 is selected such that surface 251 is at substantially the same level as the tops of the keys. A pointing device placed on pad 250 will be freely movable over pad top surface 251 and the top surfaces of the keys to support the pointing device within the footprint of the keyboard. Pad 250 is preferably formed from a resilient, light weight material such as foam, plastic or Santoprene®. While pad 250 has been illustrated with cut outs 255 for multiple groups of keys, it will be understood that the pad can be formed as a rectangular member with a single central opening to fit about a particular grouping of keys such as the numeric keypad keys or the editing keys.

[0058] In all the various embodiments of the present invention, and, particularly as illustrated in FIG. 4, it is possible to embed a weak magnet 39 in either the surface supporting the pointing device or the pointing device 40 and a ferrous material attracted to the magnet in the article without the magnet. This ferrous material can be iron particles distributed throughout the supporting surface. Alternatively, the ferrous material can be existing metal in the keypad or keyboard. The attraction of the ferrous material to the magnet assists in retaining the pointing device on the surface without slipping. For example, a flat ferrous magnet can be attached to the bottom of the mouse for attraction to any ferrous material in the keyboard.

[0059] Instead of providing an additional pad or platform structure to support a pointing device above an existing keyboard, it is also possible to modify the shape of some or all of the keyboard keys to define a surface that is better able to support a pointing device directly on the top surface of the keys. Such an arrangement finds particular application with respect to the keyboard of a laptop computer. As best shown in FIG. 5, this may involve forming a separate keyboard unit 50 which includes a plurality of keys 52 formed with top surfaces 54 that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device. Such a keyboard unit would be for use in conjunction with a main keyboard of conventional design.

[0060] Alternatively, a conventional keyboard layout can be modified to include one or more regions that have a plurality of keys 52 formed with top surfaces to support a pointing device. FIG. 5A shows one such keyboard arrangement 51 with a modified keyboard housing in which the usual extended keypad region 53 of the keyboard is integrated with the main housing, but is moulded at a different level and angle from the alphanumeric key region 55. With either a separate keyboard unit 50 or a modified keyboard 51, the keys that co-operate to define a supporting surface for the pointing device will generally be the numeric keypad keys, the editing keys, and the cursor keys. It is also contemplated that just a single group of either the numeric keypad keys, the editing keys or the cursor keys can be formed to define a supporting surface. In the case of separate keyboard unit 50 (FIG. 5), it is preferably that the keyboard housing 56 be positionable in a generally horizontal configuration so that keys' top surfaces 54 are generally level to support a pointing device place on the surfaces without slipping. While keyboard unit 50 may be separate from a main keyboard 100, it may be desirable to pivotally connect the housing of keyboard unit 50 to the housing of main keyboard 100 to permit pivoting of the unit 50. Pivoting allows keyboard unit 50 to maintain a flat (perpendicular to gravity) area for supporting a pointing device independent of the angle of the main keyboard. The pivotal connection may be at the lower edge of the housing of the main keyboard 100 as shown in FIG. 5 for typical users who generally tilt the main keyboard toward the user. Alternatively, for users who are accustomed to tilting the keyboard away from the user such that the space bar is higher or level with the function keys, the pivotal connection would be at the upper edge of the housing of the main keyboard.

[0061] Different designs for the individual keys that make up the keys of the keyboard are possible. For example, in the keyboard unit 50 of FIG. 5, each individual key has a structure which is best illustrated by the cross sectional view through the keys of FIG. 6. Each key comprises a generally hollow, parallelepiped body 60 with sides 62 that are parallel to the sides of adjacent keys and a flat top surface. The base of the key is open and includes connection means 66 for releasably or permanently attaching the key to a conventional mounting location on the keyboard. There are various known arrangements for connecting keys to the keyboard housing in such a manner as to permit depression of the key to send a signal to the computer to which the keyboard is connected. The keys of the keyboard of the present invention can be adapted for use in any of these known arrangements. Key bodies 60 are preferably spaced closely together with minimal spacing between adjacent top surface 64 such that a substantially continuous planar support surface 70 is defined to support a pointing device. A small gap less than about 2 mm is left between the side walls and the top surface of adjacent keys to provide clearance so that the keys do not interfere with each other when depressed. Pointing devices such as optical mice generally cannot navigate across gaps of more than 2 mm, therefore, the smaller the gap between keys, the better the performance of an optical mouse.

[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates in cross section an alternative key design in which each key comprises a generally trapezoidal body 74 with a wider top surface 76 tapering to a narrower base 78. Key connecting means 80 joins each key to a corresponding mounting location 82 on the keyboard housing 56. The wider top surfaces 76 of the keys are dimensioned to be spaced apart by a minimal gap such that the keys' top surfaces define a substantially planar support surface. The tapering side walls 75 of the body provide clearance between the keys to minimize interference between adjacent keys when one key is depressed. In addition, any detritus that inevitably accumulates on keyboards will tend to fall between the keys to the bottom of the keyboard housing in the channels formed by tapering side walls 75 to minimize jamming or sticking of the keys.

[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates a third embodiment show in plan view in which each key comprises a generally trapezoidal body 84 with a wider base 86 tapering to a narrower flat top surface 88. In this arrangement, the planar surface to support a pointing device is formed from the plurality of discrete flat top surfaces 88 of individual keys.

[0064] As best shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that each key includes a layer of high friction material 90 on the top surface 88 of the key to provide a non-slip surface for supporting a pointing device and for reliably receiving and supporting a user's fingertip when the key is depressed.

[0065] FIG. 9 illustrates still a further key design for use with the keyboard of the present invention to define a support surface for pointing device. In this arrangement, each key 92 comprises a rigid central post 94 for joining to the keyboard housing and an upper platform 96 extending about the perimeter of the post. Platform 96 is preferably a resilient material such as silicone or foam that surrounds a hard plastic central post. Upper platform 96 defines a top surface of the key that supports a pointing device in conjunction with the platforms on other adjacent keys. The contrast between the relatively hard central post 94 and the relatively soft platform 96 provides tactile feed back to the user to permit centring of the fingers on the keys when being used for entering data. The different materials also provide visual cues to the user regarding the separation of the different keys. The resiliency of platform 96 ensures that keys will not bind are interfere with each other when being depressed.

[0066] FIG. 10 illustrates another key design which is similar to that shown in FIG. 9. In this case, each key 100 includes an upper platform 96 of resilient material mounted over a rigid central post.94 such that the upper surface of the post does not extend through the platform.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a cross-section through another key design similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10. In this case, the entire key 102 including post 94 and upper platform 96 is made from the same resilient material.

[0068] The various key designs described above may be installed in keyboards to create a keyboard having a combination of different key types. For example, as best shown in FIG. 5A, one group of keys 55 are conventional depressible keys for inputting information into the computer having first top surfaces, such as concave surfaces. The other group of keys 53 are keys having a different top surface which perform the dual role of permitting inputting of information while also defining a planar surface to support a pointing device.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practised within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:

a surface positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device; and

means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in the surface.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the surface is a rigid surface and the means to permit manipulation of the keys comprises at least one opening through the surface, each of the at least one openings permitting access to at least one key.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 including a fold of resilient material defining a pocket associated with the at least one opening in the rigid surface, the fold of resilient material supporting a key engaging member.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including rigid support legs to position the surface over the computer keyboard.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the support legs rest on a surface of the keyboard.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the support legs rest on a surface that supports the keyboard.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the means to permit manipulation of the keys comprises a frame supported by legs having at least one opening therethrough and a deformable layer extending over the at least one opening to permit pressing of the keys by applying pressure to the resilient surface.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the surface is a resilient surface and the means to permit manipulation of the keys comprises deformable regions of the resilient surface to allow pressing of the keys by applying pressure to the resilient surface.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the resilient surface includes indicia to indicate the positions of the keys below the surface.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the resilient surface is translucent for viewing of the keys below the surface.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the resilient surface is formed with folds to accommodate deformation of the resilient layer.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the surface is a resilient member having a lower side to engage a surface of the keyboard and an upper side positioned above the keys to support the pointing device.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which the means to permit manipulation of the keys comprises at least one opening extending through the resilient member from the lower side to the upper side, each of the at least one openings permitting access to at least one key.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which resilient member is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of foam, rubber, plastic and thermoplastic elastomer.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a resilient region to support the wrist of a user.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 in which the resilient region is a gel cushion.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the one of the surface and the pointing device includes a magnet and the other includes a material attracted to the magnet to assist in retaining the pointing device on the surface.

18. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:

a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device; and

deformable regions in the platform to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which the platform includes a resilient layer having a lower surface formed with key engaging members and an upper surface to support the pointing device.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the platform includes a lower layer to support the resilient layer above the keys.

21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the lower surface includes a plurality of downwardly extending posts, each post being adapted to engage at least one key.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which the resilient layer is formed with folds of material adjacent each post to accommodate deformation of the resilient layer.

23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which each post is formed with a convex surface to engage with the corresponding concave surface of the key.

24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the lower surface is formed with a plurality of recesses, each recess being dimensioned to receive at least one key.

25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 24 in which each recess is formed to enclose the key about four sides and the top of the key.

26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the upper surface is marked with indicia to indicate the positions of the keys below the platform.

27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 including a resilient region to support the wrist of a user.

28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 27 in which the resilient region is a gel cushion.

29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which one of the platform and the pointing device includes a magnet and the other includes a material attracted to the magnet to assist in retaining the pointing device on the platform.

30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which the platform includes a rigid layer having a plurality of openings through the layer with an upper surface to support the pointing device and a lower surface formed with fold of resilient material defining a pocket associated with each of the plurality of openings, each pocket being deformable to permit pressing of at least one key below the rigid layer.

31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 in which the platform includes a lower layer to support the rigid layer above the keys.

32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 in which each pocket is formed with a downwardly extending post to engage at least one key.

33. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising:

a lower layer with at least one opening therethrough corresponding to at least one key on the keyboard;

an upper deformable layer over the lower layer of sufficient rigidity to support a pointing device and deformable to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the at least one opening.

34. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which the at least one opening in the lower layer comprises a plurality of openings with each opening corresponding to a group of keys on the keyboard.

35. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which the lower layer has a lower surface to engage the keyboard and an upper surface to which the deformable layer is mounted, the lower layer being formed from a resilient material of sufficient thickness to position the deformable layer above the keys.

36. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which the deformable layer is formed with downwardly depending posts adapted to engage with keys of the keyboard.

37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 36 in which the deformable layer is formed with folds of material adjacent each post to accommodate deformation of the deformable layer.

38. Apparatus as claimed in claim 35 in which the upper surface is marked with indicia to indicate the positions of the keys below the platform.

39. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 including a resilient region in the lower layer to support the wrist of a user.

40. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which the resilient region is a gel cushion.

41. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which one of the upper layer and the pointing device includes a magnet and the other includes a material attracted to the magnet to assist in retaining the pointing device on the upper layer.

42. In a keyboard for a computer, the keyboard having a plurality of depressible keys, the improvement comprising at least a portion of the keys being formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.

43. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys comprises a generally parallelepiped body with sides that are parallel to the sides of adjacent keys and a flat top surface.

44. A keyboard as claimed in claim 43 in which the keys are positioned with minimal spacing between adjacent top surfaces such that the planar surface is substantially continuous.

45. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys comprises a generally trapezoidal body with a wider base tapering to a narrower flat top surface such that the planar surface is defined by a plurality of discrete flat surfaces.

46. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys comprises a generally trapezoidal body with a wider top surface tapering to a narrower base with minimal spacing between adjacent top surfaces such that the planar surface is substantially continuous.

47. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys includes a high friction material on the top surface of the key.

48. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which the keys of the keyboard are arranged to include an alpha-numeric key region and an extended key region having an editing key region, a cursor key region, and a numeric key region with keys of the extended key region being formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.

49. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which the keys of the keyboard are arranged into an editing key region, a cursor key region, and a numeric key region.

50. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys includes a rigid central post supporting an upper platform of resilient material extending about the perimeter of the central post to define a top surface of the key.

51. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys includes an upper platform of resilient material mounted over a rigid central post.

52. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys includes an central post and an upper platform formed from resilient material.

53. A keyboard for a computer comprising:

a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information into the computer having first top surfaces; and

a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information to the computer having second top surfaces for defining a planar surface to support a pointing device.

54. A keyboard as claimed in claim 53 in which the plurality of depressible keys having second top surfaces is formed as at least one group of keys in a separate keyboard housing that is integrated with a housing for the plurality of depressible keys having first top surfaces.

55. A keyboard as claimed in claim 53 in which the plurality of depressible keys having second top surfaces is formed as at least one group of keys in a separate housing that is releasably connectable to a separate housing for the plurality of depressible keys having first top surfaces.

56. A keyboard unit for a computer comprising:

a housing;

a plurality of depressible keys mounted within the housing and formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device.

57. A keyboard unit as claimed in claim 56 in which the keyboard unit is pivotally connectable to a main keyboard.

58. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising a plurality of key caps, each key cap being positionable over a key of the keyboard such that the plurality of key caps co-operate to define a platform to support a pointing device.

59. Apparatus as claimed in claim 58 in which each key cap comprises a recess to receive a key and an upper surface to define a portion of the platform to support a pointing device.

60. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on a plurality of keys of a computer keyboard having a keyboard housing comprising a surface positionable about a plurality of keys on the keyboard housing to create a raised surface co-extensive with a plurality of top surfaces of the keys to support the pointing device.