Patent · US Expired

Keycap for displaying a plurality of indicia

US6937229B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
7References
28Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 28, 2001
Grant dateAug 30, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 3, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H2219/002
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A keycap is used to display a plurality of indicia, such as Braille, pictures, etc., for use with a keyboard that interacts with an electronic device, such as a computer. The keycap includes at least one engagement member, for removably engaging with at least one activation key on a keyboard, and at least a first support structure for displaying the indicia. The first support structure is larger in at least one direction than the activation key and allows the keycap to display the indicia in a sufficiently large size to allow the keycap to display, for example, phrases, sentences, musical notation, mathematical expressions, etc. This feature allows the keycap to be compatible with a large number of software programs used to teach, for example, disabled individuals. The keycap preferably is used with a removable overlay containing the plurality of indicia that allows the keycap to be easily configured to the user's needs or the requirements of the software program. The keycap includes at least one attachment member to removably attach the overlay to the keycap. The attachment member preferably comprises two channels disposed on opposite ends of the first support structure and a seco…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.