COMPUTER PROGRAM TEMPLATE HOLDER

SUPPORT DE REGLETTE DE CLAVIER POUR PROGRAMME D'ORDINATEUR

English Abstract

ABSTRACT

A computer keyboard typically has a set of "F" (Function) keys
that facilitates the operation of the machine by making routine
functions available at the touch of a button. Most programs
today incorporate the function keys into their operation and the
program designer provides templates (cards or strips) that sit
above the keys to indicate their function when that particular
program is in use.



This invention is a device to collect, display, protect and
organize multiple commercially-produced or user-produced
templates in an orderly fashion. The invention also provides
storage and convenient access to each template.

Claims

CLAIMS


The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property
or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:



1. The device is used to simultaneously store, organize, protect
and display multiple computer program templates.



2. The device in claim 1 is typically sectionally triangular
having a length equal to the minimum distance of the width of all
function keys on 101-key or similar computer keyboard and a
maximum length equal to that of the body of the keyboard.



3. The device in claims 1 and 2 permits the displaying of one
computer program template on each of its faces.



4. The device in claims 1, 2 and 3 is not restricted to having a
triangular sectional view but can have a polygonal section, ie:
triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. permitting the
storage and display of more templates.

Description

2 ~ 7

SPECIFICATION:

This invention relates to the convenient identification of -the
function keys of a computer keyboard.



Most program templates are flat, one-sided guides that lay next
to the function keys on the computer keyboard. Some templates
surround the function key~ when they are grouped in a matrix or
other configuration on the keyboard. These templa$es are made
of light material ~paper or plastic) which can easily be
displaced, lost or misplaced. The templates, because they lay
flat on the keyboard, can only be used one-at-a-time and their
position can make them hard to read. Additionally, these keys
can be programmed to perform other ~unctions by the user. Once
reprogrammed, the uæer can forget what function has been
programmed to the keys. A method of recordin~ altered template
Punctions and displaying templates would solve the problem.



The proposed device is de~igned to collect, ~tore and display
commercially-produced or user-produced templates to greatly
improve all facets of their use~ The device is constructed in a
triangular or other shape the length of the function-key section
of the keyboard. It is m~de of plastic or like material which is
transparent and permits the insertion of templates on all of its
faces, The device may also ~e con~tructed with special bordered
edges to hold the templates in th~ proper position on the
exterior faces of the device. It i~ heavier than the templates,



helping to keep it in place, and is designed to be rotated to
expose the template of the program in use. Its use eliminates
the los5 or displacement of templates. It also permits ready
viewing of templates at an optimum angle.



In drawings, below, which illustrate the invention:

':
Fig. 1 is a dra~ing of the 3 sided template holder showing the
holder empty of templates and showing the openings for the
insertion of a standard template at the end.



Fig. 2 is an end sectional view of a triangular template holder
æhowing the variation of the template holding mechanism, ie:
having special hordered edges to hold templates on the outside of
template holder.



Fig. 3 is an end section of triangular template holder showing
opening~ ~or template insertîon.
.
Fig. 4 is a sample of a blank template designed for insertion
into the template holder ~not intended for patent).



Fig, 5 iB an end ~ectional view showing a variation of the
template holder as a ~quare.




Fig. 6 is an end sectional view showing a variation of the
template holder as a pentagon.





Fig. 7 i~ an end sectional view showing a variation of the
template holder as a hexagon.



Fig. 8 shows template holder with template inserted sitting in
position on a computer keyboard.



The template holder, 1, sits on the upper portion of the computer
keyboard opposite and adjacent to the iunction keys in the case
of the 101-key keyboard and above the regular keys in the case of
other keyboards, 8. The template, 4, and other commercially-
produced or user-produced templates, are inserted into openings
on each of the faces of the template holder. The device can then
be rotated to display the template corresponding to the program
in use.

Representative Drawing