Computer keyboard shelf for mouse and other input devices

Abstract

A shelf that fits over the keypad portion of a computer keyboard and extends to the right, providing a convenient work area, closer to the QWERTY keys, for a mouse or other input device. Projections from the underside of the shelf straddle the keypad to position and steady the shelf, while preventing the shelf from touching the keys. Since the shelf is not attached to the keyboard in any way, it can be easily lifted and removed when the keypad is to be used. In one embodiment in which the shelf is about 9 inches by 9 inches, the approximate size of a mouse pad, adjustable legs extend beneath the right end of the shelf to the desk or platform on which the keyboard is resting. These legs provide stability for the shelf. The second embodiment is for use only with an input device requiring a smaller work area, such as a track ball or touch pad. The shelf in the second embodiment is no more than five inches wide and extends very slightly beyond the right edge of the keyboard, so no legs are required to provide stability.

What I claim as my invention is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus comprised of a flat surface used in conjunction with a computer keyboard to provide an area for using a mouse, tablet or other input device, with projections on the underside of the left portion of the surface which projections fit against the keypad portion of the keyboard to position and support the surface above the keypad without depressing the keys and with legs on the underside of the right portion of the surface which legs rest on the desk or other platform on which the keyboard is placed.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the projections on the underside of the surface hold the surface in place in relation to the keyboard.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the lengths of the legs on the underside of the surface are adjustable.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the bottommost portion of the projections and the legs are covered with silicone or other non-slippery material.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the legs provide support for the surface.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein a portion of each leg is comprised of a threaded cylinder to facilitate adjustment of the length of said leg.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus comprised of a flat surface used in conjunction with a computer keyboard to provide an area for using a trackball, touch pad or other input device requiring a relatively small work area, comprised of projections on the underside of the surface which fit against the keypad portion of the keyboard to position and support the surface above the keypad without depressing the keys.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the projections on the underside of the surface hold the surface in place in relation to the keyboard.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the bottommost portion of the projections are covered with silicone or other non-slippery material.