Printable, reusable key masks

Abstract

A functional and decorative key mask is disclosed that is printable and has a uniquely functional geometry for easy and clean removable attachment to the keyfaces of a keyboard or keypad. The materials and design combine to provide a durable and reusable key mask. In the preferred embodiment, the key mask is has a body and a tab extending outward, and a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to the back surface. It is die-cut from a face stock that is attached by the adhesive to a coated release liner. Mask sets include several key masks having similar or individualized graphic illustrations that enable the user to make unique associations with the keys of the keyboard or keypad, and thus enhance their learning, skill, performance, and enjoyment of a standard keyboard or keypad, or one having specialized key assignments.

1 . a key mask for attaching to a key on a keyboard or keypad, comprising: 
 a body that is substantially rectilinear;    a tab extending outward from a corner of the body;    a top surface and a bottom surface; and,    a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to the bottom surface.    
   
   
       2 . The key mask of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a graphic illustration on the top surface.    
   
   
       3 . The key mask of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 the body being approximately 9/16 inches tall;    the body being approximately ½ inches wide; and,    whereas at least one of the corners of the body includes a radius.    
   
   
       4 . The key mask of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 the tab being between 0.110 and 0.140 inches wide;    the tab being between 0.110 and 0.140 inches long; and,    the end of the tab includes a radius.    
   
   
       5 . The key mask of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 the tab being substantially 0.125 inches wide;    the tab being substantially 0.125 inches long; and,    the end of the tab includes a radius.    
   
   
       6 . The key mask of  claim 1 , whereas the tab extends from the upper right hand corner of the body of the key mask.  
   
   
       7 . The key mask of  claim 1 , whereas the key mask is made from paper stock that has a basis weight between 50 and 70 pounds.  
   
   
       8 . The key mask of  claim 1 , whereas the key mask is made from paper stock having a basis weight of 60 pounds.  
   
   
       9 . The key mask of  claim 1 , whereas the key mask is made from lithographic paper stock having a matte finish.  
   
   
       10 . The key mask of  claim 1 , whereas the key mask is made from lithographic paper stock having a caliper thickness of approximately 0.034 inches.  
   
   
       11 . The key mask of  claim 1 , whereas the pressure sensitive adhesive is a clear acrylic removable adhesive having a high shear and high removable adhesion.  
   
   
       12 . The key mask of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a liner coated with silicone on one side;    the silicone coated side of the liner adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive.    
   
   
       13 . The key mask of  claim 13 , whereas the liner is made from paper stock that has a basis weight between 90 and 120 pounds.  
   
   
       14 . The key mask of  claim 13 , whereas the liner is made from paper stock that has a basis weight between 100 and 110 pounds.  
   
   
       15 . The key mask of  claim 13 , whereas the liner is made from paper stock that has a caliper thickness of between 0.007 and 0.009 inches.  
   
   
       16 . The key mask of  claim 13 , whereas the liner is made from paper stock that has a caliper thickness of 0.008 inches.  
   
   
       17 . a key mask for attaching to a key on a keyboard or keypad, comprising: 
 a body that is substantially rectilinear;    a top surface and a bottom surface;    a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to the bottom surface; and,    a graphic illustration on the top side identifying a function of a computer game.    
   
   
       18 . a mask set for attaching to the keys on a keyboard or keypad, comprising: 
 a face stock having a top surface and a bottom surface;    a plurality of die-cut key masks located on the face stock;    each key mask having a body that is substantially rectilinear and having a tab extending outward from a corner of the body;    at least one key mask having a graphic illustration on the top surface;    a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to the bottom surface; and,    a coated liner adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive.    
   
   
       19 . The mask set of  claim 18 , whereas the graphic illustrations on individual key masks identify musical notes.  
   
   
       20 . The mask set of  claim 18 , whereas the graphic illustrations on individual key masks represent functions related to a computer game.  
   
   
       21 . The mask set of  claim 18 , whereas the graphic illustrations on individual key masks represent operative functions of a system or machine.