1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed towards a protective cover dimensioned and configured to overlie the keyboard of a computer while enabling the user of the computer to have free access thereto. Pets such as cats or the like are thereby prohibited from inadvertently walking or jumping on the keys of the keyboard both during operation of the computer and during periods of non-use.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is well understood among pet owners and particularly those individuals who are attracted to cats that in spite of the beneficial relationship existing between an owner and his pet, there are certain inconveniences or annoyances frequently associated with living and caring for such animals. Cats, particularly those of a curious or affectionate nature, frequently insist in occupying the same space or surrounding vicinity as the owner regardless of the activity in which the owner is involved. For example, it is quite common for a cat, of an affectionate nature to spring into the lap of the owner or caretaker while the individual is reading a newspaper or the like. Also, when not directly involved in the activities of the owner, cats in particular, frequently prowl their domain and in doing so interfere with household objects by either purposely or accidently displacing certain objects.
With the advent of the modern day personnel computer, the popularity thereof have increased to the point where almost a majority of the households and work places include some type of computer facility which includes a keyboard. This keyboard is normally operated from some type of table or horizontal work surface and whether the computer is being utilized or not the keyboard is generally left in an exposed position. These individuals who are pet owners and particularly cat lovers and also use some type of computer instrument involving a keyboard have encountered the problem of having cats generally prowl across the keyboard and/or position themselves firmly on the keyboard thereby disturbing the operation thereof. In addition, cats of a particularly curious nature or those who have the habit of invading the operating area while their owners are working on the computer certainly have a disruptive affect on the operation and in fact, could, in certain instances, destroy certain work currently being performed on the computer.
Accordingly, there is a recognized need in this area to protect computer keyboards to the extent that pets, such as but not limited to cats, would be prevented from coming in contact with the keyboard. This protection should occur during periods when the computer is being used and the keyboard is being manipulated and also during periods of non-use. Moreover, a protector assembly should be of generally lightweight construction so as to be easily useable, even by children in the protection of the keyboard, while also making it substantially difficult for an animal to have access to the keyboard and/or remain in an obtrusive location relative to the keyboard. Further, such a device should also have sufficient stability such that investigation by a cat or other small animals would not serve to remove the protection, while allowing clear access to the keyboard by an individual in a manner that the user's hands are free to operate or manipulate the keyboard in the conventional fashion. Also, at least a portion of the overall assembly should be structured to allow clear, and unobstructed viewing of the entire operative surface of the keyboard during operation of the computer and utilization of the keyboard.