Ergonomic input device

• US 20040239631A1
• Filed: 05/30/2003
• Published: 12/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael D. Gresham
• Original Assignee: Michael D. Gresham
• Inventors: Gresham, Michael D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,088,339 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0216 Arrangements for ergonomically adjusting the disposition of keys of a keyboard for keyboards integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/1664

Abstract

This invention relates to ergonomically designed input devices, and methods of using these devices, that are suitable for use with computers, gaming consoles, or electronic typewriters. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a keyboard housing, which is adapted to contain the components of a keyboard, comprising a first side and a second side. The first side is operably and pivotally coupled to the second side, and the first and second sides of the keyboard housing include a front face, a back face and side portions. In this embodiment, a plurality of input keys for imputing data into an electronic device can be located on the front face of at least one of the first and second sides of the keyboard housing. In one embodiment, the first side and the second side of the keyboard housing can pivot, which allows the operator to adjust the keyboard housing to fit the contours of the operator'"'"'s hands and wrists.

Claims

1. A data entry device comprising:

a keyboard housing adapted to contain the components of a keyboard, the keyboard housing comprising;

a first side;

a second side, wherein the first side is operably and pivotally connected to the second side, and wherein the first side and the second side each include a front face, a back face and side portions;

a plurality of input keys provided to the front face of at least one of the first and second sides; and

arm supports operably connected to the keyboard housing, wherein the keyboard housing can rotate relative to the arm supports.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the arm supports extend laterally from each of the side portions.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the arm supports are adjustable.

4. The device of claim 2 further comprising base blocks attached to the arm supports to provide stability to the input device.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the base blocks are rotationally coupled to the arm supports to permit the rotation of the keyboard housing.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the first side and the second side of the keyboard housing can pivot about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the base blocks.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising input keys provided to the back face of both the first side and the second side of the keyboard housing.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the plurality of input keys comprise alpha/numeric keys.

11. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one joystick provided to one or both of the front face and the back face of the keyboard housing.

12. The device of claim 2, wherein the arm supports include upwardly facing end portions.

9. The device of 7 wherein the input keys comprise general input keys associated with military electronics.

10. The device of 7 wherein the input keys comprise general input keys associated with video games.

13. A data entry device comprising:

one or more arm supports extending from a housing, the arm supports adapted to support an operator'"'"'s arms; and

the housing rotationally coupled to the one or more arm supports, the housing having a front face, a back face and side portions, wherein the housing is configured to contain electrical components electrically connectable with a processor, and wherein the housing rotates relative to the one or more arm supports, and wherein the housing further comprises a first side and a second side, the first side pivotally connected to the second side, wherein at least one of the first side and the second side have a plurality of input keys provided thereto.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the arm supports are adjustable for width.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the arm supports include upwardly extending end portions.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein a joystick is provided to at least one of the first segment or second segment.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein the one or more arm supports can be optionally coupled and uncoupled to the housing.

18. A method of imputing data comprising the steps of:

providing a data entry device, the data entry device having a housing with a first side and a second side, and a plurality of arm supports operably connected to the housing;

adjusting the plurality of arm supports of the data entry device to ergonomically support a user;

pivoting the first side relative to the second side to ergonomically align the data entry device for the user;

rotating the data entry device relative to a base to ergonomically align the data entry device for the user; and

entering data by actuating one or more data entry components.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of entering data further comprises depressing one or more input keys.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of entering data further comprises actuating a joystick.

22. The device of claim 20, wherein the means for supporting the users hand is adjustable for width.

21. A data entry device comprising:

a means for housing the components of a data entry device, the housing means including, means for ergonomically adjusting the housing means about a vertical axis;

means for ergonomically adjusting the housing means about a horizontal axis; and

means for supporting a user'"'"'s hands when entering data.

23. A data entry device comprising:

a housing adapted to contain the components of an input device, the housing comprising;

a first side;

a second side, wherein the first side is operably and pivotally connected to the second side, and wherein the first side and the second side each include a front face, a back face and side portions;

a plurality of input keys provided to the front face of at least one of the first and second sides; and

arm supports operably connected to the housing.

24. A method of adjusting a data entry device, wherein said data entry device comprises a whole defined by a first half and a second half, the method comprising:

rotationally adjusting said whole data entry device about a horizontal axis; and

pivotally adjusting said first half of said data entry device to said second half of said data entry device.