Keyboard

• US 5,439,304 A
• Filed: 11/22/1993
• Issued: 08/08/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael Phillips
• Original Assignee: Michael Phillips
• Inventors: Phillips, Michael, Neumann, Rodney H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Burr, Edgar S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Anthony H.
• Application Number:
  US08/156,103
• Time in Patent Office: 624 Days
• Field of Search: 400/492, 400/491, 400/490, 400/491.1, 400/491.2, 400/488, 400/489, 400/485, 341/25, 341/22, 341/21, 341/20, 235/145 R
• US Class Current: 400/492
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 5/105 Constructional details of keyboard frames, e.g. adjusting or fixation means
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/028 on planes with different or alterable inclination, e.g. convex plane
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/044 Repetitive strain injury [RSI] considerations

Abstract

A keyboard assembly having keys which provide input signals to a processing unit includes a flexible printed circuit and underlying mat which enable the keyboard to be warped upward at its center by a system of cams which are driven by a controlled motor. Such warping induces rotation of the forearms of the user so as to have ergonomic value with respect to repetitive stress trauma.

Claims

1. A keyboard assembly having keys defining a keyboard for use in providing input signals to a processing unit, comprising:

flexible circuit means forming a substrate of said keyboard;

a flexible mat supporting said substrate;

resilient means for connecting said mat to said keyboard; and

automatically controlled means for warping said mat and said substrate upward in a central portion thereof during lengthy use of said keyboard in order to induce forearm rotation of the user.

2. The keyboard assembly of claim 1 wherein:

said mat has a lower surface, and

wherein said automatically controlled means includes a plurality of cam means bearing against said lower surface of said mat for conforming the overall shape of said mat to the highest surface on said cam means.

3. The keyboard assembly of claim 2 wherein said cam means includes:

individual groups of cams mounted on common shafts; and

means for jointly driving said shafts and groups of cams in a controlled manner.

4. The keyboard assembly of claim 3 wherein said driving means includes:

electric motor means for driving said shafts; and

controller means for causing intermittent operation of said electric motor means.

5. A keyboard assembly having an array of keys used to provide input signals to a processing unit, said keyboard having a rigid frame including end members and a floor, comprising;

flexible substrate means forming electrical circuits for said keys;

a generally rectangular, flexible mat underlying and supporting said substrate and having a central portion extending from front to rear of said substrate;

resilient means connecting said mat to said end members to hold said mat taunt over said floor; and

controlled means for automatically warping said central portion of said mat and said substrate overlying said central portion upwardly in order to induce forearm rotation of a user who is operating said keyboard.

6. The keyboard of claim 5 wherein said controlled means includes:

a plurality of laterally spaced series of cam means arranged parallel to one another so that the center series of said cam means underlies said center portion of said mat and substrate;

said center series of said cam means providing a greater warping effect than others of said cam means.

7. The keyboard of claim 6 wherein:

said series of cam means which are located to the sides of said center series have progressively reduced heights to achieve a reduction in warping in a uniform manner.

8. The keyboard of claim 7 wherein:

each of said series of cam means is mounted on a shaft having a driven gear on an outer end thereof;

said controlled means further including electric motor means having an output shaft and a drive gear thereon; and

belt means are provided for coupling said drive gear to each of said driven gears simultaneously so that said warping occurs uniformly over said keyboard.

9. The keyboard of claim 8 further including:

programmable means for controlling the power to said electric motor means in a manner such that its rotation causes very small incremental changes in the warping of said keyboard.

10. The keyboard of claim 8 further including:

means for modulating the power input to said motor depending upon how fast and unceasing a user is operating said keyboard.