Keyboard with adjustable splay and pronation pivot points

• US 5,613,786 A
• Filed: 11/20/1995
• Issued: 03/25/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Hunter, Bryan, Howell, Bryan
• Primary Examiner(s): Burr, Edgar S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): COLILLA, DANIEL JAMES
• Application Number:
  US08/561,051
• Time in Patent Office: 491 Days
• Field of Search: 400/489, 400/472, 361/680, 345/168
• US Class Current: 400/489
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1664 Arrangements for ergonomically adjusting the disposition of keys of the integrated keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/84 characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback legends H01H13/83
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/028 on planes with different or alterable inclination, e.g. convex plane
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2223/05 composed of hingedly connected sections

Abstract

A data input keyboard apportioned between two demi-boards, the splay and pronation of which may be adjusted. Each of the demi-boards include a plurality of user activated keys extending therefrom, and define a distal side for orientation away from the user and a proximate side for orientation adjacent the user. The distal and proximate sides of the demi-boards are joined by inwardly facing sides and outwardly facing sides. A universal joint rotatably couples the inwardly facing sides of the demi-boards. Pivot point selectors are slidably mounted to the demi-boards for selecting pivot points along the outwardly facing sides, about which points the demi-boards are pivotably connected to the base member and are constrained for pivotal movement about the selected pivot points between a retracted position in which the demi-boards are co-planar and the inwardly facing sides are parallel and an extended position in which the demi-boards are splayed and pronated.

Claims

1. A keyboard, comprising:

two demi-boards, each of which include a plurality of user activated keys extending therefrom, and which define a distal side for orientation away from the user and a proximate side for orientation adjacent the user, said distal and proximate sides being joined by inwardly facing sides and outwardly facing sides;

a universal joint rotatably coupling said inwardly facing sides of the demi-boards;

a base member;

pivot point selectors slidably mounted to said demi-boards for selecting pivot points along said outwardly facing sides, about which points said demi-boards are pivotably connected to said base member and are constrained for pivotal movement about said selected pivot points between a retracted position in which said demi-boards are co-planar and said inwardly facing sides are parallel, and an extended position in which said demi-boards are splayed; and

a lift controller interconnected between said base member and said universal joint for adjusting and controlling the height of said universal joint and the pronation of said demi-boards relative to said base member, which pronation becomes more pronounced as said pivot selectors are positioned toward said proximate sides.

2. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein said universal joint is connected at the intersection of said inwardly facing sides and said distal sides of said respective demi-boards.

3. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein said keyboard is adapted for a portable computer.

4. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein said keyboard is adapted for a desktop computer.

5. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein said outwardly facing sides of said demi-boards comprise rails hingedly attached thereto, and wherein said pivot selectors are slidably mounted on said rails.

6. The keyboard of claim 5 wherein said rails and said base member include respective corresponding holes, and each of said pivot selectors includes a pin adapted for insertion into a selected corresponding hole in each rail and said associated corresponding hole in said base member.

7. The keyboard of claim 5 wherein said rails and said base member include respective corresponding slots, and each of said pivot selectors includes a ratchet adapted for insertion into a selected slot on each rail.

8. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein said lift controller includes a lever having a first end slidably mounted in a slot formed in said base member and a second end connected to said universal joint, wherein movement of said lever in said slot adjusts the elevation of said universal joint and the pronation of said first and second demi-boards relative to said base member.

9. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein said lift controller includes an elongated lever extending between said base member and said keyboard, said lever including a slot and said base member including a pivot pin extending through said slot, said lever being thereby constrained to move along and pivot about said pivot pin;

said lever includes a first end and a second end, wherein said first end extends through said base member for actuation by the user;

said lift controller includes an extension arm having a first end and a second end, said first end of said arm being pivotably connected to said second end of said lever, said second end of said arm being pivotably connected to said universal joint, so that movement of said first end of said first lever effects the elevation of said universal joint and the pronation of said first and second demi-boards relative to said base member.

10. An adjustable keyboard for data input, comprising a base member having a longitudinal base surface extending through said base member;

a first demi-board having a distal side for orientation away from the user and a proximate side for orientation adjacent the user;

a plurality of user activated keys extending from said first demi-board, said keys facing away from said base member;

a second demi-board having a distal side for orientation away from the user and a proximate side for orientation adjacent the user;

a plurality of user activated keys extending from said second demi-board, said keys facing away from said base member;

wherein said distal and proximate sides of said first and second demi-boards are joined by respective first and second inner facing sides and respective first and second outer facing sides;

a universal joint rotatably coupling said first and second inner facing sides of said first and second demi-boards;

first and second pivot selectors slidably mounted to said outer sides for selecting a pivot point along each of said respective outer sides, about which points said respective first and second demi-boards are pivotably connected to said base member and are constrained for pivotal movement about said respective selected pivot points between a retracted position in which said first and second inner sides are parallel and an extended position in which said first and second demi-boards are splayed and pronated;

a lift controller interconnected between said base member and said universal joint for adjusting and controlling the elevation of said universal joint and the pronation of said first and second demi-boards relative to said base member, which pronation becomes more pronounced, and splay less pronounced, as said pivot selectors are moved toward said proximate ends of said outer sides.

11. The keyboard of claim 10 wherein said universal joint is connected at the intersection of said inner and said distal sides of said respective demi-boards.

12. The keyboard of claim 10 wherein said keyboard is adapted for a portable computer.

13. The keyboard of claim 10 wherein said keyboard is adapted for a desktop computer.

14. The keyboard of claim 10 further comprising first and second rails hingedly attached to said respective first and second outer sides, and wherein said first and second pivot selectors are slidably mounted on said rails.

15. The keyboard of claim 14 wherein said rails and said base member include respective corresponding holes, and each of said pivot selectors includes a pin adapted for insertion into a selected corresponding hole in each rail and said associated corresponding hole in said base member.

16. The keyboard of claim 14 wherein said rails and said base member include respective corresponding slots, and each of said pivot selectors includes a ratchet adapted for insertion into a selected slot on each rail.

17. The keyboard of claim 10 wherein said lift controller includes a lever having a first end slidably mounted in a slot formed in said base member and a second end connected to said universal joint, wherein movement of said lever in said slot adjusts the elevation of said universal joint and the pronation of said first and second demi-boards relative to said base member.

18. The keyboard of claim 10 wherein said lift controller includes an elongated lever extending between said base member and said keyboard, said lever including a slot and said base member including a pivot pin extending through said slot, said lever being thereby constrained to move along and pivot about said pivot pin;

said lever includes a first end and a second end, wherein said first end extends through said base member for actuation by the user;

said lift controller includes an extension arm having a first end and a second end, said first end of said arm being pivotably connected to said second end of said lever, said second end of said arm being pivotably connected to said universal joint, so that movement of said first end of said first lever effects the elevation of said universal joint and the pronation of said first and second demi-boards relative to said base member.

19. An adjustable keyboard assembly for data input, comprising a base member having a longitudinal support surface, said base member having a distal side intended for orientation away from the user and a proximate side for orientation adjacent the user and first and second sides joining said distal and proximate sides;

a first demi-board having a distal side for orientation away from the user, a proximate side for orientation adjacent the user, and first and second ends joining said distal and proximate sides;

a plurality of user activated keys extending from a face of said first demi-board, said keys facing away from said base member;

a first rail hingedly attached to said first side of said first demi-board and having distal and proximate ends corresponding respectively to said distal and proximate sides of said first demi-board, said first demi-board further having an array of pivot points longitudinally arranged along said rail, said base member having a first array of pivot points corresponding to said array of said pivot points on said first rail;

a first pivot selector slidably secured to said first rail for pivotably connecting a selected one of said first rail pivot points to a corresponding one of said base member pivot points so that said first rail is connected to said base member and is constrained for pivotal movement about said selected pivot point between a retracted position in which said first rail is parallel to said first side of said base member and an extended position in which said first rail forms an acute angle with respect to said first side of said base member;

a second demi-board having a distal side for orientation away from the user, a proximate side for orientation adjacent the user, first and second ends joining said distal and proximate sides;

a plurality of user activated keys extending from a face of said second demi-board, said keys facing away from said base member;

a second rail hingedly attached to said second side of said second demi-board and having distal and proximate ends corresponding respectively to said distal and proximate sides of said second demi-board, said second demi-board further having an array of pivot points longitudinally arranged along said rail, said base member having a second array of pivot points corresponding to said array of said pivot points on said second rail;

a second pivot selector slidably secured to said second rail for pivotably connecting a selected one of said second rail pivot points to a corresponding one of said base member pivot points so that said second rail is connected to said base member and is constrained for pivotal movement about said selected pivot point between a retracted position in which said second rail is parallel to said second side of said base member and an extended position in which said second rail forms an acute angle with respect to said second side of said base member;

a universal joint

rotatably coupling said demi-boards at the intersection of said respective inner and distal sides of said first and second demi-boards;

a lift controller interconnected between said base member and said universal joint for controlling the elevation of said first and second demi-boards between a first position and a second position; and

wherein said first and second pivot point selectors are independently adjustable and, together with said lift controller, are operable for adjusting the splay and pronation of said first and second demi-boards, wherein said pronation becomes more pronounced and splay becomes less pronounced as said pivot selectors are located toward said proximate ends of said rails and away from said distal ends of said rails.

20. The keyboard of claim 19 wherein said keyboard is adapted for a portable computer.

21. The keyboard of claim 19 wherein said keyboard is adapted for a desktop computer.

22. The keyboard of claim 19 wherein said pivot points are holes, and each of said pivot selectors includes a pin adapted for insertion into a selected corresponding hole in each rail and said associated corresponding hole in said base member.

23. The keyboard of claim 22 wherein said pivot points are slots, and each of said pivot selectors includes a ratchet adapted for insertion into a selected slot on each rail.

24. The keyboard of claim 19 wherein said lift controller includes a lever having a first end slidably engaging a slot formed in said base member and a second end connected to said universal joint, wherein movement of said lever in said slot controls elevation of said universal joint and pronation of said first and second demi-boards relative to said base member.

25. The keyboard of claim 19 wherein said lift controller includes an elongated lever extending between said base member and said keyboard, said lever including a slot and said base member including a pivot pin extending through said slot, said lever being thereby constrained to move along and pivot about said pivot pin;

said lever includes a first end and a second end, wherein said first end extends through said base member for actuation by the user;

said lift controller includes an extension arm having a first end and a second end, said first end of said arm being pivotably connected to said second end of said lever, said second end of said arm being pivotably connected to said universal joint, so that movement of said first end of said first lever controls elevation of said universal joint and pronation of said first and second demi-boards relative to said base member.