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Apparatus for automatically deploying a computer keyboard into an operative position from a storage position

  • US 5,982,612 A
  • Filed: 06/18/1997
  • Issued: 11/09/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/15/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A keyboard for a portable computing device of the type commonly incorporating a processor, a display, and a keyboard, the keyboard capable of automatically deploying from a storage position to an operative position and comprising:

  • first and second keyboard sections each having a plurality of keys;

    a propelling apparatus for driving the first and second keyboard sections from respective storage positions to respective operative positions, the propelling apparatus including a belt that passes in a loop over a drive pulley and an idler pulley forming upper and lower belt portions, the first and second keyboard sections being engaged with opposite portions of the belt such that rotation of the belt in one direction drives the first and second keyboard sections in opposite directions from respective storage positions to respective operative positions and rotation in the opposing direction drives the keyboard sections from respective operative positions to respective storage positions;

    a signaling apparatus for communicating signals from the first and second keyboard sections to the processor; and

    wherein the first and second keyboard sections lie in the same plane when in the respective operative positions and the first and second keyboard sections lie in parallel but different planes when in the respective storage positions.

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