Folding keyboard with sliding segments for electronic products
First Claim
1. An expandable keyboard comprising:
- a central keyboard assembly comprising a plurality of first rows of keys and a platform; and
a first assembly comprising a first segment with a plurality of second rows of keys and a first wing;
the first wing pivotally connected along one side to one side of the platform about a first axis, the first wing pivotable about the first axis which extends along the one side of the first wing and the one side of the platform to a closed position where the first wing rests substantially on the platform and to an open position where the first wing provides an extension of the platform;
the first segment being slidably connected to the first wing, the first segment with the second rows of keys moveable to a first position which exposes the first axis and permits the first wing to pivot about the first axis and to a second position which covers the first axis to substantially prevent the first wing from pivoting about the first axis and where one end of the first rows of keys on the central keyboard assembly meshes with one end of the second rows of keys on the second segment.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An expandable keyboard in accordance with the present invention provides a full-size or expanded keyboard for typing which folds to minimize size during transport or storage, and can be converted to substantially twice its folded length for use. Its use of sliding segments permits a straight hinge line for folding. Its operating mechanism supports a large number of electrical interconnections between the hinged wing section or sections and the central platform, and provides for straight-line engagement as well as environmental and ESD protection of the mating electrical connectors. It permits the operation of removable modules such as PCMCIA cards or fixed circuitry such as speakers or keypads in the wing section or sections in both their open and closed positions. It includes a central keyboard assembly and a first assembly comprising a first segment and a first wing. The central keyboard assembly includes one or more keys and a platform. The first wing is pivotally connected along one side to one side of the platform about a first axis and is pivotable to a closed position where the first wing rests substantially on the platform and to an open position where the first wing provides an extension of the platform. The first segment is slidably connected to the first wing and is moveable to a first position which exposes the first axis and permits the first wing to pivot about the first axis and to a second position which covers the first axis and substantially prevents the first wing from pivoting about the first axis. The expandable keyboard may also include a second assembly comprising a second segment and a second wing, pivotally connected along one side of the platform about a second axis, which operates in the same manner as the first wing.
111 Citations
30 Claims
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1. An expandable keyboard comprising:
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a central keyboard assembly comprising a plurality of first rows of keys and a platform; and a first assembly comprising a first segment with a plurality of second rows of keys and a first wing; the first wing pivotally connected along one side to one side of the platform about a first axis, the first wing pivotable about the first axis which extends along the one side of the first wing and the one side of the platform to a closed position where the first wing rests substantially on the platform and to an open position where the first wing provides an extension of the platform; the first segment being slidably connected to the first wing, the first segment with the second rows of keys moveable to a first position which exposes the first axis and permits the first wing to pivot about the first axis and to a second position which covers the first axis to substantially prevent the first wing from pivoting about the first axis and where one end of the first rows of keys on the central keyboard assembly meshes with one end of the second rows of keys on the second segment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A keyboard comprising:
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a central assembly comprising a plurality of first rows of keys, one or more central electrical connectors and a platform; and a first assembly comprising a first segment with a plurality of second rows of keys, a first wing, a first top electrical connector, and a first side electrical connector, the keys in the second rows coupled to the first top and side electrical connectors; the first wing pivotally connected to the platform about a first axis; the first segment being slidably connected to the first wing, the first segment with the second rows of keys moveable to a first position which exposes the first axis and permits the first wing to pivot about the first axis and to a second position which covers the first axis to substantially prevent the first wing from pivoting about the first axis and where one end of the first rows of keys on the central keyboard assembly meshes with one end of the second rows of keys on the second segment; the first top electrical connector being connected to the first assembly and is coupled to one of the central electrical connectors when the first segment is in the first position and the first wing is pivoted to the closed position and is coupled to another one of the central electrical connectors when the first segment is in the second position and the first wing is pivoted to the open position. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A personal computer comprising:
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a keyboard cover; a central keyboard assembly comprising a plurality of first rows of keys, computer operating components, one or more central connectors and a platform, the display, the keys in the first rows and the central connectors each coupled to the computer operating components; and a first assembly comprising a first segment with a plurality of second rows of keys, a first wing, and a first connector, the keys in the second rows coupled to the first connector; the first wing pivotally connected to the platform about a first axis; the first segment being slidably connected to the first wing, the first segment with the second rows of keys moveable to a first position which exposes the first axis and permits the first wing to pivot about the first axis which extends along one side of the first wing and one side of the platform and to a second position which covers the first axis to substantially prevent the first wing from pivoting about the first axis, where one end of the first rows of keys on the central keyboard assembly meshes with one end of the second rows of keys on the second segment and which couples the first connector to one of the central connectors. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification