Electrical key connection for expandable keyboard

• US 6,068,417 A
• Filed: 08/04/1999
• Issued: 05/30/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert B. Butler
• Original Assignee: Robert B. Butler
• Inventors: Butler, Robert B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hilten, John S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): COLILLA, DANIEL JAMES
• Application Number:
  US09/368,594
• Time in Patent Office: 300 Days
• Field of Search: 400/492, 400/490, 400/472, 361/680, 345/169, 345/168, 235/145 R, 235/146, 341/22
• US Class Current: 400/492
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1613 for portable computers cooling arrangements therefor G06F1/203; constructional details or arrangements for pocket calculators, electronic agendas or books G06F15/0216; constructional details of portable telephone sets: with several bodies H04M1/0202
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1666 Arrangements for reducing the size of the integrated keyboard for transport, e.g. foldable keyboards, keyboards with collapsible keys G06F1/1664 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0221 Arrangements for reducing keyboard size for transport or storage, e.g. foldable keyboards, keyboards with collapsible keys G06F3/0216 takes precedence; for keyboards integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/1666
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/86 characterised by the casing, e.g. sealed casings or casings reducible in size
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2223/052 reductible in size, e.g. for transportation

Abstract

An alphanumeric keyboard whose keys are mounted on a scissor-linkage and have interlocking sides that allow said keyboard to contract to a width that is considerably less than the width of a standard desktop computer keyboard and which is operable when open or closed.

Claims

1. A laterally flexible input/output device by which electronic data is conducted between said device and a parent computer or other electronic system, comprising, in combination:

(a) a plurality of input/output activators arranged in a substantially planar pattern of rows aligned laterally and columns aligned generally normal to said lateral rows, wherein a substantial number of said plurality of input/output activators are aligned in a row and a column of said activators;

(b) a plurality of essentially planar and parallel upper bars that align generally with said columns of activators, a plurality of essentially planar and parallel lower bars located beneath said upper bars, and means for interconnecting said upper and lower bars to form a laterally flexible assembly which can be pulled apart to an open position and pushed together to a closed position in a direction that aligns generally with said rows of said activators;

(c) means for mounting an activator aligned in a row and a column of said activators on an upper bar of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein more than one activator mounted on said upper bar comprises a column of said activators mounted on said bar, wherein a plurality of said columns of said activators mounted on the same plurality of adjacent upper bars comprises a laterally flexible assembly of activators that can be pulled apart to an open position and pushed together to a closed position in a direction that aligns generally with said rows of said activators, wherein when said laterally flexible assembly is in open position said activators mounted thereon and said input/output device as a whole are in open position, and when said laterally flexible assembly is in closed position said activators mounted thereon and said input/output device as a whole are in closed position;

(d) means for mounting said laterally flexible assembly on an underlying base, wherein said base is selected from the group consisting of a surface of said parent computer or electronic system, a surface that is a nonintegral part of said parent system, and a surface that is not a part of said parent system; and

(e) means for conducting electronic data between said activators mounted on said laterally flexible assembly and said parent system whether said activators are in open or closed position;

whereby said input/output device is used to conduct electronic data between said activators mounted thereon and said parent system whether said activators are in open or closed position;

whereby when said activators are in open position one can easily conduct electronic data between said activators and said parent system, and when said activators are in closed position one can conduct electronic data between said activators and said parent system as well as store said input/output device within a significantly shorter lateral dimension than can be done when said activators are open.

2. The input/output device according to claim 1, wherein said means for conducting electronic data between said assembly-mounted activators and said parent system comprises a network of row conductors, column conductors, and independent conductors located on said upper bars of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein

(a) each row conductor connects said activators aligned in a row on said assembly;

and

(b) each column conductor connects said activators aligned in a column on said assembly;

whereby a plurality of said activators mounted on said upper bars of said assembly are connected to both a row conductor and a column conductor;

whereby said network of row and column conductors enables the fewest number of these conductors to serve the greatest number of activators; and

(c) each independent conductor connects any activator on said assembly that operates more efficaciously if its circuitry exists apart from said network of row and column conductors on said assembly;

whereby all of said activators mounted on all of said upper bars of said assembly are connected by a network of said row conductors, column conductors, and independent conductors to said parent system.

3. The input/output device according to claim 2, wherein each row, column, and independent conductor of electronic data between said activators and said parent system comprises a microcircuit, wherein a plurality of said microcircuits arranged on a thin sheet of flexible nonconducting material comprises a microcircuitry ribbon, wherein said microcircuitry ribbons conduct electronic data between said activators and said parent system via a plurality of segments located between said activators and said parent system as follows:

(a) certain segments of said microcircuitry ribbon are located between said activators on each upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on said bar;

(b) certain segments of said microcircuitry ribbon are located between a locus of electrical terminals on one upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on an adjacent upper bar;

(c) certain segments of said microcircuitry ribbon are located between a locus of electrical terminals on an outer upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on an adjacent central upper bar; and

(d) a certain segment of said microcircuitry ribbon is located between a locus of electrical terminals on said central upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals in said parent system.

4. The input/output device according to claim 3, wherein said device is a keyboard for computers or other electronic systems and said activators are alphanumeric/operational keys, comprising, in combination:

(a) a top or tactile surface which one depresses slightly to activate said key;

(b) means for mounting each key on said upper bar that includes an unactivated position and an activated position, wherein said key is in unactivated position when it is not being depressed slightly and is in activated position when it is being depressed slightly;

(c) a locus of electrical contacts on said key'"'"'s underportion which closes one or more microcircuits between said key and said parent system when said key is in activated position; and

(d) a key-to-key spacing in each row of said keys that has the same key-to-key row spacing as the keys in a standard computer keyboard when said keys of said input/output device are in open position;

whereby each key in said keyboard has four positions;

closed/unactivated, closed/activated, open/unactivated, and open/activated;

whereby when said keyboard is in open position one can type at the same speed and precision as one can on a standard-sized keyboard, and when said keyboard is in closed position one can type on it as well as store the keyboard within a significantly shorter lateral dimension than one can do when said keyboard is open.

5. The input/output device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of said activators have interlocking sides which enable the centers of two adjacent activators to be closer together when in closed position than if said activators had straight sides;

whereby when said activators with interlocking sides are in open position they remain as easily operable as if they had normally straight sides, and when said activators are in closed position they are still operable and said input/output device can be stored in a short lateral dimension.

6. The input/output device according to claim 5, wherein said plurality of said activators rotate when said device opens and closes by opening-and-closing means that enable the two interlocking sides of any activator having two interlocking sides to be symmetrical to each other.

7. An input/output device according to claim 1, further including a pivot anchor mounted generally vertical to the underportion of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein the lower portion of said pivot anchor connects to said underlying base while the upper portion of said pivot anchor is fixed to a laterally central point on the underportion of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein as said input/output device is opened and closed all of said assembly except said fixed central point moves above said underlying base.

8. The input/output device according to claim 1, further including guide means located on the underportion of said laterally flexible assembly which articulate precise settings for said open or closed positions for said assembly, said activators mounted thereon, and said input/output device as a whole.

9. The input/output device according to claim 1, further including a plurality of hooks that extend from the adjacent sides of adjacent lower bars of said laterally flexible assembly in the plane of said lower bars, thus providing said adjacent sides of said adjacent lower bars with hooks that face each other, whereas when said assembly is in open position said hooks interlock to maintain the prescribed open spacing between said lower bars and said activators mounted thereabove.

10. The input/output device according to claim 1, further including a plurality of sliding slotted stops slidably connected to the undersides of said lower bars of said laterally flexible assembly, whereas when said assembly is in open position said sliding slotted stops maintain the prescribed open spacing between said lower bars and said activators mounted thereabove.

11. The input/output device according to claim 1, wherein said upper or lower bars of said laterally flexible assembly are wider than the narrowest width of said activators mounted thereabove, wherein when said assembly is in closed position said wider bars maintain a small space between adjacent activators mounted thereabove;

whereby said space keeps one activator from accidentally activating an adjacent activator when it is activated.

12. The input/output device according to claim 1, wherein said upper bars have sloping top surfaces to urge the shedding of dust and other microdebris from the vicinities of said sloping top surfaces of said upper bars.

13. The input/output device according to claim 1, further including a plurality of legs mounted under the outer portions of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein as said assembly is opened said legs move outward with said assembly to support said outer portions of said assembly when in open position, wherein the undersides of said legs lie generally in the same plane on which the underside of said input/output device rests when in open position.

14. The input/output device according to claim 1, further including a plurality of outriggers mounted beneath the outer portions of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein as said assembly is opened said outriggers extend outward with said assembly to support said outer portions of said assembly when in open position, wherein the undersides of said outriggers lie above the plane on which the underside of said input/output device rests when in open position;

whereby said outriggers enable said input/output device to rest on any nonplanar surface when said assembly is in open position.

15. The input/output device according to claim 1, further including handles on the sides of said laterally flexible assembly to facilitate the opening and closing of said assembly.

16. The input/output device according to claim 1, further including means for mounting said device remotely from said parent system, wherein said remote mounting includes conductance of electronic data from said device to said parent system by means selected from the group consisting of wireless/infrared portals and flexible extension conductors;

whereby said remote mounting enables said device and said parent system to be more mobile as well as enables said device to connect to a plurality of parent systems.

17. The input/output device according to claim 1, further including means for mounting said device on a mobile base that can be moved into and out of said parent system, wherein said mobile base includes conductance of electronic data from said device to said parent system by means selected from the group consisting of wireless/infrared conductance and flexible electric extension cords;

whereby said mobile base enables said device to be stored inside said parent system when closed and enables said device to be used when open or closed.

18. The input/output device according to claim 3, wherein each segment of microcircuitry ribbon that is located between said activators on each upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on said bar has a locus of electrical contacts in the vicinity of each activator from which said ribbon conducts electronic data.

19. The input/output device according to claim 3, wherein each segment of microcircuitry ribbon that is located between said activators on each upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on said bar is secured to said upper bar by a plurality of projections and slots along said upper bar.

20. Th e input/output device according to claim 3, wherein each segment of microcircuitry ribbon that is located between said activators on each upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on said bar is secured to said upper bar by adhesive means between said ribbon and said upper bar.

21. The input/output device according to claim 3, wherein each segment of microcircuitry ribbon that is located between a locus of electrical terminals on one upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on an adjacent upper bar or adjacent central upper bar comprises a flexible microcircuitry ribbon, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said adjacent bars varies as said bars are open and closed said flexible ribbon conducts electronic data continuously between said bars, wherein said flexibility of said ribbon is derived at least in part from the property of flexibility inherent in the materials of which said ribbon is made.

22. The input/output device according to claim 3, wherein each segment of microcircuitry ribbon that is located between a locus of electrical terminals on one upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on an adjacent upper bar or adjacent central upper bar comprises a flexible microcircuitry ribbon, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said adjacent bars varies as said bars are open and closed said flexible ribbon conducts electronic data continuously between said bars, wherein said flexibility of said ribbon is derived at least in part from one or more folding means in said ribbon.

23. The input/output device according to claim 3, wherein each segment of microcircuitry ribbon that is located between a locus of electrical terminals on said central upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals in said parent system comprises a flexible microcircuitry ribbon, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said central upper bar and said parent system varies as said lateral assembly is open and closed said flexible ribbon conducts electronic data continuously between said central upper bar and said parent system, wherein said flexibility of said ribbon is derived at least in part from the property of flexibility inherent in the materials of which said ribbon is made.

24. The input/output device according to claim 3, wherein each segment of microcircuitry ribbon that is located between a locus of electrical terminals on said central upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals in said parent system comprises a flexible microcircuitry ribbon, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said central upper bar and said parent system varies as said lateral assembly is open and closed said flexible ribbon conducts electronic data continuously between said central upper bar and said parent system, wherein said flexibility of said ribbon is derived at least in part from one or more folding means in said ribbon.

25. The input/output device according to claim 2, further including means for conducting electronic data between a locus of electrical terminals on one upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on an adjacent upper bar or central upper bar via wireless/infrared means, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said adjacent bars varies as said bars are open and closed said wireless/infrared means conducts electronic data continuously between said upper bars.

26. The input/output device according to claim 2, further including means for conducting electronic data between a locus of electrical terminals on said central upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals in said parent system via wireless/infrared means, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said central bar and said parent system varies as said laterally flexible assembly is open and closed said wireless/infrared means conducts electronic data continuously between said central bar and said parent system.

27. The input/output device according to claim 1, wherein certain activators of said input/output device are located next to the front or back edges of said laterally flexible assembly instead of on said assembly, wherein said activators may include

(a) elongate activators whose length exceeds the lateral distance between two adjacent upper bars of said assembly;

(b) activators whose depth is greater than can be practically contained within the depth of said laterally flexible assembly;

(c) general system controls and indicators whose activatability is little affected by different open or closed positions; and

(c) activators located adjacently to those sides of said laterally flexible assembly that do not move substantially out or in as said assembly is opened or closed;

whereby such non-assembly-mounted but integrally functional activators are easily located along the top and bottom edges of said assembly, where they can be adjacent to said assembly-mounted activators without being mounted on said assembly or obstructing the opening and closing of said assembly.

28. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein said means for mounting each key on said upper bar includes the confinement of one or more surfaces under said key'"'"'s top by correspondingly confining surfaces in said upper bar to assure the accurate guidance of said key as it moves between unactivated and activated positions.

29. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein said means for mounting each key on said upper bar includes a retaining means between said key'"'"'s top and said upper bar to keep said key from detaching from said bar when said key is in unactivated position.

30. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein said means for mounting each key on a said upper bar includes an elastic means between said key and said upper bar which returns said key to said unactivated position after said key has been activated.

31. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein said means for mounting each of said columns of said keys on said upper bar includes mounting one or more of said keys in said column slightly out of columnar alignment with one or more of the other keys in said column of keys on said bar;

whereby said out-of-columnar alignment duplicates the nonalignment of similar columns of keys on standard keyboards.

32. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein said locus of electrical contacts on said key'"'"'s underportion which closes one or more microcircuits between said key and said parent system when said key is activated is situated beneath said key'"'"'s top or tactile surface.

33. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein said locus of electrical contacts on said key'"'"'s underportion which closes one or more microcircuits between said key and said parent system when said key is activated is situated on a projection descending from key'"'"'s top or tactile surface.

34. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein each upper bar includes one or more cavities that urge the shedding of dust from the vicinity of said cavity and related componentry without appreciably reducing the strength of said bar.

35. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein each upper bar includes one or more cavities that facilitate the manufacture of said upper bar and related componentry without appreciably reducing the strength of said bar.

36. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein each upper bar includes one or more cavities that reduce the amount of mass in said upper bar while not appreciably reducing the strength of said bar.

37. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein a rear row of keys of said keyboard is not located on said laterally flexible assembly but in a stationary position behind said assembly, wherein each stationary key in said stationary row behind said assembly conducts electronic data between itself and said parent system when said assembly is in open or closed position.

38. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein a front row of keys of said keyboard is not located on said laterally flexible assembly but in a stationary position in front of said assembly, wherein each stationary key in said stationary row in front of said assembly conducts electronic data between itself and said parent system when said laterally flexible assembly is in open or closed position.

39. The input/output device according to claim 4, wherein the elongate spacebar of said keyboard is not mounted on said laterally flexible assembly but in a stationary position in front of said assembly, wherein said stationary spacebar conducts electronic data between itself and said parent system when said laterally flexible assembly is in open or closed position.

40. The input/output device according to claim 37, further including a handle mechanism topically contiguous to said spacebar of said keyboard, wherein said handle mechanism urges said spacebar up to facilitate the opening and closing of said keyboard and/or urges said spacebar down in its unactivated position when said keyboard is in open or closed position.

41. The input/output device according to claim 37, further including a spring/catch mechanism under said spacebar of said keyboard, wherein said spring of said mechanism urges said spacebar up to facilitate the opening and closing of said keyboard while said catch of said mechanism holds said spacebar down in its unactivated position when said keyboard is in open or closed position.

42. A method for conducting electronic data between a laterally flexible input/output device and a parent computer or other electronic system, comprising, in combination:

(a) arranging a plurality of input/output activators in a substantially planar pattern of rows aligned generally laterally and columns aligned generally normal to said rows, wherein a substantial number of said plurality of said input/output activators are aligned in a row and a column of said activators;

(b) arranging a plurality of essentially planar and parallel upper bars that align generally with said columns of activators directly above a plurality of essentially planar and parallel lower bars, then interconnecting said upper and lower bars to form a laterally flexible assembly which can be pulled apart to an open position and pushed together to a closed position in a direction that aligns generally with said rows of said activators;

(c) mounting an activator aligned in a row and a column of said activators on an upper bar of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein more than one activator mounted on said upper bar comprises a column of said activators mounted on said bar, wherein a plurality of said columns of said activators mounted on the same plurality of adjacent upper bars comprises a laterally flexible assembly of activators that can be pulled apart to an open position and pushed together to a closed position in a direction that aligns generally with said rows of said activators, wherein when said laterally flexible assembly is in open position said activators mounted thereon and said input/output device as a whole are in open position, and when said assembly is in closed position said activators mounted thereon and said input/output device as a whole are in closed position;

(d) mounting said laterally flexible assembly on an underlying base, wherein said base is selected from the group consisting of a surface of said parent computer or electronic system, a surface that is not an integral part of said parent system, and a surface that is not any part of said parent system; and

(e) conducting electronic data between said activators and said parent system whether said activators are in open or closed position;

whereby said input/output device is used to conduct electronic data between said activators mounted thereon and said parent system whether said activators are in open or closed position;

whereby when said activators are in open position one can easily conduct electronic data between said activators and said parent system, and when said activators are in closed position one can conduct electronic data between said activators and said parent system as well as store said input/output device within a significantly shorter lateral dimension than can be done when said activators are open.

43. A method according to claim 42 further including the steps of providing a network of conductors on said upper bars of said laterally flexible assembly for purposes of conducting electronic data between said assembly-mounted activators and said parent system, comprising:

(a) connecting a plurality of said activators aligned in each row of activators on said assembly with a row conductor; and

(b) connecting a plurality of said activators aligned in a column of activators on said assembly with a column conductor;

whereby a plurality of said activators on said upper bars of said assembly are connected to both a row conductor and a column conductor;

whereby said network of row and column conductors enables the fewest number of such conductors to serve the greatest number of activators; and

(c) connecting any activator that operates more efficaciously if its circuitry is apart from said row and column conductors with an independent conductor;

whereby all of said activators on all of said upper bars of said assembly are connected by a network of said row conductors, column conductors, and independent conductors to said parent system.

44. A method according to claim 43 further including the steps of wiring each row, column, and independent conductor of electronic data between said activators and said parent system as a microcircuit of said input/output device, then arranging a plurality of said microcircuits on a thin sheet of flexible nonconducting material, thus forming a microcircuitry ribbon, then locating a plurality of said microcircuitry ribbons in certain segments between said activators and said parent system as follows:

(a) locating certain segments of said microcircuitry ribbon between said activators on each upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on said upper bar;

(b) locating certain segments of said microcircuitry ribbon between a locus of electrical terminals on one upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on an adjacent upper bar;

(c) locating certain segments of said microcircuitry ribbon between a locus of electrical terminals on an outer upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on an adjacent central upper bar; and

(d) locating a certain segment of said microcircuitry ribbon between a locus of electrical terminals on said central upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals in said parent system.

45. A method according to claim 44 further including the steps of utilizing said input/output device as a keyboard for computers or other electronic systems wherein said activators are alphanumeric/operational keys, comprising:

(a) forming a top or tactile surface for each key which one depresses slightly to activate said key;

(b) providing each key on said upper bar with an unactivated position and an activated position, wherein said key is in unactivated position when it is not being depressed slightly and is in activated position when it is being depressed slightly;

(c) providing a locus of electrical contacts on said key'"'"'s underportion which closes one or more microcircuits between said key and said parent system when said key is activated; and

(d) providing a key-to-key spacing in each row of said keys that has the same key-to-key spacing as the keys in a standard computer keyboard when said keys of said input/output device are in open position;

whereby each key in said keyboard has four positions;

closed/unactivated, closed/activated, open/unactivated, and open/activated;

whereby when said keyboard is in open position one can type at the same speed and precision as one can on a standard-sized keyboard, and when said keyboard is in closed position one can type on it and the keyboard can be stored within a significantly shorter lateral dimension than when it is open.

46. A method according to claim 42 further including the steps of providing a plurality of said activators with interlocking sides which enable the centers of two adjacent activators to be closer together when in closed position than if said activators had straight sides;

whereby when said activators with interlocking sides are in open position they remain as easily operable as if they had normally straight sides, and when said activators are in closed position they are still operable and said input/output device can be stored in a short lateral dimension.

47. A method according to claim 46 further including the steps of rotating a plurality of said activators when said input/output device opens and closes wherein said rotating of activators enables the two interlocking sides of any activator having two interlocking sides to be symmetrical to each other.

48. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of mounting a pivot anchor generally vertical to the underportion of said laterally flexible assembly by connecting the lower portion of said pivot anchor to said underlying base and fixing the upper portion of said pivot anchor to a laterally central point on said underportion of said assembly, wherein as said input/output device is opened and closed all of said laterally flexible assembly except said fixed central point moves above said underlying base.

49. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of locating guides on the underportion of said laterally flexible assembly which articulate precise settings for said open or closed positions simultaneously for said assembly, said activators mounted thereon, and said input/output device as a whole.

50. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of extending a plurality of hooks from the adjacent sides of adjacent lower bars of said laterally flexible assembly in the plane of said lower bars, thus providing said adjacent sides of said adjacent lower bars with hooks that face each other, wherein when said assembly is in open position said hooks interlock to assure the prescribed open spacing between said lower bars and said activators mounted thereabove.

51. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of slidably connecting a plurality of sliding slotted stops to the undersides of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein when said assembly is in open position said sliding slotted stops assure the prescribed open spacing between said lower bars and said activators mounted thereabove.

52. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of making said upper or lower bars of said laterally flexible assembly wider than the narrowest width of said activators mounted thereabove, thus enabling said wider bars to maintain a small space between adjacent activators mounted thereabove when said wider bars are in closed position;

whereby said space keeps one activator from accidentally activating an adjacent activator when it is activated.

53. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of sloping the top surfaces of said upper bars to urge the shedding of dust and other microdebris from the vicinities of said sloping top surfaces of said upper bars.

54. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of mounting a plurality of legs under the outer portions of said laterally flexible assembly to support said outer portions of said assembly when in open position, wherein as said assembly is opened said legs move outward with said assembly to support said outer portions of assembly when in said open position, wherein the bottom surfaces of said legs lie generally in the same plane on which the underside of said input/output device rests when in open position.

55. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of mounting a plurality of outriggers beneath the outer portions of said laterally flexible assembly to support said outer portions of said assembly when in open position, wherein as said assembly is opened said outriggers extend outward under said assembly to support said outer portions of said assembly when in open position, wherein the bottom surfaces of said outriggers lie above the plane on which the underside of said input/output device rests;

whereby said outriggers enable said input/output device to rest on any nonplanar surface when said assembly is in open position.

56. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of mounting handles on the sides of said laterally flexible assembly to facilitate the opening and closing of said assembly.

57. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of mounting said device remotely from said parent system, wherein said remote mounting includes conductance of electronic data from said device to said parent system by methods selected from the group consisting of wireless/infrared portals and flexible extension conductors;

whereby said remote mounting enables said device and said parent system to be more mobile and enables said device to connect to a plurality of parent systems.

58. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of or mounting said device on a mobile base that can be moved into and out of said parent system, wherein said mobile base includes conductance of electronic data from said device to said parent system by methods selected from the group consisting of wireless/infrared portals and flexible electric extension cords;

whereby said mobile base enables said device to be stored inside said parent system when closed and enables said device to be used when open or closed.

59. A method according to claim 44 further including the step of providing each segment of said microcircuitry ribbon located between said activators on each upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on said upper bar with a locus of electrical contacts in the vicinity of each activator on said bar, wherein said electrical contacts conduct electronic data between said activator and said parent system when said assembly is in open or closed position.

60. A method according to claim 44 further including the step of securing in place each segment of microcircuitry ribbon located between said activators on each upper bar and said locus of electrical terminals on said upper bar, wherein said method for securing in place includes mounting a plurality of projections and slots along said upper bar.

61. A method according to claim 44 further including the step of securing in place each segment of microcircuitry ribbon located between said activators on each upper bar and said locus of electrical terminals on said upper bar, wherein said method for securing in place includes applying adhesive between said ribbon and said upper bar.

62. A method according to claim 44 further including the step of providing a certain segment of microcircuitry ribbon located between a locus of electrical terminals on one upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on an adjacent upper bar or adjacent central upper bar with a flexible microcircuitry ribbon, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said adjacent bars varies as said bars are open and closed said flexible ribbon conducts electronic data continuously between said bars, wherein said flexibility of said ribbon is derived at least in part from the property of flexibility inherent in the materials of which said flexible ribbon is made.

63. A method according to claim 44 further including the step of providing a certain segment of microcircuitry ribbon located between a locus of electrical terminals on one upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on an adjacent upper bar or adjacent central upper bar with a flexible microcircuitry ribbon, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said adjacent bars varies as said bars are open and closed said flexible ribbon conducts electronic data continuously between said bars, wherein said flexibility of said ribbon is derived at least in part from one or more folds in said flexible ribbon.

64. A method according to claim 44 further including the step of providing a certain segment of microcircuitry ribbon located between a locus of electrical terminals on said central upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals in said parent system with a flexible microcircuitry ribbon, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said adjacent bars varies as said bars are open and closed said flexible ribbon conducts electronic data continuously between said bars, wherein said flexibility of said ribbon is derived at least in part from the property of flexibility inherent in the materials of which said flexible ribbon is made.

65. A method according to claim 44 further including the step of providing a certain segment of microcircuitry ribbon located between a locus of electrical terminals on said central upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals in said parent system with a flexible microcircuitry ribbon, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said adjacent bars varies as said bars are open and closed said flexible ribbon conducts electronic data continuously between said bars, wherein said flexibility of said ribbon is derived at least in part from one or more folds in said flexible ribbon.

66. A method according to claim 44 further including the step of conducting electronic data between a locus of electrical terminals on one upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals on an adjacent upper bar or central upper bar via wireless/infrared means, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said adjacent bars varies as said bars are open and closed said wireless/infrared means conducts electronic data continuously between said upper bars.

67. A method according to claim 44 further including the step of conducting electronic data between a locus of electrical terminals on said central upper bar and a locus of electrical terminals in said parent system via wireless/infrared means, wherein as the distance between said terminals on said central bar and said parent system varies as said laterally flexible assembly is open and closed said wireless/infrared means conducts electronic data continuously between said central bar and said parent system.

68. A method according to claim 42 further including the step of locating certain activators of said input/output device adjacent to the front or back edges of said laterally flexible assembly instead of on said assembly, wherein said activators may include:

(a) elongate activators whose length exceeds the lateral distance between two adjacent upper bars of said assembly;

(b) activators whose depth is greater than can be practically contained within the depth of said laterally flexible assembly;

(c) general system controls and indicators whose activatability is little affected by different open or closed positions; and

(c) activators located adjacent to those sides of said laterally flexible assembly that do not move substantially out or in as said assembly is opened or closed;

whereby such non-assembly-mounted but integrally functional activators are easily located along the top and bottom edges of said assembly where they can be adjacent to said assembly-mounted activators without being mounted on said assembly or obstructing the opening and closing of said assembly.

69. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of assuring the accurate guidance of said key as it moves between said unactivated and activated positions by snugly confining one or more surfaces under said key'"'"'s top with one or more snugly confining surfaces in said upper bar.

70. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of retaining said key in said upper bar when said key is in unactivated position by aligning a projection on said key with a projection in said upper bar so that said projections overlap to keep said key in said bar.

71. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of returning said key to said unactivated position after said key has been activated by situating an extensive elastic member between said key and the portion of said upper bar in which said key is mounted.

72. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of mounting one or more keys in each column of keys on said upper bar slightly out of columnar alignment with one or more of the other keys in said column of keys on said bar;

whereby said out-of-columnar alignment duplicates the nonalignment of similar columns of keys on standard keyboards.

73. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of situating beneath said key'"'"'s topmost portion a locus of electrical contacts which closes one or more microcircuits between said key and said parent system when said key is activated.

74. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of situating beneath said key'"'"'s topmost portion a projection with a locus of electrical contacts which closes one or more of said microcircuits between said key and said parent system when said key is activated.

75. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of locating one or more cavities in said bar wherein said cavities urge the shedding of dust and other microdebris settling in the vicinity of said cavity without appreciably reducing the strength of said bar.

76. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of locating one or more cavities in said bar wherein said cavities facilitate the manufacture of said upper bar and proximate componentry without appreciably reducing the strength of said bar.

77. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of locating one or more cavities in said bar wherein said cavities reduce the amount of mass in said upper bar without appreciably reducing the strength of said bar.

78. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of locating a row of keys of said keyboard in a stationary position adjacent to the rear edge of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein each stationary key in said stationary back row conducts electronic data between itself and said parent system whether said laterally flexible assembly is open or closed.

79. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of locating a front row of keys of said keyboard in a stationary position adjacent to the front edge of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein each stationary key in said stationary front row conducts electronic data between itself and said parent system whether said laterally flexible assembly is open or closed.

80. A method according to claim 45 further including the step of mounting an elongate spacebar of said keyboard in a stationary position adjacent to the front edge of said laterally flexible assembly, wherein said stationary spacebar conducts electronic data between itself and said parent system whether said laterally flexible assembly is open or closed.

81. A method according to claim 80 further including the step of providing a handle mechanism topically contiguous to said spacebar of said keyboard, wherein said handle mechanism urges said spacebar up to facilitate the opening and closing of said keyboard and/or urges said spacebar down to its normal unactivated position when said keyboard is in open or closed position.

82. A method according to claim 80 further including the step of providing a spring/catch mechanism beneath said spacebar of said keyboard, wherein said spring of said mechanism urges said spacebar up to facilitate the opening and closing of said keyboard while said catch of said mechanism holds said spacebar down in its normal unactivated position when said keyboard is in open or closed position.