Keyboard structure

• US 6,948,868 B2
• Filed: 12/11/2003
• Issued: 09/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sherrie L. Benson
• Original Assignee: Sherrie L. Benson
• Inventors: Benson, Sherrie L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirshfeld, Andrew H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ferguson, Marissa
• Application Number:
  US10/732,411
• Publication Number:
  US 20050129447A1
• Time in Patent Office: 656 Days
• Field of Search: G06/F00.3/02, 400/476, 400/715, 400/485, 400489-492, 400/91, 400/272, 400/472, 400/475, 400/482
• US Class Current: 400/482
• 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 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 2217/004 Larger or different actuating area

Abstract

A word transcription keyboard utilizing at least one keypad which is available for access by a finger of the user. A second keypad accessible to the finger of the user is extended and terminated in a press pad for allowing contact of the palm region of the hand simultaneously with the pressing of the at least one finger accessible keypad.

Claims

1. A word transcription keyboard for use with a user'"'"'s fingers and palm region of one hand of a user,

comprising:

a. first keypad accessible to a finger of the one hand of the user;

b. second keypad accessible to a finger of the one hand of the user;

c. a linkage for extending said first keypad outwardly therefrom; and

d. a press pad, said press pad connected to said linkage for extending said first keypad outwardly therefrom, and located for contact by the palm region of the one hand of the user to permit the simultaneously contact of said second keypad by a finger of one hand of the user to operate the same and contact of said press pad by the palm region of the one hand of the user to operate said first keypad, wherein said simultaneous contact provides an output different from the output resulting from depression of either said press pad or said second keypad.

2. The keyboard of claim 1 in which said linkage comprises an arm connected to said first keypad and connected to said press pad.

3. The keyboard of claim 1 in which said linkage between said second keypad and said press pad comprises a mechanical linkage.

4. The keyboard of claim 1 in which said linkage between said second keypad and said press pad comprises an electrical linkage.

5. The keyboard of claim 1 in which said press pad and said first keypad each include a contact surface positioned relative to an axis, said axis of said press pad oriented angularly relative to said axis of said press pad.

6. The keyboard of claim 5 in which said linkage comprises an arm connected to said first keypad and connected to said press pad.

7. The keyboard of claim 5 in which said linkage between said second keypad and said press pad comprises a mechanical linkage.

8. The keyboard of claim 5 in which said linkage between said second keypad and said press pad comprises an electrical linkage.

9. The keyboard of claim 5 which further includes at least one special keypad accessible to a finger of the user said special keypad being enlarged relative to said first keypad.

10. The keyboard of claim 5 in which said linkage between said second keypad and said press pad comprises a wireless linkage.

11. The keyboard of claim 5 in which said press pad comprises a first press pad and further includes a third keypad and a second press pad, said second press pad linked to said second keypad.

12. The keyboard of claim 1 which further includes at least one special keypad accessible to a finger of the user said special keypad being enlarged relative to said first keypad.

13. The keyboard of claim 1 in which said linkage between said second keypad and said press pad comprises a wireless linkage.

14. The keyboard of claim 1 in which said press pad comprises a first press pad and further includes a third keypad and a second press pad, said second press pad linked to said second keypad.