Computer keyboard

• US 20090047053A1
• Filed: 08/01/2006
• Published: 02/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Logitech Europe S A (Logitech International SA)
• Original Assignee: Logitech Europe S A (Logitech International SA)
• Inventors: Monney, Patrick, Tabasso, Alain, Merminod, Antoine, Tritschler, Keith
• Granted Patent: US 7,815,381 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 400/694
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0208 Arrangements for adjusting the tilt angle of a keyboard, e.g. pivoting legs for keyboards integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/1667
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0213 Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick for pointing devices integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/169; joysticks G05G9/047; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame. The keys protrude through openings of the opaque keyboard frame and the translucent top case.

Claims

1. A keyboard comprising:

at least one keyboard foot coupled to an edge of the keyboard and being movable between an inclined position with the keyboard foot extending downward from the edge below a bottom of the keyboard and a neutral position with the keyboard foot disposed adjacent the edge above the bottom of the keyboard.

2. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein the keyboard foot is rotatably coupled to the edge of the keyboard by a hinge to rotate between the inclined position and the neutral position.

3. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein the edge is a rear edge of the keyboard.

4. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein the keyboard foot folds onto the edge of the keyboard in the neutral position.

5. The keyboard of claim 1 comprising a plurality of keyboard feet.

6-20. -20. (canceled)

21. A keyboard comprising:

a plurality of keys having key mechanisms connected thereto;

an opaque keyboard frame placed over the key mechanisms to cover at least a substantial portion of the key mechanisms, the plurality of keys protruding through openings of the opaque keyboard frame; and

a translucent top case placed over the opaque keyboard frame, the plurality of keys protruding through openings of the translucent top case.

22. The keyboard of claim 21 wherein the opaque keyboard frame has a generally smooth upper surface visible through the translucent top case.

23. The keyboard of claim 21 further comprising at least one module protruding through openings of the translucent top case.

24. The keyboard of claim 23 wherein the at least one module includes at least one of a roller module and a multi-media module.