Flexible keyboard for computers
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A keyboard for a computer, comprising:
- a first layer of contiguous flexible material having a plurality of flexible key means formed therein, for converting finger motion into keystrokes;
a second layer of contiguous flexible material having a plurality of sensing means for creating electrical signals in response to said keystrokes;
flexible electrical conductor means contacting said plurality of sensing means, for communicating said electrical signals away from each of said sensing means; and
communication means for communicating information relative to said electrical signals away from said flexible keyboard;
said keyboard rollable into a cylinder of spiral aspect for storage.
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Abstract
A keyboard for a computer molded from a flexible material, and rollable into a cylinder for transport and storage. In a particular embodiment, the keyboard is assembled in two layers, one having molded dome structures for key, and the other sensors and flexible traces for converting keystrokes to electrical signals.
206 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A keyboard for a computer, comprising:
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a first layer of contiguous flexible material having a plurality of flexible key means formed therein, for converting finger motion into keystrokes; a second layer of contiguous flexible material having a plurality of sensing means for creating electrical signals in response to said keystrokes; flexible electrical conductor means contacting said plurality of sensing means, for communicating said electrical signals away from each of said sensing means; and communication means for communicating information relative to said electrical signals away from said flexible keyboard; said keyboard rollable into a cylinder of spiral aspect for storage. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A keyboard for a computer, comprising:
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a first contiguous flexible layer comprising a plurality of flexible key means formed therein for converting finger motion into keystrokes; a second contiguous flexible layer proximate said first contiguous flexible layer comprising a plurality of sensing means for converting said keystrokes to electrical signals; electrical conductor means for communicating said electrical signals away from said sensing means; joining means for fastening said first and second flexible layers together in a manner allowing relative motion between said first and said second contiguous flexible layers when rolled; and communication means for communicating information relative to said electrical signals away from said flexible keyboard; said keyboard rollable into a cylinder of spiral aspect for storage. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer system comprising:
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CPU means for performing logic and computations; bus data transmission means connected to said CPU means for transmitting data; electronic storage means connected to said bus data transmission means for storing data and programs; and a keyboard comprising; a first contiguous flexible layer comprising a plurality of flexible key means formed therein for converting finger motion into keystrokes; a second contiguous flexible layer proximate said first contiguous flexible layer comprising a plurality of sensing means for converting said keystrokes to electrical signals; electrical conductor means for communicating said electrical signals away from said sensing means; joining means for fastening said first and second flexible layers together in a manner allowing relative motion between said first and said second contiguous flexible layers when rolled; and communication means for communicating information relative to said electrical signals away from said flexible keyboard; said keyboard rollable into a cylinder of spiral aspect for storage. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification