Patent ID: 8941979
Filing Date: 2015-01-27
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A foldable keyboard comprising: an upper housing having a plurality of keys having a recess formed therein and having at least a first row of keys; a lower housing having a plurality of keys having at least a second row of keys; a spine member configured for pivotally connecting the upper and lower housings along a horizontal axis defined by the upper and lower housings; a hinge mechanism provided in the spine member and configured for enabling movement of the upper housing relative to the lower housing to move the keyboard between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and a stand mechanism that includes a stand pivotally connected to the upper housing and received within the recess in the upper housing when the keyboard is in the closed configuration, the stand configured to pivot relative to the upper housing from a first position to a second position as the keyboard moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration such that when the keyboard is in the open configuration the stand contacts a surface that supports the foldable keyboard beneath the first row of keys to thereby support the first row of keys, wherein the stand mechanism further includes: a drive bar connected at a first end to the upper housing and at a second end to the lower housing; a push rod connected at a first end to the stand and at a second end to the upper housing; a push rod slot defined in the upper housing and configured for slidably receiving the push rod; and a bracing strut connected at a first end to the upper housing and at a second end to the stand; wherein during movement of the upper housing relative to the lower housing, the drive bar drives the push rod along the push rod slot, thereby pivoting the bracing strut and moving the stand from the first position to the second position.