Patent ID: 6092944
Filing Date: 2000-07-25
Classification: B41J,G06F,H01H

Abstract:
An apparatus for inputting data into a computer or other electronic device which includes a keyboard with several rows of electrically activated alphanumeric and operational keys in which each key in said rows has a somewhat rectangular shape except an elongate spacebar, in which(a) said somewhat rectangular keys are arranged on a laterally flexible assembly that enables said keys to expand or contract in a direction toward their sides, in which the maximum expansion or open position of said keys has the same spacing as the keys on a standard-sized computer keyboard and the minimum contraction or closed position of said keys is substantially less, in which said laterally flexible assembly includes(1) a plurality of essentially planar and parallel upper bars, each of which supports a plurality of keys on its top and contains electrical conductors that extend from said keys to each adjacent upper bar in said laterally flexible assembly toward one upper bar from where said conductors enter said computer or other electronic device; as well as(2) a plurality of essentially planar and parallel lower bars located in a plane below said upper bars; as well as(3) a plurality of connectors that hold together said upper and lower bars along their backs, centers, and fronts so that said upper bars can move laterally against said lower bars and vice versa in a way that enables said keys on said upper bars to open and close; and(b) said keys have interlocking sides which enable the centers of two adjacent keys to be nearer together when they are closed than if said keys had straight sides; and(c) the elongate spacebar is located separately from said laterally flexible assembly so that when the other keys open and close said spacebar remains laterally stationary;whereby when said keyboard is open said keys have the same spacing as the keys on a standard keyboard and are electrically operable, and when said keyboard is closed said keys interlock and are also electrically operable, andwhereby when said keyboard is open one can type at full speed on a full-size keyboard mounted on a very small computer, and when said keyboard is closed one can type on the same computer while standing, walking, or otherwise engaging in numerous mobile activities.