Patent ID: 6151012
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: G06F,H01H

Abstract:
A foldable keyboard, comprising:a) a first keyboard section having first front edge, a first rear edge, a substantially planar first top surface, and a plurality of keys protruding from said first top surface;b) a second keyboard section having a second front edge, a second rear edge, a substantially planar second top surface and a plurality of keys protruding from said second top surface;c) a first keytop surface formed from the tops of said keys protruding from said first keyboard section;d) a second keytop surface formed from the tops of said keys protruding from said second keyboard section;e) a first hinge, said first hinge adjacent to said first and second rear edges, connecting said first and second keyboard sections and allowing said first and second keyboard sections to rotate with respect to each other from an extended position to a collapsed position, said first hinge having an axle whose axis of rotation with respect to said first keyboard section is at least as high as the said keytop surfaces in the said extended position;f) a second hinge, said second hinge located closer to said first and second front edges than said first hinge, said second hinge connecting said first and second keyboard sections, and said second hinge having no axle with the same axis of rotation with respect to said first keyboard section as the said axle of the said first hinge,whereby said first and second hinges allow said keyboard to fold from a more compact collapsed condition to an extended position for use, and during said use said second hinge retracts to facilitate typing, and whereby due to said rearward location of said first hinge, said first hinge need not retract.