Abstract:
A configurable keyboard. The configurable keyboard includes a base with a top face, and a top edge. A position adjustable panel containing keyboard keys. The position adjustable panel is attached to the base by a position adjustment device. The position adjustment device includes a shaft and a first connector. The shaft is attached, towards a bottom end, to the base. The first connector connects the position adjustable panel to the shaft.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of computers, and more particularly to configurable ergonomic keyboards for computing devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An ergonomic keyboard is a computer keyboard designed with ergonomic features which can minimize the degree of muscle strain, and a host of related problems, experienced by a user. Typically such keyboards are constructed in a V shape to allow right and left hands to type at a slight angle which can be more natural and comfortable to the human form. 
     Standard computer keyboards have evolved into devices having a plurality of alphanumeric and function keys. The inclusion of the numerous keys requires standard keyboards to be relatively large and of a substantial weight. This size and weight is further exacerbated with the inclusion of ergonomic features in the design of keyboards. As a desktop environment typically has less demanding size and weight restrictions as compared to a portable or laptop computer, these restrictions do not present a significant drawback in standard desktop computer design. However, this is not the case with most laptop computers. 
     Laptop computers are designed, by definition, to be portable. Thus, laptop computer design is constrained by device size and weight. These constraints dictate a compact size keyboard which typically incorporates a limited number of function keys and which, by necessity, does not typically include a numeric keypad or ergonomic design features. Given the general design constraints of size and weight, the keyboards included with most laptop computers are not ergonomic and may be un-natural, uncomfortable, and potentially damaging to the bodies of users. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to a configurable keyboard, facilitating ergonomic configuration and compact storage of the configurable keyboard. 
     The configurable keyboard of the present invention includes a base with a top face, and a top edge. A position adjustable panel containing keyboard keys. The position adjustable panel is attached to the base by a position adjustment device. The position adjustment device includes a shaft and a first connector. The shaft is attached, towards a bottom end, to the base. The first connector connects the position adjustable panel to the shaft. 
     The keyboard in use has multiple planes and degrees of freedom allowing for adjustable ergonomic configurations to be made to the keyboard. When the keyboard is not in use, a user can collapse the keyboard into a more compact configuration to facilitate transport. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a computer that is configured to be closing ready, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of computer that is configured to be keyboard configuration ready, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a portable computer illustrating a configuration ready keyboard piece and a closing ready keyboard piece, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a portable computer, configured to be keyboard configuration ready, is illustrating keyboard pieces adjusted to the maximum elevation possible, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a portable computer, configured to be keyboard configuration ready, with both keyboard pieces rotated away from monitor, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a portable computer, configured to be keyboard configuration ready, with both keyboard pieces rotated toward monitor, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a computer, configured to be keyboard configuration ready, with a keyboard piece, and associated keyboard position adjustment device, shown in the keyboard configuration ready configuration, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed illustration of a keyboard position adjustment device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Two common types of ergonomic keyboards are fixed-split ergonomic keyboards and adjustable-split ergonomic keyboards. A fixed-split ergonomic keyboard is a single keyboard, with the keys separated into groups, allowing the user to type with their hands and wrists at a different angle than the typical straight keyboard. An adjustable-split ergonomic keyboard has the keyboard split into independent pieces, typically within a single plane and with a single axis of rotation, such that the angle separating the pieces can be customized. An adjustable-split ergonomic keyboard does provide a level of customizability to a user. However, this customizability is often limited to a single plane or axis of movement and usually can not be incorporated into the design of a laptop computer. A more fully ergonomic keyboard can be created if multiple planes or axis of movement are customizable such that a user can modify the keyboard to accommodate desired angles of supination/pronation, radial deviation/ulnar deviation, and flexion/extension, as well as the elevation of the hand(s) and wrist(s) of the user. 
     The angle of supination is the angle of upward rotation of the hand(s) and forearm(s) of the user, specifically the degree to which the palm(s) faces upward. The angle of pronation is the downward angle of rotation of the hand(s) and forearm(s) of the user, specifically the degree to which the palm(s) faces downward. The angle of radial/ulnar deviation is the angle formed between a reference line and a hand line as seen from a top down view, wherein the hand is moved to the right or left using the wrist. The reference line is herein defined as a line that passes through center of the forearm, the center of the wrist and extend out past the hand. A hand line is herein defined as a straight line passing through a straight middle finger and hand (e.g., a hand placed palm down on a table, with the fingers together and fully extended) to the point where it intersects the reference line. The angle of flexion/extension of the hand(s) and wrist(s) is herein defined as the angle formed by the intersection of the reference line and the hand line as seen from a side view. 
     The invention will now be discussed by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     In  FIG. 1 , a computer  100  is depicted, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In general, the computer  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a portable computer that is configured to be closing ready, i.e., the keyboard is in a collapsed and locked configuration. The collapsed and locked configuration of the keyboard allows computer  100  to be closed, i.e., as in the configuration of a closed book. A computer  100 , that is configured to be keyboard configuration ready, i.e., the keyboard is ready to be adjusted to a more ergonomic configuration is depicted in  FIG. 2-6  with keyboard pieces that have been unlocked, adjusted and then re-locked into a more comfortable (ergonomic) configuration for use according to the desires of a user. In general, computer  100  can be a notebook computer or a netbook computer, i.e. a portable computer or computing device with a keyboard. Alternatively, computer  100  can be any type of computer that includes a keyboard. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, computer  100  includes two primary parts, namely a monitor  115  and a computer body  109 . Computer body  109  is a base, which contains and provides connections for various components, in a manner more fully described below. Monitor  115  is connected to a top edge  108  of computer body  109 . In general, the computer body  109  includes similar components to a standard laptop computer, as is known in the art, such as a keyboard, disk drive, and various I/O ports for connecting to peripheral devices such as a printer, external disc drive, etc., and may receive operating power from a battery or AC power source. Computer body  109  also includes a top face hereafter referred to as top face  110 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, monitor  115  of computer  100  can be a standard laptop or notebook computer monitor as is known in the art. Such monitors move back and forth, to flip up into an open position or fold down into a closed position, similar to the opening and closing of a book. In an alternate embodiment, monitor  115  comprises a gyroscopic connection to the computer, i.e., a connection which provides rotation or tilting of said monitor along at least two different axes, as opposed to current laptop and notebook monitors which rotate along one axis only. In an alternate embodiment, monitor  115  connects to the system unit using a gyroscopic ball or hinge, allowing it to rotate left and right in addition to opening up and folding down. Thus, a user can adjust the right to left angle of the monitor to show the screen to someone sitting on the left or right side, to avoid lighting problems such as glare or reflections on the screen (e.g. from a sunny window), to move the screen away from view by someone nearby, or as desired by a user. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , top face  110  of computer body  109 , included in computer  100 , defines a keyboard mounting and/or location region. In some embodiments, the keyboard can be incorporated as a component of a computing device using, for example, a wired connection or a wireless connection. In this exemplary embodiment, the keyboard of computer  100  is divided in two position adjustable panels, herein referred to as first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112 . First keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  are each attached to a given computer body  109  by a respective position adjustment device, herein referred to as a device  400 , which is housed in a further respective cavity  126 . In this exemplary embodiment, first keyboard  114  is attached to device  400  at keyboard edge  113  and second keyboard  112  is attached to device  400  at keyboard edge  111 . However, the point of attachment of a given keyboard piece, e.g., first keyboard  114 , can vary in other embodiments. Device  400  and cavity  126  will be discussed in greater detail below as applicable. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, computer  100  of  FIG. 1  illustrates an open computer in a closing ready configuration with first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  collapsed and locked into top face  110 . The collapsed and locked configuration of first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  allows computer  100  to be closed (i.e., as in the configuration of a closed book). 
     In this exemplary embodiment, first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  of computer  100  ( FIG. 2 ) illustrate keyboard pieces that have been unlocked, adjusted and then re-locked into a more comfortable (ergonomic) configuration for use according to the desires of a user. The respective device  400  and cavity  126  of first keyboard  114  are eclipsed from view, by first keyboard  114 , in  FIG. 2  but still exist. When computer  100  is arranged to be keyboard configuration ready, the locking mechanisms respective to one or both first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  are released. Once released, first keyboard  114  and/or second keyboard  112  are elevated above top face  110  by device  400 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In this exemplary embodiment, the level of elevation of first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  above top face  110  is adjustable within the limits defined below (see the discussion of  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
     In  FIG. 3 , a side elevated view of a computer  100  is illustrated with first keyboard  114  shown as elevated to the minimum elevation possible above top face  110  (i.e., keyboard configuration ready) while second keyboard  112  remains locked into the computer body  109 , i.e., second keyboard  112  is configured to be closing ready. In  FIG. 4 , a side view of a computer  100  is illustrated with both first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  shown in the maximum elevation possible, for a keyboard of this embodiment, with first keyboard  114  tilted toward monitor  115  and top edge  108 , while second keyboard  112  is tilted away from monitor  115  and top edge  108 . The independent variation in respective elevation of first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  allow the height of first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  to be modified, within the limits of minimum and maximum elevation, according to user preferences. However, in this exemplary embodiment, a minimum elevation must be maintained to allow the full functioning of device  400 , which requires the minimum elevation (clearance) for movement, tilting and pivoting (rotation) of first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112 . 
     The tilting and pivoting of first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  allow modification of the respective angles and declination associated with first keyboard  114 , second keyboard  112  and of the respective angles of supination and pronation, radial deviation and ulnar deviation, and flexion and extension of the hand(s) and wrist(s) of the user. 
     In this embodiment, modified angles of declination respective to first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  are illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The angle of declination is herein defined as the angle made by a descending line, or plane, with a horizontal plane. Therefore, in this embodiment, the horizontal plane is computer body  109  and the descending plane is defined by the orientation of first keyboard  114  or second keyboard  112  respectively. By tilting first keyboard  114  or second keyboard  112  toward or away from monitor  115  and top edge  108  the respective angle of declination, between computer body  109  and first keyboard  114  or second keyboard  112 , is changed and the associated angle of flexion and extension experienced by the hand(s) and wrist(s) of the user is thereby adjusted. In general, the tilting of first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  away from monitor  115  and top edge  108 , i.e., the keys on the respective keyboard are not facing monitor  115 , see  FIG. 4 , second keyboard  112 , is considered the preferable configuration since such a configuration is typically known to reduce the level of strain experienced by the hand(s) and wrist(s) of most users. However, to provide added versatility, keyboards  114  and  112  of computer  100 , can be tilted toward monitor  115  and top edge  108 , i.e., see  FIG. 4 , wherein the keys on first keyboard  114  are facing monitor  115 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  can be rotated toward or away from monitor  115  and top edge  108  to adjust the angle of radial deviation and ulnar deviation. In  FIG. 5 , a top down view of computer  100  is illustrated with first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  both depicted as rotated away from monitor  115  and top edge  108 . In general, first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  are to be considered rotated away from monitor  115  and top edge  108  if respective keyboard side  113  and keyboard side  111 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , are rotated such that they face monitor  115  and top edge  108 . For example, in  FIG. 5 , a line extending perpendicular from keyboard side  113  would appear to move closer to monitor  115  as first keyboard  114  is rotated away from monitor  115  and top edge  108 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , a top plan view of computer  100  is illustrated with first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  are rotated toward monitor  115  and top edge  108 . Thus, respective keyboard side  113  and keyboard side  111  are rotated such that they face away from monitor  115  and top edge  108 . For example, in  FIG. 6 , a line extending perpendicular from keyboard side  113  would appear to move away from monitor  115  and top edge  108  as first keyboard  114  is rotated toward from monitor  115  and top edge  108 . In general, the rotation (adjustment) of first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112  toward monitor  115  and top edge  108  is considered preferable since such a configuration is typically known to reduce the level of strain experienced by the wrist(s) of most users. However, to provide added versatility keyboards  114  and  112  can be rotated away from monitor  115  and top edge  108  (see the discussion of  FIG. 3  for further details). 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the computer  100  of  FIG. 7  illustrates a close-up view of first keyboard  114  shown as elevated to the minimum elevation possible above top face  110 , i.e., first keyboard  114  is configuration ready. The respective cavity  128  and cavity  126 , which can respectively hold first keyboard  114  and respective device  400 , are depicted in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 7 , only an upward section of device  400  is visible (see the discussion of  FIG. 8  below for further details regarding device  400 ). In this exemplary embodiment, computer base  110  includes a cavity  128  of sufficient size and depth to allow storage, i.e., collapsed and locked into top face  110 , of a respective first keyboard  114  or second keyboard  112  such that computer  100  can be configured into a closing ready configuration. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, computer base  110  includes cavity  126  of sufficient size and depth to allow storage of device  400  when computer  100  is configured into a closing ready configuration. In some embodiments, cavity  126  is also of sufficient dimensions to allow rotation of device  400  (and the associated first keyboard  114  or  112 ) toward and away from monitor  115  and top edge  108 . Further details regarding the rotation of device  400  will be discussed later with regard to the discussion of  FIG. 8 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, device  400  is a keyboard position adjustment device that provides the various tilting, rotational and other adjustment attributes associated with first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112 , as discussed above. Although the discussion of  FIG. 8  will be limited to device  400  attached to first keyboard  114 , it is to be understood that similar properties and functionalities would apply to a given device  400  attached to second keyboard  112 . In general, a simple device  400  can include as few as three parts, namely a first connector, a shaft  134 , and a locking/releasing mechanism, all of which are described in detail below. 
     An exemplary embodiment of device  400 , illustrated in  FIG. 8 , is connected to first keyboard  114  (which is shown as transparent to better illustrate the connectivity of device  400  and first keyboard  114 ). Device  400  attaches to first keyboard  114  using a first part  130   b  of a first connector  130  that facilitates rotatable connection of first keyboard  114  relative to second part  130   a  of first connector  130 . In general, first connector  130  is composed of first part  130   b  and second part  130   a . However, in this embodiment, first connector further includes a third optional component, an extendable/retractable shaft  134  (as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . By expanding and contracting shaft  134 , first connector  130  extends and retracts in length, i.e., part  130   a  moves toward or away from  130   b , thereby moving first keyboard  114  toward or away from second keyboard  112 . Exemplary embodiments of first connector  130  allow the tilting, i.e., adjustment of the angle of declination, of first keyboard  114 . First connector  130  is pivotably attached to the exterior surface of shaft  132  by second part  130   a  such that parts  130   b  and  134  can be rotated around shaft  132 . In other embodiments, first connector  130  is pivotably attached to the interior surface of shaft  132  by second part  130   a  such that parts  130   b  and  134  can be rotated around shaft  132 . The rotation of first connector  130  relative to shaft  132  provides an additional plane of movement (i.e., additional degree(s) of freedom) for first keyboard  114 , which allows for adjustment of the angle of radial deviation and ulnar deviation associated with first keyboard  114 . By rotating around shaft  134 , edge  113  of first keyboard  114  is moved toward or away monitor  115  and top edge  108  as described in the discussions of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     Shaft  132  is adjustable, in this exemplary embodiment, which allows first keyboard  114  to be raised and lowered. In this embodiment, first connector  130  is fixed to a top  120  of shaft  132  and it is through the raising and lowering of shaft  132  that first keyboard  114  is raised and lowered thereby providing the minimum and maximum elevation as described above. In an alternate embodiment, shaft  132  is fixed in place by attaching a bottom  118  of shaft  132  to computer base  110 , to the bottom of cavity  126 . First connector  130  can slide up and down a length of shaft  132  to provide the minimum and maximum elevation as described above, thereby yielding two of the three parts of a simple device  400 . In yet other embodiments, first shaft  132  is composed of two or more nesting cylinders, or the like, that compose a shaft that is extendable and retractable (possibly using springs or hydraulics to assist in the movement). 
     In this exemplary embodiment, shaft  132  is attached to computer base  110 , to the bottom of cavity  126 , by second connector. In general, second connector  136  is composed of parts  136   a  and  136   b . In this exemplary embodiment, part  136   a  is connected to the exterior surface of shaft  132  and allows the elevation of shaft  132  to be adjusted such that the elevation of first keyboard  114 , relative to computer  110 , is adjusted. In other embodiments, second connector  136  is rotatably attached to the interior surface of shaft  132  by second part  136   a . Part  136   b  is rotatably attached to part  136   a  such that top  120  of shaft  132  can be rotated toward or away from monitor  115 . Part  136   a  is attached to computer base  110 , i.e., to the bottom of cavity  126 . Thus, rotation of the top ( 120 ) of shaft  132  away from monitor  115  moves first keyboard  114  away from monitor  115 . In this exemplary embodiment, second connector  136  further includes an optional third component, namely an extendable/retractable shaft  138  (as illustrated in  FIG. 8 ). Extendable/retractable shaft  138  allows second connector  136  to expand and contract in length (i.e., part  136   a  moves toward or away from  136   b ) thereby changing the distance between first keyboard  114  and second keyboard  112 . In some embodiments, the dimensions of cavity  126  may require modification to prevent first shaft  132  from impacting an edge or side of cavity  126 , e.g., due to the degree of rotation of shaft  132  and/or the degree of extension of shaft  138  that are possible in a given embodiment. 
     Lastly, in this exemplary embodiment, device  400  includes locking and unlocking devices, parts  122  and  124  located on top  120  of shaft  132 , that can be used to lock/unlock first keyboard  114  into/from a desired configuration. By engaging the locking device, the position of first keyboard  114  can be locked into place and further adjustment of the configuration of first keyboard  114  is inhibited. If a user desires to re-configure the position of first keyboard  114  or to configure computer  100  into a closing ready configuration, the unlocking device can be engaged and first keyboard  114  re-adjusted to the next desired configuration. 
     Having described this invention with regard to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation since further embodiments, modifications and variations may be apparent or may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the present application cover all such embodiments, modifications and variations.