Patent US5774384A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5774384A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard with elevatable keys
Assignee: Dell USA LP
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Filing: 1995-12-13
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Granted: 1998-06-30
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Expires: 2015-12-13
Abstract
Abstract A keyboard having a base and first and second demi-boards, which demi-boards include respective first and second key arrays. The first demi-board is supported in the base, and the second demi-board is supported in a variable elevation relative to the base. The elevation of the second demi-board may be selectively varied between a first elevation in which the first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and a second elevation in which the first and second key arrays are substantially offset relative to one another. The second key array is operative in a first function mode when in the first elevation, and in a second function mode when in the second elevation. In one aspect, the second key array comprises first and second linked key rows, the second key row being moveable relative to the first key row so that the first and second key rows may be vertically aligned.
Inventors
- 👤 Ken Okaya
- 👤 Stephen Burke
- 👤 John Busch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 18:18
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1615; G06F1/1616; G06F1/1633; G06F1/1662; G06F1/1664
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A keyboard assembly, comprising: a base; a first demi-board comprising a first key array, said first demi-board supported in a first plane relative to said base; a second demi-board comprising a second key array, said second demi-board supported in the first plane and movable to a second plane parallel to the first plane and elevated relative to said base; and an elevator device for selectively moving said second demi-board in a direction orthogonal to the first and second planes between the first plane in which said first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and the second plane in which said first and second key arrays are vertically offset relative to one another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
A keyboard assembly, comprising: a base; a first demi-board comprising a first key array, said first demi-board supported in a first plane relative to said base; a second demi-board comprising a second key array, said second demi-board supported in the first plane and movable to a second plane parallel to the first plane and elevated relative to said base; and an elevator device for selectively moving said second demi-board in a direction orthogonal to the first and second planes between the first plane in which said first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and the second plane in which said first and second key arrays are vertically offset relative to one another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
142 words
A keyboard assembling comprising; a base: a first demi-board comprising a first key array, said first demi-board supported in a fixed elevation relative to said base; a second demi-board comprising a second key array, said second demi-board supported in a variable elevation relative to said base; and an elevator device for selectively varying said second demi-board elevation between a first elevation in which said first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and a second elevation in which said first and second keys arrays are substantially offset relative to one another; wherein said second key array comprises first and second key rows, said second key row being moveable relative to said first key row, and said keyboard assembly further comprises means for aligning said first and second key rows when said second demi-board is in said second elevation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
142 words
A keyboard assembling comprising; a base: a first demi-board comprising a first key array, said first demi-board supported in a fixed elevation relative to said base; a second demi-board comprising a second key array, said second demi-board supported in a variable elevation relative to said base; and an elevator device for selectively varying said second demi-board elevation between a first elevation in which said first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and a second elevation in which said first and second keys arrays are substantially offset relative to one another; wherein said second key array comprises first and second key rows, said second key row being moveable relative to said first key row, and said keyboard assembly further comprises means for aligning said first and second key rows when said second demi-board is in said second elevation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
101 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 2, wherein said aligning means comprises: first plates, each of which have a first end hingedly attached to said base and a second end hingedly attached to said first key row; and second plates, each of which have a first end hingedly attached to said base and a second end hingedly attached to said second key row, said first and second plates being hinged for rotation in opposing directions so that said first and second rows move in opposite directions when the elevation thereof is varied thereby facilitating alignment of said first and second key rows.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
79 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 3 wherein said second key array further comprises a third key row interposed between said first and second key rows, said third key row being moveable relative to said first and second key rows, and said aligning means further comprises linkage pivotably connecting said first, second, and third key rows so that an offset between said first and second key rows is substantially similar to an offset between said second and third key rows.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 2 wherein said elevator device comprises a cam assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 5 wherein said cam assembly comprises: a shaft rotatably mounted on said base; a cam fixed to said shaft; and means for rotating said shaft between a first angular orientation in which said second demi-board is disposed in said first elevation, and a second angular orientation in which said cam engages and elevates said second demi-board to said second elevation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
76 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 6 wherein said cam includes a tooth extending radially therefrom, said second key array comprises first and second linked key rows, and said first key row includes an angled groove for matingly engaging said tooth so that, when said cam is rotated, said tooth moves in said groove to cause said first key row to shift relative to said second key row until said first and second key rows are aligned.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 6 wherein said rotating means comprises a lever attached to one end of said shaft and extending outwardly therefrom.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 2 wherein said comprises a ramp assembly.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
80 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 9 wherein said ramp assembly comprises: a first ramp slidably supported on said base; a second ramp secured to said second demi-board; and means for sliding said first ramp on said base between a first position in which said first ramp does not engage said second ramp, and a second position in which said first ramp slidingly engages and bears against said second ramp to cause said second demi-board to move to said second elevation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 10 wherein said sliding means comprises a shaft extending from said ramp for movement by the user.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 10 wherein said elevator device comprises a shaft with an offset portion, said offset being rotatable about said shaft for varying the elevation of said second demi-board between said first and second elevations.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
55 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 2 further comprising a keyboard controller operatively connected to said first and second key arrays for controlling the function modes of said keys, such that said second key array is operative in a first function mode in said first elevation and in a second function mode in said second elevation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
135 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 13, further comprising means for determining whether said second demi-board is in said first elevation or in said second elevation; and wherein said keyboard controller comprises: logic, executable by said controller in response to a determination that said second demi-board is in said first elevation, for generating, in response to the depression of one of said keys of said first or second key arrays, a first signal to a CPU indicative of which key is depressed; and logic, executable by said controller in response to a determination that said second demi-board is in said elevated position, for deactivating said first key array, and for generating, in response to the depression of a key of said second key array, a second signal to said CPU indicative of which key is depressed.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
74 words
The keyboard of claim 14 wherein said determining means is a depressible switch positioned between said base and said second demi-board such that said switch is depressed when said second demi-board is in said first elevation and is not depressed when said demi-board is in said second elevation, said determining means further comprising electrical contacts connected to said controller, wherein said switch closes said contacts when depressed and opens said contacts when not depressed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
159 words
A computer having keys supported relative to a base, comprising: a first demi-board comprising a first key array, said first demi-board supported in a first plane relative to said base; a second demi-board comprising a second key array, said second demi-board supported in the first plane and movable to a second plane parallel to the first plane and elevated relative to said base; an elevator device for selectively moving said second demi-board in a direction orthogonal to the first and second planes between the first plane in which said first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and the second plane in which said first and second key arrays are vertically offset relative to one another; and a keyboard controller operatively connected to said first and second key arrays for rendering said second key array operative in a first function mode in said first plane and in a second function mode in said second plane.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
159 words
A computer having keys supported relative to a base, comprising: a first demi-board comprising a first key array, said first demi-board supported in a first plane relative to said base; a second demi-board comprising a second key array, said second demi-board supported in the first plane and movable to a second plane parallel to the first plane and elevated relative to said base; an elevator device for selectively moving said second demi-board in a direction orthogonal to the first and second planes between the first plane in which said first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and the second plane in which said first and second key arrays are vertically offset relative to one another; and a keyboard controller operatively connected to said first and second key arrays for rendering said second key array operative in a first function mode in said first plane and in a second function mode in said second plane.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
180 words
A computer having keys supported relative to a base comprising: a first demi-board comprising a first key array, said first demi-board supported in a fixed elevation relative to said base: a second demi-board comprising a second key array, said second demi-board supported in a variable elevation relative to said base; means for selectively varying said second demi-board elevation between a first elevation in which said first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and a second elevation in which said first and second key arrays are substantially offset relative to one another; a keyboard controller operatively connected to said first and second key arrays for rendering said second key array operative in a first function mode in said first elevation and in a second function mode in said second elevation; and said second key array comprises first and second key rows, said second key row being moveable relative to said first key row, and said computer further comprises means for aligning said first and second key rows when said second demi-board is in said second elevation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
180 words
A computer having keys supported relative to a base comprising: a first demi-board comprising a first key array, said first demi-board supported in a fixed elevation relative to said base: a second demi-board comprising a second key array, said second demi-board supported in a variable elevation relative to said base; means for selectively varying said second demi-board elevation between a first elevation in which said first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and a second elevation in which said first and second key arrays are substantially offset relative to one another; a keyboard controller operatively connected to said first and second key arrays for rendering said second key array operative in a first function mode in said first elevation and in a second function mode in said second elevation; and said second key array comprises first and second key rows, said second key row being moveable relative to said first key row, and said computer further comprises means for aligning said first and second key rows when said second demi-board is in said second elevation.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
100 words
The computer of claim 17, wherein said aligning means comprises: first plates, each of which have a first end hingedly attached to said base and a second end hingedly attached to said first key row; and second plates, each of which have a first end hingedly attached to said base and a second end hingedly attached to said second key row, said first and second plates being hinged for rotation in opposing directions so that said first and second rows move in opposite directions when the elevation thereof is varied thereby facilitating alignment of said first and second key rows.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
80 words
The computer of claim 18 wherein said second key array further comprises a third key row interposed between said first and second key rows, said third key row being moveable relative to said first and second key rows, and said aligning means further comprises linkage pivotably connecting said first, second, and third key rows so that a longitudinal offset between said first and second key rows is substantially similar to a longitudinal offset between said second and third key rows.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer of claim 17 wherein said first function mode is alphabetic and said second function mode is numeric.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
65 words
The computer of claim 17 wherein said elevation varying means comprises: a shaft rotatably mounted on said base; a cam fixed to said shaft; and means for rotating said shaft between a first angular orientation in which said second demi-board is disposed in said first elevation, and a second angular orientation in which said cam engages and elevates said second demi-board to said second elevation.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
75 words
The computer of claim 21 wherein said cam includes a tooth extending radially therefrom, said second key array comprises first and second linked key rows, and said first key row includes an angled groove for matingly engaging said tooth so that, when said cam is rotated, said tooth moves in said groove to cause said first key row to shift relative to said second key row until said first and second key rows are aligned.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
80 words
The computer of claim 17 wherein said elevation varying means comprises: a first ramp slidably supported on said base; a second ramp secured to said second demi-board; and means for sliding said first ramp on said base between a first position in which said first ramp does not engage said second ramp, and a second position in which said first ramp slidingly engages and bears against said second ramp to cause said second demi-board to move to said second elevation.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The computer of claim 23 wherein said sliding means comprises a shaft extending from said ramp for movement by the user.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
40 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 17 wherein said elevation varying means comprises a shaft with a radial offset portion, said offset being rotatable about said shaft for varying the elevation of said second demi-board between said first and second elevations.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
134 words
The computer of claim 17, further comprising means for determining whether said second demi-board is in said first elevation or in said second elevation; and wherein said keyboard controller comprises: logic, executable by said controller in response to a determination that said second demi-board is in said first elevation, for generating, in response to the depression of one of said keys of said first or second key arrays, a first signal to a CPU indicative of which key is depressed; and logic, executable by said controller in response to a determination that said second demi-board is in said elevated position, for deactivating said first key array, and for generating, in response to the depression of a key of said second key array, a second signal to a CPU indicative of which key is depressed.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
74 words
The keyboard of claim 26 wherein said determining means is a depressible switch positioned between said base and said second demi-board such that said switch is depressed when said second demi-board is in said first elevation and is not depressed when said demi-board is in said second elevation, said determining means further comprising electrical contacts connected to said controller, wherein said switch closes said contacts when depressed and opens said contacts when not depressed.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
172 words
A computer having keys supported relative to a base, comprising: a first demi-board supported in a fixed elevation relative to said base, said first demi-board comprising a first key array; a second demi-board supported in a variable elevation relative to said base, said second demi-board comprising a second key array having first and second key rows, said second key row being moveable relative to said first key row; means for selectively varying said second demi-board elevation between a first elevation in which said first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and a second elevation in which said first and second key arrays are substantially offset relative to one another; a keyboard controller operatively connected to said first and second key arrays for rendering said second key array operative in a first function mode in said first elevation and in a second function mode in said second elevation; and means for aligning said first and second key rows when said second key array is in said second elevation.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
172 words
A computer having keys supported relative to a base, comprising: a first demi-board supported in a fixed elevation relative to said base, said first demi-board comprising a first key array; a second demi-board supported in a variable elevation relative to said base, said second demi-board comprising a second key array having first and second key rows, said second key row being moveable relative to said first key row; means for selectively varying said second demi-board elevation between a first elevation in which said first and second key arrays are substantially even relative to one another and a second elevation in which said first and second key arrays are substantially offset relative to one another; a keyboard controller operatively connected to said first and second key arrays for rendering said second key array operative in a first function mode in said first elevation and in a second function mode in said second elevation; and means for aligning said first and second key rows when said second key array is in said second elevation.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
170 words
The computer of claim 28, wherein said second key array further comprises a third key row interposed between said first and second key rows, said third key row being moveable relative to said first and second key rows, and wherein said aligning means comprises: first plates, each of which have a first end hingedly attached to said base and a second end hingedly attached to said first key row; second plates, each of which have a first end hingedly attached to said base and a second end hingedly attached to said second key row, said first and second plates being hinged for rotation in opposing directions so that said first and second rows move in opposite directions when the elevation thereof is varied thereby facilitating alignment of said first and second key rows; and linkage pivotably connecting said first, second, and third key rows so that a longitudinal offset between said first and second key rows is substantially similar to a longitudinal offset between said second and third key rows.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer of claim 28 wherein said first function mode is alphabetic and said second function mode is numeric.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
65 words
The computer of claim 28 wherein said elevation varying means comprises: a shaft rotatably mounted on said base; a cam fixed to said shaft; and means for rotating said shaft between a first angular orientation in which said second demi-board is disposed in said first elevation, and a second angular orientation in which said cam engages and elevates said second demi-board to said second elevation.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
75 words
The computer of claim 31 wherein said cam includes a tooth extending radially therefrom, said second key array comprises first and second linked key rows, and said first key row includes an angled groove for matingly engaging said tooth so that, when said cam is rotated, said tooth moves in said groove to cause said first key row to shift relative to said second key row until said first and second key rows are aligned.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
85 words
The computer of claim 28, wherein said elevation varying means comprises: a first ramp slidably supported on said base; a second ramp secured to said second demi-board; and a shaft extending from said ramp for sliding said first ramp on said base between a first position in which said first ramp does not engage said second ramp, and a second position in which said first ramp slidingly engages and bears against said second ramp to cause said second demi-board to move to said second elevation.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
40 words
The keyboard assembly of claim 28 wherein said elevation varying means comprises a shaft with a radially offset portion, said offset being rotatable about said shaft for varying the elevation of said second demi-board between said first and second elevations.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
136 words
The computer of claim 28, further comprising a switch operative for determining whether said second demi-board is in said first elevation or in said second elevation; and wherein said keyboard controller comprises: logic, executable by said controller in response to a determination that said second demi-board is in said first elevation, for generating, in response to the depression of one of said keys of said first or second key arrays, a first signal to a CPU indicative of which key is depressed; and logic, executable by said controller in response to a determination that said second demi-board is in said elevated position, for deactivating said first key array, and for generating, in response to the depression of a key of said second key array, a second signal to said CPU indicative of which key is depressed.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-06-29 | 2001-12-29 | 2002-06-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-06-29 | 2005-12-29 | 2006-06-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-06-29 | 2009-12-29 | 2010-06-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |