WO1983000308A1 - Adjustable input keyboard - Google Patents
Adjustable input keyboard Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1983000308A1 WO1983000308A1 PCT/US1982/000905 US8200905W WO8300308A1 WO 1983000308 A1 WO1983000308 A1 WO 1983000308A1 US 8200905 W US8200905 W US 8200905W WO 8300308 A1 WO8300308 A1 WO 8300308A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- keyboard
- sections
- track
- improvement
- separate
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
- G06F3/0216—Arrangements for ergonomically adjusting the disposition of keys of a keyboard
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J5/00—Devices or arrangements for controlling character selection
- B41J5/08—Character or syllable selected by means of keys or keyboards of the typewriter type
- B41J5/10—Arrangements of keyboards, e.g. key button disposition
- B41J5/105—Constructional details of keyboard frames, e.g. adjusting or fixation means
Definitions
- This invention relates to adjustable input keyboards, and more particularly, to improved structure in electric typewriters, computer and keypunch terminals, and similar systems including two separate keyboard sections for adjusting the spacing between the keyboard sections for comfort of an input operator.
- the present invention provides an adjustable...input keyboard for electric -typewriters, computer terminals, keypunch, terminals and like systems based upon the heretofore unrecognized concept of utilizing two separate and independently movable keyboard sections.
- a keyboard track is positioned on the frame.
- the electronic keyboard means is comprised of two separate sections, each of the sections being removably- and slidably mounted for independent movement along the keyboard track. In use, the spacing between and relative positioning of the two separate sections may be adjusted as desired, either along the keyboard, track or apart therefrom.
- FIGURE 1 is a front view of . an electric typewriter of the present invention with the two separate keyboard sections positioned in the keyboard track;
- FIGURE 2 is a front view of the present invention with the separate keyboard sections positioned apart from the keyboard track;
- FIGURE 3 is a top view of a pair of tray members which are adapted to receive the separate keyboard sections when said sections are removed from the keyboard track.
- an electric typewriter generally- designated by 10 includes a frame 12.
- the frame 12 defines- a keyboard track 13 along which separate keyboard 5 sections 16 and 18 may be slidably moved independently of one another, as shown by the two arrows.
- the track 13 and sections 16 and 18 form, in the preferred embodiment, a tongue and groove arrangement, as shown by 14, although any operative arrangement may be employed.
- Each of the two keyboard sections 16 and 18 is operatively connected to a separate circuit board, the design of which will thus be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and need not be further detailed herein.
- Each of the circuit boards may be mounted as a unit with one of 15 . separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 in a well known fashion. Alternatively, the circuit boards may be mounted in a suitable location on frame 12.
- the separate keyboard sections which are operatively connected to the circuit _ boards through conventional means, together comprise 20 a standard keyboard split between the keys which are operated by the left and right hands, respectively. In operation, each separate keyboard section slides along the keyboard track 13 so that the width may be adjusted for the comfort of the individual operator.
- 25 Electronic type depicting means 20 are mounted on the typewriter 10 as shown.
- the electronic type depicting means may " be comprised of any of the well known electric typing members, such as, but not limited to, a ball head system or a CRT display system and is operatively 30 connected to the circuit boards through means well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- FIGURE 2 the typewriter of FIGURE 1 is again shown.
- This second view shows separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 removed from keyboard track 13. As 35 so removed, the input operator may position input material between the two separate keyboard sections 16 and 18, or may locate the separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 in such unusual positions as on the arms of a chair or elsewhere.
- tray members 26 and 28 preferably of molded plastic, are shown. They each have a smooth rectangular outer configuration 30, and an inner portion 32 which is shaped to conform,
- the tray members 26 and 28 are used when the separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 are removed from the typewriter 10 as shown in FIGURE 2. In this situation, the separate keyboard
- 2TJ sections 16 and 18 are inserted into the tray members 26 and 28 to protect the separate keyboard sections against damage and wear, as well as to improve appearance and utility, and to protect the operator from edges which might otherwise be exposed.
- separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 may either be slidably moved in independent fashion along keyboard track 13 for the comfort of the input operator, as shown in FIGURE 1, or one or both may be removed entirely from the keyboard track 13 of typewriter
- the adjustable keyboard system enables persons having certain handicaps to operate keyboard equipment which they may not have been able to do previously, and may thus even create the opportunity to communicate effectively for persons who previously were unable to do so.
- the improved adjustable keyboard described herein has significant advantages over prior art devices, all of which have failed to recognize or appreciate the possibility of using separate keyboard sections which are independently adjustable.
Abstract
An adjustable input keyboard for use in connection with a keying system. It comprises a keyboard track member (13) and first and second keyboard sections (16, 18). Each of the first and second keyboard sections is adapted to be removably and slidably mounted for independent movement along the keyboard track member, whereby the spacing between and relative positioning of the two separate keyboard sections may be adjusted for the comfort and needs of the keyboard operator.
Description
ADJUSTABLE INPUT KEYBOARD
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to adjustable input keyboards, and more particularly, to improved structure in electric typewriters, computer and keypunch terminals, and similar systems including two separate keyboard sections for adjusting the spacing between the keyboard sections for comfort of an input operator.
BACKGROUND ART
A variety of patents pertaining to keyboards are known. United States Patents 3,945,482; 3,929,216"; 1,652,464; and 1,138,474 each disclose split keyboards which are fixed in a single position. United States Patents 4,067,431 and 1,828,939 disclose keyboards wherein individual keys may be adjusted within the framework of a fixed keyboard. The problem with these prior art disclosures is that despite the long-recognized deficiencies of the standard keyboard, none disclose two independently adjustable keyboard sections which either can be adjusted for operator comfort on an electrical typewriter, computer terminal, keypunch terminal or the like or removed therefrom. Instead they merely allow minor variations in individual keys or a split, but inflexible keyboard arrangement.
-
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an adjustable...input keyboard for electric -typewriters, computer terminals, keypunch, terminals and like systems based upon the heretofore unrecognized concept of utilizing two separate and independently movable keyboard sections.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, in an electric typewriter, computer terminal, keypunch terminal or the like having a frame, electronic type depicting means operatively mounted on the frame and electronic keyboard means operatively coupled to the electronic type depicting means, all of which were previously known, a keyboard track is positioned on the frame. The electronic keyboard means is comprised of two separate sections, each of the sections being removably- and slidably mounted for independent movement along the keyboard track. In use, the spacing between and relative positioning of the two separate sections may be adjusted as desired, either along the keyboard, track or apart therefrom.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the present ._ invention may be had by- reference to the following detailed-description when taken into conjunction with the drawings wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a front view of .an electric typewriter of the present invention with the two separate keyboard sections positioned in the keyboard track;
FIGURE 2 is a front view of the present invention with the separate keyboard sections positioned apart from the keyboard track; and
FIGURE 3 is a top view of a pair of tray members which are adapted to receive the separate keyboard sections when said sections are removed from the keyboard track.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In FIGURE 1, an electric typewriter generally- designated by 10 includes a frame 12. The frame 12 defines- a keyboard track 13 along which separate keyboard 5 sections 16 and 18 may be slidably moved independently of one another, as shown by the two arrows. The track 13 and sections 16 and 18 form, in the preferred embodiment, a tongue and groove arrangement, as shown by 14, although any operative arrangement may be employed. 10 Each of the two keyboard sections 16 and 18 is operatively connected to a separate circuit board, the design of which will thus be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and need not be further detailed herein. Each of the circuit boards may be mounted as a unit with one of 15 . separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 in a well known fashion. Alternatively, the circuit boards may be mounted in a suitable location on frame 12. The separate keyboard sections, which are operatively connected to the circuit _ boards through conventional means, together comprise 20 a standard keyboard split between the keys which are operated by the left and right hands, respectively. In operation, each separate keyboard section slides along the keyboard track 13 so that the width may be adjusted for the comfort of the individual operator. 25 Electronic type depicting means 20 are mounted on the typewriter 10 as shown. The electronic type depicting means may"be comprised of any of the well known electric typing members, such as, but not limited to, a ball head system or a CRT display system and is operatively 30 connected to the circuit boards through means well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. — Referring now to FIGURE 2 the typewriter of FIGURE 1 is again shown. This second view shows separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 removed from keyboard track 13. As 35 so removed, the input operator may position input material between the two separate keyboard sections 16 and 18, or may locate the separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 in
such unusual positions as on the arms of a chair or elsewhere. The separate keyboard sections 16 and 18
-- - are operatively connected to the typewriter 10, as by means,of. retractable cables 22 and 24, as shown, or by. 5 any other operative system, such as wireless remote control. The manner of affixing the separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 to the cables 22 and 24, and of affixing the cables 22 and 24 to the typewriter 10 will readily be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
10 art in view of this disclosure.
Referring now to FIGURE 3, a pair of tray members 26 and 28, preferably of molded plastic, are shown. They each have a smooth rectangular outer configuration 30, and an inner portion 32 which is shaped to conform,
15 respectively, to the shape of separate keyboard sections 16 and 18, so as to receive same. The tray members 26 and 28 are used when the separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 are removed from the typewriter 10 as shown in FIGURE 2. In this situation, the separate keyboard
2TJ sections 16 and 18 are inserted into the tray members 26 and 28 to protect the separate keyboard sections against damage and wear, as well as to improve appearance and utility, and to protect the operator from edges which might otherwise be exposed.
25 In operation, separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 may either be slidably moved in independent fashion along keyboard track 13 for the comfort of the input operator, as shown in FIGURE 1, or one or both may be removed entirely from the keyboard track 13 of typewriter
30 10 and located in any desired configuration, as shown in FIGURE 2. When the separate keyboard sections are
__ removed from the keyboard track 13, it is preferred that the separate keyboard sections 16 and 18 be positioned in tray members 26 and 28 as described. By
35 adjusting the keyboard sections 16 and 18, stress and fatigue on the user should be reduced. Moreover, the adjustable keyboard system enables persons having certain
handicaps to operate keyboard equipment which they may not have been able to do previously, and may thus even create the opportunity to communicate effectively for persons who previously were unable to do so. The improved adjustable keyboard described herein has significant advantages over prior art devices, all of which have failed to recognize or appreciate the possibility of using separate keyboard sections which are independently adjustable. Although particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the drawings and described herein, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed, but is capable of rearranging, modification and substitution of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.
OMPΪ
Claims
1. In a device having a frame, electronic type depicting means operatively mounted on said frame,— and electronic keyboard- means operatively coupled to- sai-d electronic type displaying means, the improvement 5 which comprises: a keyboard track positioned .on said frame; and said electronic keyboard means being comprised of two separate sections, each of said sections removably and slidably mounted for independent movement along said 0 keyboard track, and being operatively coupled to said electronic type displaying means whereby the spacing between and relative positioning of said two separate sections may be independently adjusted as desired, either along said keyboard* track or apart therefrom.
2. The improvement of Claim 1, wherein said device is an electric typewriter and wherein said electronic type displaying means is an electric typing member.
3. The improvement of Claim 1 wherein said device is a computer terminal.
4. The improvement of Claim 1 wherein said device is a keypunch terminal.
5. The improvement of Claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 further comprising two retractable cable means, each of said retractable cable means having two ends, one end of each of said retractable cable means being operatively
5 coupled to one of said keyboard sections and the other end of each of said retractable cable means being
— operatively coupled to said electronic type depicting means.
6. The improvement of Claim 5 further comprising a pair of tray members, each said tray member having a smooth outer surface—and adapted to receive one of- sa.i.d .separate sections of said electronic keyboard means when said separate section is removed from said keyboard track, whereby said separate sections are protected when so removed while at the same time a pleasing appearance is presented.
7. An adjustable input keyboard for use in connection with a keying system, comprising: a-keyboard track member;
.first and second keyboard sections, each of said first and second keyboard sections being adapted to be removably and slidably mounted for independent movement along said keyboard track member, whereby the spacing between and relative positioning of said first and second keyboard sections may be adjusted for the comfort and needs of the input operator.
8. The device of Claim 7, further comprising a frame member, said keyboard track member being mounted on said frame member.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US28374581A | 1981-07-15 | 1981-07-15 | |
US283,745810715 | 1981-07-15 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1983000308A1 true WO1983000308A1 (en) | 1983-02-03 |
Family
ID=23087371
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1982/000905 WO1983000308A1 (en) | 1981-07-15 | 1982-07-07 | Adjustable input keyboard |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0083637A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1983000308A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1984000518A1 (en) * | 1982-07-28 | 1984-02-16 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | Keyboard for terminals, typewriters and the like |
FR2541794A1 (en) * | 1983-02-25 | 1984-08-31 | Mccall William | Interactive electromechanical terminal system |
US4509873A (en) * | 1983-05-05 | 1985-04-09 | Ryan W Kenneth | Alphanumeric section of office machine keyboards |
US4897649A (en) * | 1986-12-02 | 1990-01-30 | Stucki Larry R | Keyboard for data entry on control purposes |
US4976559A (en) * | 1987-05-02 | 1990-12-11 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Typewriter |
WO1992018926A1 (en) * | 1991-04-11 | 1992-10-29 | Zinsser Krys Harry | Keyboard, in particular a keyboard for typewriters, computers, etc. |
EP0538329A1 (en) * | 1990-07-10 | 1993-04-28 | Mark Goldstein | Keyboard. |
US5502460A (en) * | 1993-05-26 | 1996-03-26 | Bowen; James H. | Ergonomic laptop computer and ergonomic keyboard |
US5644338A (en) * | 1993-05-26 | 1997-07-01 | Bowen; James H. | Ergonomic laptop computer and ergonomic keyboard |
US5659307A (en) * | 1994-03-23 | 1997-08-19 | International Business Machines Corporation | Keyboard with biased movable keyboard sections |
GB2431900A (en) * | 2005-11-01 | 2007-05-09 | Blaze Systems Uk Ltd | Laptop computer having a detachable keyboard |
WO2013115702A2 (en) * | 2012-02-03 | 2013-08-08 | Gunnar Drougge Ab | Keyboard |
US10817074B2 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2020-10-27 | International Business Machines Corporation | Adaptive keyboard |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1016993A (en) * | 1963-09-28 | 1966-01-12 | Ibm | Improvements relating to typewriter keyboards |
DE2218065A1 (en) * | 1972-04-14 | 1973-10-31 | Georg Nawroth | KEYBOARD FOR TYPEWRITERS OR THE SAME |
US3990565A (en) * | 1974-08-14 | 1976-11-09 | Warren Felton | Remote control bifurcated typewriter keyboard (Universal input matrix switch) |
DE2607126A1 (en) * | 1976-02-21 | 1977-08-25 | Juergen Schmidt | Typewriter with copy holder or viewing screen - has screen arranged between spaced right hand and left hand portions of keyboard |
-
1982
- 1982-07-07 WO PCT/US1982/000905 patent/WO1983000308A1/en unknown
- 1982-07-07 EP EP19820902494 patent/EP0083637A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1016993A (en) * | 1963-09-28 | 1966-01-12 | Ibm | Improvements relating to typewriter keyboards |
DE2218065A1 (en) * | 1972-04-14 | 1973-10-31 | Georg Nawroth | KEYBOARD FOR TYPEWRITERS OR THE SAME |
US3990565A (en) * | 1974-08-14 | 1976-11-09 | Warren Felton | Remote control bifurcated typewriter keyboard (Universal input matrix switch) |
DE2607126A1 (en) * | 1976-02-21 | 1977-08-25 | Juergen Schmidt | Typewriter with copy holder or viewing screen - has screen arranged between spaced right hand and left hand portions of keyboard |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1984000518A1 (en) * | 1982-07-28 | 1984-02-16 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | Keyboard for terminals, typewriters and the like |
FR2541794A1 (en) * | 1983-02-25 | 1984-08-31 | Mccall William | Interactive electromechanical terminal system |
US4509873A (en) * | 1983-05-05 | 1985-04-09 | Ryan W Kenneth | Alphanumeric section of office machine keyboards |
US4897649A (en) * | 1986-12-02 | 1990-01-30 | Stucki Larry R | Keyboard for data entry on control purposes |
US4976559A (en) * | 1987-05-02 | 1990-12-11 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Typewriter |
US5424728A (en) * | 1990-07-10 | 1995-06-13 | Goldstein; Mark | Keyboard |
EP0538329A1 (en) * | 1990-07-10 | 1993-04-28 | Mark Goldstein | Keyboard. |
EP0538329A4 (en) * | 1990-07-10 | 1993-09-29 | Mark Goldstein | Keyboard |
US5543790A (en) * | 1990-07-10 | 1996-08-06 | Goldstein Technology Pty Limited | Keyboard |
WO1992018926A1 (en) * | 1991-04-11 | 1992-10-29 | Zinsser Krys Harry | Keyboard, in particular a keyboard for typewriters, computers, etc. |
US5502460A (en) * | 1993-05-26 | 1996-03-26 | Bowen; James H. | Ergonomic laptop computer and ergonomic keyboard |
US5644338A (en) * | 1993-05-26 | 1997-07-01 | Bowen; James H. | Ergonomic laptop computer and ergonomic keyboard |
US5659307A (en) * | 1994-03-23 | 1997-08-19 | International Business Machines Corporation | Keyboard with biased movable keyboard sections |
GB2431900A (en) * | 2005-11-01 | 2007-05-09 | Blaze Systems Uk Ltd | Laptop computer having a detachable keyboard |
WO2013115702A2 (en) * | 2012-02-03 | 2013-08-08 | Gunnar Drougge Ab | Keyboard |
WO2013115702A3 (en) * | 2012-02-03 | 2013-10-31 | Gunnar Drougge Ab | Split wireless keyboard |
US10817074B2 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2020-10-27 | International Business Machines Corporation | Adaptive keyboard |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0083637A1 (en) | 1983-07-20 |
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AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Designated state(s): DE FR GB |