CA1276040C - Modularly expandable desktop keyboard - Google Patents
Modularly expandable desktop keyboardInfo
- Publication number
- CA1276040C CA1276040C CA000552708A CA552708A CA1276040C CA 1276040 C CA1276040 C CA 1276040C CA 000552708 A CA000552708 A CA 000552708A CA 552708 A CA552708 A CA 552708A CA 1276040 C CA1276040 C CA 1276040C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- track
- module
- keyboard
- modules
- tongue
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/0021—Side-by-side or stacked arrangements
-
- 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
-
- 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
- G06F3/0208—Arrangements for adjusting the tilt angle of a keyboard, e.g. pivoting legs
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0289—Telephone sets for operators
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S439/00—Electrical connectors
- Y10S439/928—Modular electrically interengaging parts, e.g. stove with replaceable heating elements formed on coupling parts
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A modularly expandable keyboard has expansion modules which are integrated into an elementary keyboard by means of locking tongues inserted in depressed tracks in the modules and held in place by detents in the attached modules. The detent mechanisms are formed integrally with the housings of the modules and are unstressed when fully engaged. ~n electrical interconnect plug integrates the electrical buses of attached modules. Modules can be attached to either right or left and additional modules can be attached to already attached modules indefinitely.
A modularly expandable keyboard has expansion modules which are integrated into an elementary keyboard by means of locking tongues inserted in depressed tracks in the modules and held in place by detents in the attached modules. The detent mechanisms are formed integrally with the housings of the modules and are unstressed when fully engaged. ~n electrical interconnect plug integrates the electrical buses of attached modules. Modules can be attached to either right or left and additional modules can be attached to already attached modules indefinitely.
Description
~` ~2~6~4~
708~0-120 MODULARLY E~PANDABLE DESKTOP KEYBOARD
Brief Summary o1f the Invention This invention relates to desktop keyboards and auxiliary devices such as voice pick up de~icesr speakers, and numerical keypads, which are used by an operator to control and interact with a computer. Computers are often offered to users with a choice of various auxiliary devices ln addition to a simple keyboard, which must be accommodated on the desk of the operator.
At the same time the space on an operator's desk is in high demand for many things. This invention provides an operator control board which can be modularly expanded from a minimal keyboard by adding auxiliary modules such as a numerical keypad or telephone.
The added modules are mechanically and electrically integrated into an expanded control board with fIexibility as to the coniiguration of positioning the modules with respect to each other. The modular arrangement is further advantageous in using no unnecessary desk space.
In summary, according to one aspect, the~invention provides for attachment to a modularly expandable desktop interaction board, an expansion module having an attachment interface including a track depressed from its bottom surface and an electriaal bus interaonnection socket, said track admitting a bridging tongue by a sliding motion in ~he r:Lght-le~t direction, sald traak belng posltioned on the expansion module to effect allynment of said traak with a track of a tracked interaction board placed there beside, ~g .. .
' ' ~ ~6Q~
means for affixing a bridging tongue in a position partly inserted into said track and protruding into a track of an interaction board placed adjacent thereto so as to lock said expansion module to an interaction board to form a mechaniaally integrated expanded keyboard unit.
According to another aspect, the invention provides a modularly expandable desktop interaction board for use by an operator to interact With a aomputer includlng a keyboard module, an~expansion module, a bridging tongUe, ;~: 10 and an electrical interaonnector, : all of said modules having a common side Pro~ile, : : each of sald modules being ad~ustable to provide a set of lope values for its top surface, the set of slope values being : ::identical for all modules, : each of said modules having an attachment interface including a track depressed from its bottom surfacè, said track admitting ~ :said bridging tongue by a sliding motion in the right left 1~ direction, said tracks being uniformly positioned on the modules to effect alignment of tracks of modules placed side by side, ~ ;
~ :
~: 20 means for affixing the bridging tongue in a position partly inserted into the traak of said keyboard module and partly inserted into the traalc of the expanslon module placed adjacent thereto so as to loak said keyboard module and said expansion ,`~
`;
'' la A.
^ ' ~Z76C~
708~0-120 module together to form a mechanically integrated expanded keyboard unit, means for electrically interconnecting said modules throu~h said electrical interconnector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIO~ OF ~HE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a moduIariy expandable desktop interaction board according ko the invention.
Figure 2 shows the board of Fig. 1 set at three slopes, as seen from the right end.
Figure 3 shows the bottom of the board of Fig. 1 with elements separated from each other.
lb "~
.
, ~ ''' ' " .
.
~27ti09~
Figure 4 shows a detail of the board of Fig. 1.
Figure 5 shows a detail of the detent mechanism used in the board of Fig. 1.
Figure 6 shows an end view of the tongue which is an element of the board of Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A modularly expandable desktop interaction board 10 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1, and includes keyboard module 12, keypad module 14, and telephone module 16, which are shown as exemplary of a generic expansion module.
Board 10 is interconnected to a host computer through connector 18. The modules 12, 14, 16 have a common side profile, and all have a set of adjustable rear supports 20 which permit all modules to be tipped up to position their top surfaces at a common set of slopes, as shown particularly in Fig. 2.
Keyboard module 12 has attachment interface 22 situated generally at its left side, and expansion module 14 has attachment interface 24 situated generally at its right side as shown particularly in the bottom view of Fig. 3. (The terms right and left are referred to the top view throughout this document.) Keyboard interface 22 includes electrical socket 26 connecting with an electrical bus (not illustrated) interior to keyboard module 12. Keyboard interface 22 also includes track 28 depressed below bottom surface 30 of module 12.
Expansion interface 24 includes electrical socket 32 connecting with an electrical bus (not illustrated) interior to expansion module 14. Expansion interface 24 also includes trac~ 34 depressed below bottom surface 36 of module 14, As shown in the pulled-apart illuskration of Fig. 3, the electrical sockets and traaks are aligned when the modules are placed side by side with a common profile.
Bridging tongue 42 slides into both tracks 2~ and 34 when modules 12 and 14 are integrated as shown particularly in the bottom view of Fig. 4. Tongue 42 fits snugly in edges of tracks 28 and 34, and the tracks and tongue have a depth (referring to the direction towards and away from the operator in the normal operating position) that is an appreciable fraction of that of the boards to provide, when in place, a rigid coupling between modules and thus form a mQchanically integrated expanded keyboard unit. Tongue 42 is maintained in position in keyboard track 28 by engagement of male detent element 44 on tongue 42 with female detent element 46 on track 28, Similarly tongue 42 is maintained in position in track 34 by engagement o male detent element 50 on tongue 42 with ~emale detent element 52 on track 34.
Female detent element 52 shown more particularly in Fig.
5 is advantageously molded as an integral part of the polymeric housing 54 of the module. Female detent element 52 ~as exemplary) includes cantilevered spring 56 supporting wedge 58, which protrudes above track 34. Male detent element 44 ~as exemplary) is a bump molded integrally as a part of polymeric tongue 42. The positions of the engaging elements of the detent are such that the spring of the female element is stressed in flexure only while the male element is entering or exiting the detented position. This arrangement avoids giving the polymeric material of the spring a permanent set from remaining in a stressed condition for extended periods.
Electrical interconnector 40 is advantageously a rigid double-ended electrical plug which fits simultaneously into sockets 26 and 32, and is dimensioned to be seated in both sockets when modules 12 and 14 are mechanically integrated to form an integrated electrical bus extending through both of the integrated modules.
The foreging discussion has described the attachment of an expansion module to the le~t side o~ the keyboard as ~.2~76~
exemplary. Corresponding electrical and mechanical structures are provided for attachment of an expansion module to the right side of the keyboard module and for attachment of an additional expansion module outboard of any attached expansion module.
As shown particularly in Figs. 3 and 6, an additional detent with male element 74 on tongue 42 and female element 72 in track 34 of an expansion module provides a stable storage place or a tongue in a module rack when not in use. The detents used for leftward expansion, those used for rightward expansion, and those used for storage are positioned on distinct alignments to avoid interference. The slopes of the wedges 58 and the protuberances 44 are adjusted so that engagement of a detent reguires less force than that required for disengagement. This arrangement ensures that when a tongue has been engaged in a module and is protruding (say) to the right and is then slid into the left facing interface of another module the tongue will engage with the module on the right in preference to disengaging from the detented position in the left module.
708~0-120 MODULARLY E~PANDABLE DESKTOP KEYBOARD
Brief Summary o1f the Invention This invention relates to desktop keyboards and auxiliary devices such as voice pick up de~icesr speakers, and numerical keypads, which are used by an operator to control and interact with a computer. Computers are often offered to users with a choice of various auxiliary devices ln addition to a simple keyboard, which must be accommodated on the desk of the operator.
At the same time the space on an operator's desk is in high demand for many things. This invention provides an operator control board which can be modularly expanded from a minimal keyboard by adding auxiliary modules such as a numerical keypad or telephone.
The added modules are mechanically and electrically integrated into an expanded control board with fIexibility as to the coniiguration of positioning the modules with respect to each other. The modular arrangement is further advantageous in using no unnecessary desk space.
In summary, according to one aspect, the~invention provides for attachment to a modularly expandable desktop interaction board, an expansion module having an attachment interface including a track depressed from its bottom surface and an electriaal bus interaonnection socket, said track admitting a bridging tongue by a sliding motion in ~he r:Lght-le~t direction, sald traak belng posltioned on the expansion module to effect allynment of said traak with a track of a tracked interaction board placed there beside, ~g .. .
' ' ~ ~6Q~
means for affixing a bridging tongue in a position partly inserted into said track and protruding into a track of an interaction board placed adjacent thereto so as to lock said expansion module to an interaction board to form a mechaniaally integrated expanded keyboard unit.
According to another aspect, the invention provides a modularly expandable desktop interaction board for use by an operator to interact With a aomputer includlng a keyboard module, an~expansion module, a bridging tongUe, ;~: 10 and an electrical interaonnector, : all of said modules having a common side Pro~ile, : : each of sald modules being ad~ustable to provide a set of lope values for its top surface, the set of slope values being : ::identical for all modules, : each of said modules having an attachment interface including a track depressed from its bottom surfacè, said track admitting ~ :said bridging tongue by a sliding motion in the right left 1~ direction, said tracks being uniformly positioned on the modules to effect alignment of tracks of modules placed side by side, ~ ;
~ :
~: 20 means for affixing the bridging tongue in a position partly inserted into the traak of said keyboard module and partly inserted into the traalc of the expanslon module placed adjacent thereto so as to loak said keyboard module and said expansion ,`~
`;
'' la A.
^ ' ~Z76C~
708~0-120 module together to form a mechanically integrated expanded keyboard unit, means for electrically interconnecting said modules throu~h said electrical interconnector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIO~ OF ~HE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a moduIariy expandable desktop interaction board according ko the invention.
Figure 2 shows the board of Fig. 1 set at three slopes, as seen from the right end.
Figure 3 shows the bottom of the board of Fig. 1 with elements separated from each other.
lb "~
.
, ~ ''' ' " .
.
~27ti09~
Figure 4 shows a detail of the board of Fig. 1.
Figure 5 shows a detail of the detent mechanism used in the board of Fig. 1.
Figure 6 shows an end view of the tongue which is an element of the board of Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A modularly expandable desktop interaction board 10 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1, and includes keyboard module 12, keypad module 14, and telephone module 16, which are shown as exemplary of a generic expansion module.
Board 10 is interconnected to a host computer through connector 18. The modules 12, 14, 16 have a common side profile, and all have a set of adjustable rear supports 20 which permit all modules to be tipped up to position their top surfaces at a common set of slopes, as shown particularly in Fig. 2.
Keyboard module 12 has attachment interface 22 situated generally at its left side, and expansion module 14 has attachment interface 24 situated generally at its right side as shown particularly in the bottom view of Fig. 3. (The terms right and left are referred to the top view throughout this document.) Keyboard interface 22 includes electrical socket 26 connecting with an electrical bus (not illustrated) interior to keyboard module 12. Keyboard interface 22 also includes track 28 depressed below bottom surface 30 of module 12.
Expansion interface 24 includes electrical socket 32 connecting with an electrical bus (not illustrated) interior to expansion module 14. Expansion interface 24 also includes trac~ 34 depressed below bottom surface 36 of module 14, As shown in the pulled-apart illuskration of Fig. 3, the electrical sockets and traaks are aligned when the modules are placed side by side with a common profile.
Bridging tongue 42 slides into both tracks 2~ and 34 when modules 12 and 14 are integrated as shown particularly in the bottom view of Fig. 4. Tongue 42 fits snugly in edges of tracks 28 and 34, and the tracks and tongue have a depth (referring to the direction towards and away from the operator in the normal operating position) that is an appreciable fraction of that of the boards to provide, when in place, a rigid coupling between modules and thus form a mQchanically integrated expanded keyboard unit. Tongue 42 is maintained in position in keyboard track 28 by engagement of male detent element 44 on tongue 42 with female detent element 46 on track 28, Similarly tongue 42 is maintained in position in track 34 by engagement o male detent element 50 on tongue 42 with ~emale detent element 52 on track 34.
Female detent element 52 shown more particularly in Fig.
5 is advantageously molded as an integral part of the polymeric housing 54 of the module. Female detent element 52 ~as exemplary) includes cantilevered spring 56 supporting wedge 58, which protrudes above track 34. Male detent element 44 ~as exemplary) is a bump molded integrally as a part of polymeric tongue 42. The positions of the engaging elements of the detent are such that the spring of the female element is stressed in flexure only while the male element is entering or exiting the detented position. This arrangement avoids giving the polymeric material of the spring a permanent set from remaining in a stressed condition for extended periods.
Electrical interconnector 40 is advantageously a rigid double-ended electrical plug which fits simultaneously into sockets 26 and 32, and is dimensioned to be seated in both sockets when modules 12 and 14 are mechanically integrated to form an integrated electrical bus extending through both of the integrated modules.
The foreging discussion has described the attachment of an expansion module to the le~t side o~ the keyboard as ~.2~76~
exemplary. Corresponding electrical and mechanical structures are provided for attachment of an expansion module to the right side of the keyboard module and for attachment of an additional expansion module outboard of any attached expansion module.
As shown particularly in Figs. 3 and 6, an additional detent with male element 74 on tongue 42 and female element 72 in track 34 of an expansion module provides a stable storage place or a tongue in a module rack when not in use. The detents used for leftward expansion, those used for rightward expansion, and those used for storage are positioned on distinct alignments to avoid interference. The slopes of the wedges 58 and the protuberances 44 are adjusted so that engagement of a detent reguires less force than that required for disengagement. This arrangement ensures that when a tongue has been engaged in a module and is protruding (say) to the right and is then slid into the left facing interface of another module the tongue will engage with the module on the right in preference to disengaging from the detented position in the left module.
Claims (10)
1. A modularly expandable desktop interaction board for use by an operator to interact with a computer including a keyboard module, an expansion module, a bridging tongue, and an electrical interconnector, all of said modules having a common side profile, each of said modules being adjustable to provide a set of slope values for its top surface, the set of slope values being identical for all modules, each of said modules having an attachment interface including a track depressed from its bottom surface, said track admitting said bridging tongue by a sliding motion in the right-left direction, said tracks being uniformly positioned on the modules to effect alignment of tracks of modules placed side by side, means for affixing the bridging tongue in a position partly inserted into the track of said keyboard module and partly inserted into the track of the expansion module placed adjacent thereto so as to lock said keyboard module and said expansion module together to form a mechanically integrated expanded keyboard unit, means for electrically interconnecting said modules through said electrical interconnector.
2. A modularly expandable desktop interaction board as claimed in claim 1, said keyboard module having a polymeric housing, including a detent mechanism for attaching said bridging tongue to said keyboard module, said detent mechanism including a protuberance affixed to said tongue and protruding toward the track of said keyboard module when said tongue is inserted therein and a cantilevered spring integral with the housing of the keyboard module and supporting a wedge protruding above the track, said protuberance, spring, and wedge being constructed and positioned so that as the tongue is inserted into the track of the keyboard module, the protuberance engages the wedge, thereby flexing the spring, then passes over the wedge into a stable detent position, the spring being unflexed when the protuberance is in the stable detent position.
3. A modularly expandable desktop interaction board as claimed in claim 2, wherein said expansion module can be attached to either end of said keyboard module.
4. A modularly expandable desktop interaction board as claimed in claim 1, said keyboard module having an electrical bus with an external electrical connection interface, said expansion module including a bus extension with an external electrical connection interface, said keyboard electrical interface and said expansion electrical interface facing each other when said modules are mechanically attached, including a double ended rigid electrical bus connector plug interconnecting said external electrical connection interfaces to form an integrated extended bus through said mechanically integrated expanded keyboard unit.
5. A modularly expandable desktop interaction board as claimed in claim 2, wherein said keyboard module has an electrical bus with an external electrical connection interface, and said expansion module includes a bus extension with an external electrical connection interface, said keyboard electrical interface and said expansion electrical interface facing each other when said modules are mechanically attached, include a double-ended rigid electrical bus connector plug interconnecting said external electrical connection interfaces to form an integrated extended bus through said mechanically integrated expanded keyboard unit.
6. A modularly expandable desktop interaction board as claimed in claim 1, wherein said expansion module when attached to said keyboard module provides an attachment interface equivalent to that of the interface to which it is attached for attachment thereto of a second expansion module.
7. A modularly expandable desktop interaction board as claimed in claim 2, wherein said expansion module when attached to said keyboard module provides an attachment interface equivalent to that of the interface to which is is attached for attachment thereto of a second expansion module.
8. For attachment to a modularly expandable desktop interaction board, an expansion module having an attachment interface including a track depressed from its bottom surface and an electrical bus interconnection socket, said track admitting a bridging tongue by a sliding motion in the right-left direction, said track being positioned on the expansion module to effect alignment of said track with a track of a tracked interaction board placed there beside, means for affixing a bridging tongue in a position partly inserted into said track and protruding into a track of an interaction board placed adjacent thereto so as to lock said expansion module to an interaction board to form a mechanically integrated expanded keyboard unit.
9. An expansion module as claimed in claim 8, including a bridging tongue and a detent holding said tongue in a storage position in said expansion module track.
10. An expansion module as claimed in claim 9, including detents for holding a bridging tongue in an attaching position, said detent requiring greater force to disengage than to engage.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US948,280 | 1986-12-31 | ||
| US06/948,280 US4739451A (en) | 1986-12-31 | 1986-12-31 | Modularly expandable desktop keyboard |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1276040C true CA1276040C (en) | 1990-11-06 |
Family
ID=25487592
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000552708A Expired - Fee Related CA1276040C (en) | 1986-12-31 | 1987-11-25 | Modularly expandable desktop keyboard |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4739451A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0273436B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2758897B2 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU603154B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1276040C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3788415T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (36)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4739451A (en) * | 1986-12-31 | 1988-04-19 | Wang Laboratories, Inc. | Modularly expandable desktop keyboard |
| US4913387A (en) * | 1989-03-17 | 1990-04-03 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Apparatus for removably mounting a computer input device |
| US5141343A (en) * | 1990-01-18 | 1992-08-25 | William H. Roylance | Compressible/expandable keyboard with adjustable key spacing |
| US5044798A (en) * | 1990-01-18 | 1991-09-03 | William H. Roylance | Compressible/expandable keyboard with adjustable key spacing |
| US5159533A (en) * | 1991-05-07 | 1992-10-27 | Kuang Ma H | Portable note-book computer expansion device with disk drives |
| US5227953A (en) * | 1991-10-18 | 1993-07-13 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Apparatus for retaining and electrically interconnecting multiple devices |
| EP0575760B1 (en) * | 1992-06-25 | 1997-07-23 | Siemens Business Communication Systems, Inc. (a Delaware corp.) | Apparatus for electrically and mechanically connecting an auxiliary device to a main unit |
| 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 |
| US7101101B2 (en) * | 1993-09-07 | 2006-09-05 | Dennis W Nusser | Input apparatus for people having small hands |
| KR100368020B1 (en) * | 1993-09-07 | 2003-04-08 | 데니스 더블유. 누세르 | Input device for small hands |
| US5454652A (en) * | 1993-11-12 | 1995-10-03 | Lexmark International, Inc. | Adjustable keyboard |
| TW300974B (en) * | 1995-05-31 | 1997-03-21 | Sega Of America Inc | |
| US5595449A (en) * | 1995-12-21 | 1997-01-21 | Delco Electronics Corporation | Inflatable keyboard |
| GB2310481B (en) * | 1996-02-22 | 1999-05-05 | Top Game & Company Ltd | Controller for a video game console |
| EP0837585A1 (en) * | 1996-10-16 | 1998-04-22 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Modular keyboard and modul for a keyboard of an electronic equipment |
| US5995025A (en) * | 1997-12-18 | 1999-11-30 | Daniel I. Sternglass | Folding keyboard with sliding segments for electronic products |
| US6025986A (en) * | 1997-12-18 | 2000-02-15 | Daniel I. Sternglass | Retractable palmrest for keyboard-equipped electronic products |
| US5982613A (en) * | 1997-12-18 | 1999-11-09 | Daniel I. Sternglass | Open-surfaced receptacle in an electronic product for a removable electronic module |
| US6104604A (en) * | 1998-01-06 | 2000-08-15 | Gateway 2000, Inc. | Modular keyboard |
| US6580421B1 (en) | 1998-06-25 | 2003-06-17 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Ergonomic keyboard |
| US6288706B1 (en) | 1998-06-25 | 2001-09-11 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Method for operating an ergonomic keyboard |
| US6266234B1 (en) | 1998-06-26 | 2001-07-24 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Expandable computer keyboard |
| US6215419B1 (en) | 1998-06-26 | 2001-04-10 | Micron Electronics, Inc. | Method for operating an expandable computer keyboard |
| US6573843B1 (en) | 1999-07-14 | 2003-06-03 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Snap-on keyboard and method of integrating keyboard |
| GB2360015B (en) * | 2000-01-21 | 2004-07-14 | John Victor Parkinson | Keyboard with improved shift arrangements |
| US6381128B1 (en) | 2000-07-17 | 2002-04-30 | Russel G. Kramer | Ergonomic portable computer |
| US6781077B2 (en) | 2000-12-14 | 2004-08-24 | Think Outside, Inc. | Keyswitch and actuator structure |
| US6632038B2 (en) * | 2001-12-19 | 2003-10-14 | Douglas Trotman | Keyboard arrangement for easy acquisition of typing skills |
| CN101114194B (en) * | 2006-07-26 | 2010-05-26 | 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 | Portable inflating keyboard |
| JP4740066B2 (en) * | 2006-08-23 | 2011-08-03 | 富士通株式会社 | Information input device |
| US7500880B1 (en) * | 2008-05-05 | 2009-03-10 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Connector for telecommunication devices |
| CN102017184B (en) * | 2008-05-05 | 2013-11-06 | 陶氏环球技术公司 | Connector device for building integrated photovoltaic device |
| GB201121409D0 (en) * | 2011-12-13 | 2012-01-25 | Ifpl Group Ltd | User control interface |
| CN103294205B (en) * | 2012-02-28 | 2017-07-21 | 富泰华工业（深圳）有限公司 | Key board unit |
| TWI659442B (en) * | 2018-01-17 | 2019-05-11 | 大陸商東莞寶德電子有限公司 | Detachable mechanical keyboard |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2965874A (en) * | 1959-03-06 | 1960-12-20 | Henry J Modrey | Support structure for supporting articles on perforated sheet material |
| JPS54133722U (en) * | 1978-03-08 | 1979-09-17 | ||
| JPS5833735A (en) * | 1981-08-24 | 1983-02-28 | Sony Corp | Electronic device |
| US4401351A (en) * | 1981-09-28 | 1983-08-30 | Advant Corporation | Expandable card cage |
| US4558914A (en) * | 1982-09-23 | 1985-12-17 | Gould Inc. | Readily expandable input/output construction for programmable controller |
| JPS59105118A (en) * | 1982-12-07 | 1984-06-18 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Connecting device of data processor |
| US4501460A (en) * | 1983-05-09 | 1985-02-26 | Convergent Technologies, Inc. | Modular housing for computer system |
| KR850002124A (en) * | 1983-07-18 | 1985-05-06 | 원본미기재 | Modular computer systems |
| FR2550907B1 (en) * | 1983-08-17 | 1985-10-11 | Merlin Gerin | DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLING MODULES OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT |
| GB2154948B (en) * | 1984-03-01 | 1987-11-25 | Cherry Electrical Prod | Keyboard |
| US4742478A (en) * | 1984-09-19 | 1988-05-03 | Data General Corporation | Housing for a portable computer |
| US4739451A (en) * | 1986-12-31 | 1988-04-19 | Wang Laboratories, Inc. | Modularly expandable desktop keyboard |
-
1986
- 1986-12-31 US US06/948,280 patent/US4739451A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1987
- 1987-11-18 AU AU81347/87A patent/AU603154B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1987-11-25 CA CA000552708A patent/CA1276040C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-12-28 JP JP62336720A patent/JP2758897B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-12-29 DE DE3788415T patent/DE3788415T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-12-29 EP EP87119284A patent/EP0273436B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS63173113A (en) | 1988-07-16 |
| AU8134787A (en) | 1988-07-07 |
| AU603154B2 (en) | 1990-11-08 |
| DE3788415D1 (en) | 1994-01-20 |
| EP0273436A2 (en) | 1988-07-06 |
| US4739451A (en) | 1988-04-19 |
| DE3788415T2 (en) | 1994-06-01 |
| EP0273436B1 (en) | 1993-12-08 |
| JP2758897B2 (en) | 1998-05-28 |
| EP0273436A3 (en) | 1989-12-13 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1276040C (en) | Modularly expandable desktop keyboard | |
| US5634809A (en) | Connector with lock mechanism | |
| US6406319B2 (en) | Connector module | |
| JP2654436B2 (en) | Electrical connector | |
| US7050296B2 (en) | Retaining device for expansion cards | |
| US5268675A (en) | Computer command and pointing device with multi-axis engagement assembly | |
| WO2003061079A1 (en) | Floating interface for electrical connector | |
| EP0977322A2 (en) | Connector module | |
| US5827074A (en) | End mounting terminator for backplanes | |
| GB2108768A (en) | Communication terminal housing | |
| JP2755825B2 (en) | Contact connection device for connection of a conductor film having a plurality of contact connection conductor tracks | |
| US20010027066A1 (en) | Modular power connector system | |
| US5853297A (en) | System and method for co-planar and nearly co-planar printed circuit board extension docking system | |
| US6065988A (en) | Electrical module mounting structure | |
| EP0151253B1 (en) | Connector mechanisms | |
| US4777332A (en) | Apparatus for controlling the connection of an electrical module to an electrical receptacle | |
| JP3236543U (en) | Lateral movable lock connector | |
| US7318739B2 (en) | Connector | |
| EP3961831A1 (en) | Retention mechanism for attachment of a technical equipment unit to a mounting rail as well as technical equipment unit with such a retention mechanism | |
| US5800198A (en) | Connector assembly | |
| IE890931L (en) | Connector for unlocking conductive members from conductive pins | |
| JPH0346520Y2 (en) | ||
| JPS6339875Y2 (en) | ||
| JP2563471B2 (en) | Printed circuit board connection device | |
| JP2000299152A (en) | Connector for flexible printed circuit board |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |