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US 5,220,521 AGranted
Flexible keyboard for computers
AssigneeCordata, Inc.
InventorDan Kikinis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A keyboard for a computer molded from a flexible material, and rollable into a cylinder for transport and storage. In a particular embodiment, the keyboard is assembled in two layers, one having molded dome structures for key, and the other sensors and flexible traces for converting keystrokes to electrical signals.
Claims12
A keyboard for a computer, comprising:
- a first layer of contiguous flexible material having a plurality of flexible key means formed therein, for converting finger motion into keystrokes;
- a second layer of contiguous flexible material having a plurality of sensing means for creating electrical signals in response to said keystrokes;
- flexible electrical conductor means contacting said plurality of sensing means, for communicating said electrical signals away from each of said sensing means;
- and
- communication means for communicating information relative to said electrical signals away from said flexible keyboard;
- said keyboard rollable into a cylinder of spiral aspect for storage.
3 more elements
A keyboard for a computer, comprising:
- a first contiguous flexible layer comprising a plurality of flexible key means formed therein for converting finger motion into keystrokes;
- a second contiguous flexible layer proximate said first contiguous flexible layer comprising a plurality of sensing means for converting said keystrokes to electrical signals;
- electrical conductor means for communicating said electrical signals away from said sensing means;
- joining means for fastening said first and second flexible layers together in a manner allowing relative motion between said first and said second contiguous flexible layers when rolled;
- and
- communication means for communicating information relative to said electrical signals away from said flexible keyboard;
- said keyboard rollable into a cylinder of spiral aspect for storage.
4 more elements
A computer system comprising:
- CPU means for performing logic and computations;
- bus data transmission means connected to said CPU means for transmitting data;
- electronic storage means connected to said bus data transmission means for storing data and programs;
- and
- a keyboard comprising:
- a first contiguous flexible layer comprising a plurality of flexible key means formed therein for converting finger motion into keystrokes;
- a second contiguous flexible layer proximate said first contiguous flexible layer comprising a plurality of sensing means for converting said keystrokes to electrical signals;
- electrical conductor means for communicating said electrical signals away from said sensing means;
- joining means for fastening said first and second flexible layers together in a manner allowing relative motion between said first and said second contiguous flexible layers when rolled;
- and
- communication means for communicating information relative to said electrical signals away from said flexible keyboard;
- said keyboard rollable into a cylinder of spiral aspect for storage.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.