US 5,329,278 A · Pivoting electronic keyboard keys

Abstract

A computer keyboard includes a plurality of pairs of side by side keys, each pair of which is on opposite sides of a vertical plane lying between such keys. The keys are mounted for pivotal movement about respective first and second axes. The first key is located at one side of the plane and its pivotal axis is on the opposite side of such plane. The second key is located on the same side of the plane as the first axis and has its pivotal axis on the same side of the plane as the first key. The spacing between the axes is such that the keys have maximum vertical travel and minimal lateral travel. The keys have faces that are inclined toward the plane to form an upwardly concave pocket between the keys for the accommodation of a user's finger. A switch is activated by the first key and another switch is activated by the second key.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A key assembly for a keyboard or the like comprising a first key;

a second key spaced from and adjacent said first key, said first and second keys occupying positions on opposite sides of a plane passing between said first and second keys, said first and second keys being sufficiently close to one another as to be bridged by a single finger of a person's hand;
means mounting said first key for rocking movements between first and second positions and independently of said second key about a first axis underlying said second key;
means mounting said second key for rocking movements between first and second positions and independently of said first key about a second axis underlying said first key;
first operating means responsive to rocking movements of said first key;
and second operating means responsive to rocking movements of said second key.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pivoting electronic keyboard keys

Life of this patent

Pivoting electronic keyboard keys

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15