Computer keyboard

#The present invention relates to computer keyboards (corded or wireless) and, more particularly, to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes. In keyboard manufacturing, it is difficult to control tolerances on a large molded piece for the top or bottom case of the keyboard. This problem is exacerbated when buttons other than standard keyboard buttons and other components or devices are added to the keyboard.

#Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes. These components are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. The use of the preformed roller module eliminates the need to control tolerances on a large molded piece of the top case of the keyboard to accommodate the roller components. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low.

#In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a keyboard comprises at least one keyboard foot coupled to an edge of the keyboard. The keyboard foot is movable between an inclined position with the keyboard foot extending downward from the edge below a bottom of the keyboard, and a neutral position with the keyboard foot disposed adjacent the edge above the bottom of the keyboard. In some embodiments, the keyboard foot is rotatably coupled to the edge of the keyboard by a hinge to rotate between the inclined position and the neutral position. The edge may be a rear edge of the keyboard.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the keyboard of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the keyboard of FIG. 1;

#FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a computer keyboard 10 including a body or housing which desirably has a low profile. For example, the height of the body measured from the bottom 12 is equal to or less than about 21-23 mm over a large portion of the keyboard, and increases to a maximum of about 34 mm toward the rear of the keyboard in one specific embodiment, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The keyboard body has a length (from the left side 14 to the right side 16) of about 490 mm and a width (from the front side 18 to the rear side 20) of about 220 mm. Of course, the keyboard 10 may have other dimensions.

#As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the keyboard 10 includes a multi-media module 26 having a plurality of control members such as buttons and knobs. One of the control members is a volume control dial 30 for controlling an audio volume of the computer. The keyboard 10 further includes a roller module 36 which includes buttons 38 for activating button switches underneath and a roller 40 protruding through a slot provided on the top cover of the roller module 36. The roller module 36 is desirably preformed prior to being assembled with the remainder of the keyboard 10. The keyboard 10 includes a recessed region for receiving the preformed roller module 36. These features of the keyboard will be described in more detail below.

#FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate tilting of the keyboard 10 using one or more keyboard feet 44. Conventional keyboard feet are disposed at the bottom of the keyboard, and tend to increase the height profile of the keyboard. For a low profile keyboard, relocating the keyboard feet 44 to the side of the keyboard can maintain the low profile. The keyboard feet 44 are movable between a neutral or folded position (FIG. 6a) and an inclined position (FIG. 6b). In the specific embodiment shown, the feet 44 are each rotatably attached to the side of the keyboard 10 by a hinge 46. In the neutral position, the feet 44 are folded onto the side of the keyboard above the bottom 12 with a zero degree tilt. In the inclined position, the feet 44 extend downward from the side of the keyboard below the bottom 12 to produce tilting of the keyboard. Typically a pair of keyboard feet 44 are disposed along the rear side 20. In an alternative embodiment, for example, a pair of keyboard feet may be disposed on opposite sides along the left edge 14 and the right edge 16 near the rear of the keyboard 10 (FIGS. 1-5).