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.

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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.

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