Other

Aceso, Inc.

Speck Product Design

David John Law

Clifford T Jue

Mark R Goldstein

Craig M Janik

Andrzej Skoskiewicz

Andrezej Skoskiewicz

The invention relates to an adjustable keyboard to be used, for example, at a computer terminal (). The preferred embodiment is in the form of a keyboard having a number of keys (), the keyboard being formed in at least two segments () which are mutually movable relative- to one another using a hinge or joint (). Each of the segments () of the keyboard has mounted thereon some of the keys (). The relatively movable nature of the keyboard aims at reducing stress and discomfort to the user by eliminating contortion to the user's wrists. More particularly, discomfort to the user caused by pronation of the wrists and/or ulnar deviation of the wrists is reduced. The hinge or joint () may be in the form of a ball and socket-type joint with a locking mechanism, which preferably includes a pivoted handle (), in the form of a lever, used for locking and unlocking the hinge or joint ().

Adjustable keyboard with adjusting and locking mechanism, and method of its use

The invention relates to an adjustable keyboard to be used, for example, at a computer terminal. The preferred embodiment is in the form of a keyboard having a number of keys, the keyboard being formed in at least two segments which are mutually movable relative to one another using a hinge or joint. Each of the segments of the keyboard has mounted thereon some of the keys. The relatively movable nature of the keyboard aims at reducing stress and discomfort to the user by eliminating contortion to the user's wrists. More particularly, discomfort to the user caused by pronation of the wrists and/or ulnar deviation of the wrists is reduced. The hinge or joint may be in the form of a ball and socket-type joint with a locking mechanism, which preferably includes a pivoted handle, in the form of a lever, used for locking and unlocking the hinge or joint.

A support assembly including first and second mounting brackets each having a mounting surface for attachment to a bottom surface of a desktop, first and second support arms pivotally attached to the first and second mounting brackets respectively to define first and second pivot axes, and a computer keyboard platform having a top support surface and a bottom surface. The first and second support arms rotate in a single plane about the first and second pivot axes respectively. The first and second support arms are pivotally attached to the bottom surface of the platform to define third and fourth pivot axes respectively. The support arms are rotatable relative to the platform in the single plane about the third and fourth pivot axes respectively. The distance between the first and second pivot axes is greater than the distance between the third and fourth pivot axes so that the platform is translatable between the mounting brackets, in a plane that is located between the first plane and the mounting surfaces of the mounting brackets, from a deployed position in front of the desktop to a retracted position underneath the desktop. The keyboard platform can be a computer tray for supporting a computer keyboard, or it can be the computer keyboard itself. The first and second support arms can each include first and second segments pivotally attached together to define fifth and sixth pivot axes for rotation in the single plane.

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Portola Valley, CA, United States of America

David John Law