MXPA96006685A - Ergonomic keyboard for a portable computer and methods for its operation and manufacturing - Google Patents

Abstract

An ergonomic keyboard for a laptop that has a chassis and methods of operation and manufacturing for it. The keyboard includes: (1) a first keyboard portion pivotally coupled to a first location in the chassis for rotation relative thereto, the first keyboard portion holding a first plurality of keys aligned along a first axis, and (2) ) a second keyboard portion pivotally coupled to a second location in the chassis for relative rotation thereto, the second keyboard portion holding a second plurality of keys aligned along a second axis, the keyboard being movable between an unfolded position where the first and second axes are more aligned to make an ergonomic presentation of the first and second key pluralities to a user and a stored position where the first and second keyboard portions are within a profile of the chassis, the keyboard presenting a conventional arrangement of the first and second plurality of keys to a user in the stored position

Description

ICO ERGONO KEYBOARD FOR A PORTABLE COMPUTER AND METHODS FOR ITS OPERATION AND MANUFACTURE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed, in general, to keyboards for computers and the like, and more specifically to a keyboard for a portable computer that is divided into multiple movable portions to allow the keyboard to assume an expanded state where the Keypad is placed for use with an ergonomic advantage. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, personal computers ("PCs"), in general, and laptops in particular, have achieved considerable gains in both popularity and technical sophistication. Portable computers, powered by batteries have become increasingly popular in recent years because their light weight and small size allow them to be carried easily in hand in an ordinary portfolio and used by business travelers in spaces reduced, such as rear trays of aircraft seats, which lack electrical plug installations. One factor that contributes to the increasing popularity of "notebook computers" is their increasingly smaller size and weight, a factor that arises from the ability to manufacture various computer components in smaller and smaller sizes while, in In many cases, the speed of operation is increased and the energy utilization requirements of such components are reduced.In fact, a particularly small type of portable computer, the notebook computer, is very popular, generally having dimensions of 8.5 x 11" and a weight of less than 8 pounds. For purposes of this discussion, "portable" and "notebook" are synonyms. The modern laptop typically incorporates hard and flexible hard drives, a monitor screen built into its cover portion, and a keyboard built into its main body portion. In this way, it is a totally self-contained computer capable of being used in situations and places where the use of a much larger desktop computer is simply not feasible. Although laptops were sometimes used as an adjunct to a primary desktop computer, the increased power of such computers has allowed them to become the primary computer of many users. However, a continuous challenge in the design of notepad computers is the keyboard structure. This design challenge, up to this point, has emerged from two conflicting design goals: the desire to increasingly reduce the size of the keyboard structure, and the desirability of having the notebook computer emulate as much as possible the size and the "feel" of typing from a desktop computer keyboard. The size of the typical human hand is the main force behind these last two requirements, substantially limiting the magnitude of the miniaturization that can be achieved. However, designers have begun to realize that there is still a third design goal, which arises as a result of medical studies related to the degree of effort inflicted on the arms, wrists and hands during the typing action, and financially reinforced by the costly litigation instigated by computer users who have turned out to be victims of carpal tunnel syndrome or related muscle or joint diseases. "Human factors engineering" or "ergonomics" have become terms in the field of design engineering aimed at the optimal use capacity by the human body. In the case of keyboards, it has been recognized that, by dividing a keyboard into portions and changing the relative horizontal orientation of the portions, a less strenuous keyboard can be made to use, potentially reducing the possibility of injuries and increasing user productivity by increasing considerably comfort when typing. Nevertheless, ergonomic keyboards developed to date have been exclusively for desktop computers, because there are no practical spatial limitations on a desktop to prevent the size of the keyboard. It is * similarly desirable to provide an ergonomic keyboard for portable computers. However, laptops continue to shrink in size, certainly complicating the design of an ergonomic keyboard. Therefore, keyboard designers have barely begun to pay attention to the creation of ergonomic designs for such computers that accommodate spatial constraints. There are, of course, two dimensional factors that can be varied to reduce the size of a pad-type computer keyboard structure-its vertical or thickness dimension, and its horizontal dimensions (that is, its length and width). Various restrictions are presented when attempts are made to reduce the overall thickness of a notepad computer keyboard. One possibility that has been investigated and attempted is simply to reduce the distance of the keystroke on a notepad-type computer keyboard compared to its desktop counterpart. An example of this type of keyboard is a "membrane" keyboard often found in microwave ovens or cash registers. Using this design technique, the overall thickness of the notebook computer in its closed storage and transport position can be correspondingly reduced. However, this reduction in thickness in the global notebook-type computer creates what many users consider to be a degradation in the feeling of "typing" compared to the longer key stroke distance typically found on a computer keyboard. desk " larger . However, it is more desirable to make a size reduction in the horizontal direction, since the so-called "sub-notebook" type computers are much larger in their horizontal dimensions and therefore would benefit more from a reduction in them. Unfortunately, similar restrictions have also been experienced when attempting to reduce the horizontal dimensions of a keyboard. The number, size and relative spacing of the manually depressed key cap portions of a keyboard dictate the horizontal dimensions of the keyboard. Various reductions in these three-dimensional factors can be used to reduce the overall length or width of the keyboard. However, the attempts of the prior art to reduce these three factors to achieve a reduction in the size of the keyboard have correspondingly reduced the similarity of the keyboard of a notebook-type computer in appearance, arrangement of the keys and feeling of typing with its counterpart of desk. Keyboards that have a smaller size or spacing of keys are therefore often referred to in pejorative fashion as "chewing gum" keyboards. As can easily be seen from the above, what is needed in the matter is an ergonomic keyboard structure for a portable computer that is collapsible, thereby allowing the keyboard to assume a stored position where the keyboard resides within a profile of sub-type computers. -libreta * even smaller size, and similar. When deployed, the ergonomic keyboard should be comfortable to use and reliable operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to address the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide an ergonomic keyboard movable between a deployed position, where portions of the keyboard are rotated.

Jt to each other, to make an ergonomic presentation of keys to a user, and a stored position where the keyboard collapses to assume a profile smaller than that of the deployed position. In achieving the above primary objective, the present invention provides an ergonomic keyboard for a portable computer having a chassis and methods of operation and manufacturing therefor. The keyboard includes: (1) a first keyboard portion pivotally coupled to a first place in the chassis for rotation relative thereto, the first keyboard portion supporting a first plurality of keys aligned along a first axis, (2) a second keyboard portion pivotally coupled to a second location in the chassis for rotation relative thereto, the second keyboard portion supporting a second plurality of keys aligned along a second axis, and (3) a link that couples the First and second keyboard portions for rotating the second keyboard portion as a "fl-function of a rotation of the first keyboard portion, the keyboard being thereby movable between an unfolded position where the first and second axes are out of alignment for performing an ergonomic presentation of the first and second pluralities of keys to a user, and a stored position where the first and second keyboard portions a are inside a chassis profile. The present invention thus introduces an ergonomic keyboard that rotates during its deployment to present keys out of alignment (the keys having axes angled together) to reduce stress on the wrists and hands of the user during use. In the stored position, the keyboard collapses inside the profile of the computer, thereby maintaining the size of the profile. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the chassis comprises a base plate, the portions First and second keyboard jacks coupled to the base plate, the base plate forming a support for the first and second keyboard portions. In a form to be illustrated, the base plate provides foundation and support for the first and second keyboard portions and, in one embodiment, a portion of the keyboard pointing device. Alternatively, separate structures within the chassis can support the first and second key portions, thereby eliminating the need for a base plate.

Sfc. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard further comprises a portion of pointing device coupled to the chassis. The pointing device portion may include one or more of the following elements: a tracking ball, a tracking pad, or buttons of momentary oppression, as required by the particular application.

In alternative embodiments to be illustrated, the pointing device portion may be fixed or transferable with 1 relation to the chassis. Of course, the scope of the present invention is sufficiently broad to encompass embodiments that do not include a pointing device portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard further comprises a pointer device portion coupled to the chassis and the first keyboard portion for translation relative to the chassis as a function of the rotation of the first keyboard portion. An additional link provides the '^ p, necessary coupling to effect the translation of the pointer device portion. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard further comprises a return spring coupled to the chassis and one of the first and second keyboard portions to polarize the keyboard to the stored position. The return spring helps the user store the keyboard. Of course, more than one return spring can be used; and the return spring can take any of several alternative forms. The present invention, however, does not require a return spring. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard further comprises a position closing structure for maintaining a selected orientation of the first and second key portions. Once the user has selected a desired orientation (fully deployed, fully stored or a position between them), the user can then link the position closure structure to prevent the keyboard from reorienting. The structure of position closure can be frictional or positive, but it is not required. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the chassis and the first and second keyboard portions contain a plurality of protuberances and a plurality of corresponding slits. The protuberances are engageable within the slots to guide the first and second keyboard portions as the keyboard moves between the deployed and stored positions. The protuberances and slits preferably restrict the degree of rotation that can be achieved by the first and second keyboard portions and additionally preferably prevent the first and second keyboard portions from separating from the chassis or the base plate, as the case may be. . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the link comprises first and second extension plates coupled to the first and second keyboard portions, respectively, the first and second extension plates pivotally coupled together to allow relative rotation between them. Although extension plates are not necessary, they may be desirable in some applications. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the link comprises a protrusion associated with a first keyboard portion and a corresponding slit associated with the second keyboard portion, the linkable protuberance within the slit for rotating the second portion of the keyboard as a function of the rotation of the first keyboard portion. The present invention preferably employs simple means for coupling the first and second keyboard portions. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second axes are substantially parallel to each other when the keyboard is in the stored position., the keyboard of the present invention remains usable in its stored position. When the first and second axes are substantially parallel, the keyboard presents its keys conventionally, without ergonomic advantage over conventional keyboards. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the technical aspects and advantages of the present invention, so that those skilled in the art can better understand the detailed description of the invention which follows. Further aspects and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter, forming the subject of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they can readily use the specific conception and embodiment disclosed as a basis for designing or modifying other structures to accomplish the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also be aware that such equivalent constructions do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and its advantages, reference will now be made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a computer portable in an open position having a first embodiment of an ergonomic keyboard constructed in accordance with the present invention, the keyboard having a fixed portion of pointing device and shown in a deployed position; Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the portable computer of Figure 1 in a closed position and where the first embodiment of the keyboard is shown in a stored position; Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the portable computer of Figure 1 in the open position, and where the first embodiment of the keyboard is shown in a stored position; Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of the first embodiment of the keyboard shown in the stored position; Figure 5 illustrates a plan view of the keyboard of Figure 4, shown in the unfolded position; Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of a second embodiment of the keyboard having a slidable portion of pointing device and shown in the stored position; Figure 7 illustrates a plan view of the keyboard of Figure 6, shown in the unfolded position; Figure 8 illustrates a plan view of a third embodiment of the keyboard having a fixed portion of * pointer device and a spring return structure modified and displayed in the stored position; Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of the keyboard of Figure 8, shown in the unfolded position; and Figure 10 illustrates a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the keyboard having a fixed portion of pointing device and a modified link, and shown in the deployed position.

# Detailed Description Initially referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a portable computer 100 in an open position is illustrated. The computer 100 may be a PC computer compatible with IBM, an Apple Macintosh computer (registered trademark) or a portable computer of another logical architecture. The present invention is in no way limited by the structure, function, logical architecture or particular compatibility of the computer 100. The computer 100 comprises a first chassis portion 110 and a second chassis portion 120 coupled to the first chassis portion 110 by a hinge structure 142. The hinge structure 142 allows the first and second chassis portions 110, 120 to rotate with each other between a closed position (as illustrated in Figure 2), where the first and second chassis portions substantially cover a to another to house its interior surfaces 111, * 121. A conventional bolt 112 and a corresponding bolt receiver 122 cooperate to hold the computer 100 in the closed position until it is released. The articulation structure 142 further allows the first chassis portion 110 to rotate away from the second chassis portion 120 to the open position shown. In the open position, the interior surfaces 111, 121 are exposed for access by a user. The first chassis portion 110 has a monitor screen 130 associated therewith. The monitor screen 130 is conventionally adapted to receive and display output data produced by a conventional general purpose data storage and processing circuit (schematically represented and designated 140), usually contained within the second chassis portion 120. The computer 100 is shown having a first embodiment of an ergonomic keyboard 150 constructed in accordance with the present invention and shown in an unfolded position. The keyboard 150 comprises a left hand keyboard portion 160 and a right hand keyboard portion 170. For the purposes of the present invention, the "first keyboard portion" refers alternately to the left hand keyboard portion 160 or the right-hand keyboard portion 170. Similarly, the "second keyboard portion" refers alternately to the other of the left-hand keyboard 160 or right-hand 170 portions. Each of the left and right hand keyboard portions right 160, 170 carries a plurality of individually oppressive keys (to be referred to in subsequent drawings) which are electrically coupled to the general purpose data processing and storage circuit 140 to provide means by which a user can generate input data for the computer 100.

The right-hand and left-hand keyboard portions 160, 170 are coupled to an underlying base plate 181 by separate pivots (which are illustrated in subsequent drawings), allowing the left-hand and right-hand keyboard portions to rotate or pivot with relation to the second chassis portion 120. The base plate 181 is coupled to and made part of the second chassis portion 120. A link 140 engages the keyboard portions left and right hand 160, 170 together, such as a rotation in the clockwise direction of n ° by the left hand keyboard portion 160 of as resulting a corresponding rotation in the counterclockwise direction of n ° by the right hand keyboard portion 170, within the limits of displacement that will be described. A position lock structure 188 (which will be described more fully) has a vertical zipper, allowing the user to set a particular desired orientation of the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170. It should be understood that, alternatively, Separate structures within the second chassis portion 120 can support the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170, thereby eliminating the need for the base plate 181 to be in one piece. As previously mentioned, one of the findings of ergonomic research is that an appropriate lateral orientation of the keys of a keyboard seems to be beneficial in reducing injuries due to repeated typing movements while the user's wrists are under stress or strain. In a manner to be described, the present invention allows a user to deploy the keyboard 150 by dislocating the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170 to reorient the keys therein toward an ergonomic presentation for the benefit of the user. Thus, "ergonomic presentation" is defined, for the purposes of the present invention, # as being a presentation that takes into account the human anatomy of the user. The first embodiment of the keyboard 150 of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1 has a fixed portion of pointing device 182. The pointing device portion 182 carries a tracking pad 183 (or a tracking ball or other pointing device, as appropriate) and momentary switches on the left and on the right (or "buttons") 185, 187. It should be appreciated that, from the point of view of an input device, the pointing device portion 182 functions as a "mouse" ( mouse), providing means by which a user can point (the tracking pad 183) and means by which the user can press or drag (the buttons on the left and on the right 185, 187). In addition, each of the right-hand and left-hand keyboard portions 160, 170 includes palm-rest breaks 184, 186. The palm-rest breaks 184, 186 provide an additional ergonomic advantage by freeing hands from the hands. user of the user's forearm weight. Since the computer 100 can be a multi-media computer having the ability to generate stereophonic sound for the benefit of the user, the palm rest 184, 186 also provides an area for loudspeakers located under loudspeaker grids (not referenced separately) . Alternatively, the loudspeaker grids can be located on the side surfaces of the computer 100. Turning now to Figure 2, an isometric view of the portable computer 100 of Figure 1 is illustrated in a closed position and where the first embodiment of the keyboard 150 is shown in a stored position. Figure 2 is presented primarily for the purpose of illustrating that the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170 collapse within the profile of the computer 100 when the keyboard 150 is in its stored position. The pointing device portion 182 similarly falls within the profile of the computer 100. Again, the latch 112 allows the user to release the first chassis portion 110 of the second chassis portion 120 for relative rotation therewith by means of the articulation structure. 142. Turning now to Figure 3, an isometric view of the portable computer 100 of Figure 1 is illustrated in the open position and where the first embodiment of the keyboard 150 is shown in a stored position. Figure 3 is presented primarily for the purpose of illustrating that the keyboard 150 remains fully accessible to the user and operative when the computer 100 is in the open position and the keyboard 150 is in the stored position. Although the plurality of keys of the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170 are not off axis to relieve the keyboard effort, they remain functional. In addition, the palm-rest breaks 184, 186 remain available to hold the user's wrists. The pointer device portion 182 remains accessible as well. Turning now to Figure 4, a plan view of the first embodiment of the keyboard 150 shown in the stored position is illustrated. The structures that underlie ** ^ "and allow the keyboard 150 to assume different positions are shown in broken lines .. Again, the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170, the link 180, the pointing device portion 182 (including the tracking pad 183 and the left and right hand buttons 185, 187), the palm rest 184, 186 (and associated loudspeakers) and the position lock structure As previously described, the portion of left hand keyboard 160 holds a plurality of keys 410. Similarly, right hand keyboard portion 170 holds a plurality of keys 420. The plurality of keys 410 are arranged in rows that are aligned with a left hand axis 430 which defines the orientation of the plurality of keys 410 of the left hand keyboard portion 160. Similarly, the plurality of keys 420 are arranged in rows that align with the right-hand axis 440 which defines the orientation of the plurality of keys 420 of the right-hand keyboard portion 170. As can be seen, as the keyboard 150 is in its stored position, the axes on the left and on the right 430, 440 are substantially parallel and thus aligned with each other. Figure 4 shows a pivot 411 which couples the left hand keyboard portion 160 to the underlying base plate 181 and a pivot 421 which couples the right hand keyboard portion 170 to the underlying base plate 181. The pivots 411, 421 "Provide a center of rotation for the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170; in a form to be illustrated, the various guides which confine the rotation of the left and right-hand keyboard portions 160, 170 and otherwise couple the left and right-hand keyboard portions 160, 170 to the plate underlying base 181 are constructed with reference to pivots 411, 421 and therefore have radii of curvature extending to their respective pivots 411, 421. A return spring 450 is shown coupled between base plate 181 and a surface underlying the left hand keyboard portion 160. In the first embodiment of the keyboard 150, the return spring preferably comprises a length of resilient metal material forming a cantilever arm. As the keyboard 150 is shown in the stored position, the return spring 450 is shown as being? relatively straight and therefore relatively stress-free, with little or no force exerted therethrough on the left hand keyboard portion 160. A protrusion 460 is shown extending upward from the base plate and linking through a slit arched 461 on the underlying surface of the left-hand keyboard portion 160. The protrusion 460 and the slit 461 cooperate to confine the rotation of the left-hand keyboard portion to a desired number of degrees (in the illustrated embodiment , around 10 °). The protrusion 460 and the slit 461 also prevent the left-hand keyboard portion from vertically separating from the base plate 181, thereby counteracting a tendency for the left-hand keyboard portion 160 to buckle when a user presses on it. palm rest 184. Correspondingly, a protrusion 470 is shown extending upwardly of the base plate and linking through a corresponding arched slit 471 in the underlying surface of the right hand keyboard portion 170. The protrusion 470 and the slit 471 cooperate to confine rotation to the right-hand keyboard portion to a desired number of degrees (about 10 °, preferably to correspond to the confinement of the left-hand keyboard portion 160). The protrusion 470 and the slit 471 also prevent the right hand keyboard portion 170 from vertically separating from the base plate 181, thereby counteracting a tendency for the right hand keyboard portion 170 to buckle when a user presses on Rest for the palms 186. In practice, it has been found that the slits 461, 471 and other slits used in the various embodiments of the keyboard 150 of the present invention may exhibit frictional resistance to the movement of any protrusions to its through. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to line the slit (s) with plastic or other material of low coefficient of friction to reduce the strength and thereby soften the operation of the keyboard 150. The link 180, as previously described, couples the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170 to ensure they turn in tandem. In the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the link 180 comprises a protrusion 480 fixed to the right hand keyboard portion 170 and confined within an arched groove 482 formed within a member (not separately referred) fixed to the left hand keyboard portion 160. By rotating the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170 between the stored and unfolded positions, the protrusion 480 passes through the slit 482. The slit 482 defines the movement of the protrusion 480 and therefore the rotation of the right-hand keyboard portion 170 fixes thereto. The position closure structure 180 comprises a $ plurality of stops (shown but not separately referenced) formed on the underlying surface of the left hand keyboard portion 160 and a corresponding follower (also not referenced) formed on the underlying base plate 181. By rotating the keyboard portion to left hand 160 between the stored and unfolded positions, the tracker traverses the stops. The force required to remove the follower from a particular stop preferably exceeds the force of the spring exerted by the return spring 450. Thus, the position lock structure 180 allows the user to close the keypad 150 at a given position (since be the positions stored or fully deployed or any of several intermediate positions given). Turning now to Figure 5, a plan view of the keyboard 150 of Figure 4 shown in the deployed position is illustrated. Figure 5 shows how the protuberances 460,? 470, 480 pass through their corresponding arched grooves 461, 471, 481. In addition, Figure 5 shows how the left and right hand axes 430, 440 are misaligned to effect the ergonomic presentation of the key plurals 410, 420 to the user. Assuming that the displacement of the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170 is limited to 10 ° clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, the total misalignment of the axes on the left and on the right 430, 440 is therefore 20 °. Of course, other degrees of misalignment are within the broad scope of the present invention. Finally, figure 5 delineates more clearly the division of the keyboard keys between the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170. In a conventional type QWERTY roof, and more specifically a conventional IBM PC AT 101-key type keyboard , the dividing line is illustrated as being the following: between the "F7" and "F8" keys in the upper row, between the "6" and "7" keys in the second row from above, between the "T" and "And" in the third row from above, between the "G" and "H" keys in the fourth row from above, and between the "B" and "N" keys in the fifth row from above. As can be easily seen, the spar is divided into left and right portions. This represents a conventional division of keys and is evident in * more conventional ergonomic keyboards for desktop computers. Of course, other divisions of the keys of the keyboard are within the broad scope of the present invention. Turning now to Figure 6, a plan view of a second embodiment of the keyboard 150 is shown having a slidable portion of pointing device 182 and shown in the stored position. The second embodiment differs mainly from the first by its introduction of a sliding portion of pointing device 182. In other aspects, the second embodiment of the keyboard 150 is similar to the first. Consequently, similar components will not be described again. An elongated protrusion 630 protruding from an underlying surface of the pointing device portion 182 slidably engages the pointing device portion 182 with a straight slot 640 in the underlying base plate 181. The protrusion 630 is elongated to prevent substantial rotation of the pointing device portion 182 relative to the base plate 181. An elongated plate structure 600 extends upward, as shown, from the pointing device portion 182 to the link 180, where the elongated plate structure 600 is coupled to a extension plate 611 extending from the left hand keyboard portion 160 by an articulation pin 610 for rotation relative thereto. The elongate plate structure 600 is further coupled to the right hand keyboard portion 170 by a protrusion 620 that resides within an arched groove 621 formed in an extension plate (not referenced) fixed to the right hand keyboard portion 170 It is evident that, by rotating clockwise the left hand keyboard portion 160, the extension plate 611 moves, forcing down the elongate plate structure 600, as shown (the elongated plate structure 600 includes a articulation 612 to accommodate any lateral movement caused by the rotation of the extension plate 611). This causes the pointing device portion 182 to extend towards the user and away from the rest of the keyboard 150. As the elongated plate 600 moves down, the protrusion 620 traverses the slot 621, forcing the right hand keyboard portion 170 to a rotation in the counterclockwise direction. This combined action moves the keyboard 150 to the deployed position. Turning now to Figure 7, a plan view of the keyboard 150 of Figure 6 shown in the deployed position is illustrated. As can be seen, the elongate protrusion 630 has fully traversed the straight slit 640, fully extending the pointing device portion 182 for use. Turning now to Fig. 8, a plan view of a third embodiment of the keyboard 150 is shown having a fixed portion of pointing device 182 and a modified return spring structure and shown in the stored position. In the previously described embodiments, the spring force of the return spring 450 and the closing force of the position closure structure 188 are preferably balanced to allow the keyboard 150 to be moved between the stored and unfolded positions without requiring of substantial effort on the user's account to unfold the keyboard 150 or to lash the keyboard 150 to close it. Figure 8 shows a third alternative embodiment which, in some applications, provides a smoother movement for the keyboard 150. As with the second embodiment, only those components that differ from those already described will be described in detail. First, Figure 8 shows a plurality of protrusions 810, 820 extending from the underlying surface of the left hand keyboard portion 160 and residing within arched slots.

E "811, 821 corresponding to the underlying base plate 181. The protuberances 810, 820 and the slits 811, 821 cooperate as before to limit the rotation of the left hand keyboard portion 160 and to prevent the keyboard portion from left hand 160 is separated from the underlying base plate 181 (or buckling under pressure applied to the palm rest 184) Similarly, figure 8 shows a plurality of protuberances 830, 840 extending from the surface underlying the right hand keyboard portion 170 and residing within arcuate grooves 831, 841 correspond to the underlying base plate 181. Again, the protuberances 830, 840 and the slits 831, 841 cooperate to limit the rotation of the right hand keyboard portion 170 and to prevent the right hand keyboard portion 170 from separating from the underlying base plate 181 (or buckling under pressure applied to the palm rest). as hands 186). The left and right hand torsion return springs 870, 880 replace the cantilever arm torsion return spring 450 of the previous embodiments. The first ends 871, 881 of the left-hand and right-hand torsion return springs 870, 880 are coupled to the underlying base plate 181. The second ends 872, 882 of the torsion return springs on the left and on the right hand side 870, 880 are coupled to the underlying surfaces of the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170, respectively. As the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170 are rotated toward the deployed position, the first ends 871, 881 and the second ends 872, 882 of the left and right hand torsional return springs 870, 880 they move with each other, compressing the torsion return springs to the left and to the right 870, 880 and providing a resistance against further deployment. It is evident in Figure 8 that the left and right hand torsion return springs 870, 880 are not fixed in their respective centers. Therefore, the left and right hand torsion return springs 870, 880 exert a variable spring force as the left and right hand keyboard portions are rotated. This variable spring force can be balanced to allow deployment and storage forces to be approximately equal. A protrusion 850 and an arched groove 851 form the linkage, engaging the keyboard portions by hand * left and right 160, 170 together for coordinated rotation. The position lock structure 188 differs from that previously illustrated in that it comprises a closure plate 860 attached to the underlying base plate 181 by a pivot 862. The closure plate 860 has a serrated edge 864 containing a plurality of stops on which travels a pin 866. The pin 866 is attached to the left hand keyboard portion 160. A spring 869 biases the closure plate toward rotation in the counterclockwise direction, keeping the serrated edge 864 against the pin 866. A button portion 868 of the closure plate 860 allows a user to overcome the spring force presented by the spring 869. By moving the button portion 868 to the right, as shown, the user can disassociate the serrated edge 864. of the pin 866. The keyboard 150 is therefore released for storage or deployment, as desired. The button portion 868 may be accessible to a user for direct drive by it and, additionally, may be placed for automatic actuation (such as by the first chassis portion 110 of Figure 1, allowing the keyboard 150 to be automatically stored upon rotation the computer 100 of Figure 1 to its closed position). The position lock structure 188 provides a horizontal zipper. A horizontal zipper is, in many applications, superior to a vertical zipper, since the left and right hand keyboard portions 160, 170 are not forced out of their plane of rotation when rotated. By keeping the keyboard portions left and right hand 160, 170 in their plane of rotation, the overall stability of the keyboard 150 is improved. Furthermore, the position lock structure 188 is designed to present a zipper force 'which it is increased when the keyboard 150 is deployed. The left and right hand torsional return springs 870, 880 have a return force that decreases when the 150 keyboard is deployed. When combined, the zippers and the return forces with the greater preference provide a relatively constant force. Turning now to Fig. 9, a plan view of the keyboard 150 of Fig. 8 shown in the unfolded position is illustrated. Figure 9 is presented mainly in order to show the relative change of position of the protrusions 810, 820, 830, 840, 850 with respect to their corresponding arched grooves 811, 821, 831, 841, 851, assuming the keyboard 150 its deployed position. Turning now to Figure 10, a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the keyboard 150 having a modified link 180 and shown in the deployed position is illustrated. The pointing device portion, although fixed, is not illustrated in FIG. 10 to simplify the sketch of the keyboard 150. The modified link 180 removes a separate extension plate from the left hand keyboard portion 160 and is accomplished by providing a protrusion 910 protruding from the underlying surface of the right-hand keyboard portion 170 for engagement with a corresponding arcuate slit 911 in the base plate 181. Note again that all the arched slots 811, 821, 831, 841, 911 have radii of curvature extending to their respective pivots 411, 421. From the foregoing description, it is evident that the present invention provides an ergonomic keyboard for a portable computer having a chassis, and methods of operation and manufacture for the same. The keyboard includes: (1) a first keyboard portion pivotally coupled to a first place in the chassis for rotation relative thereto, the first keyboard portion holding a first plurality of keys aligned along a first axis, (2) ) a second keyboard portion pivotally coupled to a second location in the chassis for rotation relative thereto, the second keyboard portion holding a second plurality of keys aligned along a second axis, and (3) a coupling link the first and second keyboard portions for rotating the second keyboard portion as a function of the rotation of the first keyboard portion, the keyboard thereby being movable between an unfolded position where the first and second axes are misaligned to effect a presentation ergonomics of the pluralities of first and second keys to a user, and a stored position where the first and second keyboard portions are are inside a chassis profile. Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, those skilled in the art should understand that they can make various changes, substitutions and alterations in the present, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS 1. A portable computer, comprising: a first chassis portion hingedly coupled to a second chassis portion to allow relative rotation between a closed position where said first and second chassis portions substantially cover one another to house its interior surfaces , and an open position where the first chassis portion is rotated away from said second chassis portion to expose said interior surfaces; a monitor screen, associated with said first chassis portion; data processing and storage circuits contained within said second chassis portion and coupled to said monitor screen via a cable located near an articulation structure that couples said first and second chassis portions; and a keyboard coupled to said second chassis portion and said data processing and storage circuits and including: a first keyboard portion pivotally coupled to a first location in said second chassis portion for relative rotation therewith, said first portion of keyboard holding a first plurality of keys aligned along a first axis, and a second keyboard portion pivotally coupled to a second location in said chassis for relative rotation therewith, said second keyboard portion holding a second plurality of aligned keys along a second axis, said keyboard movable between an unfolded position where said first and second axes are misaligned to effect an ergonomic presentation of said pluralities of first and second keys to a user, and a stored position where said key portions first and second are within a profile of said chassis, said keyboard presenting an arrangement
2. Conventional 3W of said pluralities of first and second keys to a user in said stored position 2. The portable computer defined in claim 1, wherein said first place is spatially separated from said second place
3. 3. The portable computer defined in FIG. claim 1, further comprising a position closure structure for maintaining a selected orientation of said first and second keyboard portions
4. 4. The portable computer defined in claim 1, wherein said chassis and said first and second keyboard portions contain a plurality of protuberances and a plurality of corresponding slits, said protuberances being engageable with said slits to guide said first and second keyboard portions when said keyboard moves between said deployed and stored positions.
5. 5. The portable computer defined in claim 1, wherein said first and second axes are substantially parallel when said keyboard is in said stored position. The portable computer defined in claim 1, further comprising a tracking pad having a periphery at least partially curvilinear and coupled to said chassis. The portable computer defined in claim 1, wherein said chassis and said keyboard portions first % and second contain a plurality of protuberances and a plurality of corresponding slits, said protrusions being engageable within said slits to prevent said first and second keyboard portions from buckling. The portable computer defined in claim 1, further comprising a baseplate, said first and second keyboard portions coupled to said baseplate, said chassis and said first and second keyboard portions. * containing a plurality of protuberances and a plurality of corresponding slits, said protuberances being engageable within said slits to prevent said first and second keyboard portions from separating from said base plate. A method of manufacturing a keyboard for a portable computer having a chassis, comprising the steps of: pivotally coupling a first keyboard portion with a first place in said chassis for relative rotation with * relation to it, said first keyboard portion holding a first plurality of keys aligned along a first axis; and pivotally coupling a second keyboard portion with a second location in said chassis for rotation relative thereto, said second keyboard portion holding a second plurality of keys aligned along a second axis, said keyboard being movable between an unfolded position where said first and second axes are misaligned to effect an ergonomic presentation of said pluralities of first and second keys to a user, and a stored position where said first and second key portions are within a profile of said chassis, said keypad having a conventional arrangement of said pluralities of first and second keys to a user in said stored position. The method defined in claim 9, wherein said first place is spatially separated from said second place. The method defined in claim 9, further comprising the step of coupling a portion of pointing device to said chassis. The method defined in claim 9, further comprising the step of installing a position lock structure to maintain a selected orientation of said first and second keyboard portions. The method defined in claim 9, wherein said first and second axes are substantially parallel when said keyboard is in said stored position. The method defined in claim 9, further comprising the step of coupling a tracking pad having an at least partially curvilinear periphery to said chassis. A portable computer, comprising: a first chassis portion hingedly coupled to a second chassis portion to allow relative rotation between a closed position where said first and second chassis portions substantially cover each other to house its interior surfaces, and an open position where the first chassis portion is rotated away from said second chassis portion to expose said interior surfaces; a monitor screen, associated with said first chassis portion; data processing and storage circuits contained within said second chassis portion and coupled to said monitor screen via a cable located near an articulation structure that couples said first and second chassis portions; and a keyboard coupled to said second chassis portion and said data processing and storage circuits and including: a first keyboard portion pivotally coupled to a first location in said second chassis portion for rotation relative thereto, said first portion of keyboard holding a first plurality of keys aligned along a first axis, and a second keyboard portion pivotally coupled to a second location in said chassis for rotation relative thereto, said second keyboard portion holding a second plurality of keys aligned to the along a second axis, said keyboard movable between an unfolded position where said first and second axes are misaligned to effect an ergonomic presentation of said pluralities of first and second keys to a user, and a stored position where said first and second keyboard portions second are within a profile of said chassis, preserving the linear alignment of at least one row of said pluralities of first and second keys in said stored position. The portable computer defined in claim 15, wherein said first and second axes are substantially parallel when said keyboard is in said stored position. The portable computer defined in claim 16, further comprising a base plate, said first and second key portions coupled to said base plate, said chassis and said first and second key portions containing a plurality of protuberances and a plurality of corresponding slits, said protuberances being engageable within said slits to prevent said first and second keyboard portions from separating from said base plate.