DE20007828U1 - Multi-part, individually adaptable computer keyboard - Google Patents

Description

Description :

Multi-part, individually customizable computer keyboard

Devices for entering data into a data processing system of the usual design have a keypad with letter, character, number and function keys. In simpler cases they are essentially housed in a single housing.

According to the state of the art, ergonomically designed keyboards and multi-part keyboards are also known:

DE Ul Utility Model PN 29621769 DE Ul Utility Model PN 29802646 DE Al Disclosure PN 4408330 United States Patent US 00D370476S
United States Patent US 00D386172S

Copies of the above documents are attached.

The invention specified in the claims is based on the problem of creating a keyboard that can be adapted to the individual needs of the user.

Monika Raible

For example, the existing keyboards cannot be used by left-handed people without the user being restricted in their natural movement and forced to think differently. Someone who enters data consisting of numbers must constantly use their right hand to enter data. Input that places equal strain on both hands is not possible because the keypad is either fixed to the right side of the keyboard or can only be operated with the right or left hand.

This problem is solved by the features listed in the claims.

The multi-part keyboard consists of different housing parts:

The state-of-the-art device for data input consisting of a keypad with letter, number, character and function keys (part 1). These keys can be housed in different parts of the housing.

A housing part also known according to the state of the art, which accommodates numeric keypads, i.e. number and possibly character and function keys ( Part 2 ) and additionally

another housing part with numeric keypads, i.e. number, character and possibly function keys, these can also be mirrored or arranged differently according to the needs of the user ( Part 3 )

Monika Raible

A keyboard can now be put together individually according to the needs of the user. It can consist of:

• Part 1 known through the state of the art

• Parts 1 and 2 known from the state of the art

• Part 1 and 3

• Part 1,2 and 3

• Part 2 and 3

• Part 3

The invention enables the user to adapt his keyboard to his individual needs, for example: keyboard part 1 consisting of several parts mirrored for left-handed people with part 3 on the left, part 1 with parts 2 and 3 for entering number sequences with both hands, etc.

This can prevent incorrect strain on the user’s hands and the associated premature fatigue at work.

An embodiment of the invention is explained with reference to Figure 1; however, the invention can also be implemented differently.

It shows a keyboard consisting of parts 1, 2 and 3.

As already described in the claims, the numeric keypad is housed in a separate housing part.

Monika Raible

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Parts 2 and 3 can, for example, be snapped into corresponding recesses on part 1 by means of protruding "noses" on the housings of parts 2 and 3 and thus connected to it.

For design reasons, the rigid, rectangular shape can be dispensed with; additional end pieces can also be attached for purely optical purposes, which are also locked in place using "noses", so that the entire key station presents a uniform image.

The technical basis is the technology used in already known multi-part keyboards.

One solution for transferring data to the computer is to forward the data recorded on keyboard part 2 or 3 via a connection to part 1 and then forward it to the computer together with the data recorded on part 1. This seems to be a good idea, as it only uses the existing port on the computer.

However, a direct connection of each part to the computer is also possible. However, this would require one or more ports on the computer, which are not provided on the devices currently available.

Monika Raible

Claims (2)

1. Device for entering data into a data processing system or the like, consisting of a keypad with letter, number, character and function keys and a numeric keypad. The numeric keypad with number and possibly some character and function keys is housed in a separate housing part. (Part 1 and 2 )
The device is characterized in that an additional numeric keypad is added to the keyboard. The additional numeric keypad is also provided with number and, if necessary, character and function keys and is housed in a separate housing part. (Part 3 ).
A keyboard can now be put together individually according to the needs of the user. It can consist of: - Part 1 known through the state of the art - Parts 1 and 2 known through the state of the art - Part 1 and 3 - Part 1 , 2 and 3 - Part 2 and 3 - Part 3 2. Device for entering data according to claim 1, characterized in that a further numeric keypad is added to the keyboard. The further numeric keypad is also provided with number keys and, if necessary, character and function keys and is housed in a separate housing part. However, the keys are mirror-imaged or arranged differently to suit the needs of the user than in claim 1 (part 3 ).
A keyboard can now be put together individually according to the needs of the user. It can consist of: - Part 1 known through the state of the art - Parts 1 and 2 known through the state of the art - Part 1 and 3 - Part 1 , 2 and 3 - Part 2 and 3 - Part 3