US4565460A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Convex key top configurations
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-03-05
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Granted: 1986-01-21
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Expires: 2004-03-05
Abstract
Abstract A keyface for increasing the speed and accuracy of an operator of any key-operated or touch-operated system is adapted to be attached in a keystem of a keyboard. The keyboard is equipped with a plurality of keystems arranged in a predetermined order, and each keystem has a contoured surface area which normally faces upwardly. The keyface is made up of a element which has an operative upper convex surface of a prearranged surface area, and an operative lower surface adapted to be attached to the contoured surface area of the keystem. The lower surface area defines an area substantially matching at least a portion of the contoured surface area of the keystem. The element is dimensioned so as to be free from interfering with a similar element attached to a neighboring keystem of the keyboard.
Inventors
- 👤 Alva C. Kline
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 19:02
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J5/00; B41J5/08; B41J5/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A keyface attachable to a keystem of a keyboard which includes a plurality of keystems arranged in a predetermined order, each keystem having a contoured surface area normally facing upwardly, comprising in combination an element which has an operative upper surface which is convex, has a substantially predetermined smallest radius of curvature, has a prearranged pimpled surface area which is formed with a plurality of projections in the range of about 500 to about 1000, each projection extending at a height from said uper surface which is substantially smaller than said smallest radius, and an operative lower surface attachable to said contoured surface area, and defining an area substantially matching at least a portion of said contoured surface area, said element being dimensioned so as to be free from interfering with a similar element of a neighbouring keystem of said keyboard.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A keyface attachable to a keystem of a keyboard which includes a plurality of keystems arranged in a predetermined order, each keystem having a contoured surface area normally facing upwardly, comprising in combination an element which has an operative upper surface which is convex, has a substantially predetermined smallest radius of curvature, has a prearranged pimpled surface area which is formed with a plurality of projections in the range of about 500 to about 1000, each projection extending at a height from said uper surface which is substantially smaller than said smallest radius, and an operative lower surface attachable to said contoured surface area, and defining an area substantially matching at least a portion of said contoured surface area, said element being dimensioned so as to be free from interfering with a similar element of a neighbouring keystem of said keyboard.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
134 words
A keyboard comprising in combination a plurality of keystems arranged in a predetermined order, wherein each keystem has a contoured surface area normally facing upwardly, and a plurality of elements, each element having an operative upper surface which is convex, and defining a prearranged surface area, and an operative lower surface area, said lower surface area of each element being attachable to the contoured surface area of a corresponding keystem, each element being dimensioned so as to be free from interfering with a similar element of a neighboring keystem of said keyboard, each keystem, as viewed in a top plan view, having a substantially triangular cross-section, and wherein an apex of one triangular keystem pointing inwardly towards an operator alternates with the apex of an adjoining triangular keystem pointing outwardly away from the operator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
134 words
A keyboard comprising in combination a plurality of keystems arranged in a predetermined order, wherein each keystem has a contoured surface area normally facing upwardly, and a plurality of elements, each element having an operative upper surface which is convex, and defining a prearranged surface area, and an operative lower surface area, said lower surface area of each element being attachable to the contoured surface area of a corresponding keystem, each element being dimensioned so as to be free from interfering with a similar element of a neighboring keystem of said keyboard, each keystem, as viewed in a top plan view, having a substantially triangular cross-section, and wherein an apex of one triangular keystem pointing inwardly towards an operator alternates with the apex of an adjoining triangular keystem pointing outwardly away from the operator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A keyface as claimed in claim 2, wherein said operative upper surface is substantially hemispherical.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A keyface as claimed in claim 2, wherein said operative upper surface conforms substantially to at least a portion of a hemispherical surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A keyface as claimed in claim 2, wherein said operative upper surface conforms to a portion of a paraboloid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A keyface as claimed in claim 2, wherein said operative upper surface conforms to a portion of an ellipsoid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A keyface as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said elements further includes an upwardly extending rim.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-01-20 | 1989-07-22 | 1990-01-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-01-20 | 1993-07-22 | 1994-01-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-01-20 | 1997-07-22 | 1998-01-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |