US5029260A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard having convex curved surface
Assignee: ROLLASON ENTERPRISE LLC
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Filing: 1990-03-19
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Granted: 1991-07-02
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Expires: 2010-03-19
Abstract
Abstract A lap top keyboard is provided having an outwardly curved center for user comfort and efficiency. The lap support on an underside of the keyboard is recessed, allowing the keyboard to extend downward to an outside of the user's thighs.
Inventors
- 👤 Samuel H. Rollason
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 10:11
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/0202; B; B41; B41J; B41J5/00; B41J5/08; B41J5/10; H; H01; H01H; H01H2217/00; H01H2217/028
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A keyboard comprising: (a) a base having first and second ends and a center portion curved upward between said ends to be positionable on a supporting structure during use of said keyboard; (b) a set of keys positioned on said upwardly curved center portion of said base to form an arch having a surface facing away from said supporting structure which is convex; and (c) a lap support connected to said base in a position to rest on said supporting structure during use of said keyboard, said lap support comprising first and second leg rests, inwardly curved relative to said base, said rests extending transverse to said outwardly curved portion of said base.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A keyboard comprising: (a) a base having first and second ends and a center portion curved upward between said ends to be positionable on a supporting structure during use of said keyboard; (b) a set of keys positioned on said upwardly curved center portion of said base to form an arch having a surface facing away from said supporting structure which is convex; and (c) a lap support connected to said base in a position to rest on said supporting structure during use of said keyboard, said lap support comprising first and second leg rests, inwardly curved relative to said base, said rests extending transverse to said outwardly curved portion of said base.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A keyboard according to claim 1 wherein said leg rests are curved inward towards said curved center portion of said base to a depth greater than a chord defined by said first and second ends of said base.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
121 words
A keyboard comprising: (a) a base having first and second ends and a center portion curved upward between said ends to be positionable on a supporting structure during use of said keyboard; (b) a set of keys positioned on said upwardly curved center portion of said base to form an arch having a surface facing away from said supporting structure which is convex; and (c) a lap support connected to said base in a position to rest on said supporting structure during use of said keyboard, said lap support comprising a pad which is deformable inward towards said curved center portion of said base to a depth greater than a chord defined by said first and second ends of said base.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
121 words
A keyboard comprising: (a) a base having first and second ends and a center portion curved upward between said ends to be positionable on a supporting structure during use of said keyboard; (b) a set of keys positioned on said upwardly curved center portion of said base to form an arch having a surface facing away from said supporting structure which is convex; and (c) a lap support connected to said base in a position to rest on said supporting structure during use of said keyboard, said lap support comprising a pad which is deformable inward towards said curved center portion of said base to a depth greater than a chord defined by said first and second ends of said base.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
A keyboard according to claim 2 wherein said base further comprises a flat portion between said outwardly curved portion and one of said ends of said base, said flat portion being substantially co-planar with said ends, and a second set of keys positioned on said flat portion of said base.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
A keyboard according to claim 3 wherein said base further comprises a flat portion between said outwardly curved portion and one of said ends of said base, said flat portion being substantially co-planar with said ends, and a second set of keys positioned on said flat portion of said base.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A keyboard according to claim 2 wherein said center portion defines an arch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A keyboard according to claim 3 wherein said center portion defines an arch.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4560845A
Cited
US4804828A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-07-01 | 1994-12-31 | 1995-07-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-07-01 | 1998-12-31 | 1999-07-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-07-01 | 2002-12-31 | 2003-07-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |