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US5397189A
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Non-planar ergonomic keyboard
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1993-04-29
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Granted: 1995-03-14
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Expires: 2013-04-29
Abstract
Abstract A novel ergonomic keyboard provides improved user comfort while maintaining a configuration sufficiently close to conventional keyboards to minimize the need for retraining of experienced keyboard users. The novel keyboard is arcuate, with central keys situated closer to the user, and sloped in two directions, with keys sloping up toward the center and sloping up away from the user's position.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard F. Minogue
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:02
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/0202; G06F3/0219; B; B41; B41J; B41J5/00; B41J5/08; B41J5/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
An ergonomic keyboard comprising a continuous surface and further a frame or support, a plurality of keys mounted to said frame or support, said keys being arranged in a plurality of rows, each row comprised of two or more outer keys and one or more central keys and being of arcuate shape wherein the central keys of any row are situated closer to the user than are the outer keys of said row and wherein the central keys of any row are elevated above the level of the outer keys of said row, and wherein rows farther from the user are higher than rows closer to the user.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
An ergonomic keyboard comprising a continuous surface and further a frame or support, a plurality of keys mounted to said frame or support, said keys being arranged in a plurality of rows, each row comprised of two or more outer keys and one or more central keys and being of arcuate shape wherein the central keys of any row are situated closer to the user than are the outer keys of said row and wherein the central keys of any row are elevated above the level of the outer keys of said row, and wherein rows farther from the user are higher than rows closer to the user.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
An ergonomic keyboard according to claim 1 wherein the spacing between the centers of the key faces is achieved by minor variations in the dimensions of the keycaps.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An ergonomic keyboard according to claim 2 wherein the minor variation consists of reducing the width of each key faces by less than 1/16".
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
An ergonomic keyboard according to claim 1, further comprising a trackball.
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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) | 1998-03-13 | 1998-09-12 | 1999-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-03-13 | 2002-09-12 | 2003-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-03-13 | 2006-09-12 | 2007-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |