US5933320A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer having a collapsible keyboard structure
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1996-12-20
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Granted: 1999-08-03
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Expires: 2016-12-20
Abstract
Abstract A notebook computer (10) including a keyboard (14) having gas or piston expandable keys (18) which may be placed in an expanded or compressed state. While in an expanded state, the keys (18) are approximately the size of the keys on a standard keyboard. While in a compressed state, the keys are essentially flat, allowing the keyboard to be folded upon itself. Accordingly, the keyboard (18) may be folded in a compressed state when the computer is not in use to reduce keyboard area, and unfolded and expanded to provide a full size keyboard when the computer is in use.
Inventors
- 👤 Satwinder Malhi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:26
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/0202; G06F3/0221; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1615; G06F1/1616; G06F1/1633; G06F1/1662; G06F1/1666; H; H01; H01H; H01H2223/00; H01H2223/046; H01H2223/052
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A computer, comprising: a processor; memory coupled to said processor; and a keyboard coupled to said processor comprising: a substrate; a plurality of inflatable keys disposed on said substrate, each key being able to assume an expanded or inflated state and a compressed or non-inflated state; a membrane layer beneath said plurality of keys, said membrane layer having a bump adjacent each key; a first printed wiring board beneath said membrane layer, said first printed wiring board having a contact adjacent each bump; a spaced layer beneath said first printed wiring board, said spaced layer having an opening adjacent each contact; a second printed wiring board beneath said spaced layer, said second wiring board having a contact adjacent each opening; and circuitry coupled to said keyboard for generating signals responsive to said keys being pressed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
A computer, comprising: a processor; memory coupled to said processor; and a keyboard coupled to said processor comprising: a substrate; a plurality of inflatable keys disposed on said substrate, each key being able to assume an expanded or inflated state and a compressed or non-inflated state; a membrane layer beneath said plurality of keys, said membrane layer having a bump adjacent each key; a first printed wiring board beneath said membrane layer, said first printed wiring board having a contact adjacent each bump; a spaced layer beneath said first printed wiring board, said spaced layer having an opening adjacent each contact; a second printed wiring board beneath said spaced layer, said second wiring board having a contact adjacent each opening; and circuitry coupled to said keyboard for generating signals responsive to said keys being pressed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The computer of claim 1, wherein said substrate comprises two substrate sections.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The computer of claim 2, wherein said substrate comprises a first section including keys to be operated by a right hand of a user and a second section including keys to be operated by a left hand of the user.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer of claim 1, wherein said keys has a top portion formed of a hard material and side surfaces formed of a flexible material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The computer of claim 4, wherein said flexible material is a polymer material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The computer of claim 5, wherein said flexible material is formed in the shape of a bellows.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer of claim 1, where a gas is used to inflate said inflatable keys.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer of claim 7, wherein each key has a valve through which said gas can pass into and out of said key.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
10 words
The computer of claim 7, wherein said gas is air.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The computer of claim 1, wherein a pumping mechanism is used to inflate and deflate each key.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer of claim 10, wherein said pumping mechanism comprises a solenoid selectively coupling a valve to one of a pump and a vent.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer of claim 11, further including a regulator coupling said pump to said keys.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-08-02 | 2003-02-01 | 2003-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-08-02 | 2007-02-01 | 2007-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-08-02 | 2011-02-01 | 2011-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |