Global Patent Index - EP 1003188 A3

EP 1003188 A3 20010425 - Ergonomic computer keyboard

Title (en)

Ergonomic computer keyboard

Title (de)

Ergonomische Rechnertastatur

Title (fr)

Clavier d'ordinateur ergonomique

Publication

EP 1003188 A3 20010425 (EN)

Application

EP 99302414 A 19990329

Priority

US 19632698 A 19981119

Abstract (en)

[origin: EP1003188A2] A computer keyboard system 10 is illustrated having a keyboard array of keys 14 that are utilized for activating digital membrane keyswitches 32 for providing informational electrical signals to a computer. Each key 14 has an elastomeric dome 40 for resisting downward movement of a keytop 28, 50 from an un-depressed position to an actuation position and for returning the keytop 28, 50 to an un-depressed position when the actuation force is released. Each dome 40 has a collapsible side wall 44. The keys 14 are subdivided into groups 68, 70, 72, and 74 associated with the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger, respectively. The collapsible side walls 44 of the domes 40 associated with the little and ring fingers are thinner than the side walls 44 of the side walls associated with the index and middle fingers so that less force is required to actuate the keys in groups associated with the ring and little fingers than that required to actuate the keys in groups associated with the index and middle fingers. Additionally the forces required to actuate a group of peripheral and control keys is greater than thatrequired to actuate the alphabetical keys. <IMAGE>

IPC 1-7

H01H 13/70

IPC 8 full level

H01H 13/705 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP)

H01H 13/705 (2013.01); H01H 2215/006 (2013.01); H01H 2217/044 (2013.01); H01H 2227/034 (2013.01)

Citation (search report)

Designated contracting state (EPC)

AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

DOCDB simple family (publication)

EP 1003188 A2 20000524; EP 1003188 A3 20010425

DOCDB simple family (application)

EP 99302414 A 19990329