Adjustable ergonomic keyboard

摘要

An adjustable keyboard having a number of keys (205) is formed in at least two segments (202, 203) which are mutually movable relative-to one another using a hinge or joint (206). Each of the segments (202, 203) of the keyboard has mounted thereon some of the keys (205). The adjustable nature of the keyboard reduces stress and discomfort to the user by reducing contortion to the user's wrists. More particularly, discomfort to the user caused by pronation of the wrists and/or ulnar deviation of the wrists is reduced. The hinge or joint (206) is in the form of a ball and socket-type joint with a locking mechanism, which preferably includes a pivoted handle (100), in the form of a lever, used for locking and unlocking the hinge or joint (206). The surface of at least one of the ball and socket of the joint define a plurality of recesses or a plurality of projections, to provide increased resistance to joint movement.

主权项

1. A keyboard comprising:
first and second keyboard segments each including on an upper surface thereof respective subsets of keys that together define a generally complete alphanumeric keyboard; and a joint coupling the keyboard segments and allowing the keyboard segments to pivot relative to one another, the joint having first and second joint surfaces, wherein at least one of the first and second joint surfaces includes a topological surface feature, and wherein the first and second joint surfaces are frictionally engageable with one another to thereby frictionally restrict the joint and fix the first and second keyboard segments in position relative to one another.