Adjustable ergonomic keyboard

摘要

An adjustable keyboard having a number of keys is formed in at least two segments which are mutually movable relative- to one another using a hinge or joint. Each of the segments of the keyboard has keys mounted thereon. 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 is in the form of a ball and socket-type joint with a locking mechanism, which preferably includes a pivoted handle, in the form of a lever, used for locking and unlocking the hinge or joint. 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 method of adjusting a keyboard having first and second segments coupled by a joint, the method comprising:
providing at least one of a (i) plurality of recesses and (ii) plurality of projections on a first surface of the joint to act as frictional surface features that engage a second joint surface and thereby restrict relative movement of the first and second segments; displacing the at least one of a (i) plurality of recesses and (ii) plurality of projections of the first surface relative to the second surface; and positioning the first and second segments in at least one of a tented and splayed position, the frictional surface features maintaining the position of the first and second keyboard segments in at least one of the tented and splayed position during typing on the keyboard.