Typewriting machines – Key-board or key lever-actuating mechanism
Patent
1997-12-12
2000-05-02
Hilten, John S.
Typewriting machines
Key-board or key lever-actuating mechanism
400490, B41J 508
Patent
active
060564563
ABSTRACT:
An expandable and retractable keyboard permits alteration of an overall size thereof by permitting relative sliding movement of keys mounted to a keyboard case. Switch groups each includes at least two key switches arranged along a longitudinal direction of a respective switch group. Bases of the key switches in each switch group are connected with an adjacent one, thereby maintaining the key switches in a given group in fixed spaced apart relation to one another. At least a portion of the switch groups are slidably mounted to the keyboard case to permit mounted movement thereof relative the keyboard case along a keyboard axis. The slidably mounted switch groups are disposed in positions laterally adjacent one another, thereby collectively forming at least a portion of a keyboard pattern. Slidable mounted movement of the switch groups relative one another effects a change in dimension of the keyboard pattern in a direction of the keyboard axis. A further feature permits adjustment of a key height by placement of a leaf spring below a key top, wherein sliding displacement of the key switches removes upward biasing on the key top permitting the height of the key top to be lowered in response to the slidable displacement.
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Hilten John S.
Nguyen Anthony H.
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