Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Disclosed is a folding keyboard of at least two sections, each having an opening therein which is open on the facing ends thereof, and a multilayer sheet for making the electrical connections upon actuation of the keys, the multilayer sheet having substantial stiffness in the flat, planar direction and limited flexibility perpendicular to the planar direction which allows bending about a curvature, the multilayer sheet being fixed in only one of the sections, whereby when the sections are in the open, unfolded position, the multilayer sheet is straightened into a flat, planar shape and registered with the keys of the other sections, and when in the closed, folded position is curved in the perpendicular, cylindrical direction between the sections and slid from the registered position in the other section towards the open facing end thereof. Additionally, the multilayer sheet is cut along any keys which protrude beyond the folding axis so as to allow the cylindrical curving thereof. Further, a coating is provided to assist in the slidability of the multilayer sheet.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim