Ergonomic housing for a handheld device
Patent 6164853 Issued on December 26, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date: 
September 9, 2019. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
September 9, 2019. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References D413360 Cybernetic interface for a computer that uses a hand held chord keyboard Ergonomic thumb-actuable keyboard for a hand-grippable device Ambidextrous single hand chordic data management device Hand held control device Security system transmitter with opposed concave actuators Remote control with a thumbswitch for controlling equipment that handles video or audio signals Patent #: 5805256 InventorApplicationNo. 392250 filed on 09/09/1999US Classes:400/489, Key-board including keys grouped to facilitate positioning of typist's fingers400/88, POCKET TYPEWRITER400/472KEY-BOARD OR KEY LEVER-ACTUATING MECHANISMExaminersPrimary: Hilten, John S.Assistant: Nguyen, Anthony H. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassB41J 005/08AbstractAn ergonomic housing for a handheld device is provided. The device includes an ergonomic housing that is shaped to fit comfortably in the palm of a human hand, while simultaneously allowing fingered tactile operation of a set of key members on the face and lateral portions of the housing. The device is particularly useful for one-handed operation of portable devices utilizing a keypad where operation of such a device using two hands is not desirable. The position of keys on the housing facilitates minimal movement of both the fingers and thumb of the operator to operate the keys of the device. Such manipulation of keys may also be accomplished completely by touch, due to the uniquely shaped keys strategically placed in rows on the housing face within close proximity of the operator's natural finger positions and additional keys placed within close proximity of the operator's natural thumb position. An integral strap enables an operator to maintain control of the device without being forced to maintain a constant grip on the housing. The device may be used as, for example, a remote control, portable telephone, pager, or calculator.Other References
Field of SearchKey-board including keys grouped to facilitate positioning of typist's fingersKey-board arranged according to character location KEY-BOARD OR KEY LEVER-ACTUATING MECHANISM Including means generating a signal for type selecting or other typing function Key-board having multiple-character, multiple-movement keys Via electrical component (e.g., switch, stylus, etc.) in or with key-board FOR OPERATION BY HANDICAPPED USER POCKET TYPEWRITER Including keyboard or keypad For handicapped user Multiple switch KEYBOARDS Portable (i.e., handheld, calculator, remote controller) Including keyboard | |
