GB2386347A

GB2386347A - Flexible foldable keyboard having mobile telephone support and interface with securing band

Info

Publication number: GB2386347A
Application number: GB0205717A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Chapman; Timothy Charles And Fitzgerald
Original assignee: Eleksen Ltd
Current assignee: Eleksen Ltd
Priority date: 2002-03-12
Filing date: 2002-03-12
Publication date: 2003-09-17
Also published as: GB0205717D0

Abstract

A foldable, flexible detecting apparatus (101) configurable between an unfolded operational configuration and a folded closed configuration, having keyboard operational area (903) configured to respond to a manual interaction and an adjacent band area (901) onto which a securing band (902) is attached. The securing band (902) is configured to maintain the apparatus (101) folded in the closed configuration. The apparatus (101) further comprises restraining means (1101, 1102, 1103, 1104) configured to restrain movement of the securing band (902) when the apparatus (101) is in the operational configuration. A mobile telephone supporting means (103-Fig 7) is provided. The support means folds flat when not in use. The support means provides both mechanical support and electrical connection for the mobile telephone.

Description

Foldable Detecting Apparatus Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a flexible folding detecting apparatus configured to be folded to facilitate transportation.

2. Description of the Related Art

A flexible folding keyboard constructed from textile fabrics is disclosed 10 in international patent publication WO 01/75572 the contents of which are included herein by reference. A keyboard of this type is also described in co pending United States patent application number 09/980236 the contents of which are also included herein by reference. In this known arrangement, the keyboard is configured to operate with a hand held portable computer. In use, the keyboard is unfolded and the hand held computer is supported by a stand. When not in use, the hand held device is folded on top of the keyboard and the keyboard is then wrapped around the device. In this way, the keyboard also provides a protective cover for the hand held computer.

When the keyboard is wrapped around the hand held device, a band so is provided to hold the arrangement in place. The positioning of this band is something of a compromise in that, ideally, it should allow easy attachment to the keyboard when in its folded configuration but should not be obtrusive when the keyboard is in its unfolded configuration.

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Brief Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible foldable detecting apparatus configured to be folded to facilitate transportation, comprising an operational area arranged to respond to 5 manual interaction when placed in an open configuration; and an elastomeric securing band arranged to hold the apparatus closed when placed in a closed configuration, wherein said band is attached to the apparatus at one side of the operational area at its ends such as to be placed around the outer surface of the apparatus when placed in its closed configuration; and 10 restraining means to restrain movement of said band when the apparatus is placed in its open configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, the manually operable keyboard is connectable to a mobile telephone.

Preferably the apparatus includes a key-defining flexible plane; an interface device; and a telephone support means, wherein said telephone support means is arranged to unfold from said flexible plane so as to present a phone supporting configuration for a mobile telephone and, after removing a secured mobile telephone, said support means is arranged to fold onto said key-defining surface into a storage configuration, thereby allowing said key zo defining surface to be wrapped around said folded telephone support means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a flexible foldable detecting apparatus configured to be folded for transportation, comprising the steps of dislodging a band from the apparatus when said apparatus is held in a folded configuration;

unfolding the apparatus to present an operational area and a band area for supporting said band; and positioning said band over restraining means so as to restrain movement of said band when said apparatus is in use.

Preferably, the foldable detecting apparatus is a flexible keyboard and 5 the method includes the step of interfacing a mobile telephone to said flexible keyboard. Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a flexible folded keyboard, with a support device; to Figure 2 shows the unfolding of said support device; Figure 3 shows the support device in its unfolded configuration; Figure 4 shows the support device supporting a mobile telephone; Figure 5 illustrates the removal of the telephone from the support device; 5 Figure 6 shows the wrapping of the keyboard around the support device; Figure 7 shows the further wrapping of the keyboard around the support device; Figure 8 details the construction of the support device; go Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment including a securing band; Figure 10 shows the keyboard of Figure 9 in a fully closed configuration; Figure 11 shows a view looking in the direction of arrow III, as shown in Figure 11;

Figure 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment with alternative fastening. Written Description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

5 Figure 1 A flexible folded keyboard 101 is shown in Figure 1. The keyboard has a key-defining flexible plane 102 on which key positions are slightly raised and have text printed thereon. Alternatively, the keys could be left flat without being raised up from the flat plane of the keyboard. The to apparatus also includes a telephone support device 103, for receiving a mobile cellular telephone of a type capable of transmitting text data by wireless means. This includes data transmissions in accordance with the GSM standard and text messages sent using the small message services (SMS) provision of GSM. Furthermore, larger documents may be supplied using GPRS standards, including muiti- messaginy services (MMS).

Furthermore, mobile telephones are becoming available that have additional functionality such as that provided personal digital assistance (PDA's). Thus, in accordance with these platforms, running independent applications, it is possible to generate e-mails and text documents that 20 could then be transmitted over the telephony connection for reception by colleagues or associates using similar platforms or for dissemination within a network environment for further application on, for example, officer personal computers.

Mobile telephones includes electrical connectors to facilitate the

transmission of data with external devices and the foldable keyboard apparatus is provided with a interface device configured to connect with the electrical connectors of a mobile telephone. In addition, the device may also be provided with means for recharging the mobile telephone while 5 positioned within the support device 103 when the support device 103 is arranged in a supporting configuration. The device may also include an electrical storage battery which may be recharged from an external power supply. Consequently, it is possible for an internal battery for the keyboard device to be recharged in parallel with a telephone recharging operation.

Figure 2 In response to manual operation, as illustrated in Figure 2, the support device 103 is arranged to unfold, as shown generally by arrow 201, from the flexible keyboard plane 102 such that, when completely unfolded, 15 the telephone support device presents a phone supporting configuration, as illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 3 When completely unfolded into it's phone supporting configuration, 20 the phone support device 103 defines a front supporting element 301 and a rear supporting element 302. In addition, the phone supporting device includes a base connecting sub-assembly 303 and an extension arm 304.

The base connecting sub-assembly 303 provides physical connection to the key-deflning flexible plane 102 and also provides support for the base of

the telephone. In addition, the base connecting section 303 also protects electrical connections between the key-defining flexible plane 102 and the electrical interface to the mobile telephone.

The rear supporting element 302 consists of two substantially vertical elements connected by a horizontal element 304. A mobile telephone is inserted into the support device and held between the front supporting element 301 and a rear element 304. The space between elements 301 and 304 is such that a mobile telephone can only be inserted when the supporting apparatus if fully erect. This ensures that the phone is to inserted in a preferred orientation so as to ensure that the connection between electrical connectors of the support device and electrical connectors of the mobile phone meet in a preferred orientation thereby ensuring that no damage is introduced to the connectors of either party. It is also preferable for the supporting device to be relatively thin when in its folded configuration so as to minimise the overall size of the device when the keyboard is wrapped. However, when in its open configuration, the aperture presented for receiving the telephone must be sufficient to connect with the full depth of the telephone.

20 Figure 4 In use, a cellular mobile telephone 401 is located between the front supporting element 301 and the rear supporting element 302. Operation of the keyboard occurs substantially as described in international patent application WO 00/72239, assigned to the present assignee, the contents

of which are incorporated herein by reference. The contents of United States pending patent application number 09/744,155 are also incorporated herein by reference.

In summary, the defining flexible plane 102 includes a plurality of

electrically conducting fabrics such that by establishing potential gradients across said fabrics, it is possible to identify the location of a mechanical interaction. Electrical power for the provision of this functionality is derived from the storage batteries of the mobile telephone. Processing devices attached to the base connecting subassembly 303 are configured to 10 identify key press locations and interaction extent by voltage and current measurement. This information is conveyed to the mobile telephone whereupon program instructions held within the mobile telephone are configured to convert these positions and extent values into key press locations. In this way, it is possible for text data to be supplied to the mobile telephone via the flexible keyboard 102 in preference to using the key pad 402 of the mobile telephone 401. However, given that the mobile telephone 301 is supported firmly between the front supporting element 301 and the rear supporting element 302, it is possible for keys of keypad 402 on the mobile telephone to be used by a user in a one handed manner given that go the phone support device 103 holds the telephone in place and maintains its connection to the interface device. In addition, the underside of the key defining flexible plane 102 includes rubber-like material (a silicone rubber edge for example or similar) so as to resist slipping over a table or similar support when force is applied in the direction of the telephone keys as

distinct from the keyboard keys.

The rigid construction of the telephone support device 103 is facilitated because it is only desirable to have the telephone connected to the interface device when the foldable keyboard apparatus is unfolded into its supporting configuration as shown in Figure 4. The flexible foldable nature of the keyboard provides portability such that, when folded, the keyboard may be stored easily in a handbag or pocket etc. After use has been made of the keyboard apparatus, the mobile telephone 401 is removed by the application of a longitudinal force. The 10 mobile telephone may then be returned to a pocket or alternative storage location for continued use in its primary role, that is to say, for voice communication. As previously stated, the flexible keyboard, when folded, may be stored in another pocket and reconnection may be established, as described previously with reference to Figures 1 to 4, should additional text messaging be required. Thus, for example, a user may be prompted to assemble the device as previously described and generate text data in response to receiving a text message. A user therefore has significant benefits in that the flexible foldable keyboard detracts very little from the portability of the apparatus but, when connected, provides significant no enhanced functionality given that the user now has access to a substantially full sized fully functional keyboard.

An alternative embodiment to using a fabric keyboard is described in international patent publication WO 01/75572, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. A similar disclosure is also included in co

pending United States patent application number 09/980,236, the contents of which is also included herein by reference. In the alternative embodiment, the keyboard is a membrane keyboard having an uppermost layer of silicone rubber. This silicone rubber layer is laminated on its upper 5 surface with a durable fabric layer onto which graphical icons and alpha numerics are printed. Alternatively, the uppermost layer is laminated with a durable flexible plastic film, such as a film of polyester or polyvinylchloride, onto which the graphics etc have been printed.

The alternative membrane keyboard includes a first electrically 10 conductive membrane film and a second electrically conductive membrane film. In addition, a spacing membrane layer is positioned between the first electrically conductive membrane layer and the second electrically conductive membrane layer.

The first electrically conductive membrane layer is a film of MYLAR ATE (polyethylene terephthalate. Electrodes are printed onto the underside of the film thereby forming a conductivity channel for the first electrically conductive membrane. The electrodes are connected to an interface circuit that supplies voltages to these electrodes via conductive tracks. Each electrode is specifically aligned so as to correspond with a key registration 20 device on the outermost layer.

The second electrically conductive membrane layer is also composed of a MYLAR membrane having electrodes printed thereon. Each of the electrodes printed onto the upper surface layer is aligned with a corresponding electrode on the co-operating layer and a corresponding key

registration device on the outermost layer.

A separator layer is provided in the form of a non-conductive membrane sheet of MYLAR with holes located to coincide with the positions of the co-operating electrodes. The separator layer prevents electrical contact occurring between the electrodes of the layers unless a mechanical interaction has occurred by the pressing of a specific key.

Alternatively, the membrane layers may be made of alternative plastics materials. lo Figure 5 After removing the mobile telephone from the support device, as previously described, the support device in 103 is arranged to fold onto the key-defining surface 102, as shown in Figure 5. Thus, having removed the mobile telephone, manual force is applied substantially in the direction of arrow 501 in order to effect the folding of the support device onto the plane of the flexible keyboard 102. When in its folded configuration, the support device should add relatively little depth so as to minimise the size of the keyboard apparatus when wrapped. Typically, the thickness of the support device should be less than the thickness of a typical mobile telephone.

no However, when in its unfolded configuration, the support device should provide an opening that allows the mobile telephone to be received. The opening should be of a sufficient size only when the support device is fully open. In this way, the mobile telephone is guided into position so as to ensure satisfactory connection between the respective electrical connectors

of the support device and the mobile telephone. This ensures that errorfree data communication takes place and also ensures that the electrical connectors of the mobile telephone are not damaged.

5 Figure 6 Having fully folded the telephone support device into the storage configuration for the device, the flexible keyboard is now wrapped around the folded support device in order to facilitate subsequent storage. This folding process is initiated by folding a first side of the keyboard 601 onto 10 the telephone support device.

Figure 7 Having made a first fold of the flexible keyboard as illustrated in Figure 6, the opposing keyboard side 701 is folded over the first previously folded side so as to provide a relatively compact package, as shown in Figure 7, that is easily stored in a pocket, handbag or similar device.

In its folded configuration, the flexible keyboard effectively provides a wallet for the support device for the mobile telephone. Consequently, this functionality could be extended to provide storage for other often 20 transported items such as credit cards, business cards, currency, door keys, passes, driving licences and so on. Thus, this functionality could be facilitated by the provision of additional pockets within the foldable flexible keyboard apparatus within the support device itself.

Figure 8 A telephone support device 103 is detailed in exploded view in Figure 8. Front supporting element 301 is connected to rear supporting element 302 by hinge pins 801 and 802. Similar pins 803 and 804 connect the extension arm 304 to the rear supporting element 302. The base connecting sub-assembly 303 consists of a sensor tail housing 805, a PCB cover 806 and a key mat clamp 807. PCB cover 806 covers a printed circuit board 808.

A keyboard designed for use with mobile telephony equipment may have slightly different configurations to keyboards used for other equipment, such as personal digital organisers. In particular, many mobile telephones do not include touch screens or similar devices and navigation between menus is achieved using specific navigation keys present within the mobile telephone itself. Consequently, in such circumstances, it is desirable to nave similar navigation keys provided on the ',exib'e keyboard.

Figure 9 In an alternative embodiment, the keyboard is provided with an additional section 901 onto which a securing band 902 is permanently attached. The securing band is attached to the apparatus at one side of an operational area 903. On its upper surface the band includes a stiff polymer insert 904.

When the keyboard, or other flexible foldable detecting apparatus, is placed in its closed configuration, to facilitate transportation, band 902 is

placed around the outer surface of the apparatus thereby holding it securely in place. When the keyboard is in use such that the keyboard is placed in its open configuration, restraining devices restrain the movement of band 902 so as to minimise any impact it may have in relation to the operation of the keyboard within its operational area 903.

Figure 10 The keyboard of Figure 9 is shown in its fully closed configuration in Figure 10. The keyboard wraps in such a way that the band 902 firmly Jo secures the apparatus in its closed configuration. In this way, the closed device may be easily transported, possibly in a user's pocket. When used with a mobile phone, the mobile phone may be removed from the device prior to it being folded into its closed configuration. Alternatively, with other apparatus such as a hand held computer, the computer may be held within 15 the closed keyboard thereby providing a case forthe hand held computer.

Figure 11 A view looking in the direction of arrow III is shown in Figure 11.

Keyboard portion 901 includes a first magnet 1101 and a second magnet no 1102 embedded therein. In addition, the band 902 includes a third magnet 1103 in an orientation such that it is magnetically attracted to magnet 1101.

Similarly, band 902 includes a fourth magnet 1104 that is arranged such as to be magnetically attracted to magnet 1102. In this way, the band is firmly restrained by the magnets when the apparatus is in its open configuration.

The band 902 is forced flat against the extended portion 901 of the keyboard so as to minimise its impact upon an operator using the keyboard.

However, after the keyboard has been placed in its closed configuration, as shown in Figure JO, the band 902 is easily extended by manual intervention, the magnetic forces being easily overcome, such that it may be used to maintain the folded apparatus in its closed configuration.

Figure 12 An alternative embodiment is illustrated in Figure 12. In this to embodiment magnets 1101 to 1104 have been replaced with metal poppers. Popper 1201 connects with popper 1202 and similarly, popper 1203 connect with popper 1204.

In further alternative embodiments, other restraining devices may be deployed such as velcro etc. The required functionality is to provide a 15 degree of restraining such that the band, while being freely available to secure the apparatus in its closed configuration, is held in place and does not interfere with normal operation of the apparatus when the apparatus is in its open configuration.

Claims

Claims:

1. A flexible foldable detecting apparatus configured to be folded to facilitate transportation, comprising an operational area arranged to respond to manual interaction when placed in an open configuration; and a securing band arranged to hold the apparatus closed when placed in a closed configuration, wherein said band is attached to the apparatus at one side of said 10operational area at its ends such as to be placed around the outer surface of the apparatus when placed in its closed configuration; and restraining means to restrain movement of said band when the apparatus is placed in its open configuration.

152. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible detecting apparatus is a manually operable keyboard.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said manually operable keyboard is connectable to a mobile telephone.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, including a key-defining flexible plane; an interface device; and telephone support means, wherein

said telephone support means is arranged to unfold from said flexible plane so as to present a phone supporting configuration for a mobile telephone and, after removing a secured mobile telephone, said support means is arranged to fold onto said key-defining 5 surface into a storage configuration, thereby allowing said key-defining surface to be wrapped around said folded phone support means.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said band is attached during a moulding operation.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said band is included in a moulding of silicone rubber.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restraining means includes magnetic attachment means.

8. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one magnet is included in the band.

20

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or to claim 8, wherein at least one magnet is included to the side of said operational area underneath the band.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restraining means

includes velcro.

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11. A method of using a flexible foldable detecting apparatus configured to be folded for transportation, comprising the steps of dislodging a band from the apparatus when said apparatus is held in its folded configuration; unfolding the apparatus to present an operational area and a band area for supporting said band; and positioning said band over restraining means so as to restrain 10 movement of said band when said apparatus is in use.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein said foldable detecting apparatus is a flexible keyboard, including the step of interfacing a mobile telephone to said flexible keyboard.