GB2230740A - Modular keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular keyboard apparatus allowing users to reconfigure the keyboard for their particular applications and convenience. The modular keyboard allows the user to place modules such as alphanumeric keypads, numeric keypads and trackballs into the keyboard housing in positions which are most convenient to the user and to the applications being used. The keyboard can be reconfigured with, for example, a numeric keypad on the right hand side for a right handed user and the numeric keypad on the left hand side for a left handed user. Another example would allow the keyboard to be configured with a trackball assembly instead of the numeric keypad for applications which benefit from use of the trackball over use of the numeric keypad. Apparatus for coupling the various input devices with the keyboard housing assembly are disclosed. <IMAGE>

Description

MODULAR KEYBOARD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention.

This invention relates to the field of keyboards, and, more specifically, to the field of keyboards for computer systems.

2. Description of Related Art.

With the advent of computer systens, numerous devices have been designed to allow information to be input into these center syste. Perhaps the most prevalent on these for huran speed input has been keyboards.

In today ' s technology there is often a need for various topes of key and non-key input devices which may exist on a keyboard beyond the traditional alphanur#ric keypad. As examples, a function-key keypad may be required to input function values for certain applications; a numeric keypad for simplified input of numbers ay be required for accounting, bookkeeping and other numeric oriented applications; a trackball may be useful for cursor movement; and certain applications may require input by various types of scanning equiprent such as optical or magnetic scanners.

These are but a few examples of the types of input devices available today. The future certainly holds numerous new devices.

Present keyb#ards typically are configured in a fixes manneri for example, the alphanumeric typing portion rlay be on the left had side of the keyboard and the numeric keypad on the right had side. This presents several issues.

First, the user who requires a trackball, function key keypad or the like must purchase a separate unit. Numerous examples of such units are available on the market. In addition to the purchase of the separate unit, the user is burdened with the separate unit requiring additional space on his or her desk or workspace. Such add-on devices are even more cumbersome when incorporated as part of portable and lap-top computer systems.

Second, keyboards are often not configured in a manner which is ergonornically proper for a particular user. For exeriple, for a left handed user having a numeric keypad or trackball unit located by his or her left hand may prove to be easier to use and more convenient than having the unit by his or her right hand.

Therefore, it is desirable to develop a keyboard which allows the user to configure the keyboard to his or her own requirements. It is further desirable to develop such a keyboard in a configuration which is easily changeable and reconfigurable as the user moves from one application to another. For example, a particular application may require use of a numeric keypad and another application may benefit from the use of a trackball.

Sw =.Y OF TH 114 T T n': The present invention discloses a keyboard capable of allowing various input devices to be used. The invention allows the keyboard to be configured by the user in a manner which is most convenient to the particular user and the particular application being executed by the user at a given time. The keyboard of the present invention will accept any of several input devices and will allow the various input devices to be interchanged easily by the user of the system.

As examples, a left handed user may configure a keyboard with the alphanumeric keypad on the right hand side and a trackball on the left hand side. This would allow the user to easily use the trackball with his or her left hand.

The present invention discloses use of tabs and tab holders to position the keypads and hold them in place. In addition, in the illustrated emIbodiments of the present invention, use of multiple connectors in the keyboard housing allow an alphanumeric keypad and numeric keypad, trackball or other input device to be moved from one position to another.

These and other features of the present invention will be more fully described in the detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1(a) is a block diagram showing an alphanumeric keypad on the left hand side of a keyboard and a trackball on the right hand side of the keyboard in a configuration as may be supported by the present invention.

Figure l(b) is a block diagram showing an alphanumeric keypad on the left hand side of a keyboard and a numeric keypad on the right hand side in a configuration as may be supported by the present invention.

Fibre l(c) is a block diagram shown a trackball on the left hand side of a keyboard and an alphanumeric keypad on the right hand side in a configuration as may be supported by the present invention.

Figure 1 (d) is a block diagram showing a numeric keypad on the left hand side of a keyboard and an alphanumeric keypad on the right hand side in a configuration as may be supported by the present invention.

Figures 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate two alternatives for assembling a keyboard as disclosed by the present invention.

Figure 3 (a) illustrates plates used for holding the various keypads or other input devices as disclosed by the present invention.

Figure 3(b) illustrates a tab as used on the plates as disclosed in the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a profile view of a keypad as used by the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a tab holder as disclosed by the present invention.

Figure 6(z) and Figure 6(b) illustrate typical keypads as used by the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates mapping of the keys on the keypads into a scanning matrix as disclosed by the present invention Figure 8 is a cut-away side view of a second er.#odiment of the keyboard of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a top-view of an alphanumeric keyboard an numeric keyboard of a second embodiment of the present Invention shown in relation to one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DESCRIPTION A modular keyboard is described. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth such as dimensions, types of material, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

In other instances, well known structures and circuits have not been shown in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention discloses a keyboard apparatus which allows the user of the keyboard to configure the keyboard for his particular application and convenience.

This specification specifically recites certain devices such as alphanumeric keypads, numeric keypads, and trackballs as types of input devices. It will, however, be obvious to one skilled in the art that other types of devices may be substituted.

Figures 1(a), l(b), l(c) and l(d) are illustrative of various ways a keyboard may be configured as disclosed by the present invention. For example, referring to Figure l(a), a user inlay configure a keyboard 1 with an alphanumeric keypad 2 on the left hand side of the keyboard 1 and a trackball 3 on the right hand side of the keyboard 1. This conficuration may be suited to a right-handed individual using an application which benefits from the use of a trackball.

Figure 1(b) substitutes a numeric keypad 4 for the trackball 3. This configuration may be useful, for example, to a right handed accountant who uses a keypad for inputting data to an application.

Figure l(c) and Figure l(d),illustrate the keyboard 1 configured for the types of applications specified in the descriptions of Figure l(a) and Figure l(b), respectively.

However, the alphanumeric keypad 2 is placed on the right hand side of the keyboard 1 and the alternative input device (i.e. trackball 3 or numeric keypad 4) is placed on the left hand side. This configuration may be useful to a left handed user of the keyboard 1.

Again, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that other substitutions for the input devices specified are possible. For example, a O#"RTY alphanumeric keyboard may be used by one user of the present invention. Another user may instead purchase a Dvorak-style alphanumeric keyboard. Other alternatives would allow use of more than two separate input devices to be placed in the housing.

DESCRIPTION OF A FIRST EMBODIMENT Figure 2(a) is illustrative of a first embodiment of a keyboard assembly 1 of the present invention. An alphanumeric keypad 22 may be inserted into the keyboard housing 1 and a 34-pin connector 15 on the alphanumeric keypad 22 may be connected to a cable 25 through a 34-pin connector 27 contained in the housing. A further description of the mechanics of inserting the keyboard 22 into the keyboard housing 1 will follow in the description of Figure 5.

The keyboard 22 is held in place by tabs 18, 19 and 26 at the top of the keyboard 22 and by tabs (not shown) on the left hand side of the keyboard 22. The cable 25 utilizes two connectors in the first erbodiment; connector 27 and connector 28.

A numeric keypad, trackball or similar device 23 may be inserted into the keyboard housing 1 and the 34-pin connector 21 of the device 23 may be connected to the cable 25 through the 34-pin connector 28. Similar to the alphanumeric keypad 22, the device 23 is held in place with tabs 18 and 26 and also by tabs (not shown) on its right hand side.

A spacer 24 is inserted in a gap between alphanumeric keypad 22 and the device 23. Both the spacer 24 and keyboard housing 1 are made of a plastic in the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

When the keyboard is assembled as illustrated in Figure 2(a), the 34-pin connector 16 of alphanumeric keyboard 22 is not used. In addition, tab holders 19 are not necessary for holding the alphanumeric keypad 22 in place in the configuration illustrated in Figure 2(a). It will be seen with reference to Figure 2(b) that both 34-pin connector 16 and tab holders 19 are be used when the keyboard 1 is asse.-.Lled in a different manner.

Figure 2 (b) illustrates assembling the keyboard 1 with the alphanumeric keypad 22 on the right hand side of the keyboard 1 and the alternate device 23 on the left hand side.

The assembly and connection of the keyboard 1 in this configuration is similar to the assembly and connection as described in Figure 2(a). However, in this configuration the 34-pin connector 16 is used to couple the alphanumeric keypad 22 to the 34-pin connector 28 in the keyboard housing 1.

34-pin connector 15 and two tab holders 18 are not used in the configuration of Figure 2(b).

It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that connectors using a different number of pins, or other alternative connection systems may be utilized without departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As one particular example, a alternative er#odiment may utilize a connection system having three connections per module. Lach module in this embodiment comprises an encoding processor for encoding/decoding signals. The encoded signals are communic ted with a computer system over the connections.

The alternative embodiment offers the advantage of requiring less connector pins lowering manufacturing complexity and costs.

Figure 3(a) illustrates the plates and connectors used for mounting keypads and other input devices in the first embodiment. A plate 33 is used to mount an alphanumeric keypad in the present invention. The plate 33 is made of steel; however, the plate 33 may be constructed, alternatively, of other metals or materials of sufficient strength In the first embodiment, the plate 33 measures approximately 275 millimeters in length with two tabs 30 on each side of the plate 33. The tabs 30 measure approximately 4 millimeters by 6 millimeters. The bottom edge of the tabs 30 on the right hand side of the plate 33 are offset approximately 16 millimeters and 66 millimeters, respectively, from the bottom edge CO of the plate 33.The bottom edge of the tabs 30 on the left hand side are offset approximately 23 millimeters and 73 millimeters, reepectively, fro.* the bottom edge 43 of the plate 33. It will be seen that the particular offsets of the tabs 30 allows for proper positioning and alignment of thealphanumeric keyboard in the keyboard housing.

Along the top edge 41 of the plate 33 there are three tabs 32. The first tab 32 is directly on the left edge of the plate 33 and measures approximately 10 millimeters wide.

The second tab 32 is in the middle of the plate 33 and measures approximately 145 millimeters in width. The third tab 32 is directly on the right edge of the plate 33 and measures approximately 10 millimeters in width. These tabs 32 are used for coupling with the tab holders 26 shown in Figure 2(a), Figure 2(b) and Figure 5. These tab holders 26 will be further explained in conjunction with Figure 5.

Further, along the top edge 41 of the plate 33 there are two 34-pin connectors 21. The first of these 34-pin connectors 21 is approximately 10 millimeters from the left had side of the plate 33 and measures approximately 37 millimeters in width. The second 34-pin connector 21 is approximately 210 millimeters from. the left hand edge of the plate 33 and also measures 37 millimeters in width.

Still referring to Figure 3(a), a plate 34 used to mount an alternate input device, such as a numeric keypad, track ball, etc. The plate 34 is approximately 75 millimeters in width and also has two tabs 31 along each of its edges. The tabs 31 are offset the same distance from the edge of plate 34, and are of the same dimensions, as the tabs 30 described for the plate 33. By offsetting the tabs at the same offsets as for plate 33, the tabs of the respective plates may be aligned and caused to slightly overlap as shown in Figure 3(a) Along the top edge 42 of the plate 34 there are two tabs 32, each measuring approximately 10 millimeters in width.

These tabs 32 are directly along the left and right edge respectively of the plate 34. Centered between the tabs 32 approximately 10 millimeters from each edge of the plate 34 is a 34-pin connector 21 measuring 37 millimeters in width.

Figure 3(b) is further illustrative of the tabs along the side edges of the plates 33 and 34. Plate 33 and plate 34 are coated with an insulative material. The coated area 39 extends out to the beginning of the tab 36 as illustrated in Figure 3(b). The coating does not extend onto the tab 36 leaving an uncoated area 38. This uncoated area 38 provides rlectromagtec Compatibility (elm) grounding when the plates 33 and 34 are inserted into electrically conductive mountings in the keyboard housing 1. Along the edge of the plates 33 and 34 are holes 37 used for connecting the plates 33 and 34 to the printed circuit boards used in the keyboard assemblies.

The present invention discloses use of rounded corners 35 which increase the strength of the tabs 36 in supporting the keyboard assemblies. These rounded corners 35 are especially important where the holes 37 occur close to the tabs 36. In such cases the amount of metal between the holes 37 and the edge of the plate 33 or 34 is minimal. The rounded corners 35 tend to decrease the local mechanical stress making the assembly more resistant to environmental stresses of shock and vibration. This strength is especially irrortant in a keyboard which is designed to allow easy and frequent assembly and disasse.-.D'y by a user.

Figure 5 illustrates a tab holder 26. The tab holder 26 is built into the base of the keyboard housing 50. The top tabs 32 on the alphanumeric keypad, trackball or numeric keypad may be fitted into the tab holder 26. The tab holder 26 is designed with a curved area 52 and a lip 51 which assist in the alignment of the top tabs when inserting the keypad or other device 32.

When inserting an alphanumeric keypad, trackball or numeric keypad into the keyboard housing assembly, the keypad unit is inserted at an angle such that the tab 32 moves into the tab holder 26 around the curved edge 52 and slides into the lip 52. The ccr.ination of this curved edge 52 and the lip area 51 eases the movement of the keypad in the tab holder.

After the keypad is inserted into the tab holders 26, the keypad is shifted slightly either to the left or the right in order to insert the side tabs into the keyboard housing. If the keyboard is placed into the left hand side of the keyboard housing it will be shifted to the left and the tabs on its left hand side are used for support and stability in the keyboard housing. Likewise, if the keyboard unit is inserted into the right hand side of the keyboard housing it is shifted slightly to the right and the tabs on the right hand side of the keyboard are inserted into the keyboard housing. This means, for example, the right side tabs on the keypad in the left side of the keyboard assembly are not used and the left tabs on the keypad in the right side of the keyboard assembly housing are not used.

After the two modules have been inserted and slid to their respective sides of the housing, a spacer is inserted between the modules. The spacer holds the unused tabs of the modules in place and allows the assembled keyboard to have a finished look, while retaining the flexibility and modularity described.

Figure C is illustrative of the keyboard assembly including a plate 54 and the top tabs 32. This figure shows the printed circuit board 56 with keys mounted on it mounted in the plate 54. Plate 54 corresponds to plate 33 of Figure 3(a). Mounting of an alternate input device on plate 34 of Figure 3(a) is similar.

MAPPING OF KEYS AND INPUT SIGNALS Figure 6(a), Figure 6(b), and Figure 7 are illustrative of the relationship between the keys and the keyboards and the wiring connecting the keyboard to the computer system, as used in the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6(a) illustrates an alphanumeric keypad 22.

Figure 6(b) illustrates a numeric keypad 23. The two keypads, alphanumeric keypad 22 and numeric keypad 23, are coupled with the cabling in the keyboard housing (illustrated in Figures 2(a) and 2(b)) through the 34-pin connectors 21.

Table I below illustrates the pin assignments in these 34-pin connectors 21.

TABLE I PIN @ ASSIGNMENT 1 Ground 3 2 X0 3 X1 4 X2 5 X3 6 X4 7 X5 8 X6 9 10 X8 11 X8 X9 12 X10 13 Y0 14 Y1 15 Y2 16 Y3 17 Y4 18 Y5 19 YE 20 21 CAPS LOCK 22 SHIFT 23 CONTROL 24 OPTION 25 COMMAND 26 GROUND 1 27 GROUND 2 28 +5V 29 ADB DATA 30 BUTTON 31 SPARE 32 SPARE 33 SPARE 34 GROUND 3 Figure 7 further illustrates the electrical coupling of the keypads 22 and 23 with specific reference to keys 61, 62, 73 and 76 shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b). It will be obvious that the particular keys discussed with reference to Figure 7 are merely exemplary and signal processing of the remaining keys of keypads 22 and 23 is similar.

Referring now to Figure 7 when a user depresses key 61 for example, it is detected at the intersection of X4 and Y5.

When key 62 is depressed it is detected at the intersection of X2 and Y6. Methods of developing circuits for such keyboards are well known in the prior art, however, several inventive features of the present invention require discussion. The present invention in its first embodiment has divided the X-Y matrix into two areas. Area 81, which includes the intersection of XO-X5 with YO-Y3, is reserved for use by the alternate input device. The alphanumeric keyboard uses the remainder of the X-Y matrix, area 80.

Using this convention, the alphanumeric keyboard and the alternate input device may be freely switched between the 34-pin connectors in the keyboard housing. For example, depressing key 76 shown in Figure 6(b) will activate the XO-YO intersection, regardless of which 34-pin connector the numeric keypad is coupled with in the keyboard housing asse.t . Likewise, oepressinn key 79 will be detected at the intersection of X2 and Y3, again, regardless of which 34-pin connector the numeric keypad is coupled with the keyboard housing.

Other alternate input devices may use only a subset of the signals available in area 81; however, the basic concept of definition and separation of signals received from the alphanumeric keypad and the alternate input device remains.

DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS Many alternatives are available to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, use of screws instead of the tabs and tab holders as disclosed by the present invention would be obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art. The user of the keyboard could interchange keypads by unscrewing the existing keypad and screwing in a new keypad.

Alternatively, the various input devices could be mounted into the keyboard housing after removing the top of the housing and fastening the input device to the housing. The top of the housing could then be replaced The use of tabs as disclosed by the present invention offers the advantage of not requiring tools in order to interchange keypad assemblies.

DESCRIPTION OF A SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION A second embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 10. Figure 8 illustrates a side-view of z keyboard housing 81 of a second embodiment of the present invention. The keyboard housing 81 comprises a plurality of barb snaps 82 and a plurality of capture ribs 83. Preferably, the second embodiment comprises six barb snaps 82 centered 20.6, '84, 104, 284, 304 and 367.4 rtTi from the left edge of the keyboard housing 81. Each of the six barb snaps 82 are centered 145 mm from the bottom edge of the keyboard housing 81.

In the second embodiment, there are preferably eight capture ribs spaced 16.1, E2. , 99.5, 166.3, 216.1, 282,9, 299.5 and 366.3 mm fro the left edge of the keyboard housing 81.

The keyboard housing 81 further comprises plurality of stepped post supports 87 and pins 86. The stepped post supports 87 provide support for keypads, when the keypads are inserted in the keyboard housing 81. Preferably, there exists six supports 87 on the same centers as barb snaps 82 from the left edge of the keyboard housing and centered 124.8 rs from the bottom edge of the keyboard housing. In addition, there are preferably two pins centered 96 slufr, from the bottom and 94 and 294 mrr: from the left edge of the keyboard housing el.

A keypad, such as an alphanumeric keypad may be inserted into the left (or alternatively into the right) side of the housing by placing the bottom edge of the keypad into capture ribs 83 and pressing the top edge of the keypad into the barb snaps 82. Support for the keypad is provided by step post supports 87. The spacing of the,barb snaps 82, stepped post supports 87 and capture ribs 83 is designed to allow the an alphanumeric keypad to be inserted into either the left or right hand side of the keyboard housing 81 while allowing an alternate input device to be inserted into the opposite side.

Referring now to Figure 9, a top-view of an alphanumeric keypad 91 and a numeric keypad 97 as may be utilized by the present invention is shown.

The alphanumeric keypad 91 comprises a plurality of keys 92, preferably of either the QUERY or Dvorak style. In addition, the alphanumeric keypad 91 may comprise characters from any number of languages. The alphanumeric keypad 91 further comprises two 34-pin connectors, 93 and 94.

Depending on whether the alphanumeric keypad is placed in the right or the left side of the keyboard housing, the keypad 91 is coupled through either the right connector 93 or left connector 94 for providing signals to a computer system. The keypad further comprises a plurality of tabs 95 for coupling with capture ribs 83 illustrated in Figure 8.

The numeric keypad 7 comprises a single connector 98.

If the numeric keypad 98 is inserted in the right side of the keyboard housing, the connector 98 is preferably coupled to a corresponding connector in the right side of the keyboard housing. Likewise, if the numeric keypad 98 is inserted in the left side of the keyboard housing, the connector 98 is preferably coupled to a corresponding connector in left side of the keyboard housing. The numeric keypad 97 further comprises tab 99 for coupling with capture ribs 83 of Figure 8.

It will be obvious that the keyboard of the present invention may be easily adapted to allow use of alternate sized input devices. For example, one alternative embodiment utilizes two modules of approximately equal width; each one of the two modules being approximately equal to one-half of the combined width of the alphanumeric keypad 91 and the numeric keypad 97. One particular application of such modules would utilize a graphics tablet located in one-half of the keyboard housing and a companion control button or miniature keyboard module in the other half.

Thus, a modular keyboard apparatus is disclosed. The user of the keyboard may easily interchange input devices mounted in the keyboard in order to configure the keyboard for his particular applications and preferences.

Claims (31)

1. A keyboard apparatus, comprising: a keyboard housing assembly; at least one modular input device; a first coupling means for coupling said modular input device to said housing assembly.,

2. The keyboard apparatus, as recited in Claim 1, said keyboard housing assembly further comprising: a plurality of second coupling means, said second coupling means coupled with said modular input devices, said second coupling means for co:r:runication of information with said modular input devices; said second coupling means coupled with a cable, said cable for coupling with a computer system, said cable for communication of signals between said keyboard apparatus and said computer system.

3. The keyboard apparatus, as recited by Claim 2, wherein the first coupling means comprises: a plurality of first tabs on said modular input devices; a plurality of tab holders on said keyboard housing assembly; said first tabs for coupling with said tab holders.

4. The keyboard apparatus, as recited by Claim 3, wherein said modular input device comprises: a printed circuit board; input means coupled with said printed circuit board; a plate coupled with said printed circuit board for coupling said modular input device to said keyboard housing.

5. The keyboard apparatus, as recited by Claim 4, further comprising: a plurality of second tabs along both the right and left hand side of said plate; said second tabs along the right side of said plate for coupling with said keyboard housing when said modular input device is mounted on the right side of said keyboard housing; said tabs along the left side of said plate for coupling with said keyboard housing when said modular input device is mounted on the left hand side of said keyboard housing.

E. The keyboard apparatus, as recited by Claim 5, wherein said second tabs have exposed metal for provide electromagnetic compatibility.

7. The keyboard apparatus, as recited in Claim 6, wherein said tab holders comprise: a molded assembly coupled with said keyboard housing; said molded assembly having a curved area and a lip, said curved area and said lip providing alignment of said tabs when said modular input device is being coupled with said keyboard housing.

E. The keyboard apparatus, as recited in Claim 7, wherein said keyboard housing is comprised of molded plastic.

9. The keyboard apparatus, as recited in Claim 8, wherein said tab holders are comprised of molded plastic.

10. The keyboard apparatus, as recited in Claim 9, further comprising a spacer apparatus coupled with said keyboard housing and said modular input devices, for covering a gap between said modular input devices.

11. T;t.e keyboard apparatus, as recited in Clare 10, wherein said spacer comprises molded plastic.

12. The keyboard apparatus, as recited in Claim 6, wherein said plate is made of metal.

13. A modular keyboard apparatus, comprising: a keyboard housing assemblyrwith an opening for coupling one or more modular input devices.

said modular input devices having a plurality of tabs for coupling with said keyboard housing; said modular input devices further having one or more first connectors for coupling with said keyboard housing; said keyboard housing having a plurality of second connectors for coupling with said first connectors, said second connectors coupled with a computer system for providing signals from said modular input devices to said computer system.

14. The modular keyboard, as recited in Claim 13, wherein each said modular input device comprises: an input means; a printed circuit board, said printed circuit board for coupling with said input means; said printed circuit board detecting inputs fror said input means and generating signals based on said inputs; a plate, said plate for coupling with said printed circuit board; said plate having tabs on its left and its right sides and along its top edges for coupling with said keyboard housing.

15. A modular keyboard, as recited in Claim 14, wherein said keyboard housing further comprises: a molded assembly coupled with said keyboard housing; said molded assembly having a curved area and a lip, said curved area and said lip for providing alignment for said tabs when said modular input device is coupled with said keyboard housing.

16. The modular keyboard apparatus, as recited by Claim 15, wherein: said first connectors have therein 34 electrical contacts for communication of signals; said second connectors have therein 34 electrical contacts for communication of signals; said first connectors are positioned on said modular input device such that said modular input device may be coupled with said keyboard housing in any of a plurality of positions within the opening provided for said modular input devices; one of said first connectors being aligned with one of said second connectors.

17. A modular keyboard apparatus, as recited in Claim 16, wherein; said second connectors are coupled with a cable for co.mm~riication of signals with said computer system; said cable having therein a plurality of wires, each said wire being coupled with one of said pins on said second connector for combmunicaticn of a signal with one of said pins on said first connector.

18. A modular keyboard apparatus, as recited in Claim 17, wherein said modular input devices comprise alphanumeric keypads, numeric keypads, and trackball devices.

19. In a keyboard assembly having a plurality of input devices, the keyboard assembly coupled with a computer system for providing signals to the computer system, as improvement comprising: a keyboard housing assembly with an opening for coupling with modular input devices; said keyboard housing assembly having therein a plurality of tab holders; said tab holders being coupled with said keyboard housing and having a rounded edge and a lip; said rounded edge and said lip for providing alignment for said modular input devices w#en said modular input devices are inserted into said opening; said keyboard housing assembly further having a plurality of first connectors for connecting with said modular input devices; said plurality of first connectors for co-#un#c ation of signals with said modular input devices; said first connectors being coupled with a cable within said keyboard housing assembly, said cable coupled with the computer system for cor#rnunication of signals with the computer system; said modular input devices each having an input means, a printed circuit board for coupling said input means, plate for coupling with said printed circuit board, one or more second connectors for coupling with said first connectors, tabs along the top side of said plate for coupling with said tab holders, tabs along the right and along the left side of said plate for coupling with said keyboard housing assembly;; said second connectors providing signals to said first connectors in response to said input means.

20. The improvement, as recited in Claim 19, wherein: said keyboard housing assembly has two of said first connectors and may be coupled with two of said modular input devices; one of said first connectore on the right side of said keyboard housing assembly and a second of said first connectors on the left side of said keyboard housing asser.#ly.

21. The improverent, as recited in Claim 20, wherein one of said modular input devices corprises: an alphanumeric keypad; said alphanumeric keypad having a plurality of alphanumeric keys; a printed circuit board for coupling with said alphanumeric keys; a plate for coupling with said printed circuit board; said plate having therein holes for coupling with said keyboard housing apparatus; said plate having a right side connector on its right side and having a left side connector on its left side; said right side connector fcr coupling with cre of said first connectors in said keyboard housing apparatus when said alphanumeric keypad is coupled to said opening of said keyboard housing apparatus in the right side of said opening;; said left side connector for coupling with said first connector in said keyboard housing when said alphanumeric keypad is coupled to said opening of said keyboard housing apparatus on the left side of said opening; said right side connector and said left side connector providing identical signals when one of said alphanumeric keys are depressed.

22. In the improvement, as recited in Claim 20, a modular input device comprising; a numeric keypad; said numeric keypad having a plurality of numeric and operator keys; a printed circuit board for coupling with said plurality of keys; plate for coupling with said printed circuit board; said plate having therein holes for coupling with said keyboard housing apparatus; said plate having a second connector in the top center of said plate; saic second connector for coupling with one of said first connectors in said keyboard housing on the right side of said keyboard housing when said numeric keypad is coupled with said keyboard housing on its right side;; said second connector for coupling with one of said first connectors on the left side of said keyboard housing when said numeric keypad is coupled to said opening of said keyboard housing on its left side; said second connector providing signals to said first connector when one of said keys are depressed on said numeric keypad.

23. In the improvement, as recited in Claim 20, a modular input device cor.#rising: a trackball; a printed circuit board for coupling with said track ball; a plate for coupling with said printed circuit board; said plate having therein holes for coupling with said keyboard housing apparatus; said plate having a second connector at its top center; said second connector for coupling with one of said first connectors in said keyboard housing on the right side of said keyboard housing when said trackball is coupled on the right side of said keyboard housing; said second connector for coupling with one of said first connectors in said keyboard housing on the left side of said keyboard housing when said trackball is coupled to said left side of said keyboard housing;; said second connector for providing signals to said first connector when movement is-detected of said trackball.

24. A keyboard for a computer system comprising: a keyboard housing; a first input means for input of alphanumeric characters; a second input means; a plurality of first coupling means for coupling said first input means and said second input means to said keyboard housing, said plurality of first coupling means spaced within said keyboard housing to allow placement of said first input means on either the right or the left- hand side of said keyboard housing.

25. The keyboard as recited by Claim 24 further comprising second coupling means for coupling said first input means and said second input means to said keyboard housing

26. The keyboard as recited by Claim 25 wherein said second coupling means comprises a plurality of capture ribs, said capture ribs spaced within said keyboard housing to allow coupling of said first input means on either the right or the left- hand side of said keyboard housing.

27. The keyboard as recited b Claim 25 wherein said plurality of first coupling means comprises a plurality of barb snaps.

28. The keyboard as recited by Claim 27 further comprising a plurality of stepped post supports.

29. The keyboard as recited by Claim 27 wherein said second input means comprises a numeric keypad.

30. The keyboard as recited by Claim 29 wherein said second input means comprises a track ball.

31. A keyboard apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying dra#ings.