Computer keyboard

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame. The keys protrude through openings of the opaque keyboard frame and the translucent top case.

1 . A keyboard comprising: 
 at least one keyboard foot coupled to an edge of the keyboard and being movable between an inclined position with the keyboard foot extending downward from the edge below a bottom of the keyboard and a neutral position with the keyboard foot disposed adjacent the edge above the bottom of the keyboard.    
   
   
       2 . The keyboard of  claim 1  wherein the keyboard foot is rotatably coupled to the edge of the keyboard by a hinge to rotate between the inclined position and the neutral position.  
   
   
       3 . The keyboard of  claim 1  wherein the edge is a rear edge of the keyboard.  
   
   
       4 . The keyboard of  claim 1  wherein the keyboard foot folds onto the edge of the keyboard in the neutral position.  
   
   
       5 . The keyboard of  claim 1  comprising a plurality of keyboard feet.  
   
   
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       16 . A keyboard for a computer, the keyboard comprising: 
 a user-manipulable volume control dial disposed on a keyboard surface of the keyboard for controlling an audio volume of the computer, the volume control dial including a cylinder having an undulating surface and an axis generally perpendicular to the keyboard surface; and    a spring being biased against the undulating surface of the cylinder to produce a ratcheting movement of the cylinder during rotation of the cylinder to provide tactile user feedback.    
   
   
       17 . The keyboard of  claim 16  wherein the spring includes a cylindrical portion in contact with the undulating surface of the cylinder.  
   
   
       18 . The keyboard of  claim 16  wherein the volume control dial is movable toward and away from the keyboard surface, and the spring biases the volume control dial away from the keyboard surface.  
   
   
       19 . The keyboard of  claim 16  wherein the volume control dial is preformed and attached as a preformed module to the keyboard.  
   
   
       20 . The keyboard of  claim 16  wherein the cylinder includes a plurality of slits, and further comprising: 
 a photoemitter mounted on a first side of the cylinder to direct light through the slits in the cylinder; and    a photodetector mounted on a second side of the cylinder, opposite from the photoemitter, to detect light from the photoemitter passing through the slits in the cylinder.    
   
   
       21 . A keyboard comprising: 
 a plurality of keys having key mechanisms connected thereto;    an opaque keyboard frame placed over the key mechanisms to cover at least a substantial portion of the key mechanisms, the plurality of keys protruding through openings of the opaque keyboard frame; and    a translucent top case placed over the opaque keyboard frame, the plurality of keys protruding through openings of the translucent top case.    
   
   
       22 . The keyboard of  claim 21  wherein the opaque keyboard frame has a generally smooth upper surface visible through the translucent top case.  
   
   
       23 . The keyboard of  claim 21  further comprising at least one module protruding through openings of the translucent top case.  
   
   
       24 . The keyboard of  claim 23  wherein the at least one module includes at least one of a roller module and a multi-media module.