Keyboard with keys for moving cursor

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention comprise a signal generator for sending an electrical signal from an expandable, flexible layer of material, the signal generator comprising an upper layer of flexible, resilient material and a lower layer of flexible, resilient material which between them define a cavity for enclosing an expandable material such as a cellular foam or gas, whereupon localized distortion of one of the layers of flexible material, effects a signal generation within the structure, which is transmissible through a proper circuit to an outside electrical device. A circuit may be arranged adjacent a plurality of said keys which senses when several of said keys are depressed in a skewed or sideways manner, so as to effect movement of a cursor or pointer on a monitor in communication with a processing unit and said keyboard.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A signal generating keyboard having a plurality of depressible key members on said signal generating keyboard, each of said key members arranged for the generation of a particular electrical signal, at least one of said depressible key members comprising:
 an upper keytop surface of said key member; and   a circumferential wall portion of said key member, wherein said key member has a pressure producing medium disposed therewithin to effect an erect pre-depressed state of said key member, wherein at least one of said key members has a signal generating arrangement disposed within said at least one key member and said circumferential wall portion of said key member is flexible.   
     
     
         18 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said signal generating keyboard is comprised of a plurality of sheets of flexible material. 
     
     
         19 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said keytop surface is of less flexibility than said flexible circumferential wall portion of said key member. 
     
     
         20 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 17 , wherein at least one of said key members has a signal generating arrangement disposed within said at least one key member. 
     
     
         21 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said key member is arranged to provide a tactile response to a depression of said upper keytop surface. 
     
     
         22 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said circumferential wall portion of said key member is arranged to flex when said keytop is depressed. 
     
     
         23 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said key member has a pressure producing medium disposed therewithin to effect an erect pre-depressed state of said key member. 
     
     
         24 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 23 , wherein said pressure producing medium is selected from the group comprising: a liquid, a gas and a foam. 
     
     
         25 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 23 , wherein said pressure producing medium disposed within said key member is pressurizably adjustable to effect a controlled adjustment of said key member. 
     
     
         26 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 25 , wherein said controlled adjustment of said key member comprises tactile adjustment of said key member. 
     
     
         27 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 25 , wherein said controlled adjustment of said key member comprises a heightwise adjustment of said key member. 
     
     
         28 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 18 , wherein said keyboard is rollable into a compressed tight configuration. 
     
     
         29 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said keyboard has a solar collector thereon to provide electrical power to said keyboard. 
     
     
         30 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said signal generating arrangement comprises a loudspeaker. 
     
     
         31 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said signal generating arrangement comprises a microphone. 
     
     
         32 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said signal generating member is comprised of a piezoelectric material. 
     
     
         33 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said keytop surface of said key member is rigid. 
     
     
         34 . The signal generating keyboard as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said signal generating arrangement is attached to an inner surface portion of said at least one key member.