Brian P Quinn

US Patent:

6879317, Apr 12, 2005

Filed:

May 11, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/853201

Inventors:

Brian P. Quinn - Pleasant Prairie WI, US
Gregory C. Borucki - Hinsdale IL, US
Marino Cecchi - Lake Geneva WI, US

International Classification:

G09G005/00

US Classification:

345168, 345169, 345170, 345172, 400472, 400473, 400491, 248166, 248167, 248434, 361680, 135143, 84179

Abstract:

A collapsible data entry panel comprises, an upper layer of flexible sheet material having formed keys on its outer surface and conductive areas or contacts on its inner surface, a lower layer of flexible sheet material having conductive circuits or traces on its inner surface, and resilient, flexible frame around the peripheral margins of the sheet material layers that pulls the layers taut so that they are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. Depression of a formed key will cause a corresponding, underlying contact to connect with the conductive trace carried by the lower layer, and thereby complete a circuit representative of the depressed key. The data entry panel of the invention is collapsible to a surface area less than of its extended configuration by twisting the respective ends of the panel in opposite directions, while applying a slight inward pressure. In its collapsed configuration, the panel can readily fit into a shirt pocket or purse. If the panel is subsequently released, it will automatically spring back to its original, extended configuration.