Abstract: A system and method for detecting key actuation in a keyboard assembly, which, in one embodiment, is used as a conductor to electrically communicate with an information appliance. The rows in the keyboard assembly are electrically isolated from one another, and each row contains keys bridging a two-wire bus. Each key has a switch that is closed during key actuation, a diode to polarize the key, and a resistor to provide a resistive load when the switch is closed and the diode is biased with the current flow. Alternatively, each key has a switch that is closed during key actuation, a timer with an output that goes high after a predetermined time period, and a resistor that provides an identifying load when the switch is closed and the output of the timer is high. Other features of the invention include a linear matrix coupled to a row of keys to allow the row to be scanned by sections and individual keys, and a flexible circuit that provides the electrical pathways for the linear matrix.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard having a plurality of folding keyboard sections. Each keyboard section includes a frame carrying a key set having a plurality of keys. The key set may be movable laterally relative to the frame. The frame with the key set is foldable with respect to an adjacent frame. The frame provides a self-contained enclosure for the keyboard assembly when fully closed. When opened, the keyboard assembly can be a full-size standard QWERTY keyboard.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard having a plurality of folding keyboard sections. Each keyboard section includes a frame carrying a key set having a plurality of keys. The key set may be movable laterally relative to the frame. The frame with the key set is foldable with respect to an adjacent frame. The frame provides a self-contained enclosure for the keyboard assembly when fully closed. When opened, the keyboard assembly can be a full-size standard QWERTY keyboard.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard having a plurality of folding keyboard sections. Each keyboard section includes a frame carrying a key set having a plurality of keys. The key set may be movable laterally relative to the frame. The frame with the key set is foldable with respect to an adjacent frame. The frame provides a self-contained enclosure for the keyboard assembly when fully closed. When opened, the keyboard assembly can be a full-size standard QWERTY keyboard.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a storage shed that is strong, durable, low-maintenance, easy to assemble and use, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and ship, and can be mass produced. In one embodiment, an attachment device is provided for attaching a support post to a floor having a top, a bottom, a floor opening between the top and the bottom, and a side edge. The attachment device comprises a floor locking nut configured to be rotatably supported at the bottom of the floor. The floor locking nut includes a nut bearing surface disposed adjacent a nut aperture and facing downward from the bottom of the floor. The nut bearing surface includes an inclined surface leading to a raised surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a storage shed that is strong, durable, low-maintenance, easy to assemble and use, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and ship, and can be mass produced. In one embodiment, a storage shed comprises a preformed floor; a plurality of preformed, plastic corner posts having bottoms which are configured to be mounted onto the floor to be spaced from each other, and two preformed, plastic braces having bottoms which are configured to be mounted onto the floor to be spaced from one another. A preformed roof truss is configured to be connected to tops of the two braces. The roof truss has a spring preload to pull the tops of the two braces toward one another. A preformed roof is attached to tops of the plurality of corner posts. A preformed front door is supported between two of the plurality of corner posts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a storage shed that is strong, durable, low-maintenance, easy to assemble and use, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and ship, and can be mass produced. In one embodiment, a hinge assembly for hingedly connecting a door to a structural member of a shed comprises at least one hinge post disposed along a generally vertical edge of the door, and at least one hinge support provided along a generally vertical edge of the structural member. The hinge support includes a hinge support cutout portion configured to slidably support a first portion of the hinge post of the door to permit rotation of the hinge post relative to the hinge support cutout portion around an axis of the hinge post. The hinge support includes an extension which is disposed adjacent the hinge support cutout portion and extends outward from the generally vertical edge of the structural member.

Abstract: A digital processing device including a base, a display assembly, a hinge assembly, and a foldable keyboard is described. The hinge assembly enables the back of the display assembly to be rotated between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the user may interact with the device in a similar manner as a PDA. In the second configuration, the hinge assembly enables the unfolding of the keyboard assembly so that it is accessible to the user to enter information by typing and the display assembly is positioned for viewing of information. The keyboard assembly unfolds to form a full-size keyboard (e.g., conformance with an ISO 9241-4:1998(E) standard) that allows a user to comfortably, quickly, and accurately “touch-type” in a manner that the user may be accustomed to. The base may be rigid to enable use of the keyboard assembly on soft or uneven surfaces.

Abstract: A keyswitch is described that may include two legs interleaved together without a pivot point approximately central to the legs. The keyswitch may also include a spring to engage at least one of the bottom surfaces of the legs. In one configuration, the legs of the keyswitch may each have two lower protrusions on one of their ends and upper protrusions on their other ends with the lower protrusions of one leg disposed between the lower protrusions of the other leg. The keyswitch may also include a base having retaining clips with each of the lower protrusions of the legs pivotally engaged with a corresponding retaining clip. The keyswitch may also include a cap having tabs that may be pivotally coupled with corresponding slots in the upper protrusions of the legs.