Modular ergonomic, multi-function, multi-layer, universal standard keyboard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0022 These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood when considered in connection with the following specification, appended claims and accompanying drawings, wherein:

0023 FIG. 1 is an illustration, in plan view, of the key layout of a standard keyboard, in accordance with the prior art;

0024 FIG. 2 is an illustration, in plan view, of an editing pad and numeric key pad layout of a conventional keyboard according to the prior art;

0025 FIG. 3A is an illustration, in plan view, of an embedded editing pad and numeric key pad layout of one embodiment of a conventional laptop keyboard according to the prior art;

0026 FIG. 3B is an illustration, in plan view, of an embedded editing pad and numeric key pad layout of a second embodiment of a conventional laptop keyboard according to the prior art;

0027 FIG. 4 is an illustration, in plan view, of a first embodiment of a keyboard layout with centrally disposed “terminal” keys, in accordance with the present invention;

0028 FIG. 5 is an illustration, in plan view, of a second embodiment of a keyboard layout with centrally disposed “terminal” keys, in accordance with the present invention;

0029 FIG. 6 is an illustration, in plan view, of the configuration of a left hand portion of “functional” ancillary keys, in accordance with the invention;

0030 FIG. 7 is an illustration, in plan view, of the configuration of a right hand portion of “functional” ancillary keys, in accordance with the invention;

0031 FIG. 8 is an illustration, in plan view, of the configuration of an embedded editing pad disposed in accordance with the invention;

0032 FIG. 9 is an illustration, in plan view, of the configuration of an embedded numeric keypad, disposed in accordance with the invention;

0033 FIG. 10 is an illustration, in plan view, of the configuration of a full function keyboard of the invention, including a “function” key row;

0034 FIG. 11 is an illustration, in plan view, of the configuration of a full function keyboard of the invention, including a “Dvorak” key;

0035 FIG. 12 is an illustration, in plan view, of the configuration of a full function keyboard of the invention, including a set of “programmable” keys; and

0036 FIG. 13 is an illustration, in plan view, of the configuration of a full function keyboard of the invention, configured for folding into compact volume.