An example keyboard can include: a base with a midpoint, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; and a plurality of keys arranged on the base, wherein the plurality of keys is positioned to form a curved shape on the base such that the plurality of keys extend from the midpoint of the base towards a user as the plurality of keys extends towards the first end and the second end of the base.

A switch mechanism (12) includes a housing (16, 18) with a fenestration (21), a switch element (22) held in the housing, and a membrane switch held in the fenestration. The membrane switch includes a flexible membrane (20) and a rigid rib (26). The rib is constrained to linear movement by guides (37, 38) in the housing so that contact with the membrane causes the membrane to deform and the rib to translate to actuate the switch element.

An example keyboard can include: a base with a midpoint, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; and a plurality of keys arranged on the base, wherein the plurality of keys is positioned to form a curved shape on the base such that the plurality of keys extend from the midpoint of the base towards a user as the plurality of keys extends towards the first end and the second end of the base.

The invention relates to an input device in the form of a single-hand keyboard, comprising a substantially flat housing (1) approximately in the shape of a quadrant of a circle, in which housing a first keyboard circuit board having associated first keys (2) is accommodated, the first keys (2) lying on a first housing side (3) and being arranged along concentric circular arc segments in the manner of a fan. A second keyboard circuit board having associated second keys (4) is accommodated in the housing (1), the second keys lying on the second housing side (5) facing away from the first housing side (3), and the layout of the second keys (4) being mirror-inverted with respect to the layout of the first keys (2). Furthermore, a detection element for determining the current orientation of the input device is provided in the housing (1). The detection element activates only the keyboard circuit board facing upward and deactivates the other keyboard circuit board, depending on the orientation.

The invention relates to an input device in the form of a single-hand keyboard, comprising a substantially flat housing (1) approximately in the shape of a quadrant of a circle, in which housing a first keyboard circuit board having associated first keys (2) is accommodated, the first keys (2) lying on a first housing side (3) and being arranged along concentric circular arc segments in the manner of a fan. A second keyboard circuit board having associated second keys (4) is accommodated in the housing (1), the second keys lying on the second housing side (5) facing away from the first housing side (3), and the layout of the second keys (4) being mirror-inverted with respect to the layout of the first keys (2). Furthermore, a detection element for determining the current orientation of the input device is provided in the housing (1). The detection element activates only the keyboard circuit board facing upward and deactivates the other keyboard circuit board, depending on the orientation.

A robot teaching device allowing a user to operate an enable switch provided on the robot teaching device in a similar manner regardless of the user's dominant hand. A hand-held robot teaching device includes an enable switch built-in includes a main body including a holding portion that is configured to be held by one hand, and an enable switch operating section that is provided on the holding portion and is configured to be operated by a reference switching motion of a hand holding the holding portion in a reference position. The enable switch operating section includes a switching motion specifying mechanism that makes the reference switching motion in the reference position easier than another motion.

A switch mechanism (12) includes a housing (16, 18) with a fenestration (21), a switch element (22) held in the housing, and a membrane switch held in the fenestration. The membrane switch includes a flexible membrane (20) and a rigid rib (26). The rib is constrained to linear movement by guides (37, 38) in the housing so that contact with the membrane causes the membrane to deform and the rib to translate to actuate the switch element.

A dimmer switch includes a main body and an operation portion. The operation portion is provided in the main body to be rotatable around a rotation axis to switch the dimmer switch among an off position, a low beam position, and a high beam position. The low beam position and the high beam position are provided above a horizontal line passing through the rotation axis and the off position is provided below the horizontal line in a state where the dimmer switch is attached to a vehicle body. A first rotation angle between the off position and the low beam position is set to be larger than a second rotation angle between the low beam position and the high beam position.

A robot teaching dvice allowing a user to operate an enable switch provided on the robot teaching device in a similar manner regardless of the user's dominant hand. A hand-held robot teaching device includes an enable switch built-in includes a main body including a holding portion that is configured to be held by one hand, and an enable switch operating section that is provided on the holding portion and is configured to be operated by a reference switching motion of a hand holding the holding portion in a reference position. The enable switch operating section includes a switching motion specifying mechanism that makes the reference switching motion in the reference position easier than another motion.

The slidable control button device provides inputs to an electronic communication device such as a smartphone. When the slidable control button is moved to positions within a grooved path, it acquires additional functionalities. These include (a) gaming console hand devices for both left and right hand thumbs of gamers, (b) pressing on the left or right edge of the button will control functions of software of apps, (c) motion detection (d) sending and receiving data related to measuring motion, speed or acceleration, temperature, and communicating with the software applications installed in the smartphone.