Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Solid contact – Membrane type
Patent
1992-08-13
1994-03-29
Barrett, Glenn T.
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Solid contact
Membrane type
200 5A, 200520, 200534, H01H 110
Patent
active
052987060
ABSTRACT:
A computer keyboard employs a single monoblock structure to both support the keys and to define the aesthetic enclosure. The monoblock has multiple key supports into which key bodies are slidably mounted. The keyboard includes a switch membrane disposed on top of the monoblock and a dome sheet positioned on top of the switch membrane beneath the key bodies. The dome sheet has multiple resilient domes with openings formed therein to provide access for the key bodies to corresponding key supports. The domes support the key bodies and provide the "spring-like" feel during operation of the computer keys. The switch membrane has annular switch contacts positioned about the monoblock key supports beneath the domes. As one of the key bodies is depressed, the associated dome buckles and actuates the annular switch contact. The computer keyboard is low cost due to having only one structural component and is quiet due to the position of the rubber or elastomer dome sheet beneath the key bodies.
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Johnson, Keyboard and Wiping Contact Assembly, IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 13 No. 7 Dec. 1970.
Damitio Stephen S.
English George P.
Barrett Glenn T.
Key Tronic Corporation
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