Push key with replaceable key cap

Details Push key with replaceable key cap Push key with replaceable key cap

2001-06-28

2002-12-31

Evanisko, Leslie J. (Department: 2854)

Typewriting machines

Key-board or key lever-actuating mechanism

Key-cap or key-stem structure

C400S490000, C200S345000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06499894

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a push key with a replaceable key cap, particularly to a structure wherein a key cap is coupled to a key cap unit, so the key cap can be replaced conveniently to suit the user's requirements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
At present, keyboards are no longer designed to include only alphabet keys, number keys, cursor up, down, left and right keys, and F1~F12 function keys. A variety of keys are now added for multi-media functions. These multi-media keys are normally of a smaller size and installed along the top row of the keyboard.
Conventional push key design, particularly multi-media keys, still employ the approach of regular push keys with the emphasis being on easy production and reduced key height. To the manufacturer, however, the number of push keys produced month by month is in the millions. In cases where some of the key caps are already printed (generally, function signs are printed on the key caps), they cannot be replaced for other purposes, which would result in a significant waste of resources.
Most users, especially young people, sometimes feel the need to change the color of the keys. In that case, the entire keyboard must be changed if it is designed to have conventional keys. They cannot change the keys without changing the whole keyboard unit. In case some keys are designed to suit the user's own definitions, the traditional keys could not be labeled with their individual functions separately.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of this invention is to provide a push key having a replaceable key cap, comprising a key cap unit and a key cap, wherein the key cap and key cap unit are coupled to each other, so the key cap can be replaced readily.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a push key with a replaceable key cap, wherein the key cap is transparent, so the user can place a label indicating the function of the key inside the key cap, in order to display the function of the key.
Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a push key with a replaceable key cap, wherein the key is transparent, so that a light emitting unit can be installed inside the keyboard to make the keys look bright and beautiful.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2545133 (1951-03-01), Bradt
patent: 5386091 (1995-01-01), Clancy
patent: 6171003 (2001-01-01), Lo

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