Thin keyboard having multiple hinge members per keyswitch

Details Thin keyboard having multiple hinge members per keyswitch Thin keyboard having multiple hinge members per keyswitch

1997-10-10

1999-08-10

Scott, J. R.

Electricity: circuit makers and breakers

Electric switch details

Actuators

200 5A, 200517, H01H 1370

Patent

active

059344547

ABSTRACT:
A keyboard apparatus is provided for small and lightweight computers and the like. Keyswitches and a keyboard assembly comprise a sheet member having a plurality of key faces fixed thereon in a conventional keyboard arrangement. A plurality of cutouts are provided in the sheet member, partially surrounding each key face. Two living hinge members are provided in the sheet member, preferably at opposite sides of the cutout. Each living hinge member includes a base section, an intermediate section, and a key face section. The former two and the latter two sections each interface at a living hinge. Depressing the key face causes the key face sections of each of the hinge members to pivot about the living hinges to operate a corresponding set of electrical contacts, indicating operation of the key. The multiple hinge members provide stability to the downward motion of the key face, providing goood functionality and tactile feel. In a preferred embodiment, a first one of the hinge members includes a relatively wide key face section with a notch in the middle. The notch accommodates a relatively narrow key fact section of the second hinge member, so that the second hinge member nests within the first hinge member when the key face is depressed.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4032729 (1977-06-01), Koistinen
patent: 4160886 (1979-07-01), Wright et al.
patent: 4315114 (1982-02-01), Monti, Jr.
patent: 4480162 (1984-10-01), Greenwood
patent: 4638151 (1987-01-01), Suwa
patent: 5003140 (1991-03-01), Abell, Jr. et al.
patent: 5198991 (1993-03-01), Pollitt
patent: 5278372 (1994-01-01), Takagi et al.
patent: 5280147 (1994-01-01), Mochizuki et al.
patent: 5329084 (1994-07-01), Watanabe et al.
patent: 5382762 (1995-01-01), Mochizuki
patent: 5457453 (1995-10-01), Chiu et al.
patent: 5874697 (1999-02-01), Selker et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Thin keyboard having multiple hinge members per keyswitch does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Thin keyboard having multiple hinge members per keyswitch, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Thin keyboard having multiple hinge members per keyswitch will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1110794