Patent · US Expired

Keyswitch-integrated pointing assembly

US5231386A · kind A · utility

56Cited by
29References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 24, 1990
Grant dateJul 27, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 24, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H2239/052
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A keyswitch-integrated pointing assembly in which a plurality of substantially planar force sensing elements are disposed on a planar surface adjacent a keyswitch on a keyboard. The keyswitch includes a plunger which extends downwardly from a key cap for actuating a switch at the lower end of vertical key cap travel. The key cap engages an indexing surface when fully depressed which transmits force applied to the key cap to the force sensing elements. The force sensing elements are sandwiched between a pair of opposing plates thereby biasing the elements into a substantially linear operating region when no force is applied to the key cap.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.