Thin keyboard having torsion bar keyswitch hinge members
US6005209A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2221/044
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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. A living hinge member is provided in the sheet member at one side of each key face. 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 section to pivot about the living hinges to operate a corresponding set of electrical contacts, indicating operation of the key. A conventional rubber spring may transmit the pivot motion of the key face to the electrical contacts. The living hinges are made to have a greater resilience and flexibility than those of the sections, such as by scoring, scribing, perforation, or other suitable treatment. Accordingly, the intermediate section is able to serve as a torsion bar, advantageously limiting the key's freedom to twist under the user's finger pressulr.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.