Keyboard having retracting keys for storage
US8735753B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2223/052
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and apparatuses are disclosed that enable ultrathin keyboards and the storing keys of an associated physical keyboard to a storage position. The systems comprise a keycap, a keyswitch mechanism coupled to the keycap, a translatable base frame and a spring mechanism to bias the keycap into an operating position. The biasing mechanism may be an arch-shaped spring mechanism or a magnetic biasing mechanism. A portion of the biasing mechanism may be coupled to the base frame. The base frame is translatable between a first position in which the biasing mechanism imparts a force to bias the keycap into the operating position and a second position in which the portion of the biasing mechanism is repositioned such that the force to bias the keycap is at least partially eliminated. A control member may be provided to translate natural user movement into movement of the base frame for collapsing the keyboard.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.