Retractable keyboard keys
US9213372B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/960755
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A keyboard includes a bezel having a plurality of key openings and a plurality of key holding features configured adjacent to the plurality of key openings on a bottom side of the bezel. A plurality of keycaps are positioned within the plurality of key openings. A chassis is included that has a plurality of planar-translation effecting mechanisms each supporting a respective one of the plurality of keycaps to guide the respective keycap in a press direction and a second direction as the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the pressed position. The keypad or keyboard includes a key retraction mechanism configured to move the chassis relative to the bezel wherein the key holding features of the bezel limit movement of the keycaps in the second direction during movement of the chassis relative to the bezel, while the planar-translation effecting mechanisms move the plurality of keycaps toward a retracted position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.