Stabilization techniques for key assemblies and keyboards
US9449768B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/96079
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Key stabilization techniques for a key assembly or keyboard are provided. In one embodiment, a key assembly includes a keycap having a touch surface for receiving a press force that moves the keycap from an unpressed position toward a pressed position. The key assembly also includes a base having a planar-translation effecting mechanism supporting the keycap to guide the keycap in the press direction and the second direction as the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the pressed position. A key stabilization mechanism positioned in the keycap, the base or both the keycap and the base configured to the stabilize the keycap so that the touch surface remains substantially planar while the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the press position to resist tilt of the keycap and rotation of the keycap about an axis in the press direction as keycap moves toward the pressed position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.