Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130161171 | Keyboard Mechanisms for Electronic Devices - An input device configured to communicate with a computing device includes at least one keycap, a support mechanism operably connected to the keycap and configured to move the keycap from a first position to a second position, and a feature plate operably connected to the support mechanism. The support mechanism includes a first support and a second support. The first support and the second support are each connected to the at least one keycap and the feature plate. The first support and second support pivot to allow vertical movement of the keycap but lateral movement of the first support and second support are restricted. | 06-27-2013 |
20130161172 | Keyboard with Position Sensing Mechanism - An input device configured to communicate with a computing device includes at least one keycap, a support mechanism operably connected to the keycap and configured to move the keycap from a first position to a second position, a feature plate operably connected to the support mechanism, and a sensing member. The sensing member is configured to detect at least one of a change of position of the at least one keycap, a speed of the at least one keycap, an amount of force applied to the at least one keycap, or a location of a finger. The sensing member may be a capacitive sensor. In some embodiments, the input device may not include the support mechanism and the sensing member may be configured to detect the location of a finger regardless whether or not the keycap moves. | 06-27-2013 |
20130162450 | Illuminated Keyboard - In a first embodiment, an input device includes at least one keycap, a support mechanism configured to move the keycap from a first position to a second position, a feature plate having at least one anchoring mechanism operably connected to the support mechanism, and an illumination panel. The illumination panel is positioned between the at least one keycap and the feature plate. The at least one anchoring member extends through a portion of the illumination panel. In a second embodiment, an input device includes a keycap, a support mechanism configured to move the keycap, a support plate operably connected to the support mechanism, and an illumination panel. The illumination panel includes a light source, a light guide, and a frame substantially surrounding the light guide. Light illuminated from the light source is directed by the light guide and the frame towards the keycap. | 06-27-2013 |
20130164068 | BONDED KEYBOARD AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - A bonded keyboard and method for making the same are disclosed. The bonded keyboard uses adhesive as the primary agent, and in some embodiments, as the sole agent for coupling various components of the keyboard stackup together. The keyboard stackup uses a skeletal adhesive to couple a top case to a backcase assembly. In one embodiment, the skeletal adhesive is an interconnected matrix of ribs dimensioned to fit within the spacing existing between adjacent keys, which are mounted on the backcase assembly. The skeletal adhesive is fixed to the backcase assembly, occupies a portion of the spacing that exists between keys, and the top case is fixed to the top of the skeletal adhesive. | 06-27-2013 |
20140116865 | LOW-TRAVEL KEY MECHANISMS USING BUTTERFLY HINGES - A key mechanism can include one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. | 05-01-2014 |
20140116867 | LOW TRAVEL DOME AND SYSTEMS FOR USING THE SAME - A low travel dome and systems for using the same are disclosed. A low travel switch may include a key cap and an elastomeric dome that may be configured to provide a predefined tactile feedback over a predefined travel amount of the key. | 05-01-2014 |
20140118264 | MULTI-FUNCTIONAL KEYBOARD ASSEMBLIES - Multi-functional keyboard assemblies include an array of keys formed from stacked component layers. A top portion of the key may be capable of travelling vertically with respect to a base of the key. The top portion can include a keycap and a circuitry module coupled to the keycap. The keys may be capable of receive at least two distinct types of inputs and/or receiving at least one type of input and providing at least one type of output. Such output may include use of one or more light sources, displays, and/or haptic feedback devices. | 05-01-2014 |
20140251772 | RATTLE-FREE KEYSWITCH MECHANISM - A keyswitch mechanism having reduced key rattle and a keyboard having reduced key rattle. A rattle suppression mechanism may be formed on a portion of the scissor mechanism or on a portion of the keycap. The rattle suppression mechanism is configured to maintain force on the portion of the scissor mechanism abutting the keycap. | 09-11-2014 |