Monolithic flat tactile keyboard

Claim 1

A keyboard assembly comprising: means defining an array of switches, said switch array defining means including a plurality of spacially displaced convex hollow switch actuators extending upwardly from a first planar side thereof, said actuators being integral with a flexible plastic circuit bearing substrate and each having a top surface, said actuators each supporting a movable switch contact on the side thereof which faces generally oppositely to said first side, at least a portion of said actuators rapidly changing in shape upon application of force to the top surface thereof to provide tactile feedback indicative of the motion of the movable switch contact; a front face sheet, said face sheet being comprised of a flexible plastic material and having formed therein integral convex key locators, said key locators comprising spaced hollow protrusions which have a circular cross-section, said key locators extending upwardly away from said switch array first side and being in registration with said switch actuators, the top outwardly faceing surfaces of each of said key locators bearing indicia commensurate with the function of the switch of the switch array which is in registration therewith; said movable switch contacts projecting into and being received by said spaced hollow protrusions; and first spacer means, said spacer means being comprised of a plastic material and being positioned between and laminated to said switch array means first side and said front face sheet, said spacer means being provided with apertures which are in alignment with said registered switch actuators and key locators whereby the application of force to said key locators will cause deflection thereof in the direction of the associated switch actuator to thereby transfer the force to the switch actuator.