US5376765A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Key leveler apparatus
Assignee: Key Tronic Corp
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Filing: 1994-02-08
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Granted: 1994-12-27
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Expires: 2014-02-08
Abstract
Abstract A leveler suitable for use in multi-unit keys for a keyboard, such as a notebook keyboard, includes a J-shaped cantilever member interposed between a keycap and a base used to house the keycap. The leveler is rotatably attached to the keycap and rotatably and slidably engaged with the base. Upon actuation of the key, the slidable and rotatable portion permits the key to be compressed, while the rotatable portion attached to the keycap provides, through the action of the cantilever, a downward force upon the lower surface of the keycap. The distribution of this force via the cantilever mechanism provides a key leveling function, such that the keycap does not have a tendency to bind or stick within the guide portion of the base.
Inventors
- 👤 Kirk R. Holmes
- 👤 Nurmi G. Ingram
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 16:58
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H3/00; H01H3/02; H01H3/12; H01H3/122
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A key leveling apparatus for use in a computer key having a keycap, the keycap being movable between an extended position and a depressed position, comprising: a J-shaped leveler adapted for providing cantilever support to a keycap, the J-shaped leveler having an upper member, a lower member, and a connecting member joining the upper and lower members, the lower member having a length; upper means adapted for rotatably attaching the upper member of the leveler to a keycap; lower means adapted for rotatably attaching the lower member of the leveler to a base; and the length of the lower member of the J-shaped leveler as operably attached to the lower means being effective to produce a cant-resisting cantilever action that maintains the keycap substantially level as the keycap is depressed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A key leveling apparatus for use in a computer key having a keycap, the keycap being movable between an extended position and a depressed position, comprising: a J-shaped leveler adapted for providing cantilever support to a keycap, the J-shaped leveler having an upper member, a lower member, and a connecting member joining the upper and lower members, the lower member having a length; upper means adapted for rotatably attaching the upper member of the leveler to a keycap; lower means adapted for rotatably attaching the lower member of the leveler to a base; and the length of the lower member of the J-shaped leveler as operably attached to the lower means being effective to produce a cant-resisting cantilever action that maintains the keycap substantially level as the keycap is depressed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A key leveling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the upper member of the J-shaped leveler has a length greater than the length of the lower member of the J-shaped leveler.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A key leveling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: the upper member of the J-shaped leveler has a length; and the length of the lower member of the J-shaped leveler is in a range of one-third to one-half of the length of the upper member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A key leveling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: the upper member of the J-shaped leveler has a length; and the length of the lower member of the J-shaped leveler is approximately one-half of the length of the upper member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
A key leveling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the lower means is configured for slidably and rotatably attaching the lower member of the leveler to the base, the lower member being free to rotate within the lower means about a longitudinal axis and to slide within the lower means approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
A key leveling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the upper means is configured for slidably and rotatably attaching the upper member of the leveler to the keycap, the upper member being free to rotate within the upper means about a longitudinal axis and to slide within the upper means approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A key leveling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the J-shaped leveler comprises a single, integral rod.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
134 words
A computer key, comprising: a base; a keycap movable between an extended position and a depressed position, the keycap having a center and first and second ends offset from the center; an elastomeric dome positioned between the keycap and the base and aligned beneath the first end of the keycap; a J-shaped leveler for providing cantilever support to the keycap, the J-shaped leveler having an upper member rotatably coupled to the keycap, a lower member rotatably coupled to the base, and a connecting member joining the upper and lower members; and the lower member of the J-shaped leveler being coupled to the base beneath the second end of the keycap and having a length that is effective to produce a cant-resisting cantilever action to maintain the keycap substantially level as the keycap is depressed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
134 words
A computer key, comprising: a base; a keycap movable between an extended position and a depressed position, the keycap having a center and first and second ends offset from the center; an elastomeric dome positioned between the keycap and the base and aligned beneath the first end of the keycap; a J-shaped leveler for providing cantilever support to the keycap, the J-shaped leveler having an upper member rotatably coupled to the keycap, a lower member rotatably coupled to the base, and a connecting member joining the upper and lower members; and the lower member of the J-shaped leveler being coupled to the base beneath the second end of the keycap and having a length that is effective to produce a cant-resisting cantilever action to maintain the keycap substantially level as the keycap is depressed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A computer key according to claim 8 wherein the upper member of the J-shaped leveler extends across the keycap from the first end to the second end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
A computer key according to claim 8 wherein: the upper member of the J-shaped leveler has a length; and the length of the lower member of the J-shaped leveler is in a range of one-third to one-half of the length of the upper member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
A computer key according to claim 8 wherein: the upper member of the J-shaped leveler has a length; and the length of the lower member of the J-shaped leveler is approximately one-half of the length of the upper member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A computer key according to claim 8 wherein the J-shaped leveler comprises a single, integral rod.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
60 words
A J-shaped leveler for maintaining a keycap of a computer key substantially level relative to a base as the keycap is depressed, the J-shaped leveler comprising a single, integral rod consisting of an upper member adapted for connection to the keycap, a lower member adapted for connection to the base, and a connecting member joining the upper and lower members.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
60 words
A J-shaped leveler for maintaining a keycap of a computer key substantially level relative to a base as the keycap is depressed, the J-shaped leveler comprising a single, integral rod consisting of an upper member adapted for connection to the keycap, a lower member adapted for connection to the base, and a connecting member joining the upper and lower members.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-12-26 | 1998-06-27 | 1998-12-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-12-26 | 2002-06-27 | 2002-12-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-12-26 | 2006-06-27 | 2006-12-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |