Patent US6279910B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5430263A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer keyboard with integral dome sheet and support pegs
Assignee: Key Tronic Corp
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Filing: 1994-06-29
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Granted: 1995-07-04
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Expires: 2014-06-29
Abstract
Abstract A computer keyboard has multiple rows of cantilevered keys which are flexibly attached to common mounting strips. The rows of cantilevered keys are arranged to partially overlap adjacent rows such that the keys in one row actuate switch contacts aligned beneath mounting strips in the adjacent row. An interface between the switch contact membrane and a printed circuit board, and employing a portion of the dome sheet as supporting legs for the keyboard, are also described.
Inventors
- 👤 George P. English
- 👤 Joseph A. Benefield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 21:11
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H13/705; H01H2207/00; H01H2207/01; H01H2207/026; H01H2215/00; H01H2215/004; H01H2215/006; H01H2215/034; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/008; H01H2221/016; H01H2221/036; H01H2221/044; H01H2221/054; H01H2233/00; H01H2233/002; H01H2233/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A computer keyboard comprising: a plurality of keys arranged in a selected configuration, individual keys being movable from a rest position to a depressed actuating position; a dome sheet having resilient domes for associated keys to bias the keys toward their rest positions; an enclosure for encasing the keys and dome sheet, the enclosure having an opening formed therein; and the dome sheet having a peripheral portion which extends through the opening in the enclosure to support the computer keyboard.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
A computer keyboard comprising: a plurality of keys arranged in a selected configuration, individual keys being movable from a rest position to a depressed actuating position; a dome sheet having resilient domes for associated keys to bias the keys toward their rest positions; an enclosure for encasing the keys and dome sheet, the enclosure having an opening formed therein; and the dome sheet having a peripheral portion which extends through the opening in the enclosure to support the computer keyboard.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 1 wherein the peripheral portion of the dome sheet includes a raised portion which extends through the opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 1 wherein the dome sheet is formed of an elastomeric material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 1 wherein the dome sheet is formed of rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 1 wherein: the enclosure has a top portion and a bottom portion; and the opening is formed in the bottom portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 1 wherein: the enclosure has a front and a back; and the opening is formed at the front of the enclosure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 1 wherein: the enclosure has a front, a back, a top portion, and a bottom portion; and the opening is formed in the bottom portion at the front of the enclosure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 1 wherein: the enclosure has a front and a back; the enclosure has multiple openings formed in the front; and the peripheral portion of the dome sheet extends through the multiple openings in the enclosure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 1 wherein the keys comprise cantilevered keys.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 1 wherein the keys comprise multiple rows of cantilevered keys which are configured in an overlapping arrangement.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
104 words
A computer keyboard comprising: a plurality of keys arranged in a selected configuration, individual keys being movable from a rest position to a depressed actuating position; a dome sheet having resilient domes for associated keys to bias the keys toward their rest positions, the dome sheet having a peripheral portion, the peripheral portion having a raised portion; an enclosure having a top portion and a bottom portion for encasing the keys and dome sheet, the enclosure having an opening formed in the bottom portion; and the raised portion of the dome sheet extending through the opening in the enclosure to support the computer keyboard.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
104 words
A computer keyboard comprising: a plurality of keys arranged in a selected configuration, individual keys being movable from a rest position to a depressed actuating position; a dome sheet having resilient domes for associated keys to bias the keys toward their rest positions, the dome sheet having a peripheral portion, the peripheral portion having a raised portion; an enclosure having a top portion and a bottom portion for encasing the keys and dome sheet, the enclosure having an opening formed in the bottom portion; and the raised portion of the dome sheet extending through the opening in the enclosure to support the computer keyboard.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 11 wherein the dome sheet is formed of an elastomeric material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 11 wherein the dome sheet is formed of rubber.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 11 wherein: the enclosure has a front and a back; and the opening is formed at the front of the enclosure.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
41 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 11 wherein: the enclosure has a front and a back; the enclosure has multiple openings formed in the front; and the peripheral portion of the dome sheet extends through the multiple openings in the enclosure.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 11 wherein the keys comprise cantilevered keys.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
A computer keyboard according to claim 11 wherein the keys comprise multiple rows of cantilevered keys which are configured in an overlapping arrangement.
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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) | 1998-07-03 | 1999-01-02 | 1999-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-07-03 | 2003-01-02 | 2003-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-07-03 | 2007-01-02 | 2007-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |