Keypads and key switches
AssigneeDigit Wireless, LLC, a Massachusetts corporation
InventorDavid Levy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A keypad with both elevated and non-elevated key regions, and key switches disposed beneath both types of key regions. The non-elevated key regions each provide corresponding character output based on an operation algorithm that considers activation of at least one adjacent elevated key region as well as activation of the switch below the non-elevated key region. The keypad includes a keymat that is rigidly held at its perimeter in a stretched condition across a switch substrate. The key switches include metal snap domes that have an elevated central region forming a downwardly facing cavity defined at its edge by a ridge disposed above the switch contacts that electrically engages multiple switch contacts in an annular contact zone.
Claims13
1-34. (canceled)
A keypad comprising
- a continuous web of a predominantly rigid material defining an array of apertures therethrough;
- and
- a set of manipulable keys disposed within the apertures of the web and movable with respect to the web to operate a corresponding set of key switches;
- wherein the rigid web also defines an array of key regions, at least some of which are disposed between adjacent keys, the key regions of the web comprising local elevations of the web material that overlay associated key switches that are operable by manually depressing the elevations of the web material to temporarily flex the web.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.