Waterproof keyboard device
AssigneeNCR Corporation
InventorsHiromi Isozaki, Shuzo Kato, Satoru Sakama
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A membrane type keyboard associated with a data terminal device is disclosed which is sealed to prevent the introduction into the interior elements of the keyboard of water or other types of liquid contaminants encountered during the operation of the terminal device. The keyboard includes an outer frame member which forms an air chamber extending around the perimeter of a raised keyboard, thereby preventing any liquid spilled on the keyboard from reaching the interior elements of the keyboard. The frame member is easily removable from the keyboard, allowing the interior elements to be replaced or exchanged in accordance with the business environment in which the terminal device is to be used.
Claims8
A membrane-type keyboard apparatus comprising:
- a supporting member having a raised portion comprising a first planar surface contiguous with a circumferentially orientated depending first side wall portion engaging a second planar surface surrounding said first side wall portion;
- a keyboard assembly located on said first planar surface for generating signals in response to the actuation of key representing portions of said keyboard assembly;
- and cover means mounted on said keyboard assembly including a third planar surface engaging said keyboard assembly and having a second side wall circumferentially surrounding said first side wall portion, said second side wall engaging an upper portion of said first side wall portion and extending away from the remaining portion of said first side wall portion to engage said second planar surface forming with said first side wall portion and said second planar surface an air chamber extending circumferentially around said keyboard assembly thereby preventing any liquid located on said second planar surface from reaching said keyboard assembly.
A membrane-type keyboard apparatus comprising:
- a support member having a raised portion comprising a first planar surface contiguous with a circumferentially orientated depending first side wall portion engaging a second planar surface surrounding said first side wall portion;
- a keyboard assembly located on said first planar surface for generating signals in response to the actuation of key representing portions of said keyboard assembly;
- a replaceable indicia bearing member positioned on said keyboard assembly for locating the key portions of said keyboard assembly;
- and a cover assembly positioned on said indicia bearing member including a third planar surface engaging said indicia bearing member and a second side wall circumferentially surrounding said first side wall portion and engaging said keyboard assembly and said indicia bearing member, said second side wall includes a depending third side wall portion engaging the upper portion of said first side wall portion and a fourth side wall portion spaced from said third side wall portion and extending away from the lower portion of said first side wall portion to engage said second planar surface forming with said first and third side wall portions and said second planar surface an air chamber extending continuously around said keyboard assembly thereby preventing any liquid located on said second planar surface from reaching said keyboard assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.