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US 8,232,494 B2Granted
Keyboard
OwnerDale McPhee Purcocksinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A keyboard, wherein an opposing force generated between two magnet faces of the same polarity is used to return each key button to its original position after being pressed. As a result, the keyboard can be made capable of withstanding harsh environments while offering a satisfactory tactile response for the user.
Claims17
A switch comprising:
- a key member disposed in an initial position relative to a key matrix, such that pressure applied to said key member causes an electrical contact to be made on said key matrix, wherein
- a first magnet is provided in or on or as said key member;
- a second magnet is provided which is disposed in an initial position and arranged such that like poles of said first and said second magnet are facing each other in spaced apart relation, said first and said second magnets being arranged and configured so as to create an opposing force therebetween that acts to return said key member towards said initial position when said applied pressure is removed;
- and
- a third magnet is provided on the opposite side of said key matrix to said second magnet such that like poles of said third and said second magnets are facing each other in spaced apart relation, said third and said second magnets being arranged and configured so as to create a second opposing force therebetween that acts to return said second magnet towards its initial position when said applied pressure is removed.
2 more elements
A switch comprising:
- a key member disposed in an initial position relative to a key matrix, such that pressure applied to said key member causes an electrical contact to be made on said key matrix, wherein
- a first magnet is provided in or on or as said key member;
- and
- a second magnet is provided such that like poles of said first and said second magnet are facing each other in spaced apart relation, said first and said second magnets being arranged and configured so as to create an opposing force therebetween that acts to return said key member towards said initial position when said applied force is removed,
- wherein said key member comprises a keycap with a downwardly protruding plunger at its center, said plunger being slidably mounted such that said key member may slidably move in two directions along a single axis,
- wherein said key matrix and said key member are disposed on opposite sides of a base,
- wherein said first magnet is disposed at a distal end of said plunger to said keycap, and
- wherein said key matrix comprises an elastically deformable membrane.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.