US 8,274,005 B2 · Keypad assembly

Abstract

A keypad assembly is described herein in which the keypad assembly includes a substrate and a plurality of domes positioned on the substrate and configured to translate operator action into a corresponding input for a machine. The keypad assembly also includes a dome overlay positioned over the domes and the substrate in which the dome overlay can create a sealed environment for the substrate and the domes. A light guide that directs light in the keypad assembly and an interlocking component coupled to the light guide can also be part of the keypad assembly. In one arrangement, the interlocking component can selectively compress the dome overlay to assist in the creation of the sealed environment. In another arrangement, the interlocking component can compress the dome overlay by bending the dome overlay at an edge of the substrate.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A keypad assembly, comprising:

a substrate;
a plurality of domes positioned on the substrate and configured to translate operator action into a corresponding input for a machine;
a dome overlay positioned over the domes and the substrate, wherein the dome overlay creates a sealed environment for the substrate and the domes;
and
an interlocking component that compresses the dome overlay by bending the dome overlay at an edge of the substrate to assist in the creation of the sealed environment.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Keypad assembly

Life of this patent

Keypad assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19