Deflection web for a keypad assembly
AssigneeResearch In Motion Limited
InventorChao Chen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A deflection web is provided for use in a keypad assembly. The deflection web comprises a plurality of actuators resiliently coupled together by a flexible membrane. Each actuator of the deflection web corresponds to a key of the keypad assembly, and for each actuator, the flexible membrane comprises a corresponding radially outwardly extending flange whose thickness varies in a direction from the corresponding actuator. In some instances, the thickness of the flange may increase as the flange extends a distance radially outward from its corresponding actuator. A method for creating the deflection web of the keypad assembly and a method for assembling the keypad assembly are also provided.
Claims20
A keypad assembly comprising:
- (a) a plurality of keys;
- (b) a deflection web comprising a plurality of actuators resiliently coupled together by a flexible membrane, wherein each actuator corresponds to a key;
- (c) wherein for each actuator, the flexible membrane comprises a corresponding radially outwardly extending flange;
- and
- (d) wherein a thickness of the flange varies in a direction from the corresponding actuator.
A deflection web for a keypad assembly, the deflection web comprising:
- (a) a plurality of actuators;
- (b) a flexible membrane resiliently coupling each of the actuators together;
- (c) wherein for each actuator, the flexible membrane comprises a corresponding radially outwardly extending flange;
- and
- (d) wherein a thickness of the flange varies in a direction from the corresponding actuator.
A method for creating a deflection web for a keypad assembly, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a plurality of actuators in a substantially planar configuration;
- and
- (b) providing a flexible membrane resiliently coupling the plurality of actuators together, wherein for each actuator, the flexible membrane comprises a corresponding radially outwardly extending flange, and wherein a thickness of the flange varies in a direction from the corresponding actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.