Keyboard for an electronic device
AssigneeIntel Corporation
InventorJames M. Kershek
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Particular embodiments described herein provide for a keyboard that includes a plurality of keys; and a plurality of key actuators. At least a portion of the key actuators raises at least a portion of the plurality of keys when the portion of the plurality of key actuators is activated. In more particular embodiments, the dome supports comprise a dielectric that deforms in a ‘z’ direction with respect to the keyboard when activated to raise the portion of the plurality of keys.
Claims22
A keyboard, comprising:
- a plurality of keys;
- a top web, wherein the top web is located between each of the plurality of keys;
- and
- a plurality of key actuators, wherein each of the plurality of key actuators are associated with one of the plurality of keys and includes a scissor key support and a dome support, wherein the dome support is to raise an associated key above the top web support when the dome support is activated by an electrical current.
An electronic device, comprising:
- a display portion;
- a keyboard that comprises:
- a plurality of keys;
- a top web, wherein the top web is located between each of the plurality of keys;
- and
- a plurality of key actuators, wherein each of the plurality of key actuators are associated with one of the plurality of keys and includes a scissor key support and a dome support, wherein the dome support is to raise an associated key above the top web support when the dome support is activated by an electrical current.
A method, comprising:
- activating a plurality of dome supports corresponding to a plurality of keys in a keyboard, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of dome supports are to raise at least a portion of the plurality of keys above a top web support when the plurality of dome supports are activated by an electrical current, wherein the top web is located between each of the plurality of keys;
- and
- deactivating the plurality of dome supports, wherein the deactivating of the plurality of dome supports causes the portion of the plurality of keys to lower.
A system, comprising:
- means for activating a plurality of dome supports corresponding to a plurality of keys in a keyboard, wherein at least a portion of the key actuators is to raise at least a portion of the plurality of keys above a top web support when the plurality of dome supports are activated by an electrical current, wherein the top web is located between each of the plurality of keys;
- and
- means for deactivating the plurality of dome supports, wherein the deactivating of the plurality of dome supports causes the portion of the plurality of keys to lower.
The system of 18, wherein each of the plurality of dome supports includes a dielectric or a polymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.