Liquid proof switch array
First Claim
1. An apparatus for use in a switch array having spring elements, the apparatus comprising:
- a bottom layer defining holes for aligning with spring elements; and
a top layer engaged with the bottom layer and biased away from the bottom layer upon protrusion of the spring elements through the holes in the bottom layer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Switch arrays such as keyboards are described. The switch arrays may include an array of dome spring elements. Each dome spring element may define a chamber, and a plurality of channels may interconnect the chambers of the dome spring elements such that each chamber of each dome spring element is in fluid communication with the chamber of at least one of the other dome spring elements. The array of dome spring elements may provide a hermetic seal to the bottom side of individual dome spring elements to avoid the sticky key phenomenon. The switch arrays may also include alignments elements. For example, the alignment elements may include hook-like elements that engage one another to define a distance of travel for switches in the switch arrays.
53 Citations
51 Claims
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1. An apparatus for use in a switch array having spring elements, the apparatus comprising:
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a bottom layer defining holes for aligning with spring elements; and
a top layer engaged with the bottom layer and biased away from the bottom layer upon protrusion of the spring elements through the holes in the bottom layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50, 51)
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18. A keyboard comprising:
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an array of sensor elements that generate signals in response to a force;
an array of spring elements corresponding to the array of sensor elements;
a bottom layer defining holes for aligning with spring elements; and
a top layer engaged with the bottom layer and biased away from the bottom layer upon protrusion of the spring elements through the holes in the bottom layer.
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29. A system comprising:
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a processor coupled to an input device, the input device including an array of sensor elements that generate signals in response to a force, and an array of spring elements corresponding to the sensor elements, the input device further including a bottom layer defining holes for aligning with spring elements and a top layer engaged with the bottom layer and biased away from the bottom layer upon protrusion of the spring elements through the holes in the bottom layer.
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46. An apparatus comprising:
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a bottom layer, a top layer, and means for engaging the top and bottom layer such that upon engagement, an amount of travel is defined between the top and bottom layers.
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48. An apparatus comprising:
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a first layer including a first set of hook-like elements, a second layer including a second set of hook-like elements, wherein the first and second sets of hook-like elements are engaged, thereby attaching the first layer to the second layer.
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Specification