REDUCED IMPACT KEYBOARD WITH CUSHIONED KEYS

• US 20090148219A1
• Filed: 12/05/2007
• Published: 06/11/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Compton, Richard E., Larsen, Glen C., Jenkins, Kurt Allen, Odell, Dan, Darbha, Krishna
• Granted Patent: US 8,132,976 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 400/491
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/006 Joining parts moulded in separate cavities
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/1676 using a soft material and a rigid material, e.g. making articles with a sealing part
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/466 Keypads, keytops
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/83 characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/84 characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback legends H01H13/83
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/88 Processes specially adapted for manufacture of rectilinearly movable switches having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2209/074 elastomeric
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/084 made at least partly of elastic foam
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/044 Injection moulding

Abstract

A keyboard for use with a computing device and a method of manufacturing a keyboard key are provided. One disclosed keyboard includes a plurality of keys, each key having a key cap including a perimeter wall and a void positioned within the perimeter wall and opening to a top of the key cap. Each key further includes a cushion having a top portion configured to be contacted by a digit of a user and a bottom portion configured to be fitted within the void in the key cap. The cushion being may be configured to absorb an impact force directed against the key during a keystroke.

Claims

1. A keyboard for use with a computing device, the keyboard comprising a plurality of keys, each key including:

a key cap including a perimeter wall and a void positioned within the perimeter wall and opening to a top of the key cap; and

a cushion having a top portion configured to be contacted by a digit of a user, and a bottom portion configured to be fitted within the void, the cushion being configured to absorb an impact force directed against the key during a keystroke.

2. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the cushion further includes a mounting portion configured to extend downward from the top portion into the void to secure the cushion to the key cap.

3. The keyboard of claim 2, wherein the mounting portion is secured to the key cap by a tongue and groove connection.

4. The keyboard of claim 3, wherein the cushion includes a flange, and the perimeter wall of the key cap includes an undercut that at least partially defines a groove, and wherein the tongue and groove connection is formed by the coupling of the flange with the groove.

5. The keyboard of claim 4, further comprising:

a post structure having a base portion from which a post portion extends downwardly, and from which a support portion extends upwardly.

6. The keyboard of claim 5, wherein the base includes an upper surface configured to contact a lower edge of the perimeter wall.

7. The keyboard of claim 5, wherein the perimeter wall of the key cap defines a top side and an outside of the groove, and wherein the support portion defines a bottom side of the groove.

8. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the top portion of the cushion extends to cover substantially an entire top surface of the key.

9. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the top portion of the cushion includes a concavity.

10. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the top portion of the cushion includes indicia positioned thereon.

11. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the cushion is formed of an elastomeric material.

12. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the cushion is formed of a compressible foam.

13. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the cushion includes a fluid filled bladder.

14. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the cushion is at least partially formed of a translucent material, the keyboard further comprising:

a light source positioned below the key to project light through the translucent material of the cushion.

15. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the cushion and key cap are co-molded to integrally form a key-cap cushion assembly.

16. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the cushion and key cap are molded separately.

17. A method for manufacturing a key in a keyboard for a computing device, the method comprising:

molding a first plastic material to form a key cap of the key, the key cap having a perimeter wall and a void positioned inside the perimeter wall, the void opening to a top of the key cap; and

forming a cushion of a second deformable material within the void in the key cap, the cushion being formed to have a top portion configured to be contacted by a digit of a user, and a bottom portion configured to be fitted within the void.

18. The method of claim 17,

wherein molding a first plastic material to form a key cap includes injecting the first plastic material into a mold to form the key cap with the perimeter wall;

and

wherein forming the cushion of the second deformable material includes altering the shape of the mold to create the void inside the perimeter wall, and injecting the second deformable material into the mold to form the cushion substantially filling the void inside the perimeter wall.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

wherein molding a first plastic material to form a key cap includes injecting the first plastic material into a first mold to form the key cap with the perimeter wall; and

wherein forming the cushion of the second deformable material includes;

injecting the second deformable material into a second mold to form the cushion that is sized to substantially fill to substantially fill the void inside the perimeter wall; and

assembling the cushion and the key cap after they have been removed from the first and second molds, to thereby position the cushion such that the second deformable material of the cushion substantially covers a top portion of the key.

20. A keyboard for use with a computing device, the keyboard comprising a plurality of keys, each key including:

a key cap including a perimeter wall and a void positioned within the perimeter wall and opening to a top of the key cap, the key cap further including an undercut formed on an inside of the perimeter wall; and

a cushion having a top portion configured to be contacted by a digit of a user, and a bottom portion including a flange configured to be fitted within the void such that the flange and the undercut form a tongue and groove connection, the cushion being configured to absorb an impact force directed against the key during a keystroke.