Flexible membrane keyboard
First Claim
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1. A flexible computer keyboard comprising:
- a pair of overlying upper and lower flexible plastic membranes;
a plurality of discrete self-contained pressure sensitive switches each enclosed in a housing having at least a flexible upper surface for operator activation;
each of the switches being embedded between but otherwise independent of said flexible plastic membranes and comprising an individual key of the keyboard;
each of said discrete self-contained pressure sensitive switches adapted for actuation by engagement thereof through said flexible upper surface to generate a predetermined output;
a microprocessor connected to each of said discrete self-contained pressure sensitive switches for generating a keyboard output representative of the particular discrete self-contained switch or group of discrete self-contained switches that is actuated at a particular time;
at least one of the flexible membranes being relieved to provide plurality of interior cavities each for receiving one of said discrete self-contained switches;
the upper surface of the upper flexible membrane comprising a plurality of raised portions aligned with each corresponding discrete self-contained switch.
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Abstract
A flexible membrane keyboard comprises opposed flexible plastic membranes having pressure sensitive switches embedded therebetween. Each pressure sensitive switch is individual to a particular letter, numeral, symbol, or function. A microprocessor is connected to each of the pressure sensitive switches and generates a keyboard output indicative of the pressure sensitive switch or group of pressure sensitive switches that is actuated at any particular time.
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2 Claims
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1. A flexible computer keyboard comprising:
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a pair of overlying upper and lower flexible plastic membranes;
a plurality of discrete self-contained pressure sensitive switches each enclosed in a housing having at least a flexible upper surface for operator activation;
each of the switches being embedded between but otherwise independent of said flexible plastic membranes and comprising an individual key of the keyboard;
each of said discrete self-contained pressure sensitive switches adapted for actuation by engagement thereof through said flexible upper surface to generate a predetermined output;
a microprocessor connected to each of said discrete self-contained pressure sensitive switches for generating a keyboard output representative of the particular discrete self-contained switch or group of discrete self-contained switches that is actuated at a particular time;
at least one of the flexible membranes being relieved to provide plurality of interior cavities each for receiving one of said discrete self-contained switches;
the upper surface of the upper flexible membrane comprising a plurality of raised portions aligned with each corresponding discrete self-contained switch. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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Specification