Abstract: A scissors-type key switch comprising a key top, a scissors-type supporting bracket, a base member, an elastic actuator, a membrane switch, and a bottom plate is provided. The membrane switch, the elastic actuator, and the base are disposed above the bottom plate. The scissors-type supporting brackets are pivotally supported and received on the base by the pivotally engagement between the pin shaft of the supporting brackets and the connecting holes of the base. The key top is also pivotally connected to the scissors-type supporting brackets by the connecting slots of the key top and the pin shafts of the supporting bracket. This scissors-type key switch features a simplified structure resulted from reduced number of components and durable operation wherein the key top can readily move down and up without rolling thereof. The manufacturing cost is advantageously reduced while the throughput is considerably increased.

Abstract: In a keyboard which drives membrane switches by selectively depressing key tops, hinge portions are formed integrally with a housing in an array of hinge receiving holes made therein in correspondence with a desired array of key tops, a top panel having openings corresponding to the hinge receiving holes is bonded to the top of the housing, and the key tops are each disposed to cover the corresponding opening and the entire length of the corresponding hinge portion and is fixedly engaged with the free end of the hinge portion through the opening. By the application of pressure to and its removal from each key top, the lower end of the free end of the corresponding hinge portion operates to make and break the underlying membrane switch.

Abstract: A backlit button assembly suitable for use in an illuminated graphic display in an instrument panel of an automobile. The backlit assembly is composed of a support member and any number of molded plastic or silicone rubber buttons or keys that, together with the support member, form a keypad or switchpad. Each button of the assembly is injection molded to include a translucent portion that enables light to be transmitted from a backside of the button to a front surface of the button accessible to a person operating the button assembly. Each button is disposed at least partially within an opening formed in the support member, and has at least one integrally-formed hinge member that is directly adhered to the support member. The hinge member flexibly interconnects the button with the support member such that the button is flexibly supported within the opening in the support member.

Abstract: A key switch including a key base having a circular upright bearing defining a first axial hole and a second axial hole around the first axial hole, a key cap having a first downward tube inserted into the first axial hole of the base and a second downward tube inserted into the second axial hole of the key base, a membrane circuit mounted on the flat base of the key base around the upright bearing, and a rubber mounted on the membrane circuit around the upright bearing of the key base to support the key cap above the key base and having a plunger portion spaced around the upright bearing of the key base and forced by the key cap to trigger the membrane circuit when the key cap is depressed, causing it to produce an electric signal.

Abstract: A key switch is provided which includes a key top which is pressed down by optional force and which can move in the press-down direction. The key switch also includes a spring for generating a rebound according to the optional force applied to the key top. The key switch also includes a housing having an elastic member which generates the press-down force against the rebound according to a distance by which the key top moves. The key switch realizes the press-down characteristics in which the inclination of the rebound is zero or negative.

Abstract: The switch actuator provided comprises a rubber dome, a housing, a keytop and a plunger. The rubber dome is seated on the switch and is selectively deformed to actuate the switch. The housing receives the rubber dome therein and has an upper opening defining an edge of the opening and has an inner surface. The plunger moves reciprocally within the housing and is guided by the edge during the reciprocal movement of the keytop. The keytop, which has a bottom surface, moves reciprocally and vertically together with the plunger to selectively deform the rubber dome to actuate the switch as the result of the operation of the user. The invention is characterized in that a slant surface is formed on the inner surface of the housing to retain the bifurcated hook end of the plunger to reduce the noise generated during movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A portable computer (40) has an integrated motherboard/keyboard/housing assembly (48) wherein the keys (50) are disposed through the motherboard (54) to contact a keyboard circuit (56) on the upper surface of the bottom layer of the main housing(44). During a keystroke, the key travels within a hole (52) in the motherboard (54), which also acts as a guide to the key. Accordingly, weight and height associated with separate assemblies is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A notebook computer is provided with a collapsible keyboard structure in which the keys are vertically moveable, toward and away from an underlying key support structure, through a stroke distance. Each key has an upper return spring member secured to and depending therefrom, and overlies a lower return spring member secured to a signal pad structure that underlies the key support structure and is horizontally shiftable relative thereto. As each key is manually depressed through its stroke distance its associated separate upper and lower return spring members cooperate in series to resiliently resist the downward movement of the key through its entire stroke distance, and also function to return the key to its upwardly extended pre-stroke position. In response to a horizontal shifting of the signal pad structure relative to the key support structure, each key is driven downwardly to a retracted storage and transport orientation thereof.

Abstract: An improvement of a push button switch is provided. The improvement is characterized in that the plunger has a cross section of polygon form which contacts with the inner surface of the housing at a plurality of contact lines and a small segment of guiding surface is provided between the hook and bottom surface of the plunger for more accurate insertion of the plunger into the vertical slot of the housing.

Abstract: A reconfigurable keyboard includes at least two key switches which each has a plunger housing projecting from a top surface thereof, and a multi-switch key cap engageable with the key switch and having at least one dimension that is sufficient to span the at least two key switches. The key cap includes one active switch post to which a plunger is attached, the plunger being reciprocally movable in the plunger housing of one key switch for actuating the key switch when the key cap is depressed, and at least one passive switch post which is also reciprocally movable in the plunger housing of another key switch without actuating the switch when the key cap is depressed. The key cap is selectively positionable anywhere on the keyboard in either a horizontal or a vertical direction. Each key switch further includes four openings each of which are located in a corner of the top surface of the key switch.

Abstract: A notebook computer is provided with a collapsible keyboard structure in which, in response to closing of the computer housing lid, the key return spring portions of the keyboard are shifted away from their normal underlying relationships with the keys and the keys are forcibly retracted to a storage/transport orientation in which the overall thickness of the keyboard structure is reduced by an amount essentially equal to the stroke distance of the keys. When the lid is subsequently opened, the key return spring portions are shifted back to their normal underlying relationships with the keys, and the keys are forced outwardly by the return spring portions to their extended, operative orientations above the return spring portions.

Abstract: A notebook computer is provided with a collapsible keyboard structure having keys supported on scissored linkage arm assemblies in which, in response to closing of the computer housing lid, key return spring portions of the keyboard are shifted away from their normal underlying relationships with the keys, and the scissored linkage arm assemblies and keys are permitted to retract to a storage/transport orientation in which the overall thickness of the keyboard structure is reduced by an amount essentially equal to the stroke distance of the keys. When the lid is subsequently opened, the key return spring portions are shifted back to their normal underlying relationships with the keys, and the keys and scissored linkage arm assemblies are forced outwardly by the return spring portions to their extended, operative orientations above the return spring portions.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch opens and closes a contact circuit through resilient depression of an elastic material which is actuated through a key cap. A membrane sheet carries the contact circuit and a keyboard frame guide is disposed thereabout. A stem and rubber spring are disposed within the keyboard frame guide and move in response to depression of the key cap to thereby actuate the contact circuit. A stabilizer is attached to the stem and a keyboard frame for providing stability to the stem. The stem includes an opening therein through which a portion of the stabilizer assembly is slidably received. The stabilizer assembly includes a pair of intersecting arms forming an X shape. Orthogonal actuator rods connect each pair of arms and are received within the opening of the stem. The rubber spring is disposed between the stem and the contact circuit and urges the stem upward to release contact with the contact circuit.

Abstract: A retractable key assembly comprising a key top and an externally extending pivot arm. The pivot arm allows arcuate movement of the key top about a pivot axis such that the key top can be used in an upper, active keying position or stored in a lower, inactive position. The use of a pivot arm enables a lower profile keyboard when the keyboard is in the retracted, inactive position. Displacement of the internal actuation assembly allows the keytop to actually rest on the keyboard base. A translatable base member is useful to raise or retract the key assembly. The disclosed key assembly provides an aesthetic appearance and improved keying accuracy, relative to conventional keyboard arrangements.

Abstract: A keyswitch for a keyboard used with a computer or similar device that has a keytop linked to the base board. A printed circuit board having a contact switch associated with each keytop is associated with the base board. Linking each keytop with the base board is a scissors type guide. A pair of resilient springs are attached to the guide. One of the springs is in continual contact with the base board and: the other spring contacts the contact switch only after the keytop has been depressed a fixed distance thereby closing the contact switch.

Abstract: The invention concerns a keyboard unit which is reduced in thickness, improved in operability, increased in service life, and decreased in manufacturing cost. A key switch comprises: a key top (40); an elastic member (51); a cross link structure (80) made up of an outer link (60) and an inner link (70); a membrane switch sheet (90) is arranged under the elastic member (51); and a frame (100) arranged under the membrane switch sheet (90). In the key switch, the key top (40) has an abutting portion (43) which abuts against the upper surface of the elastic member (51), and the end portions (63) of the outer link (60) and the end portions (73) of the inner link (70) are supported by a pair of fixing portions (101) and another pair of fixing portions (102), respectively, which are raised from the frame (100) and protruded over the membrane sheet (90).

Abstract: A push-button switch capable of surely operating a switch element thereof and restoring an original position even when pressed at a corner thereof, while implementing a positive waterproof and dust-proof arrangement. A stub extends from the bottom of a push button and extends throughout an opening formed in a casing. The tip of the stub presses a switch element. A guide is fitted on the stub of the push button. When the push button is pressed at a corner thereof, the guide contacts the rear of the casing to form a fulcrum. As a result, the push button is caused to incline about the fulcrum.

Abstract: A pushbutton for an automotive control panel has a button portion extending through a hole in a trim plate and an enlarged skirt portion behind the plate, and is spring loaded to push the skirt against the rear surface of the plate. A ledge surrounding the button opposes the rear surface. The pushbutton is painted and paint on the ledge causes the skirt to stick to the rear surface of the plate. To prevent sticking, pointed spacers are molded on the ledge so that only the spacer points engage the plate. Sticking from paint adhesion is minimized due to the small amount of paint on the spacer points. Alternatively, the pointed spacers are formed on the rear surface of the plate.

Abstract: A notebook computer is provided with a collapsible keyboard structure having keys supported on scissored linkage arm assemblies in which, in response to closing of the computer housing lid, key return spring portions of the keyboard are shifted away from their normal underlying relationships with the keys, and the scissored linkage arm assemblies and keys are forcibly retracted to a storage/transport orientation in which the overall thickness of the keyboard structure is reduced by an amount essentially equal to the stroke distance of the keys. When the lid is subsequently opened, the key return spring portions are shifted back to their normal underlying relationships with the keys, and the keys and scissored linkage arm assemblies are forced outwardly by the return spring portions to their extended, operative orientations above the return spring portions.

Abstract: A compact notebook computer, when opened, exposes a keyboard structure in a folded storage and transport orientation in which opposite end segments of the keyboard are inwardly pivoted onto a central segment of the keyboard, and the keys are in fully retracted, inoperative positions. To use the keyboard its end segments are outwardly pivoted to a use orientation in which they project outwardly beyond opposite ends of the computer base housing and are vertically aligned with the central keyboard segment. A top side portion of the keyboard structure is then horizontally shifted in a first direction relative to a base portion thereof. Via an interaction between cammed portions of scissored linkage arm assemblies that movably support the keys, and resilient key return members adjacent thereto, this shifting automatically raises the keyboard keys to fully extended operative positions thereof, thereby readying the keyboard for typing thereon.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus according to this invention has a key button being formed with a key stem in a body to directly assemble with a key holder and separate from it. The key apparatus has a movable contact and a fixed contact of membrane structure, and has a key switch above the contact portion. The key switch comprises a rubber spring being formed above the contact position, a key holder to receive and guide a key button from upper side, and key button.

Abstract: A key switch wherein a switching action is effected by movements of a keytop movably connected to a holder via a scissors-type support linkage which consists of first and second links connected pivotally about a common primary pivot shaft. The keytop, holder and first and second links include at least one special secondary pivot shaft each carried by a special support portion, and at least one special bearing portion each engaging the corresponding special secondary pivot shaft. The special support portion and/or the corresponding special bearing portion has/have an elastic portion which elastically yields to allow engagement of the special pivot shaft and the special bearing portion during assembling of the keytop, support linkage and holder.

Abstract: There is provided a plunger switch capable of achieving a self-adjusting mechanism in a simple structure without loss of reliability by mounting a self-adjusting mechanism using a ratchet outside a housing space for movable and fixed contacts. The plunger switch has a switch body divided into blocks, and an attachment member which has a wire spring to be engaged with a ratchet formed on an outer wall of the switch body in order to pierce a plunger therethrough. The switch body is mounted in a predetermined mount position through the attachment member.

Abstract: A switching apparatus which includes a rubber keypad (32, FIG. 2) with a rubber cap (36) that can be depressed by a person's finger to snap a snap dome (52) that connects contacts (21, 22) of a first switch (70), provides increased tactile feedback to the person's finger. A keycap (42) of rigid material includes a cover (44) lying on top of the rubber cap and also includes a stem (54) that projects down through a hole in the cap, with a lower stem end (60) lying above the snap dome to snap down the dome when a person's finger depresses the cover. The tactile snap feedback is transmitted directly through the rigid material of the stem to the rigid material of the cover, to the person's finger to indicate that the switch has been closed. The cap has a radially outer part (84), and an electrically conductive element (82) is mounted on the outer part to engage contacts (23, 24) of a second switch (80) to close it, before the snap dome is snapped to close the first switch.

Abstract: An impact resistant switch mechanism is disclosed which includes a switch disposed within a housing of a device, such as a communication device or the like. The housing has an opening formed therein through which the switch may be operated from outside the housing. An extension of material extends from the housing about the housing opening, and a shaft extending through the extension of material and the housing opening is coupled at one end to the switch for operation thereof. A knob is attached to an opposite end of the shaft and is disposed over the housing extension. The knob is rotatable about the extension and will come into contact with the extension if a force is applied to the knob before transmission of the force into the switch, which could result in possible damage to the switch.

Abstract: A key switch for a keyboard frame with a circuit board underneath includes a square-section key base, a key body sliding up and down in the key base, a key cap pressed into the key body, and a rubber cone between the key body and the circuit board. The cap includes a plunger with a downward-opening inner hole, whose lower rim contacts the upper side of the cone. The key base has four walls forming a square tube extending up from the keyboard frame surface. At the upper end of the walls are flanges extending in from the walls; each flange has a central flange notch, and between each pair of flanges is a 45-degree bevel extending across each of the base corners. The key body includes four stub rods that slide within the corners of the key base; each of the stub rods has an upper stop surface that limits the upward travel of the key body by abutting against the underside of a respective bevel.

Abstract: A key switch operating unit having an elastic cylinder hermetically interposed between the top surface of a housing and the lower surface of a flange portion of a key stem, and a rubber bottom cover covering the lower opening of the housing so as to define an airtight inner space. The housing has an inner partition wall and an outer peripheral wall to define a dust protective space. Small foreign substances such as dust and liquid tending to enter into the inside of the housing when operating the key switch can be prevented from entering.

Abstract: A vandal-resistant push-button actuator which may be utilized in a vandal resistant, remotely programmable voice communications unit capable of being programmed for automatically calling predetermined telephone numbers. The vandal-resistant push-button actuator employs a push-button, a push-button mounting device having a passageway therein for slidably receiving the push-button, and first and second axially spaced apart seals between the push-button and the passageway. The seals absorb transverse blows to a raised portion of the push-button and a lubricant may be disposed between the seals to prevent an adhesive inserted by a vandal from disabling the actuator. The raised push-button actuator may be disposed inwardly of an escutcheon and shaped to form a concave, ring-shaped surface therewith, thus to inhibit damage to the inner surface of the escutcheon from a hammer blow.

Abstract: A keyswitch assembly having a mechanism for controlling touch of a plurality of keys simultaneously. Each key is vertically movably supported on a holder member by a key support assembly. The key support assembly has first and second links intersecting with each other and pivotally connected together at the intersecting portion. A first end of the first link is pivotally connected to the key and a second end of the first link is slidably movable in a horizontal direction and is pivotally connected to the holder member. A first end of the second link is pivotally connected to the holder member, and a second end of the second link is slidably movable in the horizontal direction and is pivotally connected to the key. A biasing segment is connected to the second end of the first link for urging the same. The biasing force of the biasing segment is controllable by moving an operation plate which is connected to the biasing segment.

Abstract: A miniature aircraft type circuit breaker (10') has a threaded mounting bushing (18) in which a push button (20) is slidably received. Push button (20) is coupled to a movable contact arm (24) to move a movable electrical contact (26) into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact (28). A flexible fluid splash barrier sleeve (32) is telescopically received on a reduced diameter portion (34) of push button (20) above a white indicator portion (30) of the push button and has a lower distal end portion (36) which engages an annular top surface (38) of the bushing when push button (20) is depressed to bring the electrical contacts into engagement. Adhesive material may be used to affix the barrier sleeve to the reduced diameter portion (34) which optionally can have a roughened surface to enhance adhesion.

Abstract: An improved key unit of a keyboard comprising a key top, a keyboard plate and a conductive film; the conductive film being mounted beneath the keyboard plate; the keyboard plate has a mounting base comprising a hollow cylinder mounted thereon and the key top being mounted on the mounting base through the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: A switch device of reduced thickness is provided for use in motor vehicles or the like in which a switching element in a casing is operated with an operating knob. Such a switch device can be assembled with ease and is stable in the operation of the switching element. Such a switch device may be installed both on the right side and on the left side, while employing one and the same casing, and is therefore low in manufacturing cost. In the switch device, a switching element is provided inside a casing, and is operated with an operating knob provided on the outer surface of the casing. The switching element is secured to the back of the circuit board by soldering its fixing terminals on the side of the surface of the circuit board, and a driven part of the switching element, which is operated with the operating knob, is stuck out on the side of the surface of the circuit board through an opening formed in the latter.

Abstract: A switch actuating assembly having an attachable trigger accommodates the implementation of numerous trigger designs and configurations with a single switch assembly. The slide actuator has a head and neck portion which is adapted for locking and mating receipt by a pair of deflectable legs in U-shaped configuration positioned in spaced apart relationship from a pair of flanges. The head of the actuator is engaged in the space between the flanges and the legs, while lips on both the legs and the neck portion provide further interlocking engagement. The positioning of the head within a space between the flange and legs prevents axial movement of the actuator with respect to the trigger assembly, while the interengagement of the lips prevents any vertical movement between the two.

Abstract: A film with a first circuit printed on a lower surface, a film insulator and a film with a second circuit printed on an upper surface are mounted on the keyboard. Each of the first and second circuits includes a plurality of contacts. The film insulator defines a plurality of apertures. One of the contacts of the first circuit will be engaged with one of the contacts of the second circuit through one of the apertures defined in the film insulator if a key switch is pressed. The key switch includes a frame defining two vertical slots. A slidable member includes a plate, two hooks projecting downwardly from the plate and each including a barb for engaging with one of the vertical slots and a hollow cylinder projecting downwardly from the plate and defining two vertical slots. A cup includes two barbs projecting radially inwardly therefrom. The hollow cylinder is insertable in the cup. The barbs formed on the cup are engageable in the slots defined in the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: In a keyboard switch that switches on and off by sliding a key stem, the key stem is slidably inserted in a key stem sleeve that is integral with the housing of the keyboard switch. The key stem comprises a sliding member integrally formed therewith and a keytop support whose shape is a wide flange formed integrally with and projecting outwardly from the outer periphery of the sliding member. An elastic hollow cylinder has one end hermetically joining the lower face of the keytop support and its other end hermetically joining the outer periphery of the key stem guide sleeve. With this structure, there can be no gap between the sliding member and the keytop support, so the interior of the keyboard switch is kept completely free from dust and moisture.

Abstract: Several unique features of a key switch housing and plunger are disclosed which may be employed to provide a keyboard having improved noise and feel characteristics. A system of key plunger up-stops is used to reduce the noise produced by key return while preventing removal of the plunger from the chimney of the switch housing. The system comprises a pair of relatively weak and resilient up-stops which have a relatively small contact area which act to restrict upward movement of the keycap/plunger combination during normal operation and a pair of relatively strong and rigid up-stops which do not contact the switch housing during normal keyboard use, but which prevent the pull-out of the key switch plunger from the chimney of the key switch housing. An additional feature disclosed is a unique key switch housing and plunger design which minimizes key wobble while providing smooth key action.

Abstract: A computer key switch consisting of a key cap, a key body, a rubber cone, and a printed circuit board, wherein the key cap has two bottom rods movably inserted into two pin holes on the key body and two corresponding pin holes in the circuit board, two bottom hooks movably hooked in two retaining holes on the key cap and passable through two corresponding through holes in the circuit board, and a bottom plunger disposed in line with the center through hole on the key body and forced to squeeze the rubber cone; the key body has two downward hooks on two opposite sides thereof respectively hooked in two retaining holes on the printed circuit board; the rubber cone is received within the key body, having an annular top flange extended out of the center through hole on the key body and stopped against the bottom plunger of the key cap, and a conductive rubber on the inside to electrically connect a circuit on the printed circuit board upon each down stroke of the bottom plunger.

Abstract: A push-button switch keytop includes a flexible resin film deformed in such a manner that the resin film bulges upwardly to form a curved portion that is filled with a molding resin while the resin film is being deformed. The molding resin is allowed to harden to form a keytop body, whereby the top side of the keytop body consisting of the molding resin is integrated with the resin film in a state in which the top side of the keytop body is covered by the resin film. The keytop is manufactured by clamping a resin film between upper and lower molds, charging a molten resin from a pin gate provided on the lower mold into a cavity provided in the lower mold, thereby deforming and urging the resin film upward by pressure and heat produced by the molten resin and causing the resin film to adhere to the inner surface of the upper mold, filling the cavities of the upper and lower molds with the molten resin and separating the upper and lower molds after the resin hardens.

Abstract: A keyswitch device has a good operational feeling in a keytop and is easily and simply assembled. When the keyswitch device is assembled, the engaging pins 55, 56 of the hinge member 47 and the engaging rod 61 of the hinge member 48 are slid on the holder plate 65 toward the open sides of the sliding slots 68, 69 in the holding portions 66, 67 while being guided through the guiding walls 73 . Further, the engaging pins 55, 56 and the engaging rod 61 are slid until the engaging rod 61 rides over the stopper 69A formed in the sliding slot 69. When the guide support member 46 and the keytop 41 are connected with each other, after the engaging rod 53 of the hinge member 47 is opposed to the vertical slot 44 of the keytop 41 and the engaging pins 63, 64 of the hinge member 48 are opposed to the long slot 45 of the keytop 41, the keytop 41 is slightly pressed downwardly.

Abstract: A pushbutton assembly for panel arrays of pushbuttons has a pushbutton assembly comprising an LED extended through a guide bushing and connected to a first printed circuit board. The guide bushing is mounted to the first printed circuit board. A movable cover over the LED has pins extending through guide bores in the guide bushing with an actuator plate mounted to the pins on the opposite side of the first printed circuit board from the cover. A second printed circuit board spaced apart from the first has spring-loaded pushbutton switches mounted thereto, with the spacing such that pressing on the cover activates the pushbutton switch by means of the activator plate. The assembly of two boards may have any convenient array of switches assembled thereon, with the switch signals routed on one board and the driving signals for the LEDs routed on the other. The assembly of printed circuit boards is mounted with the covers protruding through a panel to present an array of lightable switch covers to an operator.

Abstract: A key stem of a keyboard switch includes an outer slide and an inner slide. When a key top is struck, the outer slide slides inside of an outer guide, and the inner slide slides inside an inner guide. A first moment point is developed between the outer slide and the outer guide, while a second moment point is developed between the inner slide and the inner guide. A taper at the bottom of the outer slide prevents the second moment point being developed in that location. The reduced horizontal distance between the two moment points helps prevent binding of the key when an actuating force is applied off the axis of the key top. A relationship is disclosed for avoiding sticking or binding in which the horizontal distance between the two moment points, times a coefficient of friction, is less than the vertical distance between the planes of the two moment points.

Abstract: A pushrod switch having a plastic switch housing, a pushrod with a plurality of peripheral teeth arranged in the switch housing, a movable sliding member contained within the switch housing and provided with opposing teeth engagable with the pushrod peripheral teeth and a locking catch device for releasably fixing the pushrod relative to the sliding member. The locking catch device includes two guide elements located in the sliding member and each shaped like a quarter shell; each have interior curved surfaces facing each other provided with the opposing teeth. The guide elements extend in longitudinal directions parallel to each other, are located on opposite sides of a longitudinal central plane extending vertically through both the sliding member and the pushrod, are located on opposite sides of a horizontal transverse central plane passing through the pushrod and rotated about 90.degree.

Abstract: A key switch and resilient actuator assembly that includes an electrical switching region and a hollow open ended actuator cover of elastomeric material overlaying the switching region with the open end of the actuator cover in surrounding relationship with the switching region. The actuator cover includes a first wall portion shaped to provide substantially linear resistive force during compression displacement of the cover toward the switching region and to provide substantially linear restoring force during expansion displacement of the actuator cover away from the switching region. The actuator cover further includes a second wall portion shaped to undergo buckling toward the switching region at a predetermined compression displacement and to undergo unbuckling away from the switching region at a predetermined expansion displacement that is smaller in total displacement than the predetermined compression displacement.

Abstract: A computer a key switch device comprised of key cap, a key body plate and a rubber base plate, wherein the key body plate has a raised key body portion with a respective center hole and a pair of opposite pin holes and a pair of opposite retaining holes; the rubber base plate has a conical projection received within the raised key body portion, the conical projection having a horn-shaped bottom ring supported on a membrane, a top ring extended out of the center hole on the raised key body portion, a transverse division wall blocked between the top ring and the horn-shaped bottom ring, and a solid stub rod extended downwards from the transverse division wall at the center to trigger a circuit inside the membrane upon each down stroke of the key cap; the key cap has a plunger stopped against the top ring of the conical projection, two opposite bottom rods inserted into the pin holes on the raised key body portion, and two opposite hooks hooked in the retaining holes on the raised key body portion.

Abstract: A low profile keyswitch having bearing surfaces on both the inside and outside of the plunger of the keycap member is disclosed. The key switch includes a one-piece switch chimney having a cylindrical upright member, a plurality of arcuate ribs positioned coaxially inwardly of the cylindrical member along with a membrane support member. The chimney receives the cylindrical plunger between the cylindrical member and the ribs to provide bearing surfaces on the plunger closest to the keycap member actuation point to minimize friction when the keycap member is depressed offcenter thereby reducing binding of the keyswitch. A plurality of equidistance upstops are disposed on the lower-end of the plunger to reduce wobble of the keycap member in the extended position.

Abstract: A computer key includes a socket member which confines a receiving space therein and which has a top wall that is provided with a through hole, a resilient biasing member which is disposed inside the receiving space of the socket member, and a support member which has an upright tubular portion and a flange portion that projects radially outward from an intermediate part of the tubular portion and that is in sliding contact with an inner wall surface of the socket member. The support member is provided inside the receiving space of the socket member such that the tubular portion extends through the through hole of the socket member. The tubular portion has a bottom end which rests on top of the biasing member. The biasing member urges the support member upward to a normal unpressed key condition. A push button is secured on top of the support member.

Abstract: A leveler suitable for use in multi-unit keys for a keyboard, such as a notebook keyboard, includes a J-shaped cantilever member interposed between a keycap and a base used to house the keycap. The leveler is rotatably attached to the keycap and rotatably and slidably engaged with the base. Upon actuation of the key, the slidable and rotatable portion permits the key to be compressed, while the rotatable portion attached to the keycap provides, through the action of the cantilever, a downward force upon the lower surface of the keycap. The distribution of this force via the cantilever mechanism provides a key leveling function, such that the keycap does not have a tendency to bind or stick within the guide portion of the base.

Abstract: A key unit includes a key a hollow housing securely mounted on a base frame of a computer keyboard, an actuating member, and a spring member. The hollow housing includes a top wall with an opening, a first pair of opposed side walls, and a second pair of opposed side walls. A vertical track is formed in each of inner surface of the first pair of opposed side walls. A resounding plate is mounted on an inner surface of one of the second pair of opposed side walls. The actuating member includes an upper column which extends through the opening in the housing and is adapted to engage with the key. An extension projects outward from each of two opposed sides of the upper column for engaging with the associated vertical track in the housing. The spring member includes an axle which is pivotally mounted between the first pair of opposed side walls and first and second arcuate members projecting outward from the axle and extending away from each other.

Abstract: Spring-clips are pressed into push buttons to provide a stabilized and yieldable fit on the ends of cassette player control levers. This allows freedom of button movement, if needed, to enhance the assembly of the escutcheon-lens assembly to the cassette player-chassis assembly. Because of the great accumulation of tolerances between the escutcheon-lens assembly and the cassette player-chassis, the spring clips provide sufficient freedom of movement of the buttons relative to the levers, as needed, to improve the alignment of the buttons with corresponding openings in the escutcheon-lens assembly. Once the escutcheon-lens assembly is secured to the player-chassis assembly. This invention eliminates or reduces button rattle while imparting a firm feeling to the activation action of the button.

Abstract: A keypad (10) comprises a membrane having a plurality of switch actuating portions (41). The keypad (10) further comprises key portions (44) corresponding to said switch actuating portions (41) and located on an opposite side of the membrane to said switch actuating portions (41) and a plurality of switch elements (18) located beneath said switch actuating portions (41) of the membrane. The membrane extends across the keypad (10) and provides a water resistant barrier between the switch elements (18) and the key portions (44) of the membrane. Removable buttons (40) are provided for the keypad (10) and are attached to the key portions (44) of the membrane, whereby pressing of the buttons (40) causes flexing of the membrane and actuation of the switch elements (18) by the switch actuating portion of the membrane.