Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand-wheel for adjusting an outlet pressure and/or a flow-rate of a tap for a gas cylinder, the hand-wheel comprising a body; and a transparent cover fixed on the body. The hand-wheel further comprises indicia arranged between the transparent cover and the body so as to be visible by a user but not in contact with the fingers of the user. The invention is also directed to a tap for gas cylinder, comprising such a hand-wheel, as well as to a tap assembly comprising such a tap and a cover housing the tap.

Abstract: Provided is a key switch that enables sufficiently enhancement of the rigidity of a key top. A key switch includes a support plate; a key top disposed on the support plate; a link configured to link the key top with the support plate; a switch; a first arm disposed on a back surface of the key top between the link and a first short-side end of the key top, and extending in a long-side direction of the key top; a second arm disposed on the back surface of the key top between the link and a second short-side end of the key top, and extending in the long-side direction of the key top; and a reinforcement plate mounted on the key top. The reinforcement plate comprises a short-side part extending in the short-side direction of the key top between the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A key switch device includes a key top; a link member that guides an elevating operation of the key top while being interlocking with the key top, the link member including a rotatable shaft and a sliding shaft that is connected to the key top; a membrane sheet that includes a contact that opens and closes in accordance with the elevating operation of the key top; a back plate; a housing that holds the rotatable shaft of the link member to the back plate; and a pushing unit that pushes the link member such that the sliding shaft moves away from the back plate.

Abstract: A key assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention comprises a base, a keycap, a biasing mechanism, a first linkage, and a second linkage. The keycap is spaced from the base along a press direction and configured to move between an unpressed position and a pressed position relative to the base. The unpressed and pressed positions are separated by a first amount in the press direction and a second amount in a lateral direction orthogonal to the press direction. The first amount is at least as much as the second amount and no larger than twice the second amount. The biasing mechanism is configured to bias the keycap away from the base. The first and second linkages are rotatably coupled to the base and the keycap.

Abstract: A keyboard comprises a plurality of keycap-bearing physically-discrete segments that are hingeably coupled to one another. When in a non-deployed configuration, the keycap-bearing physically-discrete segments are disposed on a back side of a corresponding housing such that the keys face outwardly away from that back side of the housing. When in a deployed configuration, the keycap-bearing physically-discrete segments are disposed substantially planar with respect to that same housing and face outwardly away from a front side of the apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile computing device is disclosed. The mobile computing device comprises a housing that includes a section to retain a keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes at least a keypad façade that carries a plurality of keys. The keypad façade of the keypad assembly is contoured to adjoin and be substantially flush with the section of the housing.

Abstract: A keyswitch device includes a supporting seat, a key cap, a circuit board disposed on the supporting seat, and an elastic member located between the key cap and the circuit board. The supporting seat includes a base board and two first confining members that are formed on the base board and that are spaced apart from each other. The key cap includes a cap body and two first hooks that engage respectively the first confining members, thereby inhibiting the key cap to move in horizontal directions with respect to the supporting seat, and allowing the key cap to move vertically in a range equal to the height of the first blocking parts of the first confining members. When the key cap is moved downward, the elastic member deforms to press the circuit board so as to generate a corresponding signal.

Abstract: A key structure with a scissors-type connecting member is provided. The scissors-type connecting member includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has a bulge. The second frame has a recess. The height of the bulge is smaller than the length of the recess entrance. The length of the recess bottom surface is greater than the length of the recess entrance. After the bulge of the first frame is introduced into the recess of the second frame, since the length of the recess bottom surface is greater than the length of the recess entrance, the possibility of detaching the bulge from the recess during the operation of the scissors-type connecting member will be minimized.

Abstract: An input device in an environment where pressure changes. The input device comprises a plate layer, a circuit layer, a keypad layer, a protection layer, and a sealed and liquid-tight space. The keypad layer is attached to the plate layer. The sealed and liquid-tight space is formed between the plate layer and the keypad layer. The circuit layer is disposed in the sealed and liquid-tight space. Furthermore, the plate layer has a first hole, and the circuit layer has a second hole corresponding to the first hole. The protection layer is attached to the plate layer and corresponds to the sealed and liquid-tight space. The air permeable rate of the protection layer is between 10% and 50% so that the inside pressure and the outside pressure of the input device can reach an equilibrium.

Abstract: An ultra compact mobile keyboard. The keyboard has a plurality of mechanical keys suitable for touch typing. Each such key has a travel distance sufficient to provide a touch type feel and a rigid cap for crisp actuation by a user. The keyboard has a deployed configuration for touch-typing use and a collapsed configuration for transport and storage. In the collapsed configuration, the keyboard fits within bounding volume of less than 180 cubic centimeters.

Abstract: A group keypad structure in compliance with a standard keyboard installation includes group keypads corresponding to characters of a standard keyboard input method; for example, the structure includes ten group keypads installed from left to right on a base, and the ten group keypads include characters of “Q, A, Z”, “W, S, X”, “E, D, C”, “R, F, V”, “T, G, B”, “Y, H, N”, “U, J, M”, “I, K, ,”, “O, L, .” and “P, ;, /” respectively, and further includes ten numeric characters “1˜0”, so as to achieve the effects of reducing the area of a keyboard, shortening the moving distance of a user's fingers, providing an easy and convenient carry, complying with the user's using habit, and improving the input speed.

Abstract: A key structure of a keyboard, comprising: a backplane and a plurality of key caps. The backplane is concaved a plurality of grooves. A frame is deposed on the groove, and outside of the frame two fixed bases and two positioning columns are correspondingly deposed on the opposite sides. A clamp is deposed on the fixed base. A link bar, consists of a cross bar and two struts. The cross bar and the struts are mutually perpendicular and shown as an upside-down U shape. A key cap, in which a convex column is extended from the inside of the key cap, and two clips are protruded respectively on the opposite sides of the convex column, as well as a slot is deposed on the clip. The clips are adapted to position the cross bar of the link bar to a clamp of a fixed base on the backplane. And two struts are adapted to be held by the positioning column, so that the two struts only can be moved up and down and will not mismatch.

Abstract: A keyboard and key structure thereof includes a keycap, an elastic element, a supporting element, a base and a frame. The elastic element is located below the keycap. The supporting element has a supporting part, a connecting part and an end part, wherein the supporting part supports the keycap and the connecting part connects the supporting part and the end part. The base supports the elastic element. The frame secures the end part on the base. A keyboard includes a plurality of key structures.

Abstract: A keypad assembly used in a portable electronic device (100) includes at least one key button (40) and at least one fixing member (30). Each key button is slidingly received in a receiving hole (26) defined in a cover (20) of the portable electronic device. The at least one fixing member is fixed on the cover. Each fixing member includes at least one latching portion (34) and a plurality of curved portions (32). Each latching portion connects with the curved/bias portions. Each latching portion firmly connects with at least one key button. The corresponding latching portion of the fixing member is configured for selectably pressing into a chosen switch (12) in the portable electronic device, so as to form/prompt an electronic signal when the key button is given an appropriate horizontal force to initiate such contact with a given switch.

Abstract: A press key structure includes a keycap, a base, and two crossed pivotal support stands. Both ends of the two support stands are abutted against the keycap and the base, and the keycap and the base includes pivot lugs for pivotally coupling axle portions at both ends of the support stands, and an inverted hook disposed at each pivot lug, and the axle portions at both ends of the support stands are prevented from sliding freely out the pivot lugs without the interference by the inverted hook. During an assembling process, the two crossed pivotal support stands are latched with the pivot lugs on a side of the base first, and then latched with the pivot lugs on a side of the keycap to achieve the fixing effect, and finally the top of the keycap is pressed gently to complete the assembling process.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a base having sets of mounts formed thereon. The keyboard also includes a set of keycaps. Each keycap includes a key top and a support mechanism, which is coupled to the key top and coupled to an associated one of the sets of mounts. The support is configured to lower and raise the key top. Each of the key tops includes a convex-rounded edge surrounding a concave-rounded base. A radius of curvature of the convex-rounded edge is approximately 1.0 to 3.0 millimeters, and a radius of curvature of the concave-rounded base is approximately 32 to 33 millimeters. The keyboard further includes a control circuit coupled to the base and configured to detect downward movement of the keycaps and send a transmission signal to a computer wherein the transmission signal includes information for one of the keycaps downward movement.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly configured for converting keystroke activation into electrical signals. The keyboard assembly includes a plurality of key caps, each of the plurality of key caps being configured to transition between a rest position and a depressed position. The keyboard assembly also includes a web-like structure having a plurality of interconnected ribs defining a plurality of apertures. The plurality of key caps are disposed such that the plurality of key caps move within the plurality of apertures and traverse a plane formed by an upper surface of the web-like structure when the plurality of key caps transition between the rest position and the depressed position.

Abstract: In a keyboard device, a frame function part is provided integrally in a frame to engage with a component of the keyboard device excluding the frame. Integrated continuous parts are formed at the frame and extend continuously over a key zone including a plurality of keys. The integrated continuous part receives external force directly or via the frame function part or allows a component constructed separately from the frame to mount on the integrated continuous part. A connection rib is formed in the frame such that the connection rib extends in a direction intersecting a direction along which the keys are arranged side-by-side. The integrated continuous parts are formed at positions deviated with respect to each other, when viewed from a side of the frame. The integrated continuous parts are connected to each other only by the connection rib.

Abstract: A key switch arrangement is able to accomplish the compatibility with a normal keyboard in respect of profile without increasing the height of the keyboard and reduce the cost without adding new members for a light source. The key switch arrangement includes a key-top having an optically transparent key-top having a cutout letter part formed thereon, an optically transparent membrane sheet having a contact, an optically transparent plate member arranged under the membrane sheet, and a light source arranged in the membrane sheet. The light source emits light to pass the plate member and the membrane sheet to illuminate the cutout letter part on the key-top.

Abstract: A one-piece keyboard includes a compressible body having a plurality of depressible key areas, each associated with a first spring constant, and a wrist support area of the body associated with a second spring constant. By selecting appropriate spring constants, stresses on a user's fingers, hands and wrists may be reduced.

Abstract: A washable switch that may be used in a keyboard is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing of the keyboard may include a key opening and a support layer may be mounted in the housing. Key silos may be mounted on the support layer and input keys with support legs may be mounted in the key silos. In an embodiment the key silos may comprise an internally lubricated resin. An actuation unit and a keyboard circuitry may be in communication and encapsulated in a first and second barrier layer so as to provide a keyboard that may be safely placed in a dishwasher. If the keyboard is configured for wireless use, a sealable power source compartment sealably coupled to the keyboard circuitry may be provided with a removable door so as to allow the user, in operation, to access and replace a power source. The keyboard may include an externally exposed connector that may be sealed with a plug that may be attached to the housing by a tether.

Abstract: A first bearing member is provided on one of an upper face of a board member and a lower face of a key top member. A first guide member is provided on the other one of the upper face of the board member and the lower face of the key top member. A first link member is disposed between the board member and the key top member, and has a first end portion rotatably supported by the first bearing member and a second end portion engaged with the first guide member. The first link member is pivotable in a first direction about the first end portion thereof to allow the key top member to move in a vertical direction. The second end portion of the first link member is slidable relative to the first guide member in a horizontal direction in accordance with the movement of the key top member.

Abstract: A key switch includes a guiding and supporting mechanism for guiding and supporting a key top. The guiding and supporting mechanism is so constructed that a substantially ring-shaped stabilizer and a substantially U-shaped stabilizer are pivotally connected by shafts and bearing parts each having a semi-circular sectional shape.

Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.

Abstract: A remote keyboard has keys which are illuminated for identification under a dim motherboard. For a first embodiment of the invention, the identifying symbol or symbols on each key cap of the keyboard is formed from luminescent material. Alternatively, the symbol or symbols on each key cap are formed from a translucent material in which tritium is embedded. Tritium, which has a half-life of about 12.5 years, emits low-energy beta particle radiation. The radiation, which is of sufficiently low energy that it may be blocked by a piece of paper, may be rendered innocuous by placing clear plastic radiation shields over each key cap. For a second embodiment of the invention, the key caps themselves are molded from luminescent material, while the symbols are formed from contrasting black or dark-colored non-luminescent material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a keyboard arrangement and a method for detecting an input character. In particular the invention relates to a method and arrangement for reducing the number of keys in a QWERTY-keyboard (20) or the like. One idea of the invention is to provide keys (210) with several characters and to provide alternative ways to press the key for entering a selected one of the alternative characters. The keys are preferably triangular or have three arms, and one of three characters can be selected by pressing the corresponding corner/arm of the key. The keyboard may preferably be formed of interlaced rows of keys. Linguistic disambiguation is advantageously used in addition to said mechanical disambiguation. The invention is well suited for mobile station keyboards.

Abstract: A keyboard with elevated keys for a notebook computer. The keys of the keyboard are elevated when the notebook computer is opened, and can be depressed when the flat display is closed. The keyboard has keys movably connected to the foundation sheet through scissors-type linking mechanisms. A plurality of guiding sheets is movably disposed on a foundation sheet and has hooks and tracks. Each of the tracks is parallel to a first direction. A sliding member is movably disposed on the foundation sheet and has protrusions extending into each of the tracks. When the sliding member moves in the first direction, the protrusions move the guiding sheets from a first position to a second position. The hooks of the guiding sheets sequentially press the scissors-type linking mechanism of each key to depress the keys of the keyboard from elevated position to depressed position.

Abstract: A waterproof keyboard is provided, which has keys, scissor frames, elastic layer bodies, a membrane circuit board, a support plate and a bottom plate, wherein the bottom board is disposed with a plurality of stamped nodes, which are corresponded by apertures disposed on the support plate. The means of riveting is used for riveting the bottom plate and the support plate, such that no apertures can be found on the bottom plate, so as to prevent liquids poured on the keyboard by accident from infiltrating down to the motherboard underneath the bottom plate, thus assuring that the motherboard is not damaged thereby. As a result, the computer can be kept operable. Also the membrane circuit board is mounted on top of the support plate, thus rendering the overall structural assembly easier and such overall structure more stable.

Abstract: A key sheet comprising a key top, a translucent resin film, and a symbol layer. The key top is made of resin and has a top surface and a rear surface. The key top includes a gate corresponding section in a position corresponded to a gate of a mold for injecting resin to form the key top. The translucent resin film is provided over the key top. The symbol layer is disposed to associate with the top surface of the key top. The gate corresponding section is located to prevent that gate corresponding section from being viewed through the symbol layer.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys for entering information, a moving mechanism for descending and ascending each key in a direction different from a vertical direction and for maintaining an orientation of the key top, and a forcing member for forcing the moving mechanism to return the key to an original state.

Abstract: In a keyboard device, a substrate is formed with multiple positioning members, each of which includes an upright first wall portion extending from one side of a punched hole, and a second wall portion connected to the first wall portion, extending toward another side of the punched hole and cooperating with the first wall portion to confine a positioning groove. Multiple key units are assembled on the substrate. Each key unit includes a base plate disposed on a membrane circuit, which is provided on the substrate. The base plate is formed with an opening to permit extension of an upright biasing member therethrough. Positioning blocks at opposite ends of the base plate engage correspondingly positioning grooves in the substrate. Each key unit further includes a foldable retaining member provided on the base plate for retaining a key cap on the base plate.

Abstract: A keyboard housing for a key array of a depressible-key keyboard. A parallel guide for multi-wide keys is configured in such a way in the keyboard housing that a swiveling crank arm is limited against longitudinal displacement at both ends and, by two support ribs, is positioned in a vertical direction that its position corresponds precisely to that of the depressed multi-wide key. If the complete set of keys is inserted into the housing and pressed as far as the end stop, the swiveling crank arm latches into snap-in apertures of the multi-wide key, thus becoming functional. The keyboard housing can be used for keyboards produced by automation.

Abstract: A button apparatus with dual elastic elements includes a base, a key top located above the base, an elevation mechanism, and a complex elastic unit. The elevation mechanism is used to execute lifting and lowering operation between the base and the key top. The complex elastic unit, positioned between the base and the key top for providing resilience to the button apparatus, further includes a lower elastic element mounted on the base and an upper elastic element mounted under the key top. When the button apparatus is operated, an S-shaped resilience pattern can be provided by the complex elastic unit to generate a two-step punch feeling back to the user. Thereby, controllability of the button apparatus can be enhanced.

Abstract: A key structure includes a set of key tops with contact footings of retaining hooks, an upper case with a plurality of insert holes wherein contact footings of retaining hooks are moveably inserted therein and a bottom case to be assembled with the upper case; the present invention is characterized that elastic upper and lower electrode members made of metal and capable of conducting electricity are inserted between every key top and the bottom case; the depressed key top synchronously presses the upper and the lower electrode members to deform and displace to make the upper and the lower electrode members contact each other, conduct electricity and transmit signals; when the force exerted onto the key top is released, the upper and the lower electrode members recoil to disconnect each other and discontinue electric conduction; the simplified parts of the present invention and the elimination of the conventional upper and lower electric conducting membrane sheets efficiently reduce the pollution when the keyb

Abstract: A keyboard securing device secures a keyboard module to an opening defined in a top wall of a casing of a notebook computer. The securing device includes a resilient body from which first and second tabs extend. The first tab is attached to an underside of the top wall of the casing. The second tab extends through a slot defined in a side wall that defines the opening into the opening for engaging an edge of the keyboard module and thus securing the keyboard. A retainer is fixed in the casing and supports the resilient body of the securing device thereon. First and second flanges extend from the retainer. The first flange is fixed to the casing. The second flange is positioned on and supported by a bottom wall of the casing for movably and at least partially supporting the second tab thereon whereby the securing device is retained in position against a downward force for mounting the keyboard into the opening.

Abstract: A keyboard which may be utilized in either an expanded or contracted state. A keyboard is comprised of an expandable and compressible housing which supports a plurality of elastic belts. Keyswitch assemblies are fastened to the elastic belt. When the keyboard housing is expanded, the elastic belts are stretched, and the distance between the keys is increased. The keytops can be of variable size so that upon expansion, they increase in size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stroke-limited key structure and a keyboard including the key. The key structure includes a base, a scissors-shaped member, and a cap. The scissors-shaped frame is disposed on the base, and the cap is disposed on the scissors-shaped member. The scissors-shaped frame includes a first frame and a second frame that is rotatably coupled to the first frame. The first and second frames include a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The stroke of the key is limited by using the engagement between the first and second protrusions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable keyboard, and more particularly, to a foldable keyboard adapted for a point stick and/or at least one hot key. Two or more keypad portions are hingably connected by a connection board on which a point stick or at least one hot key is disposed. When the keyboard is in a deployed configuration, the keypad portions slide along the keyboard plane to combine with the point stick or the hot keys so that a complete keyboard is formed. The connection board of the present invention may further include a circuit board to be electrically connected with each key and the point stick or the hot keys in order to receive and decode the signals from each key and the point stick or the hot keys.

Abstract: A keyboard structure, comprising: a substrate, a scissors mechanism, and a key lid. The scissors mechanism and the substrate are connected together. The scissors mechanism has a rotational configuration formed by cross-connecting a first rod and a second rod. The first rod has a first upper end and a first lower end. The second rod has a second upper end and a second lower end such that the first lower end and the second lower end are connected with the substrate. The key lid is connected with the first upper end and the second upper end for allowing the key lid to move between a first position, wherein the key lid and the substrate are detached, and a second position. The key lid has a base and a stop block. The base is connected with the second upper end of the scissors mechanism. The stop block is kept an appropriate distance with the base. The stop block and the base are formed into a releasing space.

Abstract: A keyboard with liquid-draining function, at least including: keys, elastic body layer, circuit board layer, bottom board and sealing layer; wherein the bottom board is installed with at least a liquid-draining hole, with the dividing mechanism being installed between the circuit board layer and the bottom board to form a liquid-draining space. The liquid-draining space and the liquid-draining hole are connected for the purpose of draining liquid that is accidentally poured into the keyboard, so that liquid flowing down through the keys can be drained away swiftly via the liquid-draining space and drained out of the keyboard through the liquid-draining hole, thus preventing liquid from accumulating in the keyboard, and maintaining the normal operation of the keyboard.

Abstract: A keycap assembly for using in a keyboard is provided. The keycap assembly includes a keycap having a lever fitting slot disposed in an inner wall thereof, and a lever having a curved portion in contact with the inner wall of the keycap for forming a downward slanting angle with respect to the inner wall of the keycap when the lever is assembled with the lever fitting slot of the keycap, thereby causing the keycap assembly to be assembled with the keyboard easily.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard comprises at least one keyboard module, and each keyboard module has a plurality of keyswitches arranged in array pattern. At least one membrane circuit is provided to connect the plurality of keyswitches. When the keyboard is in an operation state, each keyswitch having a predetermined separation with adjacent keyswitch, and the separation is the same as that in a standard keyboard. To shrink the keyboard, the plurality of keyswitches can be arranged in a collapsed state to reduce the transverse size of the keyboard, the lengthwise size of the keyboard, or both sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate key sheet wherein a key sheet of a resin film having a display section is bent into a same form as the top and side faces of each resin button in order to be integrated with the resin button and where a cut-out is formed between the resin buttons. A rubber elastic sheet and the resin film are connected together through an adhesive interposing between an area between resin buttons of the key sheet and the rubber elastic sheet.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes a clamping stage, and a retaining stage. The foldable keyboard has an accommodation region on rear edge thereof. A strip-shaped rail is formed in front of the accommodation region and a guiding groove is formed on an opposite side of the accommodation region. The clamping stage is laterally movable on the accommodation region. The clamping stage has a pair of bumps on a rear side thereof and each bump has a pivotal hole on an inner side thereof such that the clamping stage can be pivotally connected to the retaining stage. The retaining stage has a socket electrically connected to an internal circuit of the foldable keyboard and a portable electronic device can be inserted into the socket.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard includes left and right subframes hinged to each other at proximate lateral sides by a hinge member. The hinge member includes a mounting member with front and rear mounting portions pivoted to the subframes, two wing members hinged to lateral edges of the mounting member, and couplers disposed to link the subframes and the wing members. As such, the subframes are turnable between deployed and collapsed positions, where the subframes are planar and face towards each other, respectively. A locking mechanism is disposed over the proximate lateral sides of the subframes to lock the subframes in the deployed position.

Abstract: An improved keyboard structure consists of a lower plate, a membrane circuit, an upper plate, a bridge means, an elastic element and a key cap. The lower plate has a set of symmetrical first latch sections and a set of retain section formed at selected locations corresponding to the first latch sections. The upper plate has a set of symmetrical second apertures corresponding to the first latch sections and a set of symmetrical second latch sections corresponding to the second apertures. There are openings in front of the second latch sections for housing the retain sections. The bridge means has a first pivotal end insertable in a bias manner into a space formed between the second latch section and the retain sections and a second pivotal end latching to the first latch sections such that the bridge means can be assembled on the upper plate and the lower plate in single direction. The upper plate may be pushed to move the second latch sections away from the first pivotal end for removing the bridge means.

Abstract: In a keyboard switch including a pantograph mechanism comprising a U-shaped link 14 having a pair of stud shafts 14C rotatably and movably supported in bearing portions 13B of a base 13 and a link 15 including a frame-like portion 15A and having a pair of stud shafts 15D rotatably supported in bearing portions 13C ofthe base 13, ribs 14F having tapered surfaces 14G are provided along the peripheral surfaces of bosses 14D defining the center of rotation of the link 14 while holes 15E in the link 15 for mating with the bosses 14D are formed with keyways 15F. When a force tending to pull the keytop up further from it returned original position is applied to the keytop, the tapered surfaces 14G and the angular edges of the keyways 15F are forced into contact with each other. This urging force in turn urges the opposed legs 14B of the link 14 to expand apart from each other in the directions indicated by the arrows 19, whereby the link 14 is prevented from dislodging from the base 13.

Abstract: A key switch having a replaceable key cap is provided. The key switch includes a main key body (10) having a pair of cross-ribs (14). The pair of cross-ribs (14) define a plurality of recesses within the main key body (10). A replaceable key cap (20) has an upper wall and a substantially annular sidewall which define a hollow chamber therein. A plurality of locking members (22) project from a lower surface of the upper wall within the hollow chamber. Each of the locking members (22) has a locking flange projecting therefrom and each of the plurality of locking members (22) is releasably received by a respective one of the plurality of recesses, with the locking flanges releasably engaging respective cross-ribs (14).

Abstract: An active rebound circuit has a device that assists users lift their finger upward to relieve some repetitive motion stress. The device is configured to respond with a rebound force when a user's finger applies a particular force to the device. The rebound force is sufficient to provide substantial reduction in work expended in moving the finger in the opposite direction to the particular force applied by the user's finger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spill resistant keyboard including at least one conduit to permit a spilled liquid to drain through the keyboard without damaging the keyboard's electronics. The conduit is positioned along a sloped surface located along a front edge of a recessed area of the keyboard to promote the drainage of the spilled liquid through the conduit. The keyboard also includes water protection walls positioned around certain elongated keys prevent the spilled liquid from entering the body of the keyboard.