Abstract: Assembling structure for bridge member and frame plate of a press key, in which the cover block of the insertion slide section of the frame plate is formed with a guide section in contact with the outward extending slide posts of the bridge member. When the bridge member is connected with the frame plate, the slide posts of the bridge member are guided by the guide section to smoothly insert into the insertion slide section.

Abstract: A support linkage movably connecting a key cap to a plastic body comprises a first rack and a second rack. The first rack has a first rack body movably connected between the key cap and the plastic body, and the second rack has a second rack body movably connected between the key cap and the plastic body. The second rack body has two axial holes each having an open side and engaged with a shaft on the first rack body.

Abstract: A pseudo key structure for detachable keyboard module includes a cap, a shaft and a latch member. The cap has an interior accommodation space and is mounted on the base board of the keyboard module. The shaft has an upper end rotational in the cap and a lower end rotational in the accommodation space. The latch member is held in the accommodation space and is driven by the shaft. The latch member has a protrusive end engageable with a stopper formed on a base upon which the keyboard module is mounted. By turning the shaft, the protrusive end can engage/disengage with the stopper to fasten/release the keyboard module to/from the base.

Abstract: A key switch is configured such that each of a first cam portion 24 of a first link member 3 and a second cam portion 35 of a second link member 4 is provided with first and second cam surfaces 25, 26 and a cam apex 27. Plate springs 20, 31 are integrally provided in the first and second cam portions 24, 35 respectively. When a key top 2 is depressed, the urging force of the plate springs causes the first cam surfaces 25 of both the first and second cam portions to come into contact with each other. Thus the key top is securely held in the depressed position. When key top 2 is pressed the second cam surfaces 26 of the first and second cam portions 24, 35 come into contact with each other while the upward movement of the first and second link members 3, 4 is retained based on the urging force of the plate springs 20, 31, causing the elastic resinous pieces 24A, 35A to perform a switching operation.

Abstract: Assembling structure for bridge member and frame plate of a press key, in which the cover block of the insertion slide section of the frame plate is formed with a guide section in contact with the outward extending slide posts of the bridge member. When the bridge member is connected with the frame plate, the slide posts of the bridge member are guided by the guide section to smoothly insert into the insertion slide section.

Abstract: A computer having a light emitting diode (LED) display keyboard device is disclosed. The computer includes a LED display keyboard device, a display device, a central processing unit, a ROM, a RAM, and a system bus, the LED display keyboard device comprises a number lock (Num Lock) key for activating numeral function keys on a keyboard; a telephone lock key for activating telephone function keys on a keyboard; a controller for lightening function keys corresponding to a Num Lock key signal and a telephone lock key signal respectively; and a fight emitting device for being activated by a control signal from the controller.

Abstract: A key switch comprising a base, a key top arranged above the base, a pair of link members interlocked to each other and operatively engaged with the base and the key top to support the key top above the base and direct the key top in a vertical direction, a switching mechanism for selectively opening and closing an electric circuit in connection with a vertical movement of the key top. Each of the link members includes a sliding portion slidably and shiftably engaged with either one of the base and the key top. At least one elastic member is disposed between at least one of the link members and either one of the base and the key top with which the sliding portion of each link member is engaged. The elastic member exerts biasing force, relative to a displacement or shifting amount of the sliding portion, onto at least one of the link members in a direction different from, e.g., substantially orthogonal to, the vertical shifting direction of the key top.

Abstract: A key pad with rigid resin key top, preventing key top detachment or dislocation, and allowing to omit key detachment prevention means such as collar and to simplify the structure, and adhering to a silicone rubber key pad 1,7 with silicone base adhesive 15, 20, by preparing urethane base adhesion substrate layer 3, 9 on a back 2, 8 of a key top made of rigid resin.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard includes a top case having a plurality of key planes that are non-parallel with one another. A plurality of keyswitch bases are positioned within respective ones of the plurality of key planes and are formed with the top case as a single, continuous piece of material.

Abstract: A computer key includes first and second linking frames interconnecting pivotally a base plate and a push button. The first and second linking frames are connected pivotally at first and second linking arms thereof. Each of the second linking arms has a pin member extending outwardly and transversely therefrom, and a second transverse axle connected thereto. Each of the first linking arms has a first transverse axle connected thereto, and an elongated slot extending in a longitudinal direction thereof. Each of the first linking arms further has a protrusion projecting from an internal wall of the elongated slot to form left and right sections longitudinally of the elongated slot.

Abstract: A keyswitch for notebook computer comprises at least a keytop, a rubber cone, a base, a bottom plate below the base and two levers arranged in scissors form between the keytop and the base. The upper ends of the two levers are connected to the keytop and the lower ends of the two levers are provided with pivotal shafts. The pivotal shafts on the both lower ends of at least one lever is projecting from an outer wall of the lever such that a dent is formed between a rear wall of the pivotal shaft and a bottom end of the lever. The base has a plurality of through holes corresponding to the pivotal shafts on the both lower ends of the levers and the pivotal shafts are pivotally engaged with the through holes. A clamping plate arranged atop each the through hole. The base has a hollow accommodating space below the two levers. The bottom plate has a plurality of through holes corresponding to the pivotal shafts on the both lower ends of the levers.

Abstract: A key structure of a computer keyboard includes a cap and a post axially extending from an underside of the cap and being movably inserted into and received in a guide channel of the keyboard. The post has a quadrilateral cross section having pairs of opposite first and second side faces. Each first side face forms two first resilient members each having a contacting portion of a V-shaped configuration laterally extending beyond the post for biasingly engaging with a corresponding inside surface of the guide channel thereby stabilizing the movement of the key with respect to the guide channel and thus reducing the noise level thereof. Each second side face forms a second resilient member defining an elongate slot movably receiving and engaging with a corresponding stop block formed inside the guide channel. The engagement between the slot and the stop block limits the stroke of movement of the key thereby preventing the post from severely impacting and thus damaging the keyboard and associated parts thereof.

Abstract: At an end of a bottom board 21 of an upper case 19 holding a thin keyboard switch 16, a substantially large opening 22 that allows a connector sheet 17 drawn from a rear end of the keyboard switch to pass through with a sufficient margin is provided, the connector sheet 17 is provided with at least one hole 18 at the middle part in the width direction, and a protrusion 23 is provided protruding from a frame portion 20 of the upper case as the constituent part towards the opening 22, which protrusion penetrating through the hole 18 of connector sheet 17, as it is being folded down forward, for supporting a baseboard 5 from the bottom surface. With the above described structure, the fabricating operation for connecting the connector sheet 17 can be accomplished easier and surer.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a plurality of keyswitches each having a keytop movable up and down, wherein the angle of the keytop varies depending on whether the keytop is in an initial position or in a pressed position. In this structure, the keytop moves in a direction corresponding to the motion of an operator's finger and thus smooth operations can be achieved, as opposed to a conventional keyboard device in which a keytop moves vertically while maintaining itself horizontal and thus the motion of the keytop occurs in a direction different from the motion of an operator's finger.

Abstract: A pattern sheet, an insulation sheet and a frame made of sheet metal are successively built up on a plate made of sheet metal, a pair of links pivotally connected together intermediate their opposite ends to form a pantograph mechanism are movably engaged at their one ends with respective bearings formed on the frame by a drawing process while the other ends of the links are movably engaged with respective bearings formed on the bottom surface of a key top.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a key structure of a keyboard for easy grease injection. The key structure comprises a top cover installed with a supporting structure, a key cap, and a link bar. The supporting structure comprises two hooks at two sides. Each hook comprises a plate structure on its top portion and a horizontal sliding slot below the plate structure. The key cap comprises two clamps installed on a bottom side of the key cap. The link bar comprises two upper ends installed in the two clamps, and two lower ends installed in the horizontal sliding slots. Each of the plate structures comprises an injection hole. The injection hole is positioned so that grease can be injected into the horizontal sliding slot below the plate structure through the injection hole so as to reduce the friction between one lower end of the link bar and the horizontal sliding slot of the hook when the lower end of the link bar slides in the horizontal sliding slot.

Abstract: A key structure of computer keyboard having a base, a conductive film, an elastic member, a frame, a cap. A plurality of coupling parts are arranged on the cap and the base, wherein the coupling part on along the same side of the cap and the base are composed of three sliding grooves and a fixed groove. The frame has a plurality of pivoting shafts arranged within the sliding grooves and fixed groove such that the frame can be pressed down. Both sides of the elastic member are fixed between the cap and the conductive film such that the elastic member will not outleap. A clamping device is arranged between the cap and the base such that the key will not shake when being pressed.

Abstract: A low-impact keyboard for decreasing the risk of a repetitive stress injury to the user, having a plurality of keys and an impact absorbing mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard includes a flexible circuit board beneath the keys and a circuit board support plate beneath the flexible circuit board. The impact absorbing mechanism is an impact sheet of a resilient material between the flexible circuit board and the circuit board support plate, below the contact point of each key.

Abstract: A type of flexible component reinforcing mechanism, the upward extension of said flexible component forming a connector part, inside said flexible main unit is an activator body, the downward extension of the flexible component forms a base, characterized in a number of spaced reinforcing units that are located at the intersection part between the flexible main unit and the connector part; said configuration is designed to form better strength on the intersection part which is the most frequently broken or damaged part of the flexible component, to significantly reduce the occurrence of broken or damaged intersection part.

Abstract: A removable keyboard cap extension apparatus for a data processing system entry keyboard having a number of data entry keys which are constructed to electronically convey data. The removable keyboard cap extension apparatus includes a keyboard cap adapted to fit onto a key among a plurality of keys for use by a user of a particular data processing application among a number of data processing applications. The removable keyboard cap extension apparatus has a body that includes an upper planar surface, wherein the body and its upper planar surface are elevated above the data entry keys such that the upper planar surface is enhanced larger than the data entry key. The removable keyboard cap extension apparatus can be connected to an individual data entry key, or can replace the data entry key. A depression at any point on the upper planar surface will actuate only the individual data entry key which the removable keyboard cap extension apparatus is connected or replaces.

Abstract: In a keyboard comprising a housing including lower and upper housing parts wherein a metal plate, a switch foil set and a switch pad with resilient switch domes are disposed in the lower housing part and the upper housing part has keyboard keys slidably supported therein so as to be disposed on, and supported by said switch domes, the switch pad has openings formed therein between the switch domes such that the switch pad comprises a net-like structure in which the switch domes are interconnected by narrow webs and a plate-like stabilization element is disposed on the switch pad with openings at the locations of the switch domes wherein the switch domes are received in their proper positions below the respective switch domes.

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 key assembly, particularly a space bar assembly for a computer keyboard, consists of an elongate cap, an actuating post and two locating posts integrally formed on a bottom of the cap and located respectively at a center and two ends thereof, a key base mounted on an IC board to receive the actuating post, two locating walls mounted on the IC board to receive the locating posts and respectively defining a slot, two mounting seats mounted on the IC board and located respectively near the locating posts and defining respectively a snapping closure, a U-shaped support member having two parallel portions extending through the slots and an intermediate portion snappingly received in the snapping closures.

Abstract: A keyboard having an array of non-planar keys and a method for manufacturing such a keyboard is provided. In one embodiment, the non-planar array is a double-convex array. Electrical connection along the keys and/or from the keys to associated electronics is provided by way of a circuit board. The circuit board has a geometry and flexibility which permits the circuit board to conform to a shape which is non-planar along two non-parallel axes. In one embodiment, the circuit board can be configured in a double-concave shape. The circuit board includes one or more slots defining two or more projections. These projections can be placed in a configured non-coplanar configuration along a first axis and the circuit board can be flexed to a non-planar configuration along a second non-parallel axis.

Abstract: A key switch unit including a key holder frame having a plurality of key holders respectively mounted on the rubber cones of a conductive rubber pad above a membrane circuit, one L-shaped key switch and a plurality of elongated key switches and a plurality of square key switches respectively mounted on the key holders and depressed to trigger the membrane circuit to produce a respective electric signal, wherein each key holder has an inside annular flange, a plurality of symmetrical longitudinal grooves on the inside, and a female guide means on the outside; each key switch has a stepped plunger inserted into one key holder, the stepped plunger having longitudinal ribs slidably inserted into the longitudinal grooves of the respective key holder, at least one bottom hook hooked on the inside annular flange of the respective key holder at the bottom, and a step around the periphery, the step being stopped against the inside annular flange of the respective key holder to limit the down stroke of the respective k

Abstract: A keyboard includes a keyboard body, a plurality of keys arranged in rows and columns, and switching elements for turning switching elements ON and OFF in response to operations on the plurality of keys. A special key among the plurality of keys has a keytop which is at least a stroke length of the special key higher than keytops of keys arranged in a row in which the special key is located.

Abstract: A housing for electrical equipment such as an electronic thermostat has a panel in which is a keypad having a number of keys for manual entry of data, and a cover which can be moved into position to cover the keypad. The cover includes a pushrod which passes through a hole in the cover which is aligned with one of the keys while the cover covers the keypad. The pushrod is supported by a support arm assembly mounted on the cover surface at preselected mounting points and having a brace arm arranged to reduce stress on the mounting points and reduce friction and binding during operation. The topology of the pushrod, support arm assembly, cover, and a stop integral with the cover and which limits travel of the pushrod, cooperate to allow the pushrod and support arm assembly to be an integral unit and yet to be assembled to form the complete cover.

Abstract: In order to be able to produce smaller units whenever needed from a keyboard that consists of an integral multiple key-guiding arrangement (3), a gummous mat (4) with resetting domes for keys (1) and a contact level (8), structural features are disclosed which particularly simplify a division of the multiple key-guiding arrangement (3). The structural features are such that the multiple key-guiding arrangement is divided into segments and the segments are interconnected with one another by connecting bars (17), and the connecting bars (17) can be divided by means of tools.

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 semilunar recess affixed to a key cap of a keyboard switch is snapped over a swing rod, rotatably affixed to a key seat, during assembly of the keyboard switch. The swing rod is supported by the key seat in a position permitting the semilunar recess to snap onto it. This arrangement permits single-step assembly of keys to a keyboard.

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: A keyboard for a typwriter and the like, has at least one elongated key, elements for swivellably supporting the key and including at least one substantially U-shaped bracket with a U-bottom, two U-legs connected with opposite ends of the U-bottom, and two projections extending from free ends of the U-legs and parallel to the U-bottom, such that the key is swivellably supported on the projections with a play. At least two stationary swivel bearings swivellably support the U-bottom of the bracket. At least one of the bracket and the key is supported in a bearing point in a noise-dampening manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key switch including a key base fitted into a key hole on the frame of a keyboard body, two contact plates fastened inside the key base, a key cap covered on the key base, and a slide supported above a vertical stub tube inside the key base by a spring and having a bottom rod inserted in the bore of the stub tube, wherein the bore of the stub tube pierces through the bottom of the key base, and the bottom rod of the slide is maintained in flush with the bottom of the key base before it is being pressed; each contact plate has a contact leg extended out of the key base through a respective side hole and then bent downwards by 90.degree. angle.

Abstract: Enhancements to computer keyboards and calculator devices are provided that permit a user to select the function and labelling of said device's numeric keypad to conform to either the 123 layout or the 789 layout. The enhancements comprising labelling means for selectively labelling the numeric keypad keys as either a 123 layout or as a 789 layout; switching means for changing the signal associated with each key independent of the application; and circuit board means for transmitting the signals associated with either layout.

Abstract: The body structure of a pocket computer includes a fastener mainly an elastic fastening element of a multi-layered construction accommodated in an insertion space located at a front edge of the main body housing. A simplified telephone input jack is constructed in the side wall of the pocket computer main body. The association of the main body and the cover body of the pocket computer is accomplished by a pivotal shaft, which is characterized in that it is provided with a delay swivel device permitting the communication cables linking the main body with the cover body to be less vulnerable to bending caused by the actions of opening and closing the cover body and that it includes indicator lights serving to show the operating status of electronic functions of the computer. The keyboard includes entry keys which are securely coupled with the housing plate of the keyboard by slide keys and slide key mounts.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the key activating force or "touch" for a keyboard or for one or more function key groups on that keyboard to the needs of any individual operator.

Abstract: The improved structures of the push-button key of keyboard are characterized in that the upper housing panel of keyboard comprises a plurality of partitioned sections where the push-button keys are installed, and that a key barrel of a predetermined height is set up at the center of each of the partitioned sections. The barrel wall comprises two slide keys positioned correspondingly to two slide key seats of the push-button key. The hooking means are arranged in the partitioned section at a predetermined distance from the key barrel. The stability of up-and-down movement of the push-button key is ensured by virtue of a coordinated action of slide key and slide key seats. The hooking means serve to confine the movement of the push-button key and to prevent the push-button key from being detached easily.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a reconfigurable keyboard which is customized by providing a curved baseplate carrying switches which are key actuated whereby all keys have substantially the same curvature and are interchangeable. The keyboard arrangement is substantially that of a standard typewriter with a plurality of spaces on either side of and over the standard typewriter keyboard in an x-y matrix arrangement. Each key position is provided with either a key cover which is utilized when the key position is not to be used or with a standard key cap which operates the switch at the key position associated therewith and which stands up higher than a key cover, the latter sitting at essentially the same level as the keyboard housing. A key can be of an enlarged type to span two or more key positions either on the same row or different rows. Each of the key locations is capable of providing an output signal which is determined by a software operation in a selective manner or by prearranged program.

Abstract: A keyboard with a metal carrier plate and a guide frame for keys to be athed thereto. The guide frame has a base part which is provided with legs. The legs of the guide frame are inserted into openings in the carrier plate. To secure the guide frame to the carrier plate, each opening has a recess starting at the lower edge of the carrier plate and which terminates at a bracket which is formed as part of the carrier plate. The legs are provided with foot parts which slide into the recess located beneath the respective bracket, causing a peg to snap into another opening in the carrier plate. In such a manner, the guide frame is secured to the carrier plate.

Abstract: A flexible cup-shaped keyboard cap formed from transparent colored plastic enables a subset of keys to be distinguished by color while maintaining visibility of the key designation.

Abstract: A keyboard pad for use in conjunction with computers is made of a rigid plastic material while the keys of the basic pad are made of rubber so that the assembly of the keys into the pad may be automatically facilitated, reducing or limiting the need for manual construction thereby reducing the cost of materials and constructing the keyboard assembly.

Abstract: A push-button switch device for keyboards is provided with a multiple keyboard spanning several keys of the keyboard carrier plate and a support arrangement such that operation of the keybutton is balanced even though the key-button switch may be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the multiple button. The support arrangement includes a U-shaped guide bracket which is pivotally fastened on one side in the keybutton and on the other side over the carrier plate. A guide portion is positioned in a carrier plate recess adjacent to the key housing for the push-button switch and has the same shape as the key housing, enabling the guide portion to possibly be replaced by an actual key housing to rearrange the keybutton line-up in the keyboard. The end of the guide bracket adjacent the carrier plate is connected to a support piece which is slidably supported over the upper surface of the guide portion. A guide tongue extends beneath the keybutton through a guide aperture formed in the guide portion.

Abstract: A key switch cap mounting arrangement for use on a keyboard is disclosed in which the key cap and a column on which it is supported are formed with a cylindrical post and mating socket aligned with axes angularly offset from an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the key cap and the longitudinal axis of the column. The cap and column can be assembled either so that the surface of the key cap is perpendicular to the axis of the column to provide for a sloped keyboard, or so that the surface of the cap is tilted from its perpendicular position to provide for a stepped keyboard.

Abstract: A key assembly for the keyboards of electric typewriters or similar machines in which a one-piece baseplate forms the cover for the assembly. Crossing webs on the bottom side of the baseplate serve as spacers for the keyboard elements and also as the basis for mounting a contact mat provided with contact beads as well as the associated printed circuit board. The keyboard elements are mounted in the baseplate from above.

Abstract: Keyboards designed in accordance with ergonomic viewpoints are slightly dished transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction and the key surfaces have a slope tending toward the dished shape. According to the invention, this arrangement is accomplished with the aid of adapters located between the key element plungers and the keyheads. For each row of keys there is provided a special type of adapter. The types of adapters differ from one another in their effective heights and in the slope angles of the supporting surfaces for the keyheads.

Abstract: A typewriter of the kind having an array of typebars each movable by means of a flexible tension element or string connecting the typebar to the shank of a corresponding key, is provided with improved means connecting each string to the associated key. The string has a spherical bead at one end which is trapped between the shank of the key and a part of the body of the typewriter against which the shank slides in such a manner that the bead is pushed down on depression of the key. When the key is fitted to the typewriter during assembly the bead is drawn between the shank and the said body part by the movement of the key into place in the typewriter body.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch is disclosed which includes a pushbutton formed of a synthetic resin to have a recess, and a lever having an attachment portion for fitting into the recess. The lever is formed of a synthetic resin relatively harder than the material of the pushbutton and relatively small in creep contraction rate. The attachment portion has projections thrusting into the wall of the recess so as to prevent the lever from coming out of the recess.

Abstract: In a combination telephone set which includes a housing, a numerical keyboard disposed on the housing which has at least ten keys, and an electronic calculator contained within the housing, and wherein the keys are selectably useable as input means for the telephone set so as to generate a plurality of tones, and for the calculator so as to process data, and wherein at least ten indicia are disposed on each of the keys respectively, the improvement which includes selection means for reversibly changing at least one of the indicia disposed on at least one of the keys from operation as the input means for the telephone set to another of the indicia for operation as the input means for the calculator.