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 keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and a keyframe into which the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the keys includes: i) a plunger on which a character is printed, and ii) a keycap made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a portion of a top of the plunger.

Abstract: A bonded keyboard and method for making the same are disclosed. The bonded keyboard uses adhesive as the primary agent, and in some embodiments, as the sole agent for coupling various components of the keyboard stackup together. The keyboard stackup uses a skeletal adhesive to couple a top case to a backcase assembly. In one embodiment, the skeletal adhesive is an interconnected matrix of ribs dimensioned to fit within the spacing existing between adjacent keys, which are mounted on the backcase assembly. The skeletal adhesive is fixed to the backcase assembly, occupies a portion of the spacing that exists between keys, and the top case is fixed to the top of the skeletal adhesive.

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 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: According to one embodiment, a keyboard unit that includes a keyboard body having a key top and a detecting unit detecting water. The detecting unit is positioned on the keyboard body so as to facing to an under side of the key top.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a main body including a bottom sheet and a panel which cooperatively form a receiving cavity, a display, a pivot shaft connecting the main body to the display, a keyboard, a pushing member including a pushing body, two connecting rods, and two restricting members. The panel includes a first surface facing the bottom sheet. The keyboard includes a first side, a second side, a flexible blocking member, and at least one auto-flick pivot on the second side. The restricting members are received in the receiving cavity corresponding to the connecting rods. Each restricting member includes a liftable restricting portion positioned on the bottom sheet. The auto-flick pivot connects the keyboard to the main body. Each connecting rod movably connects the keyboard to the main body. The pushing body is movably connected to the first surface and moves from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A multi-positional, multi-level user interface system including a keyboard hinged over a base surface for a pointing device such as a mouse. The keyboard and base rotate relative to each other about a hinge axis to reveal the surface, providing a portable keyboard and pointing surface. A kickstand can support the keyboard above the base while in an open position. The keyboard and pointing device can be used with two hands with the system resting in a user's lap. The keyboard can also swivel about an axis other than the hinge axis. The keyboard can swivel 180 degrees for left-handed use, and can be positioned at other detent angles. A mouse can also be stowed on the base with a magnetic, friction, or other coupling. The interface system can further act as a communication hub for other peripheral devices, such as a joystick, to communicate with a computing device.

Abstract: A drainage structure is provided for a portable electronic device, such as a portable computer. The drainage structure includes an inclination formed on a top surface of a body of the portable electronic device to support a keyboard device in an inclined manner so that water spilled on the keyboard device or the top surface can be expelled out of the electronic device by gravity. If desired, height adjusting units can be arranged between the keyboard device and the top surface of the body to selectively maintain the keyboard in a horizontal condition. A drain hole or groove can be selectively formed in the body of the electronic device to facilitate drainage of water.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus with a keyboard coupled to a cable, comprises a housing including a wall on which the keyboard is mounted, the wall including an opening, a circuit board which is accommodated inside the housing, and to which the cable is coupled through the opening, a sheet which is arranged between the wall and the keyboard, and which covers the opening, the sheet including a cable insertion portion through which the cable is inserted.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly having a housing with one or more openings in which keys are located. A circuit board is located inside the housing and adjacent to the keys such that striking the keys causes switches of the circuit board to be switched. A liquid resistant barrier is located between the keys and the circuit board, protecting the circuit board and/or other electronic components from being contacted by liquids spilled on the keyboard.

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 rugged keyboard and cursor positioning device with an inherent restiveness from external fluids to interior keyboard fluid contamination. The key interrupters and cursor positioning device block optical beams for key and cursor positioning detection thus eliminating contacts and contact actuation life. When a key is in the most depressed position the key cap is against the keyboard top surface protecting all internal parts from pressure, or force from harsh use or a vandals blow.

Abstract: A shield for protecting a keyboard assembly includes a one-piece resiliently flexible membrane having a generally planar base overlaying a deck portion of the keyboard assembly, and one or more raised bubbles formed in the membrane and configured to envelope an entire key array or separate or combined key clusters of the keyboard assembly. In a particularly preferred form, a raised bubble enveloping an alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster includes grooves configured to surround and form-fit only alphabetical, numeric, punctuation and symbol keys of the cluster. Thus, a shield adapted for use on the keyboard assembly selected from numerous keyboard assemblies having different key configurations is attained.

Abstract: A draining structure for keyboard an upper cover having a top surface forming a number of recessed areas for accommodation of movable pushbuttons. A lower cover is releasable attached to a bottom side of the upper cover. Each recessed area has at least one draining hole, preferably in the form of an elongated slot defined in a sidewall of the recessed area. The lower cover forms a groove corresponding in position to the draining holes of the upper cover for receiving liquid from the recessed areas of the upper cover via the draining holes. A number of openings or elongated slots is defined in the bottom of the groove for expelling the liquid out of the casing. A partition wall is formed in the lower cover for separating the groove from an electric part receiving space in which electric parts are arranged for preventing electric short caused by the liquid contacting the electric parts.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly includes a keyboard body and an interface pivotally arranged on a pivotal axis of the keyboard body and being able to rotate laterally. The pivotal axis has an inclined angle with respect to a vertical line of the interface. The keyboard body is composed of a first panel and a second panel pivotally connected to the first panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel has a receiving space in a symmetrical arrangement to accommodate the interface.

Abstract: A notebook computer has a main body with a keyboard assembly that includes a base plate mounting a plurality of key buttons and a draining system for draining liquid permeated between the key buttons. The main body further includes a deck plate coupled to a lower plate that forms the main body. The deck plate includes a support portion for the keyboard assembly and a second draining system coupled to a first draining system that drains the keyboard assembly. The lower plate includes a third draining system coupled to the second draining system that includes an access button for securing a storage space in the main body. The access button and the storage space are accessible through a bottom surface of the lower plate. The access button is preferably mechanical. The portable computer reduces or prevents the liquid impinging the keyboard assembly from being introduced into the main body and reduces damage to a main circuit board or the like in the main body.

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 retaining sections 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 retaining sections. The bridge means has a first pivotal end insertable in a biased manner into a space formed between the second latch section and the retaining 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.

Abstract: Step keys, a step key assembly, and a terminal having the step key assembly are disclosed. An individual step key includes a first slope portion inclined at a first predetermined angle, a second slope portion inclined at a second predetermined angle in the opposite direction to the first slope portion, a recess having a first height and opened under the first slope portion in the forward direction of the step key, a protrusion having a second height lower than the first height and extended from under the second slope portion in the rear direction of the step key, and an extension extended from under the first and second slope portions.

Abstract: A cross type supporter mounting system for a notebook computer keyboard comprises: a first platform for placing a computer keyboard and movable along an approximate horizontal direction; a second platform movable along a vertical direction and being positioned above the first platform; and a press plate installed between the first platform and the second platform. Thereby, by the pressure of the machining table with the operation of a press plate having a special pattern and cylinders, the last two steps in the assembling process is automatized. Therefore, the labor in the assembling process is reduced. Yield ratio is increased and the cost is decreased.

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.

Abstract: A keyswitch includes a keyboard base 3, a guide support member 4 disposed on the keyboard base 3, a flexible circuit board 8 disposed on both sides of the guide support member 4 on the keyboard base 3, an elongated key top 2, and a pressing member 9 for pressing the flexible circuit board 8 toward the keyboard base 3. The pressing member 9 is disposed on both sides of the guide support member 4 directly beneath the elongated key top 2 near lengthwise ends of the elongated key top 2. When the elongated key top 2 is pressed down the guide support member 4 and the pressing member 9 are housed within the elongated key top 2.

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 mechanism includes a keycap, a base plate installed under the keycap having three guide channels, a connecting device installed between the keycap and the base plate for movably connecting the keycap to the base plate in an up and down manner, and a resilient element installed under the keycap for elastically supporting the keycap upwardly. The connecting device includes a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece, each having a front end, a center portion, and a rear end. Each of the center portions of the first and second connecting pieces has a left end and a right end, and the left and right ends of the center portions of the connecting pieces are pivotally connected to each other. The left and right ends and the center portion of the front end of the first connecting piece are slidably and separately received in the three guide channels, while the rear end of the first connecting piece is pivotally mounted beneath the keycap.

Abstract: Disposable transparent covers for a computer keyboard that are adapted to be left on the keyboard for short periods of time so as to protect against diseases when the keyboard is being manipulated by laboratory and/or dental technicians and to protect against accumulations of dust and dirt that might incapacitate a computer. Preferably, the covers come in a package and are replaced after each patient. The covers may be detachably secured to the keyboard or generally envelopes same.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus permits easier installation of slide retaining pins to a retaining portion and prevents intrusion of dust into the keyboard apparatus from the back surface of a supporting substrate thereof. A first retaining portion has a narrow area and a wide area, and slide retaining pins are latched in the wide area. A dust-proof sheet is provided on the bottom surface of a supporting substrate to cover through holes in the supporting substrate, the through holes resulting from the formation of the first retaining portion and second retaining portions.

Abstract: A form factor for use in the manufacture of a portable computer includes a U-shaped member having at least two distinct elements attached together. In one form factor, the U-shaped member includes two distinct elements: a unitary wall element having a first wall, a second wall, and at least one spacing element to physically separate the first and second walls; and a base element attached to one end surface of the wall element. In another form factor, the U-shaped member includes three distinct elements: a first wall element; a second wall element; and a base element attached to the first and second wall elements. The form factors may also include bosses to facilitate the attachment of computer system components such as printed circuit boards, storage units, and battery units.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus permits easier installation of slide retaining pins to a retaining portion and prevents intrusion of dust into the keyboard apparatus from the back surface of a supporting substrate thereof. A first retaining portion has a narrow area and a wide area, and slide retaining pins are latched in the wide area. A dust-proof sheet is provided on the bottom surface of a supporting substrate to cover through holes in the supporting substrate, the through holes resulting from the formation of the first retaining portion and second retaining portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates a water-resistant structure for keyboard assemblies with enhanced water-resistant ability. A keyboard hood is provided with a plurality of first slant walls extending toward the keyboard base, a keyboard base is provided with a plurality of second slant wall extending toward the keyboard hood and in parallel with the first slant walls, and an elastic water-resistant sheet is provided with upward-extending slanted edges sandwiched between the first and the second slant wall so as to form a water-resistant structure when the keyboard assembly has been fabricated. The keyboard base is fastened to the keyboard hood by fastening screws passing through holes formed in the centers of bosses in the keyboard base and screwed into holes in protrusion portions formed as part of the keyboard hood.

Abstract: In combination with a keyboard, a keyboard dust cover comprising a housing containing a spring-loaded roller, the housing being attached to a first wall of the keyboard, a sheet having a first edge attached to the roller, and a mechanism for securing the sheet in an extended position over the keyboard. Also, a keyboard dust cover comprising a housing containing a spring-loaded roller, a sheet having a first edge attached to the roller, and a mechanism for securing the sheet in an extended position over a keyboard.

Abstract: A balance device for key comprises two balance rods each arranged on the front side and rear side of the cap of the key. The two balance rods are arranged in a forficiform arrangement. The base plate of the key and the cap being provided with pivoting parts such that the balance rods being pivotably engaged within the pivoting part. Therefore, the key can be uniformly pressed, no matter where the pressing force for key is applied.

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 underboard structure adapted to be used in a computer key board assembly having a plurality of movable keys, includes a lower board and an upper board connected together by means of bayonet engagement to sandwich therebetween a rubber pad with an electrical circuit board having a plurality of contacts corresponding to the keys interposed between the rubber pad the lower board. The rubber pad having a plurality of resilient caps received and extending through holes formed on the upper board and to each contain therein a contact pad. A driving device is constituted by a first member having one end pivoted to the upper board to overlap a second member which has an opposite end movably and rotatably received within an L-shaped member formed on the upper board.

Abstract: In a splash-water protected keyboard having a contact foil arranged in a housing and a rubber mat with switch domes disposed over the contact foil and keys with contact stems disposed in the housing over the switch domes for actuating the contacts in the contact foil, the rubber mat has upwardly extending circumferential projections such that the rubber mat forms a trough structure which is provided at least at one edge with discharge spouts extending into openings in the housing bottom plate for discharging any liquid collected in the trough structure.

Abstract: An improved portable personal computer preferably configured to facilitate outdoor field-use has an impact attenuating case and a sealed keyboard which facilitate use of the computer in harsh environments. Furthermore, the sealed keyboard assembly prevents any damage which might result from liquids migrating within the case and into the computer components.

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: This invention is a protective cover for a keyboard or other control panel with attachment means, using different options as preferred for specific equipment. The cover can be separately obtained and secured to the housing or chassis of various equipment. The purpose of the cover is to allow owners of equipment with control panels and keyboards, including touch pads, to separately purchase a protective cover that can be secured to the equipment. The cover is for protection against inadvertent key or button depression, settling of dust, spattering of liquid, and other adverse effects.The invention consists of (1) a lid, also referred to as a plate in this disclosure, and (2) a frame that is attachable to the housing of keyboards by adhesive regions on the bottom of the frame or other means as described in this patent. Adhesive regions can consist of peel-off adhesive, suction cups, stick-on VELCRO regions, snaps, and the like. Other means include spring-loaded clamps that fit snugly onto the chassis.

Abstract: An adapter device, for use with a standard personal computer having affixed thereto a keyboard, is comprised of a molded rigid panel which is provided with a plurality of over-sized keys. The adapter is intended to simplify standard personal computer input methods by providing an input devise with a fewer number of Adapter keys than a standard keyboard. The adapter keys are also larger than standard keys. Raised spines on the under side of the adapter secure the adapter to a standard computer keyboard. Each of the keys on the adapter are attached via hinge along one side of the key. Depressing any of the adapter keys will cause that adapter key to contact the keys of host keyboard in a prescribed manner. An accompanying simplified software program is installed on the personal computer to work in conjunction with the adapter.

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 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: A cover apparatus including a transparent housing overlying a computer keyboard, wherein the cover apparatus includes a plurality of forward and rear side walls defining rows of openings, wherein each row of openings is arranged overlying rows of computer keys. The openings are provided with cover housings to selectively cover individual or the plurality of keys, wherein each of the plurality of keys of the computer keyboard is positioned within the openings to provide selective covering thereof to minimize inadvertent pressing of such keys in usage of the keyboard.

Abstract: A multiple-key unit is provided that includes a top portion, a base portion and a support mechanism. The support mechanism is provided with a body portion and a substantially U-shaped wire. The U-shaped wire includes a cross-part and two free ends that are inwardly bent and are parallel to the cross-part of the wire. The cross-part of the U-shaped wire is rotatably supported in a bearing in an eccentric manner at the key top and is parallel to the central, longitudinal axis of the key top. An assembly stop extends from the bearing and maintains the U-shaped wire, during assembly, in an oblique assembly position. Moreover, wire guides are provided in the cross-sides of the key base to vertically receive the free ends of the U-shaped wire during assembly, and in which wire guides the free ends are horizontally displaceable when the key is actuated.

Abstract: A keybutton guide assembly for a full sized keyboard with full travel keybuttons has a structure including a keybutton having a spring actuator engaging a spring finger at a location spaced away from a keybutton stem. This structure causes the keybutton stem to be guided only at an upper end of a stem guide boss for controlling the movement of a keybutton between rest and depressed positions with minimum rubbing friction.

Abstract: An improved mail sorting computer keyboard, having a plurality of keys arranged in first and second groups for rotational movement, is provided. A first rod is disposed through apertures of each key of the first group of keys while a second rod is disposed through apertures of each key the second group of keys. A third rod extending transversely across the keyboard and under a front portion of the first group of keys and a fourth rod extending above the first group of keys define the rotational arch for the first group of keys. A fifth rod transversely disposed under a front portion of the second group of keys and a sixth rod transversely disposed under the rearward portion of the second group of keys defines the rotational arch for the second group of keys. Each key of the keyboard actuates a corresponding electrical switch for sending impulses to a mail sorting computer.

Abstract: Keyboard comprising a handle (8,9) intended to prevent an elongate key (4) from being depressed obliquely. In order to simplify the operation of assembling/disassembling the key, the latter comprises an inclined surface (2) and the handle is fixed to the chassis (13) by means of a hook (1) of high elasticity, which permits the handle to be positioned in a slot (3) of the key when the latter is depressed.

Abstract: A keyboard key top mounting structure including a plurality of lever support means provided on the back of a key top, the lever support means being each provided with wing portions for abutment therewith of a lever to prevent the lever from pivoting during mounting of the lever, and a plurality of lever sliding members provided on the side of a stationary member and each having a lever sliding slot, in which the lever is supported by the lever support means and inserted into the sliding slots.

Abstract: A depressible shaft (14) mounted, switch (16) operating keyboard button (10) is stabilized against rotation about the shaft (14) and in a plane which includes the axis of the shaft (14) by means of a stabilizing arm (24) thereunder which engages a stabilizing surface (30) on the housing of the switch (16).

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement suitable for use in typewriters, word processors, computer terminals and the like includes a number of manually actuable key members supported in a given array. Different letter formats can be selected for those key members corresponding to letter characters, wherein each of the letter character key members is made to correspond to a selected one of at least two different letters. Accordingly, a user can select, for example, either the conventional typewriter letter format or a new format wherein letters are assigned to the key members according to the frequency of use of the letters in a given language and the relative ease of accessibility of each key member to the fingers of the user's hands. In one embodiment, the key members in the left-hand portion of the keyboard array are arranged in columns which slope downwardly toward the left side of the array, and the key members in the right hand portion of the array form columns which slope downwardly toward the right side of the array.

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.