18482359. MEMBRANE SEALED KEYBOARD simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)
Contents
MEMBRANE SEALED KEYBOARD
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Paul X. Wang of Cupertino CA (US)
Abidur R. Chowdhury of San Francisco CA (US)
Bart K. Andre of Palo Alto CA (US)
Dinesh C. Mathew of San Francisco CA (US)
Keith J. Hendren of San Francisco CA (US)
MEMBRANE SEALED KEYBOARD - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18482359 titled 'MEMBRANE SEALED KEYBOARD
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes keyboards and other input devices that have a flexible layer extending over or under the keycaps. This flexible layer helps prevent intrusion of invasive material and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. It also assists in aligning keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or providing a mechanical connection interface. The flexible layer may have a layered or composite construction, increasing durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a tough material to a less durable, elastic material.
- The invention is a keyboard or input device with a flexible layer that covers the interkey spaces and lies between the inner and outer keycaps.
- The flexible layer prevents invasive material from entering the keyboard mechanisms and improves the overall appearance of the keyboard.
- Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting them or providing a mechanical connection interface.
- The flexible layer may have a layered or composite construction, increasing durability and tear resistance.
- This is achieved by attaching or infusing a tough material, such as a mesh material, to a less durable, elastic material.
Potential Applications:
- Computer keyboards
- Laptop keyboards
- Gaming keyboards
- Mobile device keyboards
- Industrial control panels
Problems Solved:
- Prevents intrusion of invasive material into the keyboard mechanisms
- Simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area
- Helps align keycaps for improved typing experience
Benefits:
- Increased durability and tear resistance
- Improved alignment of keycaps
- Enhanced protection for keyboard mechanisms
- Simplified and cleaner appearance of the keyboard area
Original Abstract Submitted
Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.
