Keyboard overlay
Patent 5089690 Issued on February 18, 1992. Estimated Expiration Date: 
December 14, 2010. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
December 14, 2010. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesLow profile keyboard switch having panel hinged actuators and cantilevered beam snap acting contacts Patent #: 4032729 InventorApplicationNo. 628300 filed on 12/14/1990US Classes:235/145R, KEYBOARDS235/145A, With total transfer to keyboard or the like235/146, Auxiliary400/703, Indicator means400/719, MISCELLANEOUSD14/455Keyboard or keypadExaminersPrimary: Hix, L. T.Assistant: Lee, Eddie International ClassesG06C 007/00G06C 007/02 AbstractAn overlay is described for a keyboard wherein the keyboard includes a plurality of convex, depressible keys that extend above openings in a panel surface, each key having an associated function indication. The overlay comprising a molded plastic, planar member sized to cover substantially the extent of the keyboard, and having both keyboard and user sides. The keyboard side exhibits a plurality of waffle-like convex chambers created by orthogonal intersecting walls, each convex chamber surrounding a corresponding key and having a resilient ceiling member positioned over the key. When the resilient ceiling member is depressed by a user, the underlying key is likewise depressed and actuated. The user side of selected ones of resilient ceiling members, indicate modified key functions. | |
