Advanced Input Devices, Inc.

Helen E Maguire

A combination keyboard including a first set of switches closed by depressing discrete keys (b 21) and a second set of switches closed by depressing selected areas (69) of a flexible overlay (49) is disclosed. The first set of switches includes a printed wire board (pwb) (23) having switch terminals (31) on one surface. Overlying the switch terminals are switch closing elements, which may take the form of caged metal domes (29). Overlying the closing elements are the discrete keys (21). The second set of switches also includes a pwb (41) having switch terminals (51) on one surface and overlying switch closing elements, which may also take the form of caged metal domes (59). The flexible overlay (49) is positioned atop the switch closing elements. Further, the pwb and flexible overlay include aligned apertures (57, 71) through which the discrete keys (21) pass. Thus, both the discrete keys (21) and the flexible overlay (49) lie in substantially the same actuation plane.

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Post Falls, ID, United States of America

Helen E Maguire