The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 31, 2012
Filed:
Sep. 28, 2009
Chao Chen, Waterloo, CA;
Steven Andrew Prsa, Kitchener, CA;
Joseph Michael Hofer, Waterloo, CA;
Michael Welker, Waterloo, CA;
Todd Andrew Wood, Guelph, CA;
Chao Chen, Waterloo, CA;
Steven Andrew Prsa, Kitchener, CA;
Joseph Michael Hofer, Waterloo, CA;
Michael Welker, Waterloo, CA;
Todd Andrew Wood, Guelph, CA;
Research In Motion Limited, Waterloo, CA;
Abstract
A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches and a plurality of single-piece keycaps. Each keycap identifies a row of keyboard characters. Each keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. The key assembly further comprises a plurality of actuators for activating the dome switches. Each actuator has a first side which is engaged by one of the character representing portions of the keycap. Each actuator has a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion. In a rest state in which the keycap is not depressed, at least some of the actuators preload at least some of the dome switches by exerting a force upon the dome switches.