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:
Dec. 30, 2014
Filed:
Apr. 25, 2011
Chao Chen, Waterloo, CA;
LI Huang, Waterloo, CA;
BlackBerry Limited, Waterloo, CA;
Abstract
A key assembly comprises a contact-responsive switch and a keycap having a plinth extending from an underside surface thereof. A key mat disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch has a recessed area formed therein. This recessed area is sized and configured to receive the keycap's plinth. If desired, an adhesive can physically adhere the keycap to the key mat. By one approach, the key assembly also comprises a substantially-planar elastic layer disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch. If desired, this elastic layer and the aforementioned key mat are integrally coupled to one another. By one approach this elastic layer has at least one opening disposed therethrough. This opening (or these openings) can be disposed at least in part in common with the aforementioned recessed area of the key mat.