Patent ID: 6390699
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: G06F,H01H

Abstract:
A keyboard comprising: a substantially rigid base plate; supporting means for supporting the base plate so as to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position; biasing means biasing the base plate to the extended position; a plurality of keys arrayed over an outer surface of the base plate; and a switch means associated with each key; wherein, when any key is pressed sufficiently firmly, the supported base plate moves against the action of the biasing means substantially from the extended position to the retracted position thereby providing for at least some travel of the pressed key, and the switch means associated with the pressed key enables the registration of the pressed key, and wherein release of the pressed key allows the base plate to return to the extended position under the action of the biasing means; wherein the supporting means includes a frame supporting the base plate and the biasing means is connected between the base plate and the frame.