Patent ID: 8723062
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A key assembly for use in an electronic device, comprising: a rigid one-piece keycap formed from a rigid plastic, the rigid one-piece keycap having a plurality of key portions defined by mechanically deforming portions provided by grooves in the rigid one-piece keycap; a flexible member having opposed first and second sides, the first side having a plurality of key stems which are attached to the plurality of key portions, the second side having a plurality of actuators for actuating dome switches of the electronic device; and a stiffening member surrounding at least a portion of each of the plurality of key stems and having a plurality of support pins extending away from the rigid one-piece keycap for supporting the key assembly and attaching the key assembly to the housing of the electronic device; wherein the rigid one-piece keycap has an externally facing side and an opposed internally facing side attached to the plurality of key stems, wherein the grooves are provided on both the externally facing side and the internally facing side of the rigid one-piece keycap; wherein the grooves on the externally facing side of the rigid one-piece keycap are aligned with the grooves on the internally facing side of the rigid one-piece keycap; and wherein the stiffening member is vertically aligned with the grooves on the rigid one-piece keycap.