Patent ID: 6774819
Filing Date: 2004-08-10
Classification: G06F,H01H,H03M

Abstract:
A flexible keyboard assembly, comprising:a waterproof outer casing including a printing surface that has a plurality of character markings thereon at discrete areas, each said character marking representing an entry which will be represented by pressing on a corresponding area; a first plurality of electrically-conducting, flexible elements extending in a first direction; a second plurality of electrically-conducting, flexible elements extending in a second direction, different than said first direction and each of said second plurality of elements intersecting each of said first plurality of elements and forming a plurality of intersection points, said plurality of intersection points corresponding to a plurality of said marking locations, said first plurality of elements being spaced from said second plurality of elements, but capable of being pressed into engagement with one another; and an encoder, connected to said plurality of elements, and producing an output indicative of a marking at a marking location represented at a pressed intersection; and a tactile feedback mechanism which produces an audible sound, actuated based on said pressing; and wherein said keyboard assembly has first and second fold locations, enabling said keyboard to be folded twice.