Patent ID: 6603408
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: G06F,H01H

Abstract:
A flexible computer keyboard comprising:a pair of overlying upper and lower flexible plastic membranes; a plurality of discrete self-contained pressure sensitive switches each enclosed in a housing having at least a flexible upper surface for operator activation; each of the switches being embedded between but otherwise independent of said flexible plastic membranes and comprising an individual key of the keyboard; each of said discrete self-contained pressure sensitive switches adapted for actuation by engagement thereof through said flexible upper surface to generate a predetermined output; a microprocessor connected to each of said discrete self-contained pressure sensitive switches for generating a keyboard output representative of the particular discrete self-contained switch or group of discrete self-contained switches that is actuated at a particular time; at least one of the flexible membranes being relieved to provide plurality of interior cavities each for receiving one of said discrete self-contained switches; the upper surface of the upper flexible membrane comprising a plurality of raised portions aligned with each corresponding discrete self-contained switch.