PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8957337-B2
Application Number: US-201213407910-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Rigid keyboard mechanism

Abstract:
A keyboard for an electronic device, including a switch plate configured to be in communication with the electronic device, a key cap movably supported above the switch plate, and a translation mechanism operably connected to the switch plate and the keycap. The translation mechanism is configured to translate the key cap vertically relative to the switch plate. The translation mechanism includes a first support and a second support substantially identical to the first support, where the first support and the second support are a rigid material and as the key cap is depressed, the first support and the second support pivot relative to each other to translate the keycap vertically with respect to the switch plate.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A keyboard for an electronic device comprising:
 a switch plate configured to be in communication with the electronic device; 
 a base positioned below the switch plate; 
 a keycap movably supported above the switch plate; and 
 a translation mechanism operably connected to the base and the keycap and configured to translate the keycap vertically relative to the switch plate, the translation mechanism including
 a first support including:
 a first leg defining a first pivoting structure; 
 a first anchoring member on said first leg; 
 a second leg operably connected to the first leg; 
 a first movement extension on an outer surface of said second leg; 
 a rotation member on an inner surface of said second leg; and 
 
 a second support including:
 a third leg defining a second pivoting aperture; 
 a second anchoring member on said third leg; 
 a fourth leg operably connected to said third leg; 
 a second movement extension on an outer surface of said fourth leg; 
 a rotation member on an inner surface of said fourth leg; and 
 wherein the first support and the second support pivot relative to each other to translate the keycap vertically with respect to the switch plate and the first and second movement extensions are operably connected to the base and limit upward vertical translation of the keycap with respect to the switch plate. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein the first support and the second support are metal. 
     
     
       3. The keyboard of  claim 1  wherein the first support and the second support are substantially prevented from moving laterally with respect to the base. 
     
     
       4. The keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises at least one anchoring feature configured to receive the first and second anchoring members. 
     
     
       5. The keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein the first rotation member is received within the second pivoting aperture and the second rotation member is received within the first pivoting aperture. 
     
     
       6. The keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein
 the first rotation member has a first rotation length dimension and the first pivoting aperture has a first pivoting length dimension; and 
 the second rotation member has a second rotation length dimension and the second pivoting aperture has a second pivoting length dimension; wherein 
 the first pivoting length dimension is larger than the second rotation length dimension; and 
 the second pivoting length dimension is larger than the first rotation length dimension. 
 
     
     
       7. The keyboard of  claim 1  wherein said second support is substantially identical to said first support. 
     
     
       8. A scissor mechanism for a keyboard comprising:
 a first support including
 a first leg defining a first pivoting aperture; 
 a first anchoring member extending from a first end of the first leg; 
 a second leg operably connected to the first leg; 
 a first movement extension extending from an outer surface of the second leg; 
 a rotation member extending from an inner surface of the second leg; and 
 
 a second support including
 a third leg defining a second pivoting aperture; 
 a second anchoring member extending from a first end of the third leg; 
 a fourth leg operably connected to the third leg; 
 a second movement extension extending from an outer surface of the fourth leg; 
 a rotation member extending from an inner surface of the fourth leg; and 
 
 wherein the first support and the second support translate a keycap vertically with respect to a base and the first anchoring member and the second anchoring member substantially prevent the first support and the second support, respectively, from moving laterally with respect to the base and the first and second movement extensions are operably connected to the base and limit an upward vertical movement of the scissor mechanism relative to the base. 
 
     
     
       9. The scissor mechanism of  claim 8 , wherein the first support and the second support are substantially identical to each other. 
     
     
       10. The scissor mechanism of  claim 8 , wherein the first support and the second support are a substantially rigid material. 
     
     
       11. The scissor mechanism of  claim 8 , wherein
 the first support further includes a first cross-member spanning between the first leg and the second leg; and 
 the second support further includes a second cross-member spanning between the third leg and the fourth leg. 
 
     
     
       12. The scissor mechanism of  claim 11 , wherein
 the first support further comprises a first bridge member extending between the first leg and the first cross-member; and 
 the second support further comprises a second bridge member extending between the third leg and the second cross member. 
 
     
     
       13. The scissor mechanism of  claim 8 , wherein
 the rotation member of the first support is pivotably received within the second pivoting aperture of the second support; and 
 the rotation member of the second support is pivotably received within the first pivoting aperture of the first support. 
 
     
     
       14. The scissor mechanism of  claim 13 , wherein
 the first pivoting aperture and the second pivoting aperture are substantially oval shaped; and 
 the rotation member of the first support and the rotation member of the second support are substantially circular shaped. 
 
     
     
       15. The scissor mechanism of  claim 8 , wherein
 the first support further includes a third anchoring member extending from a first end of the second leg; and 
 the second support further includes a fourth anchoring member extending from a first end of the fourth leg; wherein 
 the third anchoring member and the fourth anchoring member substantially prevent the first support and the second support from moving laterally with respect to the base.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to electronic devices, and more specifically to input devices for electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Computers and other electronic devices typically include one or more input devices, such as mice, keyboards, joysticks, and the like so a user can more easily interact with the device in question. Often, these input devices may be integrated with or into the associated electronic device. For example, a laptop computer may include a keyboard operably connected to its internal systems and housed within its enclosure. 
     Typical keyboards may include a scissor mechanism to translate a keycap vertically. Conventionally, scissor mechanisms may be formed out of plastic so that they can be snapped into place during assembly of the keyboard. However, due the inherently compliant nature of plastic, keys supported by plastic scissor mechanisms may have different force-displacement characteristics at a center of a keycap and a corner of the keycap. As one example, if a user presses the corner of the keycap, the keycap may bend or torque about the scissor mechanism rather than move downwards. Further, in some large keycaps, such as a spacebar, a plastic scissor mechanism may require a link bar to assist in transferring a force from the edge of a key to the center of the key, so that a force applied to an edge of the keycap may act to depress the key and thus activate an input switch located beneath a middle of the keycap. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a keyboard for an electronic device including a switch plate configured to be in communication with the electronic device, a key cap movably supported above the switch plate, and a translation mechanism operably connected to the switch plate and the keycap. The translation mechanism is configured to translate the keycap vertically relative to the switch plate. The translation mechanism includes a first support and a second support substantially identical to the first support, where the first support and the second support are both a rigid material, and as the keycap is depressed, the first support and the second support pivot relative to each other to translate the keycap vertically with respect to the switch plate. 
     Other embodiments may take the form of a scissor mechanism for a keyboard. The scissor mechanism includes a first support and a second support, where the first support and the second support translate a keycap vertically with respect to a base. The first support includes a first leg defining a first pivoting aperture, a first anchoring member extending from a first end of the first leg, a second leg operably connected to the first leg, and a rotation member extending from an inner surface of the second leg. The second support includes a third leg defining a second pivoting aperture, a second anchoring member extending from a first end of the third leg, a fourth leg operably connected to the third leg, and a rotation member extending from an inner surface of the fourth leg. 
     Still other embodiments may take the form of a method for assembling a keyboard. The method includes providing a pair of substantially identical support members, where each support member includes a first leg defining a pivoting aperture, at least one anchoring member, a second leg operably connected to the first leg, and a rotation member extending from an inner surface of the second leg; inserting the rotation member of each support into the pivoting aperture of the other support; positioning the first leg of one support adjacent to and substantially touching the second leg of the other support; operably connecting the at least one anchoring member to a base; and spacing the first leg of one support away from the second leg of the other support by a spacing distance 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electronic device including a keyboard. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a key of the keyboard. 
         FIG. 3A  is a top perspective view of an example of the key of the keyboard in an extended position. 
         FIG. 3B  is a top perspective view of the key with its keycap shown in phantom for clarity. 
         FIG. 3C  is a side elevation view of the key of  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 4A  is top perspective of the key of  FIG. 3B  with the key in a compressed position. 
         FIG. 4B  is a side elevation view of the key of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  is a top perspective view of a support of the key of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a top elevation view of the support of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is a side elevation view of the support of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 3A  with the keycap removed and a translation mechanism in a first position. 
         FIG. 6B  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 3A  with the keycap removed and the translation mechanism in a second position. 
         FIG. 7A  is a top perspective view of another example of a key of the keyboard in an extended position with the keycap shown in phantom for clarity. 
         FIG. 7B  is a top perspective view of the key of  FIG. 7A  with the key in a compressed position with the keycap shown in phantom for clarity. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a the key of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a support for the key of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 10  is a top elevation view of the support of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     SPECIFICATION 
     Overview 
     Some embodiments described herein may take the form of keyboard for an electronic device. The keyboard may be integrated into an electronic device, such as a laptop, or may be separate from the electronic device, but be in communication with the electronic device through either a wired or wireless connection. The keyboard may include a plurality of keys that may be pressed, touched, or otherwise selected by a user to provide input to the electronic device. Each key may include a key stack that may include a switch circuit or feature plate, a switch device or mechanism, and a base plate. Additionally, the key stack may further include a keycap and a translation or scissor mechanism for supporting and assisting the key in transitioning between an extended or normal position and a compressed or selected position. 
     In some embodiments the translation mechanism may be a made of a relatively stiff material, such as metal, metal alloys, composite materials, or the like. The translation mechanism may be stiffer or made more rigid as compared to conventional scissor mechanisms, and this may reduce or eliminate the need for a link bar in the key stack. This is because the increased rigidity may provide a more consistent force-displacement characteristic. A force-displacement characteristic may generally define the displacement of one or more components of the key in response to a force. In other words, as a force is applied to a certain portion or component of the key, the force-displacement characteristic may define how other components or portions of the key may move or displace relative to the force. In the translation mechanism of the present disclosure, a force applied to the corner of the keycap may result in approximately the same movement of the keycap (due to the translation mechanism) as a force applied to the center of the keycap. Further, any force on an edge of the keycap may be transmitted to a center of the keycap, which may allow a dome switch or other input switch to be selected, although the force may be spatially separated therefrom. Thus, the keyboard of the present disclosure may facilitate a keyboard requiring fewer components, which may reduced the cost and/or complexity of manufacturing a keyboard. 
     Conventional scissor mechanisms for keyboards may be constructed out of plastic in order to allow for the scissor mechanisms to be snap-fit onto a base of the keyboard. However, the plastic material may break or deform due to torsion. Hence, in these type of keyboards if a user presses on an edge of a key, the force may cause the plastic material to bend at an edge or hinge, thus bending or twisting the keycap. Alternatively, the plastic scissor mechanism may break. Either failure may prevent the key from registering an input and/or may cause the key to have a varied force-displacement characteristic such that the location of the force may determine the displacement of the key (vertically and/or horizontally). 
     Additionally, the translation mechanism may be configured so as to not require deformation in order to be assembled within the key stack. Conventional keys, and specifically plastic scissor mechanisms, may generally “snap-fit” into position within the base, which may require that the scissor mechanism be able to deform in order to be snapped into place. Thus, in many instances, conventional scissor mechanisms are made of plastic. In the current embodiment, the translation mechanism may be configured to allow the supports to be slid into place, and thus deformation of the scissor mechanism may not be required. In this manner, the rigidity of the translation mechanism may be increased without adding complexity to the assembly process for the keyboard. The design of conventional scissor mechanisms may prevent the components from being made of a rigid material, as the rigidity may prevent the components from being assembled together in a “snap-fit” manner. 
     The translation mechanism may further include two supports, with each support having two anchoring members for securing the supports to the base. The two supports may be operably connected to each other by a sliding center pivot joint. The anchoring members may operably connect the translation mechanism to the base such that the translation mechanism may be substantially immovably secured to the base or other component of the key stack. The sliding center pivot may allow vertical motion of the keycap, even through the translation mechanism may be substantially prevented from laterally moving relative to the base. The one or more anchoring or restraining members may provide movement control to restrain lateral movement of the translation mechanism. The translation mechanism may further include a movement extension member that may provide precision vertical height control as it may act as a limit to restrain upward vertical movement of the translation mechanism. 
     A keyboard in accordance with a sample embodiment will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a computing device  100  having a keyboard  102  incorporated therein. The computing device  100  may be substantially any type of computing device  100 , such as a laptop computer, desktop computer, smart phone, portable gaming device, and so on. Additionally, it should be noted that although the keyboard  102  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being integrated with the computing device  100 , in other embodiments, the keyboard  102  may be separate from the computing  100 . For example, the keyboard  102  may be a standalone unit and substantially self contained. In these embodiments, the keyboard  102  may include a communication device (e.g., cable, wireless interface) for transferring data to and from the computing device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the computing device  100  may further include an enclosure  104  substantially surrounding the keyboard  102 . In embodiments where the keyboard may be physically separate from the computing device, the enclosure  104  may at least partially surround the keyboard  102  and may be operably connected to the keyboard  102 . In some embodiments, the enclosure  104  may define multiple apertures, each of which may receive one or more keys  106  of the keyboard  102 . However, in other embodiments, the enclosure  104  may define a single aperture or fewer apertures than the number of keys, so that the entire keyboard  102  may be received within a single aperture or groups of keys may be received through group apertures. 
     The keyboard  102  may include multiple keys  106  of varying sizes and/or shapes. Additionally, each of the keys  106  may include a symbol or indicator on a top surface of a keycap. For example, the symbol (not shown) for each key  106  may be painted, etched, or illuminated through a keycap through an aperture or transparent portion. Each of the keys  106  may represent one or more different inputs, and as each key  106  is depressed by a user, the key  106  may provide an input to the computing device  100 . For example, the keys  106  may include a sensor to detect when it is depressed, and the sensor may transmit a signal to a processor within the computing device  100  indicating that the key  106  has been depressed or otherwise selected. In other embodiments, as the key  106  is depressed, it may complete a switch circuit indicating that the key has been selected. 
     The keys  106  of the keyboard  102  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the key  106  illustrating the components of the key stack  130 . The key  106  may include a keycap  108  supported by a translation mechanism  110 , support mechanism, or scissor mechanism. The translation mechanism  110  supports the keycap  108  over a base  134  with a switch device  116  positioned within a cavity (see  FIG. 3B ) defined by the translation mechanism  110  and below the keycap  108  and configured to communicate with a switch plate  118 . 
     The translation mechanism  110  may be, for example, a scissor mechanism or support mechanism and is discussed in more detail below. Briefly, the translation mechanism  110  may include a first support  112  and a second support  114 , both of which may be operably connected to the base  134 . The supports  112 ,  114  cooperate to translate the keycap  108  vertically within the key aperture  128  in response to a downward force on the keycap  108 . In some embodiments, the translation mechanism  110  may be operably connected to a bottom surface of the keycap  108 , so that as a force is exerted on the keycap  108 , that force is transferred to the translation mechanism  110 . Additionally, the translation mechanism  110  may attach to the base  134  by one more anchoring or restraining members  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212  that affix the support mechanism  110  to the base  134 . Thus, the first and second supports  112 ,  114  may move vertically, but may be substantially prevented or (in some embodiments) partially limited from moving laterally. 
     The switch device  116  may be substantially any type of device capable of indicating an input or selection of the key  106 . Additionally, in some instances the switch device  116  may also provide feedback to a user in response to the user touching and/or applying a force to the key  106 . In one embodiment, the switch device  116  is a compressible dome that may be bonded or otherwise connected to one or more layers of the base  134 . For example, the dome may mechanically compress as the user provides a downward force on the keycap  116 , providing feedback to the user. In this example, as the dome compresses, the flex or buckling of the dome is felt by the user to provide feedback. The switch device  116  is also be communicatively coupled to the switch plate  118 , so that as the switch device  116  is compressed with the keycap  108  it may provides an selection input signal to indicate that the key  106  has been pressed. For example, the switch device  11  may include a contact on the inner surface of the dome or other component and as the keycap  108  is compressed, the contact is placed into contact with the switch plate  118  to complete a circuit, switch, or otherwise register an input. In other embodiments, a separate mechanism, such as a mechanical or electrical switch may be operably connected to the translation mechanism  110  and/or keycap  108  to provide an input indicating when the key  106  has been selected. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the base  134  may be operably connected to the enclosure  104  through a fastener or adhesive (not shown) or may be operably connected by the translation mechanism  110 . In some embodiments, as the key  106  is operably connected to the base  134  (through the translation mechanism  110  and/or the switch device  116 ), the base  134  may operably connect the key  106  to the enclosure  104 . It should also be noted that in other embodiments, the enclosure  104  may be omitted and the key  106  may include the base  134  and the switch plate  118 , where the base  134  and switch plate  118  may act to protect internal components of the keyboard  102 . 
     The base  134  may include one or more anchoring features or features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  as well as one or more stopper features or features  204 ,  212 . The anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  and the stopper features  204 ,  212  may each extend upwards from the base  134  and may each define a slot or receiving aperture. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  and/or the stopper features  204 ,  212  may be replaced by one more other fastening mechanisms, such as apertures defined through a wall, adhesive, fasteners, or the like. 
     The anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  may be generally U or channel shaped, but may be operably connected to the base  134  so as to form a loop, receiving aperture or opening for a portion of the supports to be received therein. In other embodiments, the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  may be partially enclosed, defining a “hook” rather than a “loop” or receiving aperture. The anchoring features or members  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  may operably connect to one or more corresponding members on the supports  112 ,  114 , as discussed in more detail below. The anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  may be positioned at discrete locations along the base  134 . In some embodiments, two anchoring features  202 ,  208  may be positioned closer to the edge of the base  134  whereas two anchoring features  206 ,  210  may be positioned closer towards a middle portion of the base  134 . However, the position of the anchoring features  206 ,  210  may be selected based on a desired anchoring location of the supports  112 ,  114 . 
     The stopper features  204 ,  212  may be similar to the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 , but may be wider than the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 . Additionally, the stopper features  204 ,  212  may, as discussed in more detail below, allow the support members  112 ,  114  and the connecting members to move vertically therein. The anchoring members  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  may substantially restrain portions of the support members  112 ,  114   
     A switch plate  118  may be sandwiched between the enclosure  104  and the base  134 . Also, the switch plate  118  may communicatively connect the key  106  to the computing device  100 . For example, the switch plate  118  may include contacts (not shown) for transmitting electrical signals so that, when the key  106  is selected by a user, an electronic signal is sent to the electronic device  100 , thereby providing the user input to the device  100 . 
     As briefly described above, the enclosure  104  may define a key aperture  128  in which the key  106  is positioned. The enclosure  104  may also surround the key  106 . Although, as noted above, in some instances, the enclosure  104  may form a portion of the device  100 , but may not be a part of the keyboard  102  and/or key  106  . In these instances, the key  106  and/or keyboard  102  may not include the enclosure  104 .  FIG. 3A  is a top perspective view of the key  106 .  FIG. 3B  is a similar view of the key as  FIG. 3A  with the keycap shown in phantom to illustrate the key&#39;s translation mechanism and certain internal components.  FIG. 3C  is a side elevation view of the key of  FIG. 3B .  FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of the key in a compressed position.  FIG. 4B  is a side elevation view of the key of  FIG. 4A . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the key aperture  128  may be slightly larger than the key  106 , so that the key  106  may move vertically within the key aperture  128 . In some embodiments, the key  106  may have a resting or normal position where a keycap  108  may be positioned even with, lower with, or slightly higher than a top surface  132  of the enclosure  104 . As a user depresses the key  106 , the key  106  may translate downward, illustrated by the arrow in  FIG. 3B , with respect to the top surface  132  of the enclosure  104 . 
     Supports for the Translation Mechanism 
     The translation mechanism will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of the first support  112  or leg.  FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of the first support  112 .  FIG. 5C  is a right side elevation view of the first support  112 . It should be noted that in some embodiments, the first support  112  and the second support  114  may be substantially identical, and as such only the first support  112  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C . When assembled to form the key stack  130 , the first support  112  and the second support  114  may be positioned opposite one another, such that a right side of the first support  112  may be positioned adjacent with a left side of the second support  114  and vice versa. 
     The two supports  112 ,  114  may be made of a substantially rigid and/or non-deformable or deformable-resistant material, such as metal, metal alloy, or the like. In these embodiments, the supports  112 ,  114  may transfer force substantially equally across a length of the supports  112 ,  114 , such that if a user compresses a side or edge of the keycap  108 , the supports  112 ,  114  will extend downwards in substantially the same manner as when a user compresses a center of the keycap  108 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the two supports  112 ,  114  may have substantially flat top and bottom surfaces. In these embodiments, the supports  112 ,  114  may be able to be rest substantially flat against the base  134 , switch plate  118 , or other component. In this manner, the height of the key stack  130  may be reduced when the key  106  is in the compressed position. 
     The support  112  may include a main body  140  having two legs  146 ,  148  spaced apart from one another and extending from the main body  140 . The legs  146 ,  148  may be substantially the same length as each other and may extend substantially parallel to each other from the main body  140 . In this manner, each leg  146 ,  148  may extend from an end of the main body  140 , to form generally a U or trough shape for the support  112 . In some embodiments, a top surface of each of the legs  146 ,  148  may be substantially flat and a bottom surface  180  may be substantially flat, except for the two protrusions  144 ,  156 . 
     The legs  146 ,  148  may each include a securing or anchoring member  150 ,  152  that may extend from a right side surface  176 ,  178  at a terminal end of the legs  146 ,  148 . In other words, the anchoring member  150  of the first leg  146  may extend towards the second leg  148 , and the anchoring member  152  of the second leg  148  may extend away from the first leg  146 . In this manner, both anchoring members  150 ,  152  may be oriented in the same direction. 
     The anchoring members  150 ,  152  secure the support  112  to the base  134  and will be discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the anchoring members  150 ,  152  may be pegs or other cylindrical shaped components that may permit rotation in a first direction, while still securing the support  112  in positioned in a second direction. 
     The first leg  146  may also include a pivoting aperture  142  defined therethrough. The pivoting aperture  142  may have a length dimension D 2  and may be positioned at about a midpoint of the first leg  146 . The pivoting aperture  142  in some embodiments may be oval shaped or circular shape. In other embodiments, the pivoting aperture  142  may be shaped and sized to generally correspond to a rotation member  154  of the second leg  148 , discussed in more detail below. However, briefly, the length dimension D 2  and shape of the pivoting aperture  142  may be configured to be larger than a diameter of the rotation member  154 , for reasons that will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Beneath the pivoting aperture  142 , the first leg  146  may include a protrusion or step  144  that may extend below a bottom surface  180  of the first leg  146 . The protrusion  144  may provide additional strength to the leg  146 , and specifically may locally strengthen the leg  146  at the location of the pivoting aperture  142 . The protrusion  144  may be substantially aligned with the pivoting aperture  142  and may have a width that may be substantially similar to, or somewhat larger than, the length dimension D 2  of the pivoting aperture  142 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 5A , the second leg  148  may include a rotation member  154  extending from an inner surface  184 . The rotation member  154  may be oppositely oriented from the securing member  152 , such that the securing member  152  may extend away from the first leg  146  whereas the rotation member  154  may extend towards the first leg  146 . The rotation member  154  may be a peg or cylindrically shaped member and may be configured, as will be discussed in more detail below, to be received within the pivoting aperture  142  of the second support  114 .  FIG. 5C  is a left side elevation view of the support  112 . With reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5C , the rotation member  154  may include a diameter D 1  that may be smaller than the length dimension D 2  of the pivoting aperture  142 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the pivoting aperture  142  may be shaped as an elongated oval or a slot having rounded corners. For example, the pivoting aperture  142  may have a generally rectangular body but may have curved end portions. In these examples, as the pivoting aperture  142  may have generally rectangular slot having curved or rounded ends and the rotation member  154  may be circular shape, there may be a space between the rotation member  154  and the pivoting aperture  142  when the rotation member  154  is received into the pivoting aperture  142  of the opposite leg. 
     A movement extension  188  may extend from the right side surface  178  of the second leg  148  and may be substantially aligned with the rotation member  154 . In some instances, the movement extension  188  may have a slightly wider dimension than the rotating member  154 . The movement extension  188  may, along with the anchoring members  150 ,  152 , help to secure the support  112  to the base  134 . This is described in more detail below. Additionally, the movement extension  188  in cooperation with the stopper features  204 ,  212  may act as a limit or stop to define a maximum vertical upwards movement of the translation mechanism  110 . 
     A second protrusion  156  may extend from a bottom surface  182  of the second leg  148 . As with the first protrusion  144  of the first leg  146 , the second protrusion  156  may be substantially aligned switch the rotation member  154  and may extend below the bottom surface  182 . In some embodiments, the protrusion  156  may have a larger width that the diameter D 1  of the rotation member  154 , but the width may be substantially the same as the width of the first protrusion  144 . Also similar to the first protrusion  144 , the second protrusion  156  may provide additional structural strength to the leg  148  by increasing the material of the leg  148  at a select location, and specifically may increase the strength of the leg  148  locally around the rotation member  154 . 
     The main body  140  may further include a cross member  168  that may extend substantially horizontally between the first leg  146  and the second leg  148 . The cross-member  168  and main body  140  may also include relatively planar or flat top and bottom surfaces. In this manner, the surfaces that may be adjacent to the base  134 , switch plate  118 , and/keycap  108  may be relatively flat and not rounded or curved. The cross member  168  may have a generally rectangular or square shape in cross-section, and may include two recesses  160 ,  162  defined therein that may be substantially circular in cross-section. The two recesses  160 ,  162  may be spaced apart form each other and may be configured to be pivotably received within the keycap  108 , discussed in more detail below. The cross member  168  may also include a lip  174  that may extend outwards towards from the cross member  168  away from the extension direction of the legs  146 ,  148 . 
     As the main body  140  transitions from the second leg  148  to form the cross-member  168 , the inner surface  184  may transition from a relatively straight surface to form a curved surface  172 . After the curved surface  172 , the inner surface may straighten to form an inner surface  170  of the cross-member  168 . The inner surface  170  may be substantially planar, until the transition to the first leg  146 , where the inner surface  170  may curve forming a shoulder  166 . 
     The shoulder  166  or arch support may form a bridge between the cross member  168  and the first leg  146 . In these instances, the shoulder  166  and the cross member  168  may define a shoulder aperture  164  defined by a top end of the first leg  146 , the shoulder  166 , and the cross member  168 . The shoulder  166  may provide additional strength to the edge of the supports  112 ,  114 . However, in some embodiments, the shoulder  166  and thus the shoulder aperture  164  may be omitted. For example, relatively small keys, such as letter keys may not require the additional structural support of the shoulder  166  whereas larger keys, such as a spacebar key, may benefit from the additional strength of the shoulder  166 . Additionally, the shoulder  166  may be included if the material for the supports  112 ,  114  may have a reduced stiffness as compared to other embodiments, so that the force-displacement characteristics may be maintained, although the rigidity may be reduced. 
     The first leg  146  may extend past the connection to the shoulder  166  to connect with the cross-member  168  directly. In these instances, the cross member  168  may be operably connected to the first leg  146  at a top proximal end of the first leg  146 . An extension member  158  may extend from the intersection of the cross-member  168  and the first leg  146 . The extension member  158  may be partially oval-shaped but may include a first side  186  that may transition from a relatively planar edge to curve in spanning between the extension member  158  and the first leg  146 . The extension member  158  may engage a corner or other edge of the keycap  108 , so that a force applied to the corner of the keycap  108  may be translated to the supports  112 ,  114 . 
     The Translation Mechanism 
     The translation mechanism  110  includes both supports  112 ,  114  interconnected together. With reference again to  FIGS. 3B and 4A , the first support  112  may be positioned along the base  134  and switch plate  118  so that the first leg  146  may be positioned adjacent the second leg  148  of the second support  114 , such that the first leg  146  of the first support  112  may be positioned between the second leg  148  of the second support  114  and the switch device  116 . Similarly, the first leg  146  of the second support  114  may be positioned adjacent the second leg  148  of the first support  146  and positioned between the second leg  148  of the first support  114  and the switch device  116 . That is, the first leg  146  and the second leg  148  for each support  112 ,  114  may be positioned adjacent one another, with the second legs  148  of the first support  112  and the second support  114  positioned outside of the first legs  146  of the first support  112  and the second support  114 . In this manner, the rotation member  154  of the second leg  148  of first support  112  may be received into the pivoting aperture  142  of the first leg  146  of the second support  112 ; and, the rotation member  154  of the second leg  148  of the second support  114  may be received into the pivoting aperture  142  of the first leg  146  of the first support  112 . 
     The rotation members  154  may operably connect the two supports  112 ,  114  together, as well as provide a pivot point for allow the supports  112 ,  114  to rotate relative to each other. As briefly described above, the length dimension D 2  of the pivot apertures  142  is larger than the diameter D 1  of the rotation members  154 , which allows the rotation member  154  to move within the pivot aperture  142 . In some embodiments, the rotation member  154  may move laterally and vertically within the pivot aperture  142 . Additionally, in some instances rotation member  154  may be substantially the only component of the translation mechanism  110  that may move laterally with respect to the base  134 . For example, the anchoring members  150   152  may be secured to the base  134  to prevent the supports  112 ,  114  from moving laterally across the base  134 , and so any lateral movement of the supports  112 ,  114  with respect to each other may be through the movement of the rotation member  154  within the pivoting aperture  142 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3B , the anchoring members  150 ,  152  for the first support  112  and the second support  114  may be received into the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  212  and may extend therethrough. For example, the anchoring member  150  of the first support  112  may be received into a second anchoring member  206 , the anchoring member  152  of the first support  112  may be received into a third anchoring member  208 , the anchoring member  150  of the second support  114  may be received into the first anchoring member  202  and the anchoring member  152  of the second support  114  may be received into the fourth anchoring member  212 . In some embodiments, the anchoring members  150 ,  152  may be tightly received into the anchoring features  202 ,  206  so that the anchoring members  150 ,  152  may be substantially prevented from moving laterally and/or vertically relative to the base  134 . 
     Each movement extension  188  may be received through one of the stopper features  204 ,  210 . For example, the movement extension  188  of the first support  112  may be received through the second stopper feature  210  and the movement extension  188  of the second support  114  may be received through the first stopper feature  204 . The movement extension  188  may have a reduced width and height as compared with the aperture defined by the stopper features  204 ,  210 , so that the movement extension  188  may move within the stopper features  204 ,  210 . In other words, unlike the anchoring members  150 ,  152 , the movement extension  188  may move vertically with respect to the base  134 . 
     The anchoring members  150 ,  152  and the movement extension  188  may be operably connected to the base  134 , as described above, in order to secure the first support  112  and the second support  114  to the base  134 . In some embodiments, the anchoring members  150 ,  152  when received within the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  212 , may substantially prevent lateral motion of the supports  112 ,  114  with respect to the base  134 . The movement extensions  188  in combination with the stopper features  204 ,  210  may define a maximum movement of the supports  112 ,  114  in the vertical and/or lateral directions. In some embodiments, the movement extension  188  and the stopper features  204 ,  210  may set a maximum vertical distance that the supports  112 ,  114  may move relative to the base  134 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3A-3C , the recesses  160 ,  162  may be used to operably connect the supports  112 ,  114  to the keycap  108 . For example, the keycap  108  may include one more receiving members that may snap fit or otherwise connect to the recesses  160 ,  162 . In these examples, the keycap  108  may be a relatively flexible and/or deformable material that may be mated to the recesses  160 ,  162  in a snap fit manner. However, it should be noted that other connection mechanisms may be used to operably connect the keycap  108  to the supports  112 ,  114 , such as but not limited to, adhesive, fasteners, or the like. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3A , in the extended or normal position, the supports  112 ,  114  may be slightly angled with respect to one another, such that the legs  146 ,  148  may extend at a angle upwards from the anchoring members  150 ,  152  (that are secured by the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  212  to the base  134 ). That is, from a side elevation view, such as shown in  FIG. 3C , the supports  112 ,  114  may form a “X” shape. The cross-member  168  of each support may be substantially parallel to each other so that the keycap  108  may be supported so as to be substantially planar. 
     As briefly discussed above, the movement extension  188  may determine a maximum vertical translation for the supports  112 ,  114 . For example, in a compressed position shown in  FIG. 3B , the movement extension  188  may be positioned below a top bar of the stopper features  204 ,  210 , and as the key  106  extends upwards, the movement extension  188  encounters the top bar of the stopper features  204 ,  210 . The top bar may therefore prevent the upwards vertical movement of the movement extension  188 , and thus supports  112 ,  114  limiting the upward vertical movement of the keycap  108 . 
     The rotation members  154  act as a center pivot for the supports  112 ,  114 . In this manner, in the “X” shape formed by the supports  112 ,  114  when viewed from a right or left side may form an “X” (see  FIG. 3C ), the rotation member  154  may form a center point or intersection of the “X.” Because the rotation members  154  may move within the pivot apertures  142 , due to the pivot apertures  142  having a larger length dimension than the rotation members  154 , the rotation members  154  may provide vertical movement of the supports  112 ,  114  relative to each other. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4A , as a force is applied to the keycap  108 , such as by a user selecting a particular key  106 , the supports  112 ,  114  may translate vertically and may pivot relative to each other. In the compressed position the supports  112 ,  114  may be oriented so that the legs  146 ,  148  of each support  112 ,  114  may be substantially parallel to each other. This is possible as the rotation members  154  may provide sufficient lateral translation (by a pivoting motion) to allow the legs  146 ,  148  of each support to sufficiently rotate to this orientation. 
     The rotation members  154  may provide vertical and/or horizontal or lateral movement for the supports  112 ,  114  relative to each other in the form of a sliding and/or pivoting motion. In other words, the rotation member  154  may slide within the pivoting aperture  142 , since the pivoting aperture  142  has a longer length or dimension than the rotation member  154 . Also, the rotation member  154  may move within the pivoting aperture  142 , so the lateral movement may sufficiently allow the supports  112 ,  114  to move vertically without substantially lateral movement relative to one another, despite the angular “X” orientation. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 4A , as the supports  112 ,  114  rotate and translate vertically downwards towards the base  134 , the keycap  108  may compress the switch device  116 . The switch device  116  may then provide an input signal to the switch plate  118  to indicate that the key  106  has been pressed and/or provide feedback to the user. 
     Assembling the Keyboard 
     The translation mechanism  110  may be configured to allow the keyboard  102  to be assembled relatively quickly, without requiring one or more components to be deformed in order to be secured into position.  FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of the key  106  with the keycap  108  removed and the translation mechanism in a first disassembled position.  FIG. 6B  is a top plan view of the key  106  with the keycap  108  removed, with the translation mechanism  110  being in a second assembled position. Initially, the two supports  112 ,  114  may be operably connected together. In some embodiments, one support  112 ,  114  may be rotated to approximately  90  degrees relative to the other support  112 ,  114 . Once the two supports  112 ,  114  are angled with respect to one another, the rotation members  154  of each support  112 ,  114  may be inserted into the respective pivoting apertures  142  of each support  112 ,  114 . The supports  112 ,  114  may then be rotated again to be substantially parallel with each other. The first support  112  may then be positioned on the base  134  between the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  212  and the stopper features  204 ,  212  and the second support  114  may be positioned in a similar manner. In some embodiments, the legs  146 ,  148  of the two supports  112 ,  114  may be oriented so that the first leg  146  may be positioned between the switch device  116  and the second leg  148  of the other support  112 ,  114 . 
     In a first position, the legs  146 ,  148  of the first support  112  and the second support  114  may be oriented so that they may be in contact with each other. That is, the first leg  146  of the first support  112  may be positioned adjacent to and in contact with (or substantially in contact with) the second leg  148  of the second support and the first leg  146  of the second support  114  may be positioned adjacent to and in contact (or substantially in contact with) with the second leg  148  of the first support  112 . It should be noted that due to the relatively planar characteristic of the top and bottom surfaces of the supports  112 ,  114 , the two supports  112 ,  114  may lay substantially parallel to the base  134  and switch plate  118 . 
     In the first position, the anchoring members  150 ,  152  may be positioned near, but may not be received into, the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  212 . Similarly, the movement extension  188  may be positioned near but may not be received into the stopper features  204 ,  210 . In this first position as shown in  FIG. 6A , the supports  112 ,  114  may be slid horizontally onto the enclosure  104  or base  134  in the directions indicated by the arrows, to be aligned in position to be aligned with the respective features  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 . 
     Once the supports  112 ,  114  have been positioned as shown in  FIG. 6A , the supports  112 ,  114  may be extended or pulled outwards away from the switch device  116  or center of the key  106 . For example, a user may pull each support  112 ,  114  outwards or a machine such as a robot or other manufacturing device may be configured to apply the outwards force to the supports  112 ,  114 . With reference to  FIG. 6B , as they are pulled, the supports  112 ,  114  may be positioned in a second position with a spacing distance Ds between the first leg  146  of one support and the second leg  148  of another support. In other words, the first leg  146  of the first support  112  may be spaced apart from an inner surface of the second leg  148  of the second support  114  by a distance of Ds and the first leg  146  of the second support  114  may be spaced apart from an inner surface of the second leg  148  of the second support  114  may a distance of Ds. 
     In the second position, illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the anchoring members  150 ,  152  may be received into the respective anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  212  and the movement extensions  188  may be received into their respective stopper features  204 ,  210 . Although the first legs  146  may be spaced apart by the spacing distance Ds from the second legs  148 , the rotation members  154  may have a sufficiently long length (e.g., at least longer than the spacing distance Ds), to remain received within the pivoting apertures  142 . In some embodiments, the rotation member  154  may be configured to have a length that may be approximately equal to the spacing distance Ds plus the width of the first leg  146 , so that the rotation member  154  may be substantially flush with the left side surface  176  of the first leg  146  when received into the pivoting aperture  142 . In this manner, the supports  112 ,  114  may remain connected together, despite the spacing distance Ds between the two legs  146 ,  148  of the supports  112 ,  114 . 
     Once the supports  112 ,  114  have been separated by the spacing distance Ds, the keycap  108  may be operably connected to the supports  112 ,  114 . The keycap  108 , which may be operably connected to the cross member  168  at the recesses  160 ,  162 , may secure the spacing distance Ds so that the supports  112 ,  114  may be secured in place. That is, prior to the keycap  108  being connected to the supports  112 ,  114  the supports  112 ,  114  may be movable laterally relative to each other and the keycap  108  may substantially prevent the supports  112 ,  114  from moving inwards or outwards relative to each other once connected. In this manner, the keycap  108  may also function as a spacing mechanism for the supports  112 ,  114  to secure them in position to maintain the spacing distance Ds between each other. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the translation mechanism  110  may not require the supports  112 ,  114  to be deformed in order to be operably connected to the base  134 . This may allow the supports  112 ,  114  to be made of a substantially or at least partially rigid material, such as a metal or metal alloy. Conventional scissor mechanisms for keyboards are typically made of plastic or other relatively easily deformable materials because typically the scissor mechanism may snap-fit into a securing member of the base or otherwise require deformation to be installed. As discussed above, the plastic or other relatively easily deformable materials may not transmit force equally across a key. This means that a key including a plastic scissor mechanism may have a different movement motion if a force is applied to a corner of the key versus a center of the key. For example, if a force is applied to an edge of the keycap, the edge of the keycap may move downwards, but the rest of the key may remain somewhat in place. In contrast, as the supports  112 ,  114  of the present disclosure may be a rigid or substantially rigid material, as a force is applied to activate a certain portion of the translation mechanism  110 , the supports  112 ,  114  may respond in a same manner, regardless of the location of the force. Further, a force applied to an edge of the keycap  108  may be transmitted by the supports  112 ,  114  to a center and/or opposite edge of the keycap  108 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3A and 4A , the vertical motion of the key  106  will now be discussed in more detail. As a user provides a force to the keycap  108 , the supports  112 ,  114  will move vertically downwards towards the base  134 . Due to the rigidity of the supports  112 ,  114  and receipt of the rotation members  154  in the pivoting apertures  142 , when the user provides a force on an edge of the keycap  108  or in the center of the keycap  108 , the supports  112 ,  114  will move vertically in substantially the same manner. In other words, as a portion of one of the supports  112 ,  114  moves downwards, the entire support  112 ,  114  may also move, since the material may be sufficiently rigid to resist deformation and/or torqueing. Likewise, the structural stiffness and configuration of they keycap  108  may prevent a key from being depressed only on a corner or edge in response to an off-center force. 
     Because the anchoring members  150 ,  152  are substantially prevented (by the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  212 ) from moving laterally along the base  134 , the movement of the supports  112 ,  114  may be substantially vertical in translating between the extended and compressed positions of the keycap  108 . Conventional scissor mechanisms may move laterally along the base, and so the keyboard may have to be dimensioned so as to accommodate vertical and lateral movement along the base. 
     As the keycap  108  is pressed, a bottom surface of the keycap  108  may reach the switch device  116 , which may then cause the switch device  116  to at least partially compress as the supports  112 ,  114  move downwards. The switch device  116  may then provide input to the switch plate  118  indicating that the key  106  was selected and/or may provide feedback to the user. In other embodiments, the switch device  116  may be omitted and/or a separate activation mechanism may be operably connected to the keycap  108  to be activated when the keycap  106  moves vertically downward. 
     Alternative Embodiments of the Translation Mechanism 
     The translation mechanism  110  may be used in differently sized and/or shaped keys  106  in addition to the configuration shown in  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 7A  is a top isometric view of a key  306  that may be larger and/or longer than key  106 , the key  306  of  FIG. 7A  may include the translation mechanism  110 .  FIG. 7B  is a top perspective view of the key  306  in a compressed or selected position.  FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the key  306 . The key  306  of  FIGS. 7A-8  may be a space bar, shift key, enter key, or may otherwise have an increased length and/or width from the key  102 . The key  306  may be substantially similar to the key  106 , but may have an increased length, width, shape, and/or orientation. 
     The key  306  may include a translation mechanism  310 , which may be similar to the translation mechanism  110 ; however, in this embodiment, the supports  312 ,  314  may include an elongated portion that may extend substantially the entire length of the key  306 . The key  306  may include the switch device  116 , a portion of the enclosure  104 , the feature plate  118 , and/or the base  134 . 
     The key  306  may also include a keycap  308  and the translation mechanism  310 . These two components  308 ,  310  may be similar to their respective components in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 . However, the keycap  308  and the translation mechanism  310  may be extended in length so as to extend the entire length of the key  306 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the keycap  308  and/or translation mechanism  310  may be appropriately modified to accommodate differently shaped keys. For example, in some embodiments it may be desirable to include steps or curves in the shape of the keys, and in these instances the keycap  308  and/or the translation mechanism  310  may be modified to include these features. 
     The translation mechanism  310  may include a first support  312  and a second support  314 . The two supports  312 ,  314  may be similar to the supports  112 ,  114  and features not specifically discussed may be the same as with the supports  112 ,  114 .  FIG. 9  is a top isometric view of the first support  312 .  FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the first support  314 . It should be noted that in some embodiments the first support  314  and the second support  314  may be substantially identical. The supports  312 ,  314  may be integrally formed members or may be formed of components operably connected together. The supports  312 ,  314  may be an at least partially rigid material, such as metal or a metal alloy, that may be sufficient to resist deflecting under force. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , each support  312 ,  314  may include an elongated portion  311  that may extend between two ends of the cross-member  168  in order to extend the distance between the first leg  146  and the second leg  148 . In some embodiments, the elongated portion  311  may have a larger width than the cross-member  168 , which may better support the extra length of the keycap  308 . The elongated portion  311  may extend from two adjacent ends of the cross-member  168  between the two recesses  160 ,  162  and in some embodiments, the shoulder  166  may extend from the first leg  146  to intersect with the elongated portion  311  rather than the cross-member  168 . It should be noted that in some embodiments, the cross-member  168  may extend the entire length of the keycap  308  and so the elongated portion  311  may be omitted in these embodiments. In other embodiments, the legs  146 ,  148  may extend from the ends of the elongated portion  311  and the cross-member  168  may be omitted. 
     The elongated portion  311  may be integrally formed with the cross-member  168  and legs  146 ,  148  or may be separately connected thereto. The elongated portion  311  may include one more securing apertures  309  that may be spaced across its length. The securing apertures  309  may be used to connect the keycap to the supports. For example, the keycap  308  may include one or more portions (not shown) that may be received into the securing apertures  309  in order to operably connect the keycap  308  to the elongated portion  311 . The elongated portion  311  may further include a beveled edge  308  adjacent a connection location to the second recess  162 . The beveled edge  308  may provide a better transition from the thicker elongated portion  311  to the cross-member  168 . For example, in some embodiments, the elongated portion  311  may have a larger cross-section than the cross-member  168  to provide additional strength to engage the keycap  308  along a length of the keycap  308 , and the beveled edge  308  may enhance the transition from the larger cross section to a smaller cross section. 
     Along with the recesses  160 ,  162 , the elongated portion  311  may connect to a bottom surface of the keycap  308 . For example, as described above, the recesses  160 ,  162  may be snap-fit into securing features on the keycap or may be secured in other manners (e.g., by adhesives or other fasteners). Similarly, the elongated portion  311  may be snap-fit into a corresponding feature on the keycap  308  or may be otherwise connected to the keycap  308 . 
     With reference again to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , as a force is applied to the keycap  308 , the two supports  312 ,  314  may translate vertically downwards towards the base  134 . The rotation members  154  may pivot within the pivoting apertures  142 , and may move laterally and/or vertically within the pivoting apertures  142  to allow the supports  112 ,  114  to move vertically. The anchoring members  150 ,  152  may be secured to the anchoring features  202 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 , which may substantially prevent the supports  312 ,  314  from moving laterally along the base  134  as they transition from the normal or extended position shown in  FIG. 7A  to the compressed position shown in  FIG. 7B . 
     Since the supports  312 ,  314  are a substantially rigid material, the vertical movement of the keycap  308  may be substantially the same along the length of the keycap  308 . For example, if the user compresses a first edge to the keycap  308  near the first leg  146 , the second leg  148  of the other support may move at substantially the same time downwards and at the same rate of movement. In this manner, the user may press on substantially any location of the keycap  308  and the keycap  308  may have substantially the same vertical movement. In other words, the force-displacement characteristics for the key  306  may be substantially the same, regardless of the location of the force on the keycap  308 . This may allow the key  306  to have reduced likelihood of bending due to a user input force, as compared to conventional keys. Less bending in the keycap  308  may provide for a reduced height for the keyboard  102  because the vertical travel distance of the keycap  308  may not have to accommodate for additional height due to an edge of the keycaps bending or otherwise experiencing torque to cause deformation or bending. 
     The supports  312 ,  314  and the elongated portion  311  may also provide support for the entire keycap  308  without the need for a linking bar. Conventional scissor mechanisms for keyboards that may be made out of non-rigid, flexible, or deformable materials may require metal linking bars for long keys, such as the spacebar or enter key. The linking bars are typically required in order to transfer a load that may be applied to an edge of the keycap to the center, where a dome or other input device may be located so that the device can be activated. These linking bars may increase the manufacturing complexity and costs of conventional keyboards, as an additional component has to be connected to the keyboard Also, linking bars may also create noise as a user applies a force to the keys, as they may be positioned between the scissor mechanism and the keycap and may vibrate or move while the key is compressed. 
     In contrast, the supports  312 ,  314  and elongated portion  311  may be sufficiently rigid to support the entire length of the keycap  308  without the need for a linking bar. In this manner, the supports  312 ,  314  and elongated portion  311  may activate the key and transfer the force to the center of the key  306  (or whether the switch device  116  and/or activation mechanism may be located), without the need for a linking bar. The rigidity or stiffness of the supports  312 ,  314  and elongated portion  311  is sufficient to transfer the force across the key  306 . Accordingly, the key  306  may be easier to manufacturer than conventional keys including linking bars and may be less noisy during use. 
     The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on a keyboard, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to other input devices. Similarly, although the various embodiments may be discussed with respect to the keyboard, any of the separate features of the keyboard may be used separately or integrated together. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be an example and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120229
Publication Date: 20150217
Grant Date: 20150217
Priority Date: 20120229
Inventors: NIU JAMES J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H11/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H11/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 49001649