PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11139129-B2
Application Number: US-201916584560-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Membrane sealed keyboard

Abstract:
Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A keyboard input device, comprising:
 an electronics unit including a set of key structures; 
 a housing containing the electronics unit and including a rigid web, a top surface, and a downward-facing wall, the top surface being an upper-most surface of the housing; and 
 a flexible membrane extending over the electronics unit, over the top surface, and over the rigid web, the flexible membrane being attached to the downward-facing wall of the housing, wherein the set of key structures is actuatable upon displacement of the flexible membrane relative to the housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The keyboard input device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a bottom surface and the downward-facing wall of the housing is positioned above the bottom surface. 
     
     
       3. The keyboard input device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a sidewall recess and the downward-facing wall is positioned within the sidewall recess. 
     
     
       4. The keyboard input device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a sidewall, the flexible membrane contacting the sidewall. 
     
     
       5. The keyboard input device of  claim 1 , further comprising a rigid frame attached to an inside surface of the flexible membrane, the rigid frame being attached to the housing or attached to the rigid web. 
     
     
       6. The keyboard input device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible membrane comprises an elastic material. 
     
     
       7. The keyboard input device of  claim 1 , further comprising a set of rigid keycaps positioned on a top surface of the flexible membrane. 
     
     
       8. The keyboard input device of  claim 1 , further comprising a touch pad, wherein the flexible membrane comprises a touch pad opening, the touch pad being accessible through the touch pad opening. 
     
     
       9. The keyboard input device of  claim 1 , wherein an entire top surface of the keyboard input device is waterproof. 
     
     
       10. The keyboard input device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises an internal cavity and a sidewall or bottom wall, the sidewall or bottom wall having a vent passage connecting the internal cavity to an external atmosphere surrounding the housing, the vent passage being configured to redirect external water away from the electronics unit. 
     
     
       11. A keyboard input device, comprising:
 a housing; 
 a set of key structures positioned in the housing; 
 a composite membrane extending over the set of key structures, the composite membrane comprising a mesh material combined with an elastomeric material, the mesh material having a greater toughness relative to the elastomeric material, and the mesh material being suspended within a matrix of the elastomeric material. 
 
     
     
       12. The keyboard input device of  claim 11 , wherein the mesh material comprises knit fibers. 
     
     
       13. The keyboard input device of  claim 11 , wherein the mesh material comprises woven fibers. 
     
     
       14. The keyboard input device of  claim 11 , wherein the elastomeric material covers a top surface of the mesh material. 
     
     
       15. The keyboard input device of  claim 11 , wherein the elastomeric material encapsulates the mesh material. 
     
     
       16. A keyboard input device, comprising:
 a base; 
 an electronics substrate positioned in the base; 
 a membrane positioned over the electronics substrate and the base; 
 a set of inner keycaps positioned vertically between the electronics substrate and the membrane; 
 a set of outer keycaps positioned on a top surface of the membrane; 
 a set of aligning features in the membrane, the set of aligning features aligning the set of inner keycaps with the set of outer keycaps. 
 
     
     
       17. The keyboard input device of  claim 16 , wherein the set of aligning features comprises a material joining an inner keycap of the set of inner keycaps to an outer keycap of the set of outer keycaps through an opening in the membrane. 
     
     
       18. The keyboard input device of  claim 16 , wherein the set of aligning features comprises a recess in the membrane, the recess receiving an upward-extending protrusion of an inner keycap or a downward-extending protrusion of an outer keycap. 
     
     
       19. The keyboard input device of  claim 16 , wherein the membrane comprises a reinforcement between two adjacent inner keycaps of the set of inner keycaps. 
     
     
       20. The keyboard input device of  claim 19 , wherein a portion of the membrane extends between the reinforcement and at least one of the two adjacent inner keycaps.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to keyboards and input devices for computers and other electric devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to flexible structures used in keyboards. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices use a variety of different input devices. Examples of such input devices include keyboards, computer mice, touch screens, buttons, trackpads, and so on. They may be incorporated into an electronic device or can be used as peripheral devices. The electronic device may be vulnerable to contaminants, such as dust or liquid, entering though openings or connections in or around one or more incorporated or external input devices. 
     Keyboards typically have a number of moving keys. Liquid ingress around the keys and into the keyboard can damage internal electronics. Residues from such liquids, such as sugar, may corrode or block electrical contacts, prevent key movement by bonding moving parts, and so on. Solid contaminants (such as dust, dirt, food crumbs, and the like) may lodge under keys, block electrical contacts, and obstruct key movement. These devices can also be undesirably expensive to make and assemble. 
     The keys on a conventional keyboard are spaced apart to provide key definition. Key definition is a property of a keyboard that describes how easily a user can tell where a key is located by sight or touch. Typically, strong key definition correlates with large gaps or grooves between the keycaps since those gaps or grooves help orient the user&#39;s fingers on the keyboard. However, spacing apart the keys produces gaps through which liquid and particles can pass into the keyboard. Additionally, due to manufacturing tolerances, keycaps can be slightly misaligned when they each are supported by separate switches, domes and related key mechanisms, thereby leading to an imprecise and noisy visual appearance. 
     Thus, there are many challenges and areas for improvements in input devices such as keyboards. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to keyboards. In one example, the keyboard can include an electronics unit including a set of key structures, a housing containing the electronics unit can include and upper surface and a downward-facing wall. A flexible membrane extends over the electronics unit and over the upper surface, with the flexible membrane being attached to the downward-facing wall of the housing. The set of key structures can be actuatable upon displacement of the flexible membrane relative to the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the housing can comprise a bottom surface, and the downward-facing wall of the housing can be positioned above the bottom surface. The housing can comprise a sidewall recess, and the downward-facing wall can be positioned within the sidewall recess. The housing can comprise a sidewall, and the flexible membrane can contact the sidewall. In some embodiments, the keyboard can comprise a rigid frame attached to an inside surface of the flexible membrane, wherein the rigid frame is attached to the housing or attached to the rigid web. 
     In some embodiments, the flexible membrane comprises an elastic material. A set of rigid keycaps can be positioned on a top surface of the flexible membrane. A touch pad can also be included, wherein the flexible membrane can comprise a touch pad opening and the touch pad can be accessible through the touch pad opening. An entire top surface of the keyboard input device can be waterproof. 
     The housing can comprise an internal cavity and a sidewall or bottom wall, wherein the sidewall or bottom wall can have a vent passage connecting the internal cavity to an external atmosphere surrounding the housing, with the vent passage being configured to redirect external water away from the electronics unit. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a keyboard input device comprising a housing, a set of key structures positioned in the housing, and a composite membrane extending over the set of key structures, with the composite membrane comprising a mesh material combined with an elastomeric material and with the mesh material having a greater toughness relative to the elastomeric material. The mesh material can comprise knit or woven fibers. The elastomeric material can cover a top surface of the mesh material. The elastomeric material can encapsulate the mesh material. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosure relates to a keyboard input device comprising a base, an electronics substrate positioned in the base, a membrane positioned over the electronics substrate and the base, a set of inner keycaps positioned between the electronics substrate and the membrane, a set of outer keycaps positioned on a top surface of the membrane, and a set of aligning features in the membrane, with the set of aligning features aligning the set of inner keycaps with the set of outer keycaps. 
     The set of aligning features can comprise a material joining an inner keycap of the set of inner keycaps to an outer keycap of the set of outer keycaps through an opening in the membrane. The set of aligning features can comprise a recess in the membrane, with the recess receiving an upward-extending protrusion of an inner keycap or a downward-extending protrusion of an outer keycap. In some embodiments, the membrane can comprise a reinforcement between two adjacent inner keycaps of the set of inner keycaps. A portion of the membrane can extend between the reinforcement and at least one of the two adjacent inner keycaps. The reinforcement can exhibit a width that is less than a distance between the adjacent inner (and/or outer) keycaps. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a side section view of a key mechanism and housing of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  as indicated by section lines  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 4A-4E  illustrate embodiments of membrane-to-support-surface interfaces that can be used in an electronic device. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a membrane and keycaps of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a membrane and keycaps of another embodiment of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 7  is a side section view of an interkey space area of an embodiment of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 8  is a side section view of another interkey space area of another embodiment of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 9  is a side section view of an outer-to-inner keycap interface of an embodiment of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 10  is a side section view of another outer-to-inner keycap interface of an embodiment of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 11  is a side section view taken from a position similar to section lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 1  that shows a track pad interface of an embodiment of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 12  is a side section view of another keycap interface of an embodiment of an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, the description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. The description includes sample systems and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure can be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
     The present disclosure relates to keyboards and/or other input devices that include keycaps and at least one flexible structure attached to the keycaps. The flexible structure, such as, for example, a flexible membrane, fabric, mesh, woven material, knitted material, or composite layer, can provide flexible bridges or interkey supports between the keycaps that, in combination with the keycaps, make a substantially continuous, smoothed, consistent-visual-appearance, sound-muting, and ingress-resistant top surface and interkey covering for the input device. 
     Debris, fluids, and other contaminants can penetrate between the keys of conventional keyboards, leading to numerous issues with the appearance, feel, and function of the keys. Therefore, another aspect of the present disclosure relates to using the flexible structure and keycaps to limit ingress of unwanted material into the keyboard by providing a substantially continuous upper surface layer for the keyboard. The flexible structure can have a spill-proof, waterproof, fluid-tight, and/or unbroken top surface so that any contaminants are held by the flexible structure spaced away from the inside of the keyboard. Contaminants on the flexible structure can then be easily and safely removed from the keyboard without ever penetrating into contact with the more sensitive interior components. 
     A membrane can be positioned between outer keycaps and inner portions of the keyboard such as inner keycaps, collapsible domes, stabilizers (e.g., a butterfly or scissor hinge mechanism), and base components (e.g., a substrate, base layer, housing, etc.). Fluid and debris that falls between the keycaps can be blocked and held by the membrane at a location where it can be more easily cleaned off or otherwise removed from the keyboard. The fluid and debris can also thereby be prevented from coming into contact with electrically charged portions of the keyboard or interfering with the function of domes, stabilizers, and other moving parts of the keyboard. 
     The flexible structure that limits contaminant ingress can fill interkey spaces with flexible and compliant material, provide a relatively smooth top surface, reduce the thickness of and the number of parts in the key assembly, and distribute light through the keyboard. Flexible structures can include ridges, grooves, waves, recesses, protrusions, and raised portions that collect debris and fluids, provide key definition, and enable the flexible structure to stretch or extend laterally when keys are pressed. In some embodiments, the flexible structures or slack portions of a membrane can be hidden underneath a keycap or other rigid user interface surface, whereby flexing or folding/unfolding movement of the membrane can be obscured from the view of the user. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to features for attaching the flexible membrane to a keyboard housing without a visible seam or break between the membrane and the housing when viewed from above. The flexible membrane can be attached to the housing in a position recessed away from a user in order to protect the connection between the membrane and the housing and reducing the possibility of the membrane being peeled or scratched away from the housing. In some embodiments, the edge or end of the membrane can be attached to a downward-facing surface of the housing or can be positioned with a recess sized and configured to limit user access to the edge or end of the membrane. Air vent openings can also be positioned in the recess. 
     In some embodiments, the flexible membrane comprises features to resist puncturing or tearing the flexible material. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible membrane can comprise a composite material including a mesh (e.g., a woven or knitted material) that is encased or encapsulated by a flexible rubber or other elastomeric material (e.g., silicone). The mesh can comprise a loose weave or knit that enables the elastomeric material to stretch and deflect while the mesh provides providing limits to the stretch or deflection and provides improved toughness and cut resistance that reduces propagation and enlargement of pierces and tears in the elastomeric material. 
     In additional embodiments, the flexible membrane can comprise openings or other alignment features that allow outer and inner keycaps to be attached or connected to each other with central alignment along a vertical axis of motion. In some configurations, the membrane can comprise at least one opening for each pair of outer and inner keycaps, and a protrusion or adhesive plug can join the outer and inner keycaps through the opening in order to ensure their horizontal and rotational alignment relative to the membrane. Alternatively, the membrane can comprise a keying shape such as a boss forming an opposing set of one or more protrusions and grooves that are mechanically supported by and attached to respective outer and inner keycaps, thereby providing a mechanical interface for alignment of keys on each side of the membrane. 
     Keyboards of the present disclosure can also include features to support or seal an integrated trackpad, venting air or draining fluid from within the housing while preserving water resistance of the device under normal use conditions, and supporting the shape of the membrane between keycaps. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an electronic device  100  including a keyboard  102 . The keyboard  102  includes keys or key assemblies with keycaps  103  or button caps that move when depressed by a user. The electronic device  100  can include one or more devices or mechanisms that prevent or alleviate contaminant ingress into or through the keyboard  102 , such as ingress between the keycaps  103  and into a housing  104  of the electronic device  100 . Such devices or mechanisms can include, for example, an interkey bridge structure, layer structure, or flexible membrane extending across or underneath the keycaps  103 , as described in connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Such contaminants can include liquids (e.g., water, soft drinks, sweat, and the like), solids (e.g., dust, dirt, skin particles, food particles, and the like), and any other small debris or foreign material. 
     The electronic device  100  can also include a track pad  106  (or other pointing device) and internal electronic components used in an input device or a notebook/laptop computer (e.g., a processor, controller, electronic memory device, electronic data storage device, and other computer components). The track pad  106  can be positioned in a front portion (e.g., the palm rest portion  108 ) of the electronic device  100  and can therefore be configured to be positioned between the keyboard  102  and the user. In some embodiments, the track pad  106  can be positioned to a lateral (e.g., left or right) side of the keyboard  102 . In further embodiments, the keycaps  103  can receive touch pad-like capacitive input from a user instrument contacting the keycaps  103  or moving across the keycaps  103 . A track pad  106  can also be omitted. 
     The housing  104  can comprise a lower portion  110  and an upper portion  112 . The upper portion  112  can have a top surface  114  and side surfaces  116 . The lower portion  110  can also have side surfaces  118  and a bottom surface  119 . See also  FIG. 3 . The side surfaces  116 ,  118  can be vertically aligned and coplanar. In some embodiments, upper portion side surfaces  116  are spaced apart at a greater lateral width than the lower portion side surfaces  118 . Accordingly, side surfaces  116  can overhang side surfaces  118  or a perimeter of the upper portion  112  or top surface  114  can be greater than and enclose a perimeter of the lower portion side surfaces  118  when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface  114 . The lower portion  110  and upper portion  112  can be separated by a gap or recess  120  (e.g., a channel extending around the perimeter of the housing  104 ). See also  FIG. 3 . 
     Although the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  is a peripheral computer keyboard input device, it will be readily apparent that features and aspects of the present disclosure that are described in connection with the electronic device  100  can be applied in various other devices. These other devices can include, but are not limited to, personal computers (including, for example, notebook or laptop computers, computer towers, “all-in-one” computers, computer workstations, and related devices) and related accessories, media player devices and related accessories, remotes, computer mice, trackballs, and touchpads, point-of-sale equipment, cases, mounts, and stands for electronic devices, controllers for games, home automation equipment, and any other electronic device that uses, sends, or receives human input. Thus, the present disclosure provides illustrative and non-limiting examples of the kinds of devices that can implement and apply aspects of the present disclosure. 
     The keyboard  102  can include a set of assembled components that correspond to each key. The assembly of these components can be referred to as a “stack-up” due to their substantially layered or stacked configuration.  FIG. 2  illustrates a partially exploded view of the electronic device  100  showing internal components of the keyboard  102 .  FIG. 3  shows a partial side section view of the electronic device  100  as taken through section lines  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the keyboard  102  can have a set of outer keycaps  103  with at least one being used in connection with each key or button of the keyboard. An interkey bridge structure, layer structure, flexible layer, or flexible membrane  200  can be positioned below and attached to the undersides of the outer keycaps  103 . A rigid web  202  can be positioned under the flexible membrane  200  can comprise an array of openings configured to be underneath each of the outer keycaps  103 . An inner keyboard module  204  can have a set of key stabilizer mechanisms  300  (e.g., scissor or butterfly stabilizers that reduce the tendency of a keycap to tip or rotate when a corner or side of the keycap is pressed), inner keycaps  206 , a set of switch structures  302  (e.g., collapsible metal or rubber domes), and a printed circuit board (PCB), electronics substrate, conductive membrane, or similar feature plate  304 . The inner keyboard module  204  can be referred to an electronics unit or as part of an electronics unit. 
     Rigid web  202  can comprise a rigid material such as metal (e.g., aluminum, brass, or steel), rigid polymer (e.g., polycarbonate), or composite (e.g., carbon fiber composite). The rigid web  202  can provide stiffness to the PCB or feature plate  304  of the inner keyboard module  204 . In some embodiments, stabilizers can be attached to the rigid web  202  to improve the translational stability of larger keycaps. The rigid web  202  can be a single piece and can have openings that are produced by stamping, drilling, milling, forging, or other similar manufacturing processes. 
     The inner keyboard module  204  and track pad  106  can be attached to a base support  210  and electronics  212  within the lower portion  110  of the housing  104 . The track pad  106  can be positioned in an opening  208  in the flexible membrane  200 . The base support  210  can support the inner keyboard module  204  and track pad  106  and can orient them in the internal space of the electronic device  100  relative to the lower portion  110  so that they are vertically inclined (e.g., at about a 3- to 7-degree raised angle relative to a horizontal plane). The base support  210  can comprise a rigid plastic or metal material. In some embodiments, the base support  210  can be integrated with the lower portion  110  as a single piece. 
     Electronics  212  can comprise electronics for operating the inner keyboard module  204 . The electronics  212  can include an antenna, a battery, a processor, a transceiver, an electrical connector, power or settings switches, and related components used to operate the keyboard  102  and track pad  106  while connected (via a wire or wirelessly) with a main computing device. Portions of the electronics  212  (e.g., power switches or other user inputs) can be accessible through apertures  214  in the lower portion  110  of the housing  104 . In some embodiments, the apertures  214  are sealed around the electronics  212  so that particles and fluids cannot penetrate through the apertures  214  and into the lower portion  110  or base support  210 . The electronics  212  can be referred to as an electronics unit or as part of an electronics unit (e.g., in combination with the inner keyboard module  204 ). 
     The outer keycaps  103  can provide surfaces against which a user can interface with the keyboard  102 . Thus, the outer keycaps  103  can be movable between an unactuated or neutral state at a first vertical position relative to the feature plate  304  or base support  210  and an actuated or depressed state at a second vertical position relative to the feature plate  304  or base support  210 . The outer keycaps  103  and inner keycaps  206  can comprise a rigid material such as a hard plastic, metal, ceramic, composite, related material, or combinations thereof. In an example embodiment, the outer keycaps  103  and inner keycaps  206  include a glass, a rigid polymer, or a rigid fabric material. 
     The outer keycaps  103  can include a glyph or symbol on their top surfaces  306 . See  FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 . In some cases, the outer and inner keycaps  103 ,  206  can be at least partially transparent or translucent, thus allowing light to be transferred or diffused through them. See also  FIG. 12  and its related descriptions herein. The light can be directed through or around glyphs or symbols of the outer keycaps  103  in order to improve their contrast and readability for the user. In various cases, the outer keycaps  103  can have a top surface  306  that is substantially planar and flat (e.g., with or without edges that are chamfered, beveled, or rounded), substantially spherically dished, or substantially cylindrically “scooped.” The outer keycaps  103  can be arranged in a keyboard layout, such as, for example, an ANSI layout, ISO layout, JIS layout, Colemak, Dvorak, numpad/tenkey layout, AZERTY layout, a custom layout, or a related layout. 
     The flexible membrane  200  (i.e., flexible layer) can be coupled with at least the outer keycaps  103  and can be entirely flexible or can have flexible portions positioned between the outer keycaps  103 . The flexible layer  200  can therefore be attached to the keycaps  103 ,  206 , such as being adhered, co-molded, or overmolded to the keycaps  103 ,  206 . The flexible layer  200  can comprise a flexible material such as, for example, an elastically deformable material or a bendable material. Thus, the keycaps  103 ,  206  and flexible layer  200  can form a single layer or sheet extending across the keyboard  102  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The flexible layer  200  can displace as a keycap  103  to which it is connected moves in a vertical direction. For example, the portion of the flexible layer  200  under the keycap  103  can be displaced vertically downward, and a portion of the flexible layer  200  around the keycap  103  can be stretched or tilted into a concave shape as the keycap  103  moves downward. When an outer keycap  103  is moved from its neutral (i.e., raised) position to a depressed (i.e., lowered) position, the flexible layer  200  can move with the keycap and deform at least locally around at least portions of the perimeter of the keycap. 
     The material used in the flexible layer  200  can comprise a rubber, silicone, polymer (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or HYTREL® by DUPONT™), fabric (e.g., a flexible sheet of entwined mesh material, woven material, textile, knit material, similar materials, and combinations thereof), flexible or bendable composite, related materials, and combinations thereof. See also  FIGS. 5-6  and their related descriptions herein. The flexible layer  200  can have a continuous and fluid-tight top or bottom surface to help prevent debris, fluids, and other materials from penetrating through the flexible layer  200 . For example, a fabric or woven material used in the flexible layer  200  can have a sealing material (e.g., polyurethane, vinyl, silicone, or another fluid-resistant material) applied to the top or bottom surface of the fabric or woven material to improve fluid resistance and to fill openings or gaps between filaments used in the fabric or woven material. A mesh material having a sealing elastomeric material added to it is referred to herein as a “sealed mesh material.” 
     The flexible layer  200  can also prevent penetration of a user instrument (e.g., a fingertip, fingernail, or stylus) through the interkey gaps (e.g.,  308  in  FIG. 3 ) that are between the outer keycaps  103 . See also  FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 5-8 . The flexible layer  200  can be configured to be sufficiently rigid (or can be under sufficient pretension) so that it does not significantly sag between the outer keycaps  103 . Thus, the flexible membrane  200  can have a planar top surface across the entire housing  104 . 
     The inner keycaps  206  can be positioned internal to the flexible layer  200  relative to the outer keycaps  103 . The inner keycaps  206  can comprise connectors configured to engage the switch structures  302  and key stabilizer mechanisms  300 . In some embodiments, the outer keycaps  103  comprise connectors that extend through the flexible layer  200 . See  FIG. 11 . 
     The flexible layer  200  and/or keycaps  103 ,  206  can be used to provide a touch-sensitive interface with an electronic device. The flexible layer  200  and/or keycaps  103 ,  206  can therefore include electrodes or other electrical leads or traces that are configured to detect a touch. For example, the electrical components of the flexible layer  200  and/or keycaps  103 ,  206  can be configured to detect a capacitive load or a pressure against or near the top surfaces of the flexible layer  200  and/or keycaps  103 ,  206 . Touch interface signals can be provided to a controller (e.g., in the electronic device  100 ) in a manner providing input to the electronic device. Thus, aspects of the electronic device  100  (or a connected computing device) can be controlled based on touch input from the flexible layer  200  and/or keycaps  103 ,  206 . A user instrument such as a finger or stylus can be moved across the top surfaces of the flexible layer  200  and/or keycaps  103 ,  206  and can be used to control the electronic device in a manner separate from the actuation of switch structures  302  that are actuated by pressing down a keycap  103 / 206  to mechanically, capacitively, or electrically actuate a switch. 
     In some embodiments, the flexible layer  200  and/or keycaps  103 ,  206  are not the structures capable of detecting touch input, and an additional layer (not shown) is provided above or below the flexible layer  200  that is configured to detect touches on its surface or through the flexible layer  200  and/or keycaps  103 ,  206 . 
     The switch structures  302  can comprise key stabilizers, switches, compressible domes, dome housings, deflectable conductors, and other keyboard structures. These switch structures  302  can stabilize the vertical movement of the keycaps  103 ,  206 , provide an upward biasing force against the keycaps  103 ,  206 , provide tactile feedback to the movement of the keycaps  103 ,  206 , and provide switch structures (e.g., conductors) that can be actuated to provide electrical signals to a keyboard controller (not shown), among other functions known in the art. The keyboard controller can comprise a microcontroller, processor, or other computing device configured to receive electrical signals from the switch structures  302  and process the input signals or forward the input signals as keycodes to another processor. The keyboard controller can be connected to the switch structures and/or another controller using an electrical bus interface. 
     A key stabilizer  300  can comprise a mechanical hinge or related mechanism configured to stabilize the movement of the keycaps  103 ,  206  as they vertically travel through a movement cycle. The stabilization can limit or prevent a keycap from rotating when an off-center-oriented vertical force is applied to the top of the keycap (e.g., a force applied laterally offset from, but parallel to, a center vertical axis of the keycap). In some embodiments, a key stabilizer keeps a keycap substantially parallel to a base layer or another horizontal plane (e.g., feature plate  304 ) when the keycap is also oriented horizontally in its unactuated or neutral state. Thus, the key stabilizer can include a scissor mechanism, butterfly mechanism, or related device used to stabilize keys in keyboards. The key stabilizers can comprise a rigid material and can be optically translucent or transparent to help distribute light throughout the underside of the keycaps. 
     Collapsible domes of the switch structures  302  can provide resistance and tactile feedback to the user when the keycaps are pressed. A collapsible dome can also be used to bias a keycap vertically upward when the keycap has been at least partially depressed. Thus, the collapsible dome can comprise a compressible or collapsible material configured to resiliently change shape upon application of a force to the dome. The material can comprise metal, rubber, silicone, another related flexible material, and combinations thereof. 
     The web structure  202  can be a rigid structure positioned below the keycaps  103 ,  206  and flexible layer  200 . The web structure  202  can be a separate part attached to the inner keyboard module  204  or can be integrally formed with the feature plate  304  (e.g., a molded part of the base layer or a shape formed in a milled base layer). The web structure  202  can increase the structural stiffness of the feature plate  304  or other base layer and can be a structure on which other components are mounted. 
     The web structure  202  can be configured with a height wherein its top surface is positioned below the vertical position of the bottom of the keycap  103 ,  206  when the keycap is at its most actuated/deflected position relative to the base layer  308 . In this manner, the web structure  202  does not come into contact with the keycap  103 ,  206  even when the keycap is completely pressed. In such an embodiment, the web structure  202  does not limit the movement of the keycap  103 ,  206  or cause the keycap  103 ,  206  to have a hard and limiting “bottom-out” against the web structure  202 . The maximum deflection position of the keycap  103 ,  206  (or at least the maximum depth to which a user instrument can move during normal use of the keyboard  102 ) can be above the top surface of the web structure  202 . When using the keycap  103 ,  206  normally, the user may not feel the rigid web structure  202 , even when the user instrument presses down at least partially over the space between two keycaps  103 ,  206 . Accordingly, this arrangement can help limit the hard, jarring feeling of hitting a rigid, unyielding surface while typing or sliding the user instrument over the top surface of the keyboard. In some embodiments, the web structure  202  is taller and is configured to be positioned alongside a depressed inner keycap  206 . 
       FIG. 3  also shows a vent opening  310  that extends through the housing  104  of the electronic device  100  at the recess  120 . The vent opening  310  can comprise a torturous/tumultuous passage through which air can enter or escape the inside of the housing  104  but through which fluids and debris cannot easily or directly pass into the housing  104  without being caught in the passage or without being redirected to a portion of the inside of the housing  104  that is harmless to internal electronic components. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, the vent opening  310  comprises a horizontal passage portion and a vertical passage portion. Air can therefore easily pass through the vent opening  310 , but liquids and debris that enter the recess  120  are either caught in the passage, trapped at the point where the horizontal and vertical passage portions meet, or fall harmlessly into the bottom of the lower portion  110  of the housing  104  where it can collect, drain, or evaporate in a position that is out of contact with electronics due to the base support  210  spacing the inner top surface of the lower portion  110  from the inner keyboard module  204  and electronics  212 . 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  can have a set of multiple vent openings  310 , such as, for example, vent openings on multiple lateral sides of the electronic device  100 . Thus, if one opening is occluded, the other openings can allow air passage. 
     In this manner, the electronic device  100  can be watertight except for at the vent openings  310 , and it can be water resistant at the vent openings  310  by redirecting liquids to designated safe areas in the housing  104  if it manages to penetrate into the interior through the vent openings  310 . Furthermore, in some cases the vent openings  310  can comprise a set of three or more differently-oriented passages through which liquid and debris would have to pass in order to enter the interior cavity of the housing  104 , thereby even further complicating the movement of (and reducing the likelihood of) invasive material successfully entering the interior cavity. 
       FIGS. 4A-4E  show cross-sectional side views of a set of various embodiments of a flexible membrane  200  attached to surfaces of an upper end  400  of a base support  210 . In  FIG. 4A , the flexible membrane  200  comprises a top portion  402  contacting a top surface  404  of the upper end  400 , a side portion  406  contacting a sidewall  408  of the upper end  400 , and a bottom portion  410  contacting a downward-facing surface  412  of the upper end  400 . The portions  402 ,  406 ,  410  of the flexible membrane  200  can each be attached to the respective surfaces  404 ,  408 ,  412 . For example, the portions  402 ,  406 ,  410  can be adhered or co-molded in position with the surfaces of the upper end  400 . 
     Due to the flexible nature of the membrane  200 , the end  414  of the membrane  200  (at the inner end of bottom portion  410  in  FIG. 4A ) can be susceptible to being peeled, scraped, or pried away from the upper end  400 . By positioning the end  414  of the membrane  200  in a difficult- or impossible-to-reach area of the electronic device  100 , the user can be prevented from dislodging the end  414  of the membrane  200  from the upper end  400 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the end  414  can be positioned as shown in  FIG. 4A , wherein the interface between the end  414  of the membrane  200  and the surface of the upper end  400  is positioned inward relative to a sidewall  408 , thereby being hidden from the sight of the user when viewed from the top and side of the housing  104 . Positioning the end  414  of the membrane  200  within the recess  120  of the housing  104  also limits user access via instruments (e.g., tools or fingers) because there is constricted space around the interface between the end  414  of the membrane  200  and the upper end  400 . In other words, the recess  120  only has a narrow lateral opening, and the interface between the end  414  of membrane  200  and upper end  400  is positioned spaced inward relative to the outermost part of that opening. 
     The housing  104  side surface  118  also blocks entry of an instrument into the recess  120  except for very small instruments (e.g., a few millimeters in diameter at most) that are inserted into the recess  120  at very small angles relative to the horizontal plane (e.g., a few degrees of tilt at most). Thus, a user finger would not be able to reach the end  414  or fit within the recess  120 , and any tool insertable into the recess  120  would not be likely to apply significant leverage at the end  414  to peel or scrape it away from the upper end  400 . Furthermore, the end  414  of the membrane  200  can be mounted flush against an inner sidewall  416 , wherein there is no gap between the inner sidewall  416  and the end  414  where a tool could hook onto or pull the membrane  200  away from the inner sidewall  416  or downward-facing surface  412 . Using the membrane  200  as shown in  FIG. 4A  can also provide all of the benefits of a membrane  200  that has only a top portion  402  or that only has top and side portions  402 ,  406 , as indicated below. 
     In some embodiments, the end of the flexible membrane  200  can only comprise the top portion  402 , and the side and bottom portions  406 ,  410  can be omitted. For example, the end  414  of the membrane  200  can be coplanar with the sidewall  408  of the upper end  400 . Positioning the membrane across the top surface  404  can provide a uniform appearance across the user-facing top surface  114  of the membrane  200 , wherein the top surface  114  is entirely planar and a single, consistent texture and color laterally across the keyboard  102  and upper end  400 . Additionally, the planar top surface  114  can limit pooling of liquid or accumulation of particles due to the lack of depressions or receptacles. Invasive material can flow off of the top surface  114  without passing over a recess, crease, groove, or other area in which the material would otherwise collect. 
     In another example embodiment, the end of the flexible membrane  200  can comprise top and side portions  402 ,  406 , and the bottom portion  410  can be omitted. The end  414  of the membrane  200  can therefore be coplanar with the downward-facing surface  412  of the upper end  400 . This configuration can beneficially provide a path for invasive material to flow or roll off of the top surface  114  onto the side portion  406 , and then fall downward from the side portion  406  without potentially being stuck or drawn into (e.g., by surface tension) a gap or crease between the top portion  402  and the sidewall  408  of the upper end  400 . The side portion  406  also protects against a laterally-directed force from a user instrument or from the electronic device  100  falling on its side. 
     The flexible membrane  200  can comprise a variety of materials, such as, for example, silicone, thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), a mesh material, a fabric material, a woven or knit material, related materials, and combinations thereof. The flexible membrane  200  can have a thickness of about 20-30 microns, about 30-50 microns, about 50-100 microns, about 100-200 microns, or about 200-300 microns. Within these ranges of thicknesses, a silicone membrane can have sufficient flexibility to stretch and deform when a key is pressed without overly increasing the stiffness of the movement of the key mechanism and undesirably causing multi-key presses when a single key is pressed. 
       FIG. 4B  shows an alternate embodiment of the membrane  200  having a multi-layer construction. Thus, the membrane  200  comprises an outer layer  418  and an inner layer  420 . The outer layer  418  can comprise a durable elastomeric material such as, for example, a silicone or rubber material. The inner layer  420  can comprise a material with greater toughness than the outer layer  418  such as a mesh material (e.g., a woven or knitted fabric) or composite material bonded to the outer layer  418  and thereby providing reinforcement to the outer layer  418  against tearing, penetration, and plastic deformation by stretching. In some embodiments, the inner layer  420  can comprise VECTRAN™, aramid, KEVLAR®, TWARON®, carbon fiber, related materials, and combinations thereof. The outer layer  418  can be continuous and fluid-tight and can thereby prevent invasive material from being absorbed or caught into openings or gaps between fibers of the inner layer  420 . Both layers  418 ,  420  can have their terminal edges affixed to and underneath the downward-facing surface  412  of the upper end  400  at inner sidewall  416 . 
       FIG. 4C  shows an alternate embodiment of the membrane  200  having a composite construction. Thus, the membrane  200  comprises a reinforcement material  422  within a matrix material  424 . The reinforcement material  422  is shown as a series of dots in the cross-section of  FIG. 4C  due to the reinforcement material  422  comprising a set of fibers or strands that are arranged in a mesh configuration. See, e.g.,  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The matrix material  424  can comprise an elastomeric material described herein, and the reinforcement material  422  can comprise a material with relatively higher toughness and rigidity, such as VECTRAN™, aramid, KEVLAR®, TWARON®, carbon fiber, related materials, and combinations thereof. 
     Accordingly, even if a pointed instrument applies a force sufficient to penetrate the matrix material  424 , the reinforcement material  422  can be configured to withstand a greater force, thereby ensuring that the instrument does not make an even larger opening through the matrix material  424 , as described in further detail in connection with  FIGS. 5-6 . 
     In some embodiments, the membrane  200  can have a multi-layer or composite construction, as shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , across the entire top surface  114 . Accordingly, the keyboard portion  109  and palm rest portion  108  of the membrane  200  can have the same material construction. In some embodiments, the portions  108 ,  109  can have different material construction. For example, the palm rest portion  108  can comprise a multi-layered membrane construction, and the keyboard portion  109  can have a composite membrane construction (or vice versa). In another example, one of the palm rest and keyboard portions  108 ,  109  can have a single-layer construction and the other portion can have a composite or multi-layered construction. 
     In embodiments including a track pad  106 , the top surface of the palm rest portion  108  can comprise a feel and appearance similar to the top surface of the track pad  106 . For example, the palm rest portion  108  and track pad  106  can both appear silver or black. In some embodiments, the membrane  200  can extend over the top of a rigid top surface of the track pad  106  such that the membrane  200  is consistent and unbroken (e.g., lacks opening  208 ) across the top surface of the track pad  106 . The top surface of the track pad  106  can therefore be the membrane  200  and can accordingly have the same feel and color as the rest of the palm rest portion  108 . 
     In some configurations, the palm rest portion  108  can have a glass or metal top surface that matches the appearance or feel of the top surface of the track pad  106 . The glass or metal top surface can be completely planar across the track pad  106 , and the perimeter of the track pad  106  can be indicated by a color of the glass or metal, by a light or other visible element through the glass or metal (e.g., through perforations in the metal), or by a similar indicator. In some embodiments, a rigid palm rest portion  108  can have a recess in the top surface that indicates the boundaries of the track pad  106 , and the recess can lack openings, gaps, or cracks between the track pad  106  and the top surface of the palm rest portion  108 . Instead, the recess can be a continuous, unbroken surface with the rest of the palm rest portion  108 . 
     In some cases, the track pad  106  is positioned beneath a surface of the palm rest portion  108  that has a different texture from other adjacent areas of the palm rest portion  108 . For example, the track pad  106  can be indicated in the palm rest portion  108  by a rougher or smoother texture than the surrounding area. In one case, a track pad  106  can have a matte texture while the rest of the palm rest portion  108  can have a relatively more glossy texture. The difference in texture can allow the user to determine the position of the track pad  106  by feel and by visual appearance. 
       FIGS. 5-6  show top views of a segment of composite membranes  500 ,  600  and keycaps  103  on the membranes  500 ,  600 . The composite membranes  500 ,  600  can be embodiments of the membrane  200  of  FIG. 4C . In  FIGS. 5-6 , mesh material  502 ,  602  is shown visible within the matrix material  504 ,  604 . In some embodiments, the mesh material  502 ,  602  is suspended within the matrix material  504 ,  604  and is completely hidden and obscured by the top surface of the matrix material  504 ,  604 , as indicated by  FIG. 4C . The mesh material can comprise a series of strands or fibers arranged in a woven pattern (e.g., mesh material  502 ) or a knitted or chain-like pattern (e.g., mesh material  602 ). A woven pattern can comprise a series of weaves of overlapping and generally longitudinally straight intersecting strands. A knitted or chain-like pattern can be arranged similar to chainmail with a series of interlocking loops or rings of the strands. 
     The outer keycaps  103  can be spaced apart at an interkey distance K, as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . The interkey distance K can span a width (e.g., along the X-axis) or a length (e.g., along the Y-axis) between two keycaps  103 . The mesh material  502 / 602  can be configured to span across at least one interkey distance K and can extend underneath the keycaps  103  as well. 
     The membrane  500 / 600  can be most exposed and vulnerable to pointed instruments and debris within the interkey distance K. If a pointed instrument forms a tear or hole in the matrix material  504 / 604 , the mesh material  502 / 602  can be configured to prevent the instrument from moving laterally (e.g., along the X or Y axis) and thereby enlarging the tear or hole. Additionally, after the pointed instrument is removed from the matrix material  504 / 604 , the mesh material  502 / 602  can help prevent propagation of a tear or enlargement of a hole in the matrix material  504 / 604  due to its increased toughness, stiffness, and cut resistance as compared to the matrix material  504 / 604 . The mesh material  502 / 602  can be resistant to enlargement of the spaces between the fibers or strands of the mesh due to the interwoven or interlinked/knitted engagement of the fibers or strands and due to the bond between the matrix material  504 / 604  and the and the fibers or strands. 
     Additionally, the chain-like or interwoven nature of the fibers or strands can be configured to not impart any force to the membrane matrix material  504 / 604  unless the matrix material fully elongates, and under normal conditions the matrix material  504 / 604  can be configured to elongate to less than its total possible elongation or to less than the amount of elongation that would result in a force imparted by the mesh material  502 / 602 . Accordingly, the overall toughness of the composite membranes  500 ,  600  can be improved as compared to a membrane having only a material used as the matrix material. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the mesh material  502  can be arranged in a woven pattern with a first array of parallel strands oriented parallel to a first direction (e.g., direction A) and a second array of parallel strands oriented parallel to a second direction (e.g., direction B) that is at an angle C relative to the first direction (e.g., direction A). The angle C between the first and second directions can be about 90 degrees, wherein the first array of strands and the second array of strands form a square or perpendicular pattern, as in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, the angle C can be less than or greater than about 90 degrees, wherein the first and second arrays of strands can form diamond shapes having a greater width along the Y-axis as compared to the width along the X-axis (or vice versa). 
     In some embodiments, the first array of strands can be parallel to the Y-axis and the second array of strands can be parallel to the X-axis. In other configurations, directions A and B can be oriented at an angle relative to the X and Y axes instead. For example, they can be oriented about 45-degrees offset from the X and Y axes, as shown in  FIG. 5 . By orienting the mesh material  502  at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the edges of the keycaps  103 , the membrane  500  can have greater elongation during vertical movement of one keycap  103  relative to its neighbor. Accordingly, movement of the first keycap  103  can cause the membrane  500  to apply a smaller force to the second keycap  103 . In this manner, the effect of the membrane  500  applying a force to neighboring keycaps  103  (due to their connection across the interkey distance K) can be reduced or eliminated. 
     In the membrane  600  of  FIG. 6 , the mesh material  602  can comprise a set of interlocking rings or knitted strands with interwoven loops or circuitous portions that form a stable and consistent pattern. The pattern of the mesh material  602  can be oriented relative to the edges of the keycaps  103  similar to the orientation of mesh material  502 , wherein an axis of symmetry of the mesh material  602  can be oriented at a non-orthogonal or perpendicular angle relative to the edges of the keycaps  103 . In some embodiments, the orientation of the mesh material  602  is selected to provide maximum flexibility and stretch within the interkey distance K in order to reduce or eliminate a pulling effect on the keycaps  103  when a nearby keycap  103  is pressed. 
     In some embodiments, the movement of the membrane  500 / 600  can cause neighboring key movement due to the membrane pulling on the neighboring key when a keycap  103  is pressed downward. This effect can be aesthetically unpleasing and distracting, and it can potentially cause multiple keys to press simultaneously when only one key press is intended. In order to minimize this effect, the keycaps  103  can comprise a top surface texture and shape that reduced or minimizes the visibility of this neighboring key movement effect. For example, outer keycaps  103  that are connected by a membrane can have a dished (e.g., spherically or cylindrically concave) top surface that is less likely to noticeably change the amount of light reflected back to the user when the keycap  103  tilts or otherwise shifts in response to a force applied by the interconnecting membrane. In another example, the outer keycaps  103  can be configured with a matte texture that minimizes the “flash” of a change in the angle of reflected light that faces the user as the keycap  103  moves. 
     In some embodiments, the outer keycaps  103  can be configured to have reduced shift or tilt when the membrane flexes due to being rigidly connected to the inner keycaps  206  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 9-10  and their related descriptions herein) and due to the inner keycaps  206  being tightly connected to the stabilizer mechanisms  300  or other components below the inner keycaps  206 . Having low tolerances for the fitment of those parts can therefore reduce the amount of available room for the outer and inner keycaps  103 ,  206  to shake, wobble, or jiggle when the membrane moves. 
       FIG. 7  shows a side section view of a membrane  700  and two keycaps  103  above inner keycaps  206 , a rigid web  202 , and a base support  210 . The keycaps  103  are separated by the interkey distance K, within which distance a reinforcement material  702  is positioned at a bottom surface  704  of the membrane  700 . The reinforcement material  702  can have a width of about 75 percent of the total interkey distance K. The reinforcement material  702  can comprise a substrate including a piece (e.g., a sheet) of metal, a composite material, a mesh material (e.g., similar to mesh materials  502 / 602 ), the same material used in the rest of the membrane  700  (e.g., silicone), related materials, and combinations thereof. Accordingly, the reinforcement material  702  can comprise a material that has increased stiffness and toughness relative to the material used in the membrane  700  or can at least increase the stiffness, thickness, and toughness of the membrane  700  where the reinforcement material  702  is applied. 
     In some embodiments, the membrane  700  comprises a composite construction with internal reinforcement wherein the membrane  700  has a mesh material (e.g., similar to mesh materials  502 ,  602 ) that only extends across the width of the interkey distance K equal to the width of the reinforcement material  702  shown in  FIG. 7 . Accordingly, there can be an internally-reinforced width of the interkey distance K and at least one non-internally-reinforced width in the interkey distance K. The reinforcement material  702  can therefore be within or interspersed inside the membrane  700  rather than being attached to the bottom surface  704 . 
     The un-reinforced segments within the interkey distance K can be more flexible, bendable, and stretchable relative to the segment having the reinforcement material  702 . In this manner, the membrane  700  can bend and stretch near the edges of the keycaps  103  in order to isolate movement of one keycap  103  relative to its neighbors. The membrane  700  can be reinforced across a portion (e.g., a majority) of the interkey distance K to protect the membrane  700  from punctures and tears without increasing the stiffness of the entire interkey distance K and thereby substantially synchronizing the movement of neighboring keycaps  103 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a related embodiment of a keyboard assembly  800  wherein the membrane  802  is reinforced by a web structure  804  that extends into close proximity or contact with the underside surface  806  of the membrane  802 . A pointed instrument contacting the interkey distance K can therefore be prevented from penetrating and spreading apart the membrane  802  by being blocked or coming into contact with the web structure  804 . Furthermore, a portion of the interkey distance K can be supported by the web structure  804  and can be thereby prevented from sagging or drooping below a generally planar, horizontal orientation between the keycaps  103 . 
     A compressible structure  808  can be positioned between the top of the web structure  804  and the downward-facing surface of the membrane  802 . The compressible structure  808  can be a spacer comprising a foam, rubber, or other compressible material. A vertical gap can be formed between at least a portion of the top of the web structure  804  and the underside of the membrane  802 , and the gap can be filled by the compressible structure  808 . Thus, the compressible structure  808  can provide support for a portion of the underside surface  806  of the membrane  802 . The width of the compressible structure  808  can be greater than the width of the portion of the rigid web  804  within the interkey distance K. In some embodiments, the compressible structure  808  can be narrower than the entire interkey distance K and can therefore allow the un-contacted portions of the membrane  802  to move more freely relative to the web structure  804 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4D , in some cases the membrane  200  can be attached to a frame  426 . The frame  426  can extend around the perimeter of the membrane  200  and can comprise a large central opening or space in which the inner keyboard module  204  can extend. The frame  426  can comprise a material that is relatively stiff in comparison to the material used in the membrane  200 , such as a metal (e.g., steel) or rigid polymer (e.g., polycarbonate). Accordingly, the frame  426  can help preserve the generally planar shape and lateral width dimensions of the membrane  200  when the membrane  200  is separated from the upper end  400  and other components of the electronic device  100 . The frame  426  can be positioned underneath the top portion  402  of the membrane  200  and above the top surface  404  of the upper end  400 . The membrane  200  can be constructed with the frame  426  affixed to its underside surface, such as by co-molding or otherwise adhering the frame  426  to the membrane  200  while manufacturing the membrane  200 . 
     In embodiments where the membrane  200  comprises a material with high flexibility (e.g., silicone), the frame  426  can be permanently attached to the membrane  200  more easily during the construction of the membrane  200  (e.g., while the membrane material is curing) than at a later point in the assembly process (e.g., after curing). Accordingly, the membrane  200  and frame  426  can be unified as a single piece when they are mounted to the upper end  400  of base support  210 . Combining the membrane  200  and frame  426  can also make the combined component easier to move and position relative to individual component parts. Furthermore, the relatively rigid material of the frame  426  can be easier to attach to the top surface  404  of the upper end  400  due to being less flexible, and thereby being less likely to peel from, the top surface  404  after adhesives are applied between them. 
       FIG. 4E  shows a related embodiment wherein a frame  428  is provided having similar materials and construction as frame  426 , but wherein the frame  428  also comprises at least one aperture  430  through which a protrusion  432  of the upper end  400  can extend as the membrane  200  and frame  428  are assembled with the upper end  400 . The membrane  200  can also comprise a recess  434  in which the protrusion  432  can extend. Thus, the protrusion  432  can be surrounded by the membrane  200  in at least two lateral directions and at least one vertical direction. The membrane  200  can also comprise an increased thickness dimension D, as shown in  FIG. 4E . The recess  434  and aperture  430  can collectively provide a surface for a machine to grasp/interlock and align the membrane  200  and frame  428  during molding. The recess  434  and aperture  430  can also reduce the difficulty of assembling the membrane  200  and frame  428  to the upper end  400  by mechanically interlocking with the protrusion  432  and by increasing the contact surface area between the protrusion  432  and the membrane  200  and frame  428 , thereby increasing friction and available area for application of adhesives to bond the membrane  200  and frame  428  to the protrusion  432 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side section view of an outer keycap  103 , a membrane  200 , and an inner keycap  206 . In this embodiment, an aperture  900  is formed in the membrane  200  between the outer keycap  103  and the inner keycap  206 . The aperture  900  can be filled with an adhesive material  902  or linking plug that bonds to the outer keycap  103  and inner keycap  206  in order to fuse them together and to align them along their vertical axis of motion Z. Accordingly, the adhesive material  902  can help ensure that the outer keycap  103  is not misaligned or peeled away from the inner keycap  206 . 
     In some embodiments, the adhesive material  902  can be replaced or supplemented by at least one protrusion extending from the bottom the surface of the outer key  103  or from the top surface of the inner keycap  206 . The protrusion can interlock with a protrusion or recess in the opposite keycap  103 / 206  to ensure a firm connection. Additionally, a protrusion can be adhered to be fastened to the opposite keycap  103 / 206 . 
       FIG. 10  is a side section view of an outer keycap  103  on a membrane  200  with an inner keycap  206 . In this embodiment, a boss  1000  is formed in the membrane  200  between the outer keycap  103  and the inner keycap  206 . The boss  1000  can be seated in a recess  1002  in the outer keycap  103 . A protrusion  1004  of the inner key  206  can extend into a recess  1006  in the boss area of the membrane  200 . The boss  1000 , the recess  1002 , and the protrusion  1004  can be centrally vertically aligned along the axis of motion Z. Accordingly, when the keycaps  103 ,  206  are attached to the membrane  200 , the keycaps  103 ,  206  can be vertically aligned with each other due to being mechanically interlocked with the boss  1000 . The boss  1000  can also have side surfaces  1008  that help prevent the outer key  103  or inner key  206  from sliding laterally on the membrane  200 , such as in a direction perpendicular to the axis of motion Z, due to mechanical interference with the side surfaces  1008 . The side surfaces  1008  also increase the contact surface area between the membrane  200  and the keycaps  103 ,  206 , thereby also increasing the surface area for adhesion. In some embodiments, the boss  1000  can be inverted such that it extends vertically downward with the recess  1006  on its top surface. The protrusion  1004  can therefore extend from the outer key  103 , and a recess  1002  can be formed in the inner keycap  206 . Using the alignment features of  FIGS. 9 and 10  can help ensure consistent alignment of keycaps  103 / 206 , and, as a result, can also ensure consistent spacing between adjacent keycaps  103  and  206 . Adhering the outer keycaps  103  to the membrane  200  can prevent them from tilting on top of the inner keycaps  206  (or other key mechanisms) in a manner that makes their lateral spacing appear undesirably inconsistent. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a side section view of a track pad  106  and membrane  1100  is shown. The section view is similar to the section orientation indicated by section line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, however, the membrane  1100  lacks an opening (e.g.,  208 ) for the track pad  106  and is instead unitary, consistent, and hole-free under the entire width of the track pad  106 . Thus, the track pad  106  can comprise a rigid outer plate  1102  for engaging a user instrument (e.g., a finger, stylus tool, or similar device) and an inner component  1104  (e.g., capacitive sensor electronics) to sense the touch or motion of the user instrument on or nearby the rigid outer plate  1102 . The outer plate  1102  and inner component  1104  can therefore work together to enable touch pad functionality through the membrane  1100  without being connected to each other by a conductor, wires, or similar connectors. The inner component  1104  can be protected from particle and fluid ingress through the membrane  1100 . 
     The membrane  1100  can comprise a slack portion  1106  on at least one side of the outer plate  1102 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the slack portion  1106  can be positioned on both lateral sides of the outer plate  1102 . In some embodiments, the slack portion  1106  can extend around an inner perimeter of the underside of the outer plate  1102 . A central area  1108  of the outer plate  1102  can be adhered or otherwise attached to the membrane  1100 , and a radially outer area  1110  of the outer plate  1102  can be unattached or movable/slidable on the top surface of the membrane  1100 . Accordingly, application of downward pressure on the outer plate  1102  can move the central area  1108  relative to the radially outer portion  1112  of the membrane  1100 , and the slack portions  1106  can bend or stretch to accommodate that relative motion without stretching or significantly deforming the radially outer portion  1112 . The inner component  1104  can also be attached to the membrane  1100  across at least a portion of central area  1108 . 
     In some embodiments, the outer plate  1102  can move horizontally or laterally when acted upon, such as by being moved by the inner component  1104 . Accordingly, at least one slack portion  1106  can include an inner space  1114  into which the membrane  1100  can deform (or that can increase in size) as the outer plate  1102  moves horizontally. The slack portion  1106  can therefore have a general “U”-shaped cross-section, as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 12  shows another side section view of a key assembly  1200  with an outer keycap  1202 . In this case, the membrane  1204  can be formed with a transparent or translucent flexible material. The outer keycap  1202  can also comprise at least a portion having a transparent or translucent rigid material. Accordingly, light  1205  emitted from below the membrane  1204  can pass through the membrane  1204  and into or through the keycap  1202 . An opaque material  1206  or and opaque layer can be positioned on the membrane  1204  and can prevent light from passing through the membrane  1204  around the outer keycap  1202 . The opaque material  1206  can be positioned on the inner surface, outer surface, or both inner and outer surfaces of the membrane  1204 . Additionally, the opaque material  1206  can be embedded in the membrane  1204  or applied to the surface of the membrane  1204  such as in a paint or coating for the membrane  1204 . In some embodiments, the opaque material  1206  is part of an inner or outer layer of the membrane  1204 , such as a metal, fabric, or mesh layer configured to occlude light through the membrane  1204 . 
     Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Further, the term “exemplary” does not mean that the described example is preferred or better than other examples. 
     To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that may be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190926
Publication Date: 20211005
Grant Date: 20211005
Priority Date: 20190926
Inventors: WANG, PAUL X.
CHOWDHURY, ABIDUR R.
ANDRE, BART K.
MATHEW, DINESH C.
HENDREN, KEITH J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H2223/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/86", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/86", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/86", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 75163396