PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8981243-B2
Application Number: US-201213722993-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Keyboard mechanisms for electronic devices

Abstract:
An input device configured to communicate with a computing device includes at least one keycap, a support mechanism operably connected to the keycap and configured to move the keycap from a first position to a second position, and a feature plate operably connected to the support mechanism. The support mechanism includes a first support and a second support. The first support and the second support are each connected to the at least one keycap and the feature plate. The first support and second support pivot to allow vertical movement of the keycap but lateral movement of the first support and second support are restricted.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An input device configured to communicate with a computing device comprising:
 at least one keycap; 
 a support mechanism operably connected to the keycap and configured to move the keycap from a first position to a second position, and comprising:
 a first support connected to the at least one keycap and comprising:
 a first cross member; and 
 a first brace member; and 
 
 a second support connected to the at least one keycap; and 
 
 a feature plate comprising at least one anchoring member, the feature plate operably connected to the support mechanism and each of the first and second supports; 
 wherein:
 the first support and second support pivot to allow vertical movement of the keycap but lateral movement of the first support and second support are restricted; and 
 the at least one anchoring member engages the first cross member to allow the first brace member to pivot vertically while restricting lateral movement. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the first support and the second support comprise a rigid material. 
     
     
       3. The input device of  claim 2 , wherein the rigid material is more rigid than plastic. 
     
     
       4. The input device of  claim 2 , wherein the rigid material comprises at least one of glass filled plastic, metal coated plastic, cast metal, metal injection molded material, metal, or machined metal. 
     
     
       5. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the first support and second support are connected by a locking member that creates a pivot point for the first support and the second support. 
     
     
       6. The input device of  claim 5 , wherein the locking member prevents lateral movement of the first support and the second support relative to each other but allows vertical movement. 
     
     
       7. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the first brace member has a non-rounded cross section. 
     
     
       8. The input device of  7 , wherein the non-rounded cross section comprises at least one of a square cross section, rectangular cross section, I shaped cross section, or T shaped cross section. 
     
     
       9. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the first cross member has a rounded cross section. 
     
     
       10. The input device of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one anchoring member wraps around at least a portion of the first cross member. 
     
     
       11. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the second support is nested within the first support. 
     
     
       12. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first support or the second support comprise a rectangular structure. 
     
     
       13. The input device of  claim 1  wherein the second support includes a second cross member and a second brace member, the second cross member connects to at least one securing features extending from the bottom surface of the at least one keycap, and second cross member is operable to rotate within the at least one securing feature. 
     
     
       14. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the first support includes a first joint, the second support includes a second joint, and the first and second support are connected by a knuckle that connects the first joint and the second joint wherein the knuckle acts as a pivot joint that allows the first support and second support to move with respect to each other. 
     
     
       15. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first support or the second support comprise an open loop. 
     
     
       16. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the first support comprises:
 two first parallel side members; 
 a first bottom member that spans between a first edge of the two first parallel side members; and 
 a first joint member that spans between a second edge of the two first parallel side members, the first joint member connecting the first support to the feature plate such that the first support is operable to rotate around a first axis and is prevented from rotating around at least a second axis; and 
 wherein the second support comprises:
 two second parallel side members; 
 
 a second bottom member that spans between a first edge of the two second parallel side members; and
 a second joint member that spans between a second edge of the two second parallel side members, the second joint member connecting the second support to the at least one keycap such that the second support is operable to rotate around the first axis and is prevented from rotating around at least the second axis. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the first support and the second support are connected by at least one pin to provide at least one pin joint that allows the first support and second support to be connected together and rotate with respect to each other. 
     
     
       18. A keyboard configured to communicate with a computing device comprising:
 at least one keycap; 
 a support mechanism operably connected to the keycap and configured to move the keycap from a first position to a second position and comprising:
 a first support connected to the at least one keycap and comprising a first joint; and 
 a second support connected to the at least one keycap and comprising a second joint; and 
 a knuckle connecting the first and second joint; and 
 
 a plate operably connected to the support mechanism and to the first and second supports; and
 wherein: 
 the first support and second support pivot to allow vertical movement of the keycap but lateral movement of the first support and second support are restricted, and 
 the knuckle acts as a pivot joint that allows the first support and second support to move with respect to each other. 
 
 
     
     
       19. A method for providing and input device configured to communicate with a computing device, comprising:
 providing at least one keycap and at least one feature plate; 
 connecting at least one support mechanism to the feature plate wherein the at least one support mechanism comprises at least a first support connected to the feature plate and a second support connected to the feature plate and a knuckle connecting the first and second support so as to allow the first support and the second support to pivot with respect to each other; and 
 connecting the first support to the at least one keycap and the second support to the at least one keycap wherein the first support and the second support picot to allow vertical movement of the keycap but lateral movement of the first support and second support are restricted.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/578,687, which was filed on Dec. 21, 2011, and entitled “Keyboard Mechanisms for Electronic Devices,” which is incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     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. Similarly, a laptop computer may also include a track pad or other motion-based input device that may also be integrated with the enclosure. 
     In some instances, it may be desirable to reduce the size of some computers or other electronic devices. For example, smart phones and laptops may be designed to be as small and light as possible. However, many input devices may consume a substantial amount of interior space of the associated computing device. For example, many conventional keyboards have a mechanical scissor mechanism that translates each key vertically by a predetermined distance, as well as other mechanical layers that, taken together form a key stack. Thus, the height of the device&#39;s enclosure may be limited by the vertical travel range of the keys, as well as the thickness or height of the key stack. 
     SUMMARY 
     An input device configured to communicate with a computing device includes at least one keycap, a support mechanism operably connected to the keycap and configured to move the keycap from a first position to a second position, and a feature plate operably connected to the support mechanism. The support mechanism includes a first support and a second support. The first support and the second support are each connected to the at least one keycap and the feature plate. The first support and second support pivot to allow vertical movement of the keycap but lateral movement of the first support and second support are restricted. 
     In various implementations, the first support and the second support may be composed of a rigid material. The rigid material may be more rigid than plastic and may be composed of glass filled plastic, metal coated plastic, cast metal, metal injection molded material, metal, machined metal, or other such materials. The second support may be nested within the first support. 
     The first support and second support may be connected to create a pivot point. In some implementations, the first support and second support may be connected by a locking member. The locking member may prevent lateral movement of the first and second support relative to each other but may allow vertical movement. In other implementations, the first support and second support may each include a joint and may be joined by knuckles that connect the joints and act as a pivot point. In still other implementations, the first and second supports may be connected by pins to provide at least one pin joint. 
     In some implementations, the first and second supports may be open loops. In other implementations, the first and second supports may be rectangular structures. In various implementations, the first support may include a brace member with a non-rounded cross section and a rounded cross member that rotatably connects to one or more anchoring members of the feature plate. The second support may include a include a brace member with a non-rounded cross section and a rounded cross member that rotatably connects to one or more securing features extending from the bottom of the keycap. In various other implementations, the first support may include a first joint member that connects the first support to the feature plate such that the first support is operable to rotate around a first axis but not around a second and third axis. The second support may include a second joint member that connects the second support to the keycap such that the second support is operable to rotate around a first axis but not around a second and third axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a computing device including a keyboard. 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a section of the computing device including a key of the keyboard. 
         FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section view of the key taken along line  303  in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of the key having a first embodiment of a support mechanism. 
         FIG. 4B  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 4A  with a keycap removed to illustrate certain features. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section view of the key taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the key in a normal or resting position. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the key in a depressed position. 
         FIG. 7A  is a top plan view of the key having a second embodiment of the support mechanism. 
         FIG. 7B  is a top plan view the key of  FIG. 7A  with the keycap removed to illustrate certain features. 
         FIG. 7C  is a fragmentary view of the first side member of the support mechanism. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the key taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 9A  is a top plan view of the key having a third embodiment of the support mechanism. 
         FIG. 9B  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 9A  with the keycap removed to illustrate certain features. 
         FIG. 10A  is a top plan view of the key having a third embodiment of the support mechanism. 
         FIG. 10B  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 10A  with the keycap removed to illustrate certain features. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of the key taken along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 12A  is a top plan view of the key having an illumination panel and a feature plate. 
         FIG. 12B  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 12A  with the keycap removed to illustrate certain features. 
         FIG. 12C  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 12A  with the keycap and the support mechanism removed to illustrate certain features. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-section view of the key taken along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the illumination panel and the feature plate for a row of three keys. 
         FIG. 15A  is a cross-section view of a first embodiment of the key of  FIG. 12A  with certain features hidden for clarity. 
         FIG. 15B  is a cross-section view of a second embodiment of the key of  FIG. 12A  with certain features hidden for clarity. 
         FIG. 15C  is a cross-section view of a third embodiment of the key of  FIG. 12A  with certain features hidden for clarity. 
         FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of the key having a frame at least partially surrounding the illumination panel. 
         FIG. 16B  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 16C  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 16A  with the keycap removed to illustrate certain features. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-section view of the key taken along line  17 - 17  in  FIG. 16B . 
         FIG. 18  is a top plan view of the frame and the illumination panel removed from the key. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-section view of the key having a sensing mechanism incorporated with an illumination mechanism, with certain features hidden for clarity. 
         FIG. 20A  is a top plan view of the key having a second embodiment of the sensing mechanism. 
         FIG. 20B  is a top plan view of the key of  FIG. 20A  with the keycap hidden to illustrate certain features. 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-section view of the key taken along line  21 - 21  in  FIG. 20A . 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-section view of the key illustrating an adhesive layer with certain features hidden for clarity. 
     
    
    
     SPECIFICATION 
     Overview 
     Some embodiments described herein may take the form of a keyboard for an electronic device or computing device; these two terms are used generally interchangeably. The keyboard may provide user input to the computing device and may include different keys, buttons, or switches that may represent different inputs to the computing device. For example, each of the keys may include a legend or symbol, such as alphanumeric symbols and/or words; the corresponding input may be initiated within the computing device when the key is pressed. The keyboard may be in communication with the computing device and may be integrated with or external to the computing device. In one embodiment, the keyboard may be operably connected to an enclosure of the computing device. 
     Each of the keys of the keyboard may be made of a key stack, which may include a feature or anchoring plate, a light guide or illumination panel, a sensor membrane, a top layer, a support mechanism, a haptic device, and a key cap. The feature plate may support the key, and in some instances may be operably connected to the enclosure of the computing device. The keycap may sit on top of the support mechanism, which supports the key cap above the feature plate and allows the key cap to travel vertically relative to the feature plate. The haptic device may provide feedback to the user when an input is provided to the key cap. For example, the haptic device may be a compressible dome that provides a tactile feel on the key for the user. The illumination panel may provide illumination for the key and/or keyboard. The sensor membrane(s) may provide input to the computing device that a key has been depressed. 
     In some embodiments, the keys of the keyboard may have a vertical travel motion relative to the enclosure of the computing device. When the user provides a downward force on the key cap, the keycap may travel downward while supported by the support mechanism. In one embodiment, the support mechanism may be one or more supports interconnected together. In some embodiments, the supports of the support mechanism may be formed of a rigid material to substantially prevent the keycap from bending or tilting when a downward force is exerted on a portion or an entire area of the keycap. In these embodiments, the supports may allow the keycap to move vertically while remaining substantially parallel to the feature plate. In these embodiments, the support mechanism may have some lateral motion that translates into the vertical motion of the keycap. For example, in one embodiment, a first support of the support mechanism may slide relative to a second support and thus as the keycap travels vertically, the support mechanism travels both laterally and vertically. 
     The lateral motion of the support or scissor mechanism may allow the keyboard to have a reduced thickness as compared to conventional keyboards. This is because scissor mechanisms for conventional keyboards typically suffer from some torsional twisting if a keycap is pressed at an edge or corner. That is, if a user presses a corner of the keycap, that corner may travel downward more than other parts of the keycap, such as the opposing corner. This torsional or bending motion may require an increased travel distance between the keycap and the feature plate in order to prevent the corner from bottoming out before an input is registered. As the support mechanism of the current disclosure may reduce or eliminate bending, and translate some vertical force into a lateral motion of the support mechanism, the travel distance may be reduced, allowing a thickness of the keyboard to be reduced. 
     Other embodiments of the keyboard may include an illumination panel (e.g., light guide) and/or illumination mechanisms for the keyboard. In one embodiment, the illumination panel may be optically coupled to a light source and be positioned above the feature (or anchoring) plate. In typical illuminated keyboards , the feature plate is positioned above the illumination mechanism in order to better provide a mechanical connection for the keys and to better sense when a particular key is depressed. 
     The feature plate may include electrical connections for keys, such as switches to register input when a key is pressed. However, in conventional keyboards, the feature plate may block a significant portion of light that would otherwise illuminate one or more keycaps. Accordingly, as in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the illumination panel may be positioned above or integrated with the feature plate so that light may have a more direct path towards the desired area for illumination, e.g., a back surface of the key cap. Thus, less light may be required to provide the same amount of illumination, which may provide power savings for the keyboard. Further, the illumination panel and/or light source may be more efficient as a larger percentage of light may be directed towards the target surface, without having to travel around an obstruction or be re-directed. 
     In yet other embodiments, the keyboard may include a sensing member for sensing when a user has selected or depressed a key. The sensing member may not require mechanical actuation in order to detect a user input. For example, the sensing member may be configured to detect changes in capacitance. In one embodiment, a capacitive sensor layer may be positioned within the key stack so to detect when a user has depressed or touched the key cap. In these embodiments, the keyboard may be able to detect any or all of: the keycap approaching the feature plate; varying forces applied to the keycap; and the position or presence of fingers on the various keycaps. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning to the figures and as described briefly above, the keyboard may be incorporated with a computing device.  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  102  may at least partially surround the keyboard  102  and may be operably connected to the keyboard  10 , 2  as discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 22 . 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 the keycap  106  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 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. 2A  is a perspective view of the key  106  removed from the keyboard  102  and the computing device  100 .  FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of the key  106 .  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the key  106  taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2A . 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 , but as shown in  FIG. 3 , the key aperture  128  may be slightly larger than the key  106 , so that the key  106  may be able to 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 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, as shown in  FIG. 3  by arrow D, with respect to the top surface  132  of the enclosure  104 . 
     Referencing  FIG. 3 , the key  106  may include a keycap  108  supported by a support mechanism  110 . The support mechanism  110  supports the keycap  108  over a base  134  with a haptic device  116  positioned within a cavity defined by the support mechanism  110  and below the keycap  108 . The support mechanism  110  or scissor mechanism is discussed in more detail with respect to  FIGS. 4A-12 . Briefly, the support 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. In some embodiments, the support 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 , the force may also be transferred to the support mechanism  110 . Additionally, the support mechanism  110  may attach to the base  134  by one more anchoring members  136  that anchor 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 at least somewhat limited in lateral motion. 
     The haptic device  116  may be substantially any type of device capable of providing feedback to a user in response to the user touching and/or applying a force to the key  106 . In one embodiment, the haptic 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 one embodiment, the haptic device  116  is operably connected to a sensor membrane layer  122 . In these embodiments, the haptic device  116  may also function to provide an input to the sensor membrane  122  indicating that the key  106  has been selected. For example, the haptic device  116  may complete a circuit or switch within the sensor membrane  122  and/or the illumination panel  120 . Or, as discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 21 , the haptic device  116  may be in communication with a sensing member that may detect changes in position of the haptic device  116 . 
     The base  134  may be operably connected to the enclosure  104  through a fastener  126  and/or by adhesive  124  (discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 22 ). In some embodiments, as the key  106  is operably connected to the base  134  (through the support mechanism  110  and/or the haptic device  116 ), the base  134  may operably connect the key  106  to the enclosure  104 . The base  134  may include a feature plate  118 , an illumination panel  120 , and/or a sensor membrane  122 . The various elements of the base  13  may be connected to each other or separately connected to other elements of the keyboard  102 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more of the layers may be combined with one or more the other layers of the base  134 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the illumination panel  120  may be combined with the feature plate  118  to reduce the height of the base  134  and keyboard stack  130 . 
     The feature plate  118  may form a bottom of the key stack  130  and may operably and/or communicatively connect the key  106  to the computing device  100 . For example, the feature plate  118  may include contacts (not shown) for transmitting electrical signals. Furthermore, the feature plate  118  may also include anchoring members  136  that secure the support mechanism  110  in position. For example, the anchoring members  136  may secure to one or both of the supports  112 ,  114 . 
     The illumination panel  120  may provide illumination for the key  106  and/or other portions of the keyboard  102  and will be discussed in further detail below with respect to  FIGS. 14A-20 . In some embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may be positioned above the feature plate  118  and below the sensor membrane  122 . In other words, the illumination panel  120  may form an intermediate layer of the base  134 . Also, in some embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may be further combined with one or more sensors to form a sensor layer within the base  134 . In these embodiments, the sensor membrane  122  may form a top layer for the sensors within the illumination panel  120 . In yet other embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may be omitted and a sensor layer (either combined with the sensor membrane  122  or separate therefrom) may be included. 
     The sensor membrane  122  may form a top layer of the base  134 . In some embodiments, the sensor membrane  122  may form a protective layer between the sensors in the illumination panel  120  (or intermediate layer if no illumination is desired). Also, in some embodiments, the sensor membrane  122  may include one or more sensors for detecting whether the key  106  has been selected by a user. Various elements of the keyboard will now be discussed in further detail. 
     Support Mechanism 
     The support mechanism  110  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of the key  106  including a first embodiment of the support mechanism  110  removed from the enclosure  104 .  FIG. 4B  is a top plan view of the key  106  with the keycap  108  and haptic device  116  removed for clarity.  FIG. 5  is a cross-section view of the key  106  of  FIG. 4A . The support mechanism  210  in this embodiment may include a first support  212  and a second support  214 . The supports  212 ,  214  may be operably connected to the feature plate  118  by the anchoring members  136 . The anchoring members  136  may extend through apertures  138  formed within the illumination panel  120  to interact with each of the supports  212 ,  214 , securing them to the feature plate  118 . The supports  212 ,  214  may also be operably connected to the keycap  108 . 
     In some embodiments each of the supports  212 ,  214  may be created out of generally rigid material, such as but not limited to, glass filled plastic, metal coated plastic, cast metal, metal injection molded material, or machined metal. In these embodiments, the support structure  210  may be substantially stiffer than conventional scissor mechanisms, which are usually constructed out of plastic. As the support structure  210  is stiffer than conventional scissor mechanisms, the keycap  108  may be less likely to tilt as a force is applied to the top surface. This may allow substantially planar motion as the keycap  108  travels within the receiving aperture  128  of the enclosure  104 . Furthermore, the amount of contact with the keycap  108  required to adequately support the keycap  108  may be reduced. For example, scissor mechanisms constructed out of plastic may require more surface area in contact with the keycap  108  to support the same forces as compared to metal or other stiffer materials. The reduced surface area of the support structure  210  may allow for more light, e.g., from the illumination plate  120  or other source, to be transmitted through the keycap  108  without being blocked by portions of the support structure  210 . 
     The support structure  210  may also allow for tighter tolerances than in conventional keyboard scissor mechanisms. This is due to the smaller surface area that may be required to support the same forces exerted on the keycap  108  (allowing smaller diameters). Additionally, the manufacturing techniques for certain metal materials may allow for closer tolerances than typical plastic component techniques. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4B and 5 , the first support  212  may be substantially square or rectangular shaped and may include a brace member  230  and a cross member  216 . The cross member  216  may span between two edges  231 ,  233  of the brace member  230 . The brace member  230  may have two side members  232 ,  234  interconnected together by a bottom member  235 . In one embodiment, the brace member  230  may have four rounded corners  226  as it transitions from the side members  232 ,  234  to the bottom member  235  and as the side members  232 ,  234  transitions towards the ends  231 ,  233 . The bottom member  235  may be operably connected to a bottom surface of the keycap  108 , e.g., by a snap fit, adhesive, or other connection mechanism. In one embodiment, the bottom member  235  may be connected to the keycap  108  at two separate but adjacent locations. In this embodiment, the keycap  108  may be supported at two discrete locations, which may be positioned near two corners of the keycap  108  to better support the entire surface of the keycap  108 . 
     The two side members  232 ,  234  may be substantially parallel to each other may define a connection member  220  that extends inwards towards the opposite side member  232 ,  234 . The connection member  220  may further include a locking member  228  that operably connects the first support  212  to the second support  214 . In one embodiment, the connection member  220  may be a shoulder extending from an inner surface of the side members  232 ,  234  and the locking member  228  may be a hook or other securing member. 
     The locking member  228  may create a pivot point for the two supports  212 ,  214 . For example, the locking member  22  may substantially prevent lateral movement of the two supports  212 ,  214  relative to each other, but may allow vertical movement. In one embodiment, the supports  212 ,  214  may be interconnected together in an “X” configuration, with the locking member  228  connecting the two at the midpoint of the “X.” 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 4B and 5 , in some embodiments, the brace member  230  may have a non-rounded cross section. For example, the brace member  230  may have a square, rectangular, I or T shaped cross-section. In these embodiments, the cross-section area of the brace member  230  may increase the stiffness of the support structure  210 , while also decreasing the width required for the support  212  to support the area of the keycap  108 . For example, the brace member  230  may have an ideal beam or I-beam shape to provide efficient support with respect to bending and shear forces, with a reduced amount of material and width. By reducing the width of the side members  230 - 233 , the width of the support structure  210  may also be reduced, allowing more light from the illumination plate  120  (or other source) to be transmitted through and around the keycap  108 , as the support structure may not block as much of the surface area of the keycap  108 . 
     Opposite of the brace member  230 , the cross member  216  may have a generally rounded or circular cross-section. Additionally, the cross member  216  may be operably connected to the feature plate  118  as it may connect to the anchoring members  136 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the anchoring members  136  may be “L”, “J”, or other hook-shaped members that may wrap around at least a portion of the cross member  216 . In this embodiment, the circular or rounded cross-section of the cross member  216  may allow the first support  212  to move the keycap  108  vertically. For example, the cross member  216  allows the brace member  230  to pivot, while remaining substantially in the same position laterally due to the anchoring member  136 . Further, the rounded or circular cross-section of the cross member  22  may provide for better torsion for the support mechanism  210 , allowing it to better translate forces exerted on the keycap  108  into vertical motion of the keycap  108 . 
     The second support  214  may be nested within the first support  212  and be operably connected thereto by the locking member  228 . The second support  214  may be somewhat similarly shaped to the first support  212  in that it may have a generally square or rectangular structure when positioned flat on the illumination panel  120  or on the sensor membrane  122 . The second support  214  may include a cross member  222  interconnected between two ends  238 ,  240  of a brace member  224 . The brace member  224  may be generally shaped as a “U” having a flat bottom, i.e., the brace member  224  may have two generally parallel side members with a bottom member. Additionally, the brace member  224  may have rounded corners  236  as the two parallel side members transition to form the bottom member. 
     The brace member  224  may be operably connected to the feature plate  118 . In some embodiments, the brace member  224  may include connection portions  244  that operably connect to anchoring members  136 . The connection portions  244  may have generally rounded cross-section areas, so that the brace member  224  may transition from a non-rounded cross-section to a rounded cross-section at the connection portions  244  or ends  238 ,  240 . However, in some embodiments, the connection portions  244  may have be flat, rounded, or a combination of flat and rounded (e.g., a flat surface having rounded edges or corners). Furthermore, the connections portions  244  may further be a sliding surface or a round surface to allow translation and rotation. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the brace member  224  may be operably connected to the first support member  212 . For example, the two parallel side members may be operably connected to the connection members  220  and the locking member  228  may extend around at portion of the side members. By this connection, the two supports  212 ,  214  may be substantially connected together, such that movement of one support  212 ,  214  will move the other. 
     In some embodiments, the cross member  222  may be operably connected to a bottom surface of the keycap  108 . For example, the cross member  222  may interact with one or more securing features  242  extending from the bottom surface of the keycap  108 . The cross member  222  may have a generally circular or rounded cross-section and the brace member  224  may have a non-rounded cross section, such as a T, I, or rectangular cross-section. The rounded or circular cross sectional may allow the cross member  222  to rotate within the securing features  242 , so that the second support  214  may pivot with respect to the feature plate  118 , while remaining secured to the feature plate  118 . 
     Turning now to the motion of the key  106 , as a force is applied to the keycap  108 , the support mechanism  210  may allow the keycap  108  to move vertically within the key aperture  128 .  FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the key  106  in a normal or resting position.  FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the key  106  in a depressed position. As the keycap  108  is depressed, the keycap  108  travels vertically and the height of the support structure  210  decreases. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 4B and 5 , when the key  106  is in a resting position, a bottom edge  248  of the keycap  108  may be positioned at a height H 1  from a top surface of the base  134 . The first support  212  may be angled upward from a first side of the key  106  to a second side of the key  106 , as the brace  230  is connected to keycap  108  (positioned above the feature plate) and the cross member  222  is operably connected to the feature plate  118 . Similarly, the second support  214  may be angled upward from a second side of the key  106  to the first side of the key  106 . This is because the cross member  222  of the second support  214  is operably connected to the keycap  108  and the brace  230  is operably connected to the feature plate  118 . 
     In some embodiments and as shown on  FIG. 4B , the corners  226 ,  236  of each of the supports  212 ,  214  may be positioned adjacent an inner corner edge of the keycap  108 . As compared with the conventional keyboard keys, these corners  226 ,  236  may be substantially further away from a center of the keycap  108  and thus may better prevent tilt of the keycap  108 . For example, if a user presses on the corner of the keycap  108 , the support provided by the supports  212 ,  214  may prevent the corner portion of the keycap  108  from tilting. This may therefore allow the keycap  108  to have generally more planar travel motion as compared with conventional keyboards, which as described above, can help in reducing the height of the key stack  130 . 
     In the normal position of the key  106 , the two side members  232 ,  234  of the first support  212  may cross or otherwise form an “X” intersection with the respective parallel side members of the brace  224 . This is because the two supports  212 ,  214  are both connected to the keycap  108  at opposite sides and connected to the feature plate  118  at opposite sides of the key  106 , and angle upward from the feature plate  118  to connect to the bottom of the keycap  108  opposite of the attachment to the feature plate  118 . 
     As a force is applied to the keycap  108 , the supports  212 ,  214  pivot to allow vertical movement of the keycap  108  downward towards the feature plate  118 . However, as the supports  212 ,  214  are connected to the feature plate  118 , lateral movement of the supports  212 ,  214  may be substantially reduced. Accordingly, as the user applies a force to the keycap  108 , the keycap  108  may translate substantially parallel to the feature plate  118 , which in turn, causes supports to collapse and the keycap to lower. As the keycap  108  is depressed, the haptic device  116  may compress to provide feedback and/or provide a signal that the key  106  has been selected. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4B and 5 , in this embodiment of the key  106 , a light source  140  may be positioned within the key aperture  128  underneath and aligned with a portion of the keycap  108 . The light source  140  may be used in conjunction with or separate from the illumination panel  120 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the light source  140  may be operably connected to an intermediate layer  141  which may provide power and/or signals to the light source  140 . The light source  140  may provide illumination for the key  106  and will be discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 14 . 
     A second embodiment of the support structure  310  will now be discussed.  FIG. 7A  is a top plan view of the key  106  including the support structure  310 .  FIG. 7B  is a top plan view of the key  106  with the keycap  108  removed for clarity.  FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the key  106  of  FIG. 7A  taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7A . In this embodiment, the support structure  310  may include a first support  312  and a second support  314  nested within the first support  312 . The supports  312 ,  314  may have substantially the same shape, except that the second support  314  may have smaller dimensions than the first support  312 . 
     The first support  312  may have a generally rectangular perimeter and include rounded corners  326 . In this embodiment, substantially the entire first support  312  may have a generally rounded or circular cross-section area. The first support  312  may have four side members  340 ,  341 ,  342 ,  343 , where a first side member  340  is substantially parallel to a third side member  342  and a second side member  341  is substantially parallel to a fourth side member  343 . The fourth side member  343  may be operably connected to the feature plate  118  by the anchoring members  136 . 
     The first side member  340  and the second side member  342  may be operably connected to the second support  314 , allowing the first and second supports  312 ,  314  to move together.  FIG. 7C  is a fragmentary view of the first side member  340 . The second side member  342  may be substantially the same as the first side member  340 . As shown in  FIG. 7C , a body  346  of the side members  340 ,  342  may flatten from a generally rounded cross section to form a joint  320 . The joint  320  may have a non-rounded cross section, and may define a knuckle aperture  322  defined therethrough. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7B-7C , the second support  314  may be substantially the same as the first support  312 . For example, the second support  314  may have four side members  350 ,  351 ,  352 ,  353  interconnected together forming a generally rectangular or square perimeter. Additionally, the second support  314  may have generally rounded corners  336  at the transition between side members  350 ,  351 ,  352 ,  353 . Similarly to the first support  312 , the second support  314  may include a joint  320  for connecting to a knuckle  338 . Although  FIG. 7C  illustrates the first support  312 , the second support  314  may be substantially the same. Accordingly, the joint  320  may further define a knuckle receiving aperture  322  within the flattened portion. Furthermore, the second support  314  may have a generally rounded or cross-section area, except at the joint  320  where the cross-section area may be flatten and more linear. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7B , two knuckles  328  may be positioned between the first support  312  and the second support  314 . The knuckles  328  may act to space the two supports  312 ,  314  apart from each other, while also connecting them together. Further, the knuckles  328  act as pivot joints to allow the supports  312 ,  314  to move with respect to each other. The knuckles  328  may be received within the knuckle apertures  322  in each of the joints  320 . At the connection of the knuckles  328 , the supports  312 ,  314  may extend in opposite directions away from each other. For example, similar to the locking members  228 , the knuckles  328  may form the middle point of an “X”, where the two supports  312 ,  314  form an angle with respect to the knuckles  328 . As the supports  312 ,  314  move in response to a force on the keycap  108 , the angle formed between the two supports  312 ,  314  may decrease, lowering the keycap  108  towards the feature plate  118 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the knuckles  328  may form two pivot points for the support mechanism  310 . Thus, the supports  312 ,  314  may be substantially anchored to the feature plate  118 , e.g., by the anchoring members  136  operably connected to the side members  343 ,  351 , respectively. 
     In some embodiments, the supports  312 ,  314  may form “open loops,” in that the support members  312 ,  314  may define a space between opposite ends of the each support  312 ,  314 .  FIG. 9A  is a top plan view of the key  106  including the support mechanism  310 .  FIG. 9B  is a top plan view of the key  106  of  FIG. 9A  with the keycap removed  108 . The fourth side member  343  of the first support member  312  may terminate in two opposing edges  360 ,  362 . Similarly, the fourth side member  353  of the second support  314  may terminate in two opposing edges  364 ,  366 . The two sets of edges  360 ,  362 ,  364 ,  366  may define a space  368  between each end of the side members  343 ,  353 , respectively. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the supports  312 ,  314  may form the open loops, which may require less material to form the support mechanism  310 . Furthermore, the open loop configuration may increase the ease of assembly and manufacturing of the keyboard  102 . With the open loop configuration, the supports  312 ,  314  may be more easily positioned within the anchoring members  136  and connected to the securing features  142  of the keycap  108 . Furthermore, by defining a space  368 , more light may be transmitted from the illumination panel  120  or other light source to the keycap  108  and/or space surrounding the keycap  108  in order to illuminate the key  106  and the perimeter of the key  106 . 
     In another embodiment, the support structure may include a separate joint member interconnecting opposing edges of the supports.  FIG. 10A  is a top plan view of the key  106  having a support structure  410  with a joint member  438  spanning between the edges of each of the supports  412 ,  414 .  FIG. 10B  is a top plan view of the key  106  of  FIG. 10A  with the keycap  108  removed.  FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of the key  106  of  FIG. 10A  taken along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10A . The support mechanism  410  may include supports  412 ,  414  for supporting the keycap  108  above the base  134 , and connecting the keycap  108  to the base  134 . 
     The supports  412 ,  144  may be substantially the same shape, with the second support  414  at least partially nested within but spaced apart from the first support  412 . As shown best in  FIG. 10B , the supports  412 ,  414  may be substantially “U” shaped, except that the supports  412 ,  414  may have a substantially straight bottom. Each support  412 ,  414  may include two parallel side members  440 ,  442 ,  450 ,  452  and a bottom member  441 ,  451  spanning between the two parallel side members  440 ,  442 ,  450 ,  452 . The side members  440 ,  442  of the first support  412  may include terminal edges  460 ,  462 . Similarly, the side members  450 ,  452  of the second support  414  may include terminal edges  464 ,  466 . Additionally, the supports  412 ,  414  may have a non-rounded cross section (e.g., I beam, rectangular, or square-shaped) so as to provide additional stiffness for the support structure  410  in bending and torsion. 
     A first joint member  438  may span between the terminal edges  460 ,  462  of the first support  412 . A second joint member  439  may span between the terminal edges  464 ,  466  of the second support  414 . In one embodiment, the joint members  438 ,  439  may have a generally rounded or circular cross-section, and thus may provide a pin joint for each of the supports  412 ,  414 . Furthermore, the first joint member  438  may be operably connected to the feature plate  118  by the anchoring mechanism  136 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the first joint member  438  may be received within a cavity defined by the “hook” or L shape of the anchoring member  136 . The second joint member  439  may be operably connected to the retaining feature  143  of the keycap  108 . The joint members  338 ,  439  allow the support members  412 ,  414  to rotate about one axis, while preventing motion in the other two. In other words, the supports  412 ,  414  may rotate around a Y axis as the keycap  108  translates vertically, while the supports  412 ,  414  remain substantially secured along the X and Z axis (laterally, and vertically). 
     With reference to  FIG. 10B , the supports  412 ,  414  may be operably connected together by a pair of pins  430 ,  431 . A first pin  430  operably connects the first side members  440 ,  450  and a second pin  431  operably connects the second side members  442 ,  452  together. The pins  403 ,  431  provide a pin joint to allow the supports  412 ,  414  to be connected together and rotate with respect to each other. The pins  430 ,  431  may be similar to the knuckles  328  in  FIG. 7B , in that they may from a middle point of an X, formed by the side members of the supports  412 ,  414 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10B , the joint members  438 ,  439  having the rounded cross-sections may be positioned on the same side of the keycap  108 . In these embodiments, the supports  412 ,  414  may be rotatably supported to the keycap  108  and the feature plate  118  on a single side of the keycap  108 . This configuration may allow for better vertical movement for the keycap  108 , while substantially preventing lateral motion of the keycap  108 . 
     Illumination 
     With reference again to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the keyboard  102  may include one or more illumination mechanisms to illuminate the keys  106  or keyboard  100 . For example, the illumination mechanism may provide light to illuminate a symbol on the keycap  108  and/or may illuminate a perimeter of the key cap  108 . The illumination may allow the keys  106  to be better viewable in low lighting conditions, and may also provide an aesthetic appeal to the keyboard  102 . Furthermore, the illumination mechanisms may provide feedback to the user, may create lighted patterns on the keyboard  102 , and so on. 
     Typical keyboards having an illumination mechanism may position the mechanism below a feature plate. This is because the feature plate is typically used to secure the elements of the key to the enclosure, as well as provide electrical connections for the keys. Typically, illumination mechanisms may not provide for electrical components or attachment mechanisms for the key, and so the illumination mechanisms are positioned below the feature plate. However, this positioning may cause light from the illumination mechanism to be at least partially blocked by the feature plate, or may cause the light to travel in a non-direct manner towards the keycap  108 . 
     In some embodiments, the keyboard  102  may include an illumination panel  120  positioned on top of the feature plate  118 .  FIG. 12A  is a top plan view if the key  106  having the illumination panel  120  positioned above the feature plate  118 .  FIG. 12B  is a top plan view of the key  106  with the keycap  108  removed.  FIG. 12C  is a top plan view of the key  106  with the support mechanism  110  removed to illustrate certain elements clearly.  FIG. 13  is a cross-section view of the key  106  of  FIG. 12A  take along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12A . In this embodiment, the illumination panel  120  may be operably connected to a top surface  612  of the feature plate  118 . The feature plate  118  and the illumination panel  120  may be operably connected the sensor membrane  122 , which may be positioned on over at least a portion of one or both the illumination panel  120  and the feature plate  118 . As described above, with respect to  FIG. 3 , the sensor membrane  122  may be operably connected to the enclosure  104  by adhesive  124  and/or a fastener  126 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the feature plate  118  and the illumination panel  120  removed from the keyboard  102 . The feature plate  118  and illumination panel  120 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , are illustrated having a length for supporting three keys  106  and corresponding key stacks  130 . Accordingly, the length of the feature plate  118  and the illumination plane  120  may be varied for fewer or more keys  106 . In some embodiments, there may be a single feature plate  118  and/or illuminator panel  120  for each row of keys  106 , each key  106 , or for the entire keyboard  102 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the feature plate  118  may have a base member  604  having two angled extensions  606  that extend upwardly at an angle from the base member  604 . The two extensions  606  transition to form legs  608  or shoulders that extend substantially parallel to the base member  604 . The base member  604  may be at least partially recessed from the legs  608  and may define a channel  614  configured to receive at least a portion of the illumination panel  120 . 
     Each of the legs  608  may include one or more securing apertures  602  for securing the feature plate  118  to the enclosure  104  and/or other portions of the key stack  130 . In one embodiment, there may be four securing apertures  602  spaced apart from each other on each leg  208 . 
     The anchoring members  136  may extend upward from a top surface of the channel  614 . The anchoring members  136 , as described above, may be hook members that may have a “L”, “J,” or other shape that may allow the supports  112 ,  114  of the support mechanism  110  to be secured to the feature plate  118 . The anchoring members  118  may have different orientations and positions on the feature plate  118  depending on the position and orientation of the supports  112 ,  114 . However, in some embodiments, there may two anchoring members  136  for each support  112 ,  114 ; thus, there may be four anchoring members  136  for each key  106 . 
     The illumination panel  120  may be operably connected to the feature plate  118 , e.g., through adhesive, fasteners, or the like. As shown best in  FIG. 14 , the anchoring members  136  extend through the illumination panel  120 . Accordingly, the anchoring members  136  may also assist to operably connect the illumination panel  120  to the feature plate  118 . As such, in some embodiments, the anchoring members  136  may be the only connection mechanism between the illumination panel  120  and the feature pate  118 . 
     The illumination panel  120  may be a device for directing and/or emitting light. In some embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may be a light guide, light pipe, or like. In these embodiments, one or more of the light sources  140  may be optically connected to the illumination panel  120  to provide light to be transmitted by the illumination panel  120 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 14 , two light sources  140  are positioned on opposite ends of the illumination panel  120 . The light sources  140 , which may be light emitting diodes, emit light into the illumination panel  120 . The light may then be transmitted through the illumination panel  120  across the length of the feature plate  118 . The light may be configured to be emitted in substantially any direction; however, in some embodiments, the light may be emitted from a top surface of the illumination panel  120 . 
     In other embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may be a light source, such as an organic light emitting diode, light emitting diode, or the like. In these embodiments, the light sources  140  may be omitted, or may provide additional light for the key  106 . 
     The illumination panel  120  may also include one or more sensors (not shown) integrated therein for sensing inputs to the key  106 . For example, the illumination panel  120  may include a capacitive sensor, a switch mechanism, or the like. These sensors will be discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 19-21 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , the illumination panel  120  may be positioned within the channel  614  of the feature plate  118 . In some embodiments, there may be a space  610  between an edge of the illumination panel  120  and the top corner of the legs  608  and the extension  606  members. In other embodiments, the edge of the illumination panel  120  may angle upwards substantially following the shape of the extension members  606  and the space  610  may be eliminated. Within the channel  614 , the illumination panel  120  may be substantially parallel to and coextensive with the base  604 . 
     The supports  112 ,  114  of the support mechanism  110  may be operably connected to the anchoring members  136 , and in some positions the supports  112 ,  114  may be adjacent to or rest against a portion of the illumination panel  120 . The haptic device  116  may be positioned above the illumination panel  120  and in some embodiments may be operably connected to the sensor membrane  122 , which may be positioned above the illumination panel  120 . 
     In the keyboard  102  embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-14 , the overall vertical height of the key stack  130  may be reduced as compared to conventional keyboards including an illumination mechanism. This is because, typically, the feature or anchoring plate is positioned above the illumination mechanism in order to best secure the key to the enclosure, as well as provide accurate communication of the input signals from the key to a processor or other component. However, as the anchoring members  136  extend through the illumination plate  120 , the various components of the key  106  which may need to be secured to the feature plate  118 , may be secured thereto, while still allowing most of the light from the illumination panel  120  to be directed towards the keycap  108  and/the perimeter around the keycap  108 . Thus, the feature plate  118  can be attached directly beneath the illumination panel  120 , without requiring additional fasteners or attachment layers, which can increase the thickness of the keyboard  102 . 
     Furthermore, as the illumination panel  120  is positioned above the feature plate  118 , the efficiency of the limitation panel  120  and/or light sources  140  may be increased. As briefly explained above, typically, the feature plate may block a significant portion of the light directed from the illumination panel and/or may cause the illumination panel to have to emit light in a non-perpendicular or direct manner (e.g., to avoid the feature plate). For example, in some keyboards, the feature plate may include a single aperture to allow light from the illumination mechanism to be directed towards the keycap. On the contrary, as the illumination panel  120  is positioned above the feature plate  118  and substantially beneath and parallel to the keycap  108 . Thus, the illumination panel  120  can emit light substantially perpendicularly and normal to the surface of the illumination panel  120 . This allows the illumination panel  120  to emit less light than conventional keyboards, while still creating the same illumination effects, such as brightness and color. This is due to the fact that more of the light emitted by a light source may exit without being blocked, reflected, or reflected. 
     In operation, for some embodiments, the light sources  140  may emit light into the illumination panel  120 . The illumination panel  120  may transmit the light across the feature plate  118  and upwards perpendicularly towards the keycap  108 . As the light is transmitted from the illumination panel  120  it may exit around the keycap  108  (e.g., through the space between the enclosure  104  and the keycap  108 ), or the light may be transmitted through the keycap  108 . 
     As briefly mentioned above, the feature plate  118  and/or the illumination panel  120  may be configured to have a length that may extend along a length of multiple keys. In some embodiments, the length of the feature plate  118  and/or the illumination panel  120  may be configured to cover the length of an entire key  106  row. In these embodiments, there may be an illumination panel  120  and/or a feature plate  118  for every row of keys, which may be positioned along rows of the keyboard  102 . In other embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may have different dimensions and/or be differently positioned within the keyboard  102 , these are discussed in more detail below. 
       FIG. 15A  is a cross-section view of the key  102  illustrating the illumination panel  120  positioned in rows with respect to the feature plate  118  and each key  106  row. It should be noted that in  FIG. 15A  select features have been hidden to more clearly illustrate the relationships between other features. As shown in  FIG. 15A , the anchoring members  136  may extend upwards from the base  604 , and may form a barrier wall for the illumination panel  120 . In this manner, the anchoring members  136  may reflect light from the illumination panel  120  back into the illumination panel or towards the keycap  108 . This may concentrate the light from the illumination panel  120  under the keycap  108 , so that the keycap  108  may be better illuminated and may prevent light from being emitted around the sides of the keycap  108 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15A , the space  210  between the illumination panel  120  and the corner formed by the extension  606  and the legs  608  may be increased, as the illumination panel  120  may substantially confined within the anchoring members  136 . In these embodiments, the illumination panel  120  my have a decreased width as compared to other embodiments. For example, the illumination panel  120  may span between the anchoring members  136 , but may be confined within the anchoring members  136 . In these embodiments, the anchoring members  136  may extend around sides of the illumination panel  120 , rather than through the illumination panel  120 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15A , the legs  608  of the feature plate  118  may be operably connected to the sensor membrane  122  by the adhesive  124 . The adhesive  124  may further act to operably connect the membrane  122  to the enclosure  104 . 
     In other embodiments, the supports  112 ,  114  of the support mechanism  110  may be positioned adjacent to the illumination panel  120 .  FIG. 15B  is a cross-section view of the key  106  illustrating the supports  112 ,  114  extending through the sensor membrane  122  and contacting the illumination panel  120 . In these embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may include sensors for detecting when the keycap  108  is pressed by a user. This may reduce the vertical height of the key stack  130  because the supports  112 ,  114  may still provide the same vertical extension for the keycap  108 , but may be positioned lower within the key stack  130 , reducing the overall vertical height of the key stack  130 . 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 15B , in some instances, one or more of the adhesive  124  layers may be replaced by fasteners  126 . In these embodiments the fasteners  126  may connect to the feature plate  118  and the sensor membrane  122 , but may not be operably connected to the illumination panel  120 . As the illumination panel  120  may be positioned in rows and may be bordered by anchoring members  136 , the height of the fastener  126  may be shared with the vertical height of the illumination panel  120 . In other words, because the fastener  126  may not have to extend through the thickness of the illumination panel  120 , the vertical height of the fastener  126  (when coupled to the key stack  130 ). Thus, the key stack  130  may have a reduced vertical height as compared to conventional keyboards where the fastener may have to travel through an illumination mechanism and a feature plate in order to secure the each component together. 
     In some embodiments, the fasteners  126  may be positioned on two opposite sides of the key  106 . For example, the fasteners  126  may extend through the sides of the enclosure  104  bordering the key  106 . The fasteners  126  may be substantially any type of fastening member, such as but not limited to, rivets, nails, screws and the like. However, in some embodiments, the fasteners  126  may be thread-less or self-clenching fasteners such as rivets. In these embodiments, the fasteners  126  may be press fit into the key stack  130 , or inserted with a parallel acting squeezing force. This may allow for faster assembly time as compared to conventional keyboards which may require threaded fasteners that have to be screwed into place. Furthermore, without threads, the fasteners  126  may be inserted into the key stack  130  without requiring special aperture preparation, such as chamfering and deburring. Once inserted, the fasteners  126  may be substantially flush with the bottom side of the feature plate  118 , so as to further reduce the vertical height of the key stack  130  as compared to conventional keyboards. 
     As briefly described above, in some embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may extend past key rows or individual keys. For example, in some instances, the illumination panel  120  may extend along the entire area of the keyboard  102 . In these embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may extend between keys and key rows.  FIG. 15C  is a cross-section view of the keyboard illustrating the illumination panel  129  extending between rows of keys  106 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 15C , in these embodiments, the feature plate  118  may also extend between rows. For example, the base  604  of the feature plate  118  may be substantially planar along multiple sets of rows, and the legs  606  may be omitted or may only extend from the terminal ends (not shown) of the feature plate  118  (at the edges of the keyboard  102 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 15C , in these embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may be positioned above the feature plate  118 . For example, the lower layer of adhesive  124  may operably connect the illumination plane  120  above a top surface  605  of the feature plate  118 . However, as can bee seen in  FIG. 15C , the anchoring members  136  may still extend through the illumination panel  120  in order to connect the support mechanism  110  (not shown) to the feature plate  119 . In these embodiments, the light sources  140  may be positioned between the feature plate  118  and the illumination panel  120  and may light the illumination panel  120  from beneath. However, in other embodiments, the light sources  140  may be positioned on the sides of the illumination panel  120  (as shown in  FIG. 14 ), or the illumination panel  120  itself may include the light source. 
     As briefly described above, in some embodiments, the illumination panel  120  may be configured to be positioned beneath individual keys  106 .  FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of a key  706  removed from the keyboard  102 .  FIG. 16B  is a top plan view of the key  706 .  FIG. 16C  is a top plan view of the key  706  with the keycap  108  removed.  FIG. 17  is a cross-section view of the key  706  taken along line  17 - 17  in  FIG. 16B . The key  706  may be substantially similar to the key  106 ; however, in this embodiment, the feature plate  118  may be omitted. As shown in  FIG. 17 , a support plate  718 , which may be a printed circuit board, or the like, may be used to support the elements of the key  706 . Furthermore, a frame  422  may be provided around an illumination panel  720 , which may help to better contain and direct light illuminated from the illumination panel  720 . 
     In this embodiment, the key  706  may include the support plate  718 , the illumination panel  720 , the light source  140 , and a frame  722 . The support plate  718  may form a bottom portion of the key  706 , and may further communicate input signals (e.g., from a sensor indicating an user input) to components of the computing device  100 . The support plate  718  may be a printed circuit board or other substrate to support electrical connections. In these embodiments, sensors and/or illumination mechanisms may be integrated with the support plate  718  to further reduce the vertical height of the key stack  130 . 
     The illumination panel  720  may be substantially the same as the illumination panel  120 . However, in these embodiments, the illumination panel  720  may be configured to have substantially the same area as the keycap  108 . Accordingly, the illumination panel  720  may be better able to direct light only towards the keycap  108 , so that less light may be emitted around the edges of the keycap  108  or through apertures or the like in the enclosure  104 . 
     The frame  722  may surround the illumination panel  720  and may assist in preventing light from being emitted in directions other than through or towards the keycap  108 .  FIG. 18  is a top plan view of the frame  722  positioned around the illumination  720 . As can been seen in Fig . 18 , the frame  722  may generally trace around the outer perimeter of the illumination panel  720  and may include one more retaining features  724  to secure the illumination panel  720  in position. In some embodiments, the frame  722  may be a material configured to substantially prevent light from being transmitted therethrough. Accordingly ,the frame  722  may prevent light from being transmitted around the frame  722 , and the light may reflect off the frame  722  and towards the keycap  108  or illumination panel  120 . 
     In one embodiment, the light source  140  may be positioned along one edge of the illumination panel  720 , within the frame  722 . Thus, each key  706  may include its own illumination panel  720  and light source  140 . In combination with the frame  722 , the illumination panel  720  and the light source  140  may illuminate substantially only the keycap  108 . This may prevent light leakage around the keycap  108 , i.e., the “halo” effect. Accordingly, any symbols on the keycap  108  may be more easy to read, as light may not escape around the edges of the keycap  108  which may interfere with the light emitted through the keycap  108 . 
     Sensing Member 
     In some embodiments, the keyboard  102  may include one or more sensors to sensor a user&#39;s input to a particular key  106  or keys.  FIG. 19  is a simplified cross-section view of the key  106 . The key  106  may include the keycap  108 , the support mechanism  110 , and the feature plate  118 . Additionally, the key  106  may include a sensing member  820 , which may be integrated into the illumination panel  120 , or may be separate therefrom. The sensing member  820  may be a capacitive sensor, which may detect a change in capacitance. For example, the sensing member  820  may be indium tin oxide (ITO), or tin-doped indium oxide, which may be positioned on top of a light guide, light pipe, or other light source (i.e., the illumination panel  120 ). In one embodiment, the sensing member  820  may be ITO layered on a film of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). In these embodiments, the sensing member  820  may detect any of all of the following: the position of the keycap  108 , a force magnitude on the keycap  108 , a user&#39;s finger position on the keycap  108 , and/or other parameters may be detected by the sensing member  820  via a corresponding sensor  822 . 
     The sensing member  820  may be positioned in a number of different locations within the key stack  130 , depending on the desired input to be sensed. For example, the sensing member  820  may be positioned below the keycap  108  (as shown in  FIG. 19 ) to detect when a user has pressed the keycap  108 . In other embodiments, the sensing member  820  may be positioned within the haptic device  116 , which may allow the sensing member  820  to detect a compression of the haptic device  116 . In yet other embodiments, the sensing member  820  may be positioned on an inner surface of the enclosure  104  or other portions of the key stack  130  facing inwards towards the key  106 . 
     Similarly, depending on the position of the sensing member  820 , the key  106  may include a shielding member to better isolate an input from the sensing member  820 . For example, in some instances the sensing member  820  may detect small changes in capacitance. As the keyboard  102  may include multiple keys  106  positioned close together, with the close proximity of the keys  106 , in addition to the small change in capacitance, it may be difficult for the sensing member  820  to differentiate between whether a user has a his or her finger  801  on one key or the next. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the shielding or dielectric material may isolate the sensing member  820  for external noise or other signals. In one embodiment, the sensing member  820  may be positioned between the anchoring members  136  towards the inner portion of the key  106 , which may act to block the sensing member  820  from some noise. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing member  820  may be positioned within the haptic device  116 , which can include one more shielding layers deposited therein to at least partially isolate the sensing member  820 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 19 , the sensing member  820  may be integrated with the illumination panel  120  and may thus provide both sensing inputs and illumination output. In these embodiments, the vertical height of the key stack  130  may be substantially reduced. This is because the sensor membrane  122  may be omitted, and the sensing member  820  may be directly positioned below the support mechanism  110 . However, in other embodiments, the sensing member  820  may be positioned in other locations. 
       FIG. 20A  is a top plan view of a key including the sensing member  820  positioned as a frame around a sensor membrane  122 .  FIG. 20B  is a top plan view of the key  106  of  FIG. 20A  with the keycap removed.  FIG. 21  is a cross-section view of the key  106  taken along line  21 - 21  in  FIG. 20A . The sensing member  820  may be positioned on a top surface of the sensing membrane  122 . In some embodiments, the sensing member  820  may interact with various features of the key  106 , such as parts that may contain metal or the like to detect changes in capacitance or the like. In other embodiments, a corresponding sensor  822  may be positioned on a bottom edge  824  and/or a bottom surface  826  of the keycap  108 . Accordingly, as the keycap  108  is pressed downward, the sensor  822  may move closer towards the sensing member  820 , causing a change in capacitance for the sensing member  820 . The change in capacitance allows the sensing member  820  to detect the input. In this embodiment, as show best in  FIG. 20B , the sensing member  820  may be a frame positioned on the sensor membrane  122  (or other component of the base  134 ) so as to be substantially aligned with the bottom edge  824  of the keycap  108 . 
     In these embodiments, the sensor  822  may be a layer of sensing material that may interact with the sensing member  822  to change a signal. For example, the combination of the sensor  820  and the sensing member  822  may have a set capacitance that varies based on the distance and/or if other capacitive elements are present. 
     In other embodiments, the sensor  822  may be positioned on an inner extrusion  828  of the haptic device  116  and the sensing member  820  may be positioned within a cavity defined by the haptic device  116 . As the keycap  108  is compressed, the haptic device  116  may correspondingly compress, bringing the sensor  822  closer towards the sensing member  820 . In this embodiment, one or more shielding members or layers may be positioned on an outer or inner surface of the haptic device  116 , which may at least partially isolate the sensing member  820  from outside signals and/or noise. 
     In still other embodiments, the sensor  822  may be operably connected to or integrated with the support mechanism  110 . For example, if the sensor mechanism  110  is metal or includes a metal material, the sensing member  820  may be able to detect changes in the height of the supports  112 ,  114 . Similarly, the keycap  108  may also be metal or include metal materials, and the sensing member  820  may detect changes of position, a finger positioned on the keycap  108 , or the like. Moreover, the haptic device  116  may include metal or metal materials and the sensing mechanism  820  may be positioned to be in communication with the haptic device  116  to detect changes in position of the haptic device  116 . 
     In embodiments where the sensor  822  and the sensing mechanism  820  sense changes in capacitance, many different types of inputs to the key  106  may be sensed. In one example, the keyboard  102  may determine if a user swipes his or her hand over the keys  106 , which could be used as an input gesture for the computing deice  100 . Similarly, the keys  106  may sense when a user has placed his or her finger  801  on top of the keycap  108  and thus could detect finger position, although a user may not apply a force to depress the keycap  108 . Additionally, the sensing mechanism  820  may be able to determine the speed at which the keycap  108  is depressed, the amount of force applied to the keycap  108 , and the like. These different parameters may provide for different outputs by the keyboard  102 . For example, a user may apply different gestures to the keyboard  102 , similar to gestures applied to captive touch screens, by varying the force applied to a key  106 , the symbol may be modified (e.g., force under a certain level may correspond to a lower case letter and force above a certain level may correspond to a capitalized letter), and so on. 
     Furthermore, in embodiments utilizing the sensing member  820 , the haptic device and/or support member  110  may be eliminated. For example, the keycap  108  may not be required to move mechanically in order to detect a user input. Rather, the sensing member  820  may detect a user&#39;s input on the surface o the keycap  108 , or the like. Accordingly, the key aperture  128  for receiving the key  106  and allowing the keycap  108  to move vertically may be covered, reduced, and/or eliminated. The lack of a mechanical connection may allow for faster typing (a user may not have to exert a pressure downward to select a key) and the keyboard  102  may be more resistant to liquid. Typical keyboards may be susceptible to liquids, as the key aperture  128  may expose the sensor membrane  122 , illumination panel  120 , and other electrical components to liquids spilled or otherwise present on the keyboard  102 . 
     Bonding 
     In some embodiments, the base  134  may be operably connected to the enclosure  104 . As described briefly above, in some embodiments, various elements of the base  134  may be attached the enclosure  104  by fasteners or bonding.  FIG. 22  is a simplified cross-section view of the key  106  illustrating the adhesive layer  124  operably connecting the feature plate  118  to the enclosure  104 . As described above, the feature plate  118  may be operably connected to the illumination panel  120  and/or the sensor membrane  122 . Accordingly, by operably connecting the feature plate  118  to the enclosure  104 , the other layers may also be operably connected to the enclosure  104 . Additionally or alternatively, one more of the layers may also be attached to the enclosure  104  by the adhesive layer  124 . 
     The adhesive  124  may reduce the vertical height of the key stack  130 , as the adhesive  124  may have a thinner vertical thickness as compared with the vertical height of a fastener. This is because the bond of the adhesive  124  may be spread laterally, across surfaces already contributing to the vertical height (e.g., feature plate  118 ), but may be spread thinly so as to not add a significant amount of thickness to the key stack  130 . Furthermore, assembly and manufacturing the keyboard  102  may be easier than typical keyboards that may require fasteners. For example, the various components and layers of the key stack  130  can be press-fit or placed on top of each other and the adhesive  124  may secure them together. Also, the adhesive  124  may be easier to apply to small components and/or components having complicated geometries than typical fasteners. 
     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: 20121220
Publication Date: 20150317
Grant Date: 20150317
Priority Date: 20111221
Inventors: LEONG CRAIG C.
NIU JAMES J.
HENDREN KEITH J.
BROCK JOHN M.
WILSON, JR. THOMAS W.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/703", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2209/064", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2209/064", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2211/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2211/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/703", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2211/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2209/064", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/70", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/98", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/703", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/703", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/98", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2211/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2209/064", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47505358