PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9715978-B2
Application Number: US-201514660163-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Low travel switch assembly

Abstract:
A key of a keyboard and a low travel dome switch utilized in the key. The key may comprise a key cap, and a low travel dome positioned beneath the key cap, and operative to collapse when a force is exerted on the low travel dome by the key cap. The low travel dome may comprise a top portion, and a group of arms extending from the top portion to a perimeter of the low travel dome and at least partially defining a tuning member located between two of the group of arms. The low travel dome may also comprise a group of elongated protrusions. Each of the group of elongated protrusions may extend from one of the top portion, or one of the group of arms. At least one of the group of elongated protrusions may extend into the tuning member.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A key of a keyboard, comprising:
 a key cap; and 
 a low travel dome positioned beneath the key cap, and operative to collapse when a force is exerted on the low travel dome by the key cap, the low travel dome comprising:
 a top portion; 
 a group of arms extending from the top portion to a perimeter of the low travel dome and configured to buckle when a force is applied to the key cap; and 
 a group of elongated protrusions, each of the group of elongated protrusions extending into a distinct tuning member of a group of tuning members, each tuning member located between two arms of the group of arms. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The key of  claim 1 , wherein each of the group of elongated protrusion is substantially linear. 
     
     
       3. The key of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the group of elongated protrusions extends from a perimeter of the tuning members. 
     
     
       4. The key of  claim 1 , wherein each of the group of elongated protrusion comprises an angled member. 
     
     
       5. The key of  claim 4 , wherein the angled member comprises:
 a first, straight sub-member; and 
 a second, straight sub-member joined to the first, straight sub-member, 
 wherein the first, straight sub-member and the second, straight sub-member define an angle therebetween. 
 
     
     
       6. The key of  claim 5 , wherein the angle defined between the first, straight sub-member and the second, straight sub-member is an obtuse angle. 
     
     
       7. The key of  claim 5 , wherein the second, straight sub-member extends parallel to a portion of a perimeter of the tuning member. 
     
     
       8. The key of  claim 4 , wherein the angled member extends perpendicularly from each arm of the group of arms. 
     
     
       9. The key of  claim 1 , wherein the group of tuning members comprises four distinct tuning members spaced evenly within the low travel dome. 
     
     
       10. The key of  claim 9 , wherein each of the tuning members comprises an identical geometry, the geometry comprising a width diverging toward the top portion of the low travel dome. 
     
     
       11. The key of  claim 9  further comprising:
 a support structure coupled to and operative to support the key cap; and 
 a membrane positioned below the low travel dome, the low travel dome operative to contact the membrane in a depressed state. 
 
     
     
       12. The key of  claim 1 , wherein the group of tuning members comprises two distinct tuning members positioned at least one of:
 opposite one another, or 
 adjacent one another. 
 
     
     
       13. A low travel dome comprising:
 a group of arms extending between a top portion and major sidewalls and configured to collapse in response to a force received at the top portion; 
 a group of tuning members, each tuning member formed between two of the group of arms; and 
 a group of elongated protrusions, each elongated protrusion extending into a distinct tuning member; wherein 
 a force required to displace the low travel dome is determined based, at least in part, on the characteristics of at least one of:
 the group of arms; 
 the group of tuning members; and 
 the group of elongated protrusion. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The low travel dome of  claim 13 , wherein the characteristics of the group of arms further comprises at least one of:
 a width of each arm of the group of arms; 
 a thickness of each arm of the group of arms; 
 a length of each arm of the group of arms; and 
 a position of each arm of the group of arms. 
 
     
     
       15. The low travel dome of  claim 14 , wherein the force required to displace the low travel dome increases in response to at least one of:
 an increase in the width of each arm of the group of arms; 
 an increase in the thickness of each arm of the group of arms; and 
 a decrease in the length of each arm of the group of arms. 
 
     
     
       16. The low travel dome of  claim 13 , wherein the characteristics of the group of tuning members further comprises at least one of:
 a size of each tuning member of the group of tuning members; and 
 a geometry of each tuning member of the group of tuning members. 
 
     
     
       17. The low travel dome of  claim 16 , wherein the force required to displace the low travel dome decreases in response to an increase in the size of each of the group of tuning members. 
     
     
       18. The low travel dome of  claim 13 , wherein the characteristics of the group of elongated protrusions further comprises at least one of:
 a width of each elongated protrusion of the group of elongated protrusions; 
 a thickness of each elongated protrusion of the group of elongated protrusions; 
 a length of each elongated protrusion of the group of elongated protrusions; 
 a geometry of each elongated protrusion of the group of elongated protrusions; and 
 a position of each elongated protrusion of the group of elongated protrusions within the group of tuning members. 
 
     
     
       19. The low travel dome of  claim 18 , wherein the force required to displace the low travel dome increases in response to at least one of:
 an increase in the width of each arm of the group of arms; 
 an increase in the thickness of each arm of the group of arms; and 
 an increase in the length of each arm of the group of arms. 
 
     
     
       20. The low travel dome of  claim 18 , wherein the geometry of each elongated protrusion of the group of elongated protrusions further comprises at least one of:
 a substantially linear member; and 
 an angled member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/003,455, filed May 27, 2014 and titled “Low Travel Switch Assembly,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments described herein may relate generally to a switch for an input device, and may more specifically relate to a low travel switch assembly for a keyboard or other input device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Many electronic devices (e.g., desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile devices, and the like) include a keyboard as one of its input devices. There are several types of keyboards that are typically included in electronic devices. These types are mainly differentiated by the switch technology that they employ. One of the most common keyboard types is the dome-switch keyboard. A dome-switch keyboard includes at least a key cap, a layered electrical membrane, and an elastic dome disposed between the key cap and the layered electrical membrane. When the key cap is depressed from its original position, an uppermost portion of the elastic dome moves or displaces downward (from its original position) and contacts the layered electrical membrane to cause a switching operation or event. When the key cap is subsequently released, the uppermost portion of the elastic dome returns to its original position, and forces the key cap to also move back to its original position. 
     In addition to facilitating a switching event, a typical elastic dome also provides tactile feedback to a user depressing the key cap. A typical elastic dome provides this tactile feedback by behaving in a certain manner (e.g., by changing shape, buckling, unbuckling, etc.) when it is depressed and released over a range of distances. This behavior is typically characterized by a force-displacement curve that defines the amount of force required to move the key cap (while resting over the elastic dome) a certain distance from its natural position. 
     It is often desirable to make electronic devices and keyboards smaller. To accomplish this, some components of the device may need to be made smaller. Moreover, certain movable components of the device may also have less space to move, which may make it difficult for them to perform their intended functions. For example, a typical key cap is designed to move a certain maximum distance when it is depressed. The total distance from the key cap&#39;s natural (undepressed) position to its farthest (depressed) position is often referred to as the “travel” or “travel amount.” When a device is made smaller, this travel may need to be smaller. However, a smaller travel requires a smaller or restricted range of movement of a corresponding elastic dome, which may interfere with the elastic dome&#39;s ability to operate according to its intended force-displacement characteristics and to provide suitable tactile feedback to a user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A low travel switch assembly and systems and methods for using the same are provided. The electrical connection made within the keyboard or input device to interact with the electronic device may be made, at least in part, by a low travel dome switch formed within the low travel switch assembly of the keyboard. The dome may deform by pressing a key cap, in contact with the dome, to contact an electrically communicative layer (e.g., a membrane) for completing an electrical circuit, and ultimately providing an input the electronic device utilizing the dome. The dome may provide a user with the tactile feel or “click” associated with pressing the key cap of the keyboard when providing input the electronic device. The tactile feel and/or the force required to deform the dome may be altered by “tuning” the dome. Tuning the dome may be accomplished by forming voids, openings or tuning members within the dome. Additionally, elongated protrusions may be formed on the dome and may extend, at least partially, into the tuning members to also alter the tactile feel and/or the force required to deform the dome. The inclusion of the tuning members and/or elongated protrusion may allow a manufacturer of the input device utilizing the dome to finely tune the dome, and ultimately the switch assembly for the electronic device, to have desired operational characteristics (e.g., tactile feel, deformation force). 
     One embodiment may include a key of a keyboard. The key may comprise a key cap, and a low travel dome positioned beneath the key cap, and operative to collapse when a force is exerted on the low travel dome by the key cap. The low travel dome may comprise a top portion, and a group of arms extending from the top portion to a perimeter of the low travel dome and at least partially defining a tuning member located between two of the group of arms. The low travel dome may also comprise a group of elongated protrusions. Each of the group of elongated protrusions may extend from one of the top portion, or one of the group of arms. At least one of the group of elongated protrusions may extend into the tuning member. 
     Another embodiment may include a low travel dome. The low travel dome may comprises a group of arms extending between a top portion and major sidewalls, and a group of tuning members. Each tuning member may be formed between two of the group of arms. The low travel dome may also comprise a group of elongated protrusions, where each elongated protrusion extends into a distinct tuning member. A force required to displace the low travel dome is determined based, at least in part, on the characteristics of at least one of, the group of arms, the group of tuning members, and the group of elongated protrusions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a switch mechanism that includes a low travel dome, a key cap, a support structure, and a membrane, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the low travel dome of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the low travel dome of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the low travel dome of  FIG. 3 , taken from line A-A of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 4 , of the low travel dome of  FIG. 3 , the low travel dome residing between the key cap and the membrane of  FIG. 1  in a first state, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 5 , of the low travel dome, the key cap, and the membrane of  FIG. 5  in a second state, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 5 , of the low travel dome, the key cap, and the membrane of  FIG. 5  in a third state, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 5 , of the low travel dome, the key cap, and the membrane of  FIG. 5  in a fourth state, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  shows a predefined force-displacement curve according to which the key cap and the low travel dome of  FIGS. 5-8  may operate, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of another low travel dome, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a top down view of yet another low travel dome, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 4 , of the low travel dome of  FIG. 3  including a nub, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is an illustrative process of providing the low travel dome of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a top down view of another low travel dome, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a top down view of yet another low travel dome, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 16  is a top down view of an additional low travel dome, in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     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, it 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 following disclosure relates generally to a switch for an input device, and may more specifically, to a low travel switch assembly for a keyboard or other input device. 
     The electrical connection made within the keyboard to interact with the electronic device may be made, at least in part, by a low travel dome switch formed within the switch or key assembly of the keyboard. The dome may deform by pressing a key cap, in contact with the dome, to contact an electrically communicative layer (e.g., a membrane) for completing an electrical circuit, and ultimately providing an input the electronic device utilizing the dome. The dome may provide a user with the tactile feel or “click” associated with pressing the key cap of the keyboard when providing input the electronic device. The tactile feel and/or the force required to deform the dome may be altered by “tuning” the dome. Tuning the dome may be accomplished by forming voids, openings or tuning members within the dome. Additionally, elongated protrusions may be formed on the dome and may extend, at least partially, into the tuning members to also alter the tactile feel and/or the force required to deform the dome. The inclusion of the tuning members and/or elongated protrusion may allow a manufacturer of the input device utilizing the dome to finely tune the dome, and ultimately the switch assembly for the electronic device, to have desired operational characteristics (e.g., tactile feel, deformation force). 
     A low travel switch assembly and systems and methods for using the same are described with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . However, 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  is a cross-sectional view of a switch mechanism that includes a low travel dome  100 , a key cap  200 , a support structure  300 , and a membrane  500 . Low travel dome  100  may be composed of any suitable type of material (e.g., metal, rubber, etc.) and may be elastic. For example, when a force is applied to low travel dome  100 , it may compress or otherwise deform; in some embodiments this may permit an electrical contact to be made and registered as an input. Further, the stiffness of the dome, the force threshold under which it buckles, and other mechanical properties may affect the feel of a key associated with the dome and thus the user experience when a key (or other button, switch or input mechanism) is pressed. 
     Further, the dome&#39;s elasticity may cause it to return to its original shape when such an external force is subsequently removed. In some embodiments, low travel dome  100  may be one of a plurality of domes that may be a part of a dome pad or sheet (not shown). For example, low travel dome  100  may protrude from such a dome sheet in the +Y-direction (with respect to the orientation shown in  FIG. 1 ). This dome sheet may reside beneath a set of key caps (e.g., key cap  200 ) of a keyboard (not shown) such that each dome of the dome pad may reside beneath a particular key cap of the keyboard. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, low travel dome  100  may reside beneath key cap  200 . Key cap  200  may be supported by support structure  300 . Support structure  300  may be composed of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal, composite, and so on), and may provide mechanical stability to key cap  200 . Support structure  300  may, for example, be a scissor mechanism or a butterfly mechanism that may contract and expand during depression and release of key cap  200 , respectively. In some embodiments, rather than being a standalone scissor or butterfly mechanism, support structure  300  may be a part of an underside of key cap  200  that may press onto various portions of low travel dome  100 . Regardless of the physical nature of support structure  300 , key cap  200  may press onto low travel dome  100  to collapse the dome as mentioned above and thereby initiate an input, switching operation or other event via membrane  500  (described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 5-8 ). Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , key cap  200  may also include a lower end portion that may be configured to contact an uppermost portion of low travel dome  100  during depression of key cap  200 . 
       FIG. 1  shows key cap  200 , low travel dome  100 , support structure  300 , and membrane  500  in an undepressed state (e.g., where each component may be in its respective natural position, prior to key cap  200  being depressed). Although  FIG. 1  does not show key cap  200 , low travel dome  100 , support structure  300 , and membrane  500  in a partially depressed or a fully depressed state, it should be appreciated that these components may occupy any of these states. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of low travel dome  100 .  FIG. 3  is a top view of low travel dome  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , low travel dome  100  may include domed surface  102  having an upper portion  140  (e.g., that may include an uppermost portion of domed surface  102 ), a lower portion  110 , and a set of tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  disposed between upper and lower portions  140  and  110 . Domed surface  102  may have a hemispherical, semispherical, or convex profile, where upper portion  140  forms the top of the profile and lower portion  110  forms the base of the profile. Lower portion  110  can take any suitable shape such as, for example, a circular, an elliptical, rectilinear or another polygonal shape. 
     The physical attributes of low travel dome  100  may be tuned in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may be openings that may be integrated or formed in domed surface  102 . That is, predefined portions (e.g., of a predefined size and shape) of domed surface  102  may be removed in order to control or tune low travel dome  100  such that it operates according to predetermined force-displacement curve characteristics. 
     Tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may be spaced from one another such that one or more portions of domed surface  102  may extend from lower portion  110  of domed surface  102  to uppermost portion  140  of domed surface  102 . For example, tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may be evenly spaced from one another such that wall or arm portions  132 ,  134 ,  136 , and  138  of domed surface  102  may form a cross-shaped (or X-shaped) portion  130  that may span from portion  110  to uppermost portion  140 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , portions  172 ,  174 ,  176 , and  178  of domed surface  102  may each be partially contiguous with some parts of cross-shaped portion  130 , but may also be partially separated from other parts of cross-shaped portion  130  due to tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158 . 
     Although  FIGS. 2 and 3  show only four tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158 , in some embodiments, low travel dome  100  may include more or fewer tuning members. In some embodiments, the shape of each one of tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may be tuned such that low travel dome  100  may operate according to predetermined force-displacement curve characteristics. In particular, each one of tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may have a particular shape. As shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, when viewing low travel dome  100  from the top, each one of tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may appear to have an L-shape. In some embodiments, tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  may have a pie or wedge shape. 
     Generally, it should be appreciated that the dome  100  shown in  FIGS. 2-3  defines a set of opposed beams. Each beam is defined by a pair of arm segments and is generally contiguous across a surface of the dome  100 . For example, a first beam may be defined by arm portions  134  and  138  while a second arm is defined by arm portions  132  and  136 . Thus, the beams cross one another at the top of the dome but are generally opposed to one another (e.g., extend in different directions). In the present embodiment, the beams are opposed by 90 degrees, but other embodiments may have beams that are opposed or offset by different angles. Likewise, more or fewer beams may be present or defined in various embodiments. 
     The beams may be configured to collapse or displace when a sufficient force is exerted on the dome. Thus, the beams may travel downward according to a particular force-displacement curve; modifying the size, shape, thickness and other physical characteristics may likewise modify the force-displacement curve. Thus, the beams may be tuned in a fashion to provide a downward motion at a first force and an upward motion or travel at a second force. Thus, the beams may snap downward when the force exerted on a keycap (and thus on the dome) exceeds a first threshold, and may be restored to an initial or default position when the exerted force is less than a second threshold. The first and second thresholds may be chosen such that the second threshold is less than the first threshold, thus providing hysteresis to the dome  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that the force curve for the dome  100  may be adjusted not only by adjusting certain characteristics of the beams and/or arm portions  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 , but also by modifying the size and shape of the tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158 . For example, the tuning members may be made larger or smaller, may have different areas and/or cross-sections, and the like. Such adjustments to the tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158  may also modify the force-displacement curve of the dome  100 . 
     In some embodiments, each one of arm portions  132 ,  134 ,  136 , and  138  of low travel dome  100  may be tuned such that low travel dome  100  may operate according to predetermined force-displacement curve characteristics. In particular, each one of arm portions  132 ,  134 ,  136 , and  138  may be tuned to have a thickness al (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3 ) that may be less than a predefined thickness. For example, thickness al may be less than or equal to about 0.6 millimeters in some embodiments, but may be thicker or thinner in others. 
     In some embodiments, the hardness of the material of low travel dome  100  may tuned such that low travel dome  100  may operate according to predetermined force-displacement curve characteristics. In particular, the hardness of the material of low travel dome  100  may be tuned to be greater than a predefined hardness such that cross-shaped portion  130  may not buckle as easily as if the material were softer. 
     Although  FIGS. 2 and 3  show domed surface  102  having a cross-shaped portion  130 , it should be appreciated that domed surface  102  may have a portion that may include any suitable number of arm portions. In some embodiments, rather than having four arm portions  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 , domed surface  102  may include more or fewer arm portions. In some embodiments, low travel dome  100  may be tuned such that it is operative to maintain key cap  200  and support structure  300  in their respective natural positions when key cap  200  is not undergoing a switch event (e.g., not being depressed). In these embodiments, low travel dome  100  may control key cap  200  (and support structure  300 , if it is included) to operate according to predetermined force-displacement curve characteristics. 
     Regardless of how low travel dome  100  is tuned, when an external force is applied (for example, on or through key cap  200  of  FIG. 1 ) to upper portion  140 , cross-shaped portion  130  may move in the −Y-direction, and may cause arm portions  132 ,  134 ,  136 , and  138  to change shape and buckle. As a result, an underside (e.g., directly opposite uppermost portion  140  of domed surface  102 ) may contact a portion of a membrane (e.g., membrane  500  of  FIG. 1 ) of a keyboard when cross-shaped portion  130  moves a sufficient distance in the −Y-direction. In this manner, a switching operation or event may be triggered. 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of an alternative low travel dome  1000  that may be similar to low travel dome  100 , and that may be tuned to operate according to predetermined force-displacement curve characteristics. As shown in  FIG. 10 , low travel dome  1000  may include a cross-shaped portion  1030 , and a set of tuning members  1020 ,  1040 ,  1060 , and  1080 . When viewing low travel dome  1000  from the top (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 10 ), each one of tuning members  1020 ,  1040 ,  1060 , and  1080  may appear to be pie-shaped. 
       FIG. 11  is a top view of another alternative low travel dome  1100  that may be similar to low travel dome  100 , and that may be tuned to operate according to predetermined force-displacement curve characteristics. As shown in  FIG. 11 , low travel dome  1100  may include a surface  1180 , and a set of tuning members  1150 . When viewing low travel dome  1100  from the top (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 11 ), each one of tuning members  1150  may appear to have any suitable shape (e.g., elliptical, circular, rectangular, and the like). 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of low travel dome  100 , taken from line A-A of  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 4  is similar to  FIG. 1 , but does not show support structure  300 . In some embodiments, support structure  300  may not be necessary, and a switching assembly may merely include key cap  200 , low travel dome  100 , and membrane  500 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , arm portions  132  and  136  of cross-shaped portion  130  may form a contiguous arm portion that may span across domed surface  102 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 4 , of low travel dome  100 , with low travel dome  100  residing between key cap  200  and membrane  500  in a first state. Key cap  200 , low travel dome  100 , and membrane  500  may, for example, form one of the key switches or switch assemblies of a keyboard. As shown in  FIG. 5 , key cap  200  may include a body portion  201  and a contact portion  210 . Body portion  201  may include a cap surface  202  and an underside  204 , and contact portion  210  may include a contact surface  212 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , key cap  200  may be in its natural position  220  (e.g., prior to cap surface  202  receiving any force (e.g., from a user)). Moreover, each one of low travel dome  100 , and membrane  500  may be in their respective natural positions. 
     In some embodiments, membrane  500  may be a part of a printed circuit board (“PCB”) that may interact with low travel dome  100 . As described above with respect to  FIG. 1 , low travel dome  100  may be a component of a keyboard (not shown). In some embodiments, the keyboard may include a PCB and membrane that may provide key switching (e.g., when key cap  200  is depressed in the −Y-direction via an external force). Membrane  500  may include a top layer  510 , a bottom layer  520 , and a spacing  530  between top layer  510  and bottom layer  520 . In some embodiments, membrane  500  may also include a support layer  550  that may include a through-hole  552  (e.g., a plated through-hole). Top and bottom layers  510  and  520  may reside above support layer  550 . In some embodiments, top layer  510  and bottom layer  520  may each have a predefined thickness in the Y-direction, and spacing  530  may have a predefined height. Each one of top, bottom, and support layers  510 ,  520 , and  550  may be composed of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) polymer sheets, etc.). For example, each one of top and bottom layers  510  and  520  may be composed of PET polymer sheets that may each have a predefined thickness. 
     Top layer  510  may couple to or include a corresponding conductive pad (not shown), and bottom layer  520  may couple to or include a corresponding conductive pad (not shown). In some embodiments, each of these conductive pads may be in the form of a conductive gel. The gel-like nature of the conductive pads may provide improved tactile feedback to a user when, for example, the user depresses key cap  200 . The conductive pad associated with top layer  510  may include corresponding conductive traces on an underside of top layer  510 , and the conductive pad associated with bottom layer  520  may include conductive traces on an upper side of bottom layer  520 . These conductive pads and corresponding conductive traces may be composed of any suitable material (e.g., metal, such as silver or copper, conductive gels, nanowire, and so on.). 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , spacing  530  may allow top layer  510  to contact bottom layer  520  when, for example, low travel dome  100  buckles and cross-shaped portion  130  moves in the −Y-direction (e.g., due to an external force being applied to cap surface  202  of key cap  200 ). In particular, spacing  530  may allow the conductive pad associated with top layer  510  physical access to the conductive pad associated with bottom layer  520  such that their corresponding conductive traces may make contact with one another. This contact may then be detected by a processing unit (e.g., a chip of the electronic device or keyboard) (not shown), which may generate a code corresponding to key cap  200 . 
     In some embodiments, key cap  200 , low travel dome  100 , and membrane  500  may be included in a surface-mountable package, which may facilitate assembly of, for example, an electronic device or keyboard, and may also provide reliability to the various components. 
     Although  FIG. 5  shows a specific layered membrane that may be used to trigger a switch event, it should be appreciated that other mechanisms may also be used to trigger the switch event. For example, in some embodiments, low travel dome  100  may include a conductive material. In these embodiments, a separate conductive material may also reside beneath an underside of upper portion  140 . When a keystroke occurs (e.g., when external force A is applied to key cap  200 ), the conductive material of low travel dome  100  may contact the separate conductive material, which may trigger the switch event. 
     As described above, low travel dome  100  may be tuned in any suitable manner such that low travel dome  100  (and thus, key cap  200 ) may operate according to predetermined force-displacement curve characteristics.  FIGS. 6-8  are cross-sectional views, similar to  FIG. 5 , of low travel dome  100 , key cap  20 , and membrane  500  in second, third, and fourth states, respectively.  FIG. 9  shows a predefined force-displacement curve  900  according to which key cap  200  and low travel dome  100  may operate. The F-axis may represent the force (in grams) that is applied to key cap  200 , and the D-axis may represent the displacement of key cap  200  in response to the applied force. 
     The force required to depress key cap  200  from its natural position  220  (e.g., the position of key cap  200  prior to any force being applied thereto, as shown in  FIG. 5 ) to a maximum displacement position  250  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 8 ) may vary. As shown in  FIG. 9 , for example, the force required to displace key cap  200  may gradually increase as key cap  200  displaces in the −Y-direction from natural position  220  (e.g., 0 millimeters) to a position  230  (e.g., VIa millimeters). This gradual increase in required force is at least partially due to the resistance of low travel dome  100  to change shape (e.g., the resistance of upper portion  140  to displace in the −Y-direction). The force required to displace key cap  200  to position  230  may be referred to as the operating or peak force. 
     When key cap  200  displaces to position  230  (e.g., VIa millimeters), low travel dome  100  may no longer be able to resist the pressure, and may begin to buckle (e.g., cross-shaped portion  130  may begin to buckle). The force that is subsequently required to displace key cap  200  from position  230  (e.g., VIa millimeters) to a position  240  (e.g., VIb millimeters) may gradually decrease. 
     When key cap  200  displaces to position  240  (e.g., VIb millimeters), an underside of upper portion  140  of low travel dome  100  may contact membrane  500  to cause or trigger a switch event or operation. In some embodiments, the underside may contact membrane  500  slightly prior to or slightly after key cap  200  displaces to position  240 . When contact surface  107  contacts membrane  500 , membrane  500  may provide a counter force in the +Y-direction, which may increase the force required to continue to displace key cap  200  beyond position  240 . The force required to displace key cap  200  to position  240  may be referred to as the draw or return force. 
     When key cap  200  displaces to position  240 , low travel dome  100  may also be complete in its buckling. In some embodiments, upper portion  140  may continue to displace in the −Y-direction, but cross-shaped portion  130  of low travel dome  100  may be substantially buckled. The force that is subsequently required to displace key cap  200  from position  240  (e.g., VIb millimeters) to position  250  (e.g., VIc millimeters) may gradually increase. Position  250  may be the maximum displacement position of key cap  200  (e.g., a bottom-out position). When the force (e.g., external force A) is removed from key cap  200 , elastomeric dome  100  may then unbuckle and return to its natural position, and key cap may also return to natural position  220 . 
     In some embodiments, the size or height of contact portion  210  may be defined to determine the maximum displacement position  250  or travel of key cap  200  in the −Y-direction. For example, the travel of key cap  200  may be defined to be about 0.75 millimeter, 1.0 millimeter, or 1.25 millimeters. 
     In addition to a cushioning effect provided by the gel-like conductive pads of top and bottom layers  510  and  520  to low travel dome  100  and key cap  200 , in some embodiments, through-hole  552  may also provide a cushioning effect. As shown in  FIG. 8 , for example, when key cap  200  displaces to maximum displacement position  250  and low travel dome  100  completely buckles and presses onto top layer  510 , bottom layer  520  may bend or otherwise interact with support layer  550  such that a portion of bottom layer  520  may enter into a void of through-hole  552 . In this manner, key cap  200  may receive a cushioning effect, which may translate into improved tactile feedback for a user. 
     In some embodiments, key cap  200  may or may not include contact portion  210 . When key cap  200  does not include contact portion  210 , for example, underside  204  of key cap  200  may not be sufficient to press onto upper portion  140  of cross-shaped portion  130 . Thus, in these embodiments, low travel dome  100  may include a force concentrator nub that may contact underside  204  when a force is applied to cap surface  202  in the −Y-direction.  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 4 , of low travel dome  100  including a nub  1200 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , force concentrator nub  1200  may have a block shape having underside  1204  that may contact upper portion  140  of dome  100 , and an upper side  1202  that may contact underside  204  of key cap  200 . In this manner, when key cap  200  displaces in the −Y-direction due to an external force, underside  204  may press onto upper side  1202  and direct the external force onto upper portion  140 . 
       FIG. 13  is an illustrative process  1300  of manufacturing low travel dome  100 . Process  1300  may begin at operation  1302 . 
     At step  1304 , the process may include providing a dome-shaped surface. For example, operation  1304  may include providing a dome-shaped surface, such as domed surface  102  prior to any tuning members being integrated therewith. 
     At operation  1306 , the process may include selectively removing a plurality of predefined portions of the dome-shaped surface to tune the dome-shaped surface to operate according to a predefined force-displacement curve characteristic. For example, operation  1306  may include forming openings or tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158  at the plurality of predefined portions of the dome-shaped surface, each of the openings having a predefined shape, such as an L-shape or a pie shape. In some embodiments, operation  1306  may include forming a remaining portion of the dome-shaped surface that may appear to be cross-shaped. Moreover, in some embodiments, operation  1306  may include die cutting or stamping of the dome-shaped surface to create tuning members  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  158 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates yet another sample dome  1400  that may be employed in certain embodiments. This dome  1400  may be generally square or rectangular. That is, the major sidewalls  1402 ,  1404 ,  1406 ,  1408  may be straight and define all or the majority of an outer edge or surface of the dome  1400 . The dome  1400  may have one or more angled edges  1410 . Here, each of the four corners is angled. The angled edges  1410  may provide clearance for the dome  1400  during assembly of a key and/or keyboard with respect to adjacent domes, holding or retaining mechanisms, and the like. Further, the angled edges may provide additional surface contact with respect to an underlying membrane, thereby providing additional area to secure to the membrane in some embodiments. It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may omit some or all of the angled edges  1410 . Square and/or partly square bases, such as the one shown in  FIG. 14 , may be employed with any of the foregoing embodiments. Likewise, in some embodiments, a circular base (or base having another shape) may be employed with the arm structure shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , two beams  1412 ,  1416  may extend between diagonally opposing angled edges  1410  (or corners, if there are no angled edges). Alternative embodiments may include more or fewer beams. Each beam  1412 ,  1416  may be thought of as being formed by multiple arms  1418 ,  1420 ,  1422 ,  1424 . The arms  1418 ,  1420 ,  1422 ,  1424  meet at the top  1428  of the dome  1400 . The shape of the arms may be varied by adjusting the amount of material and the shape of the material removed to form the tuning members  1426 , which are essentially voids or apertures formed in the dome  1400 . The interrelationship of the tuning members  1426  and beams/arms to generate a force-displacement curve has been previously discussed. 
     By employing a dome  1400  having a generally square or rectangular profile, the usable area for the dome under a square keycap may be maximized. Thus, the length of the beams  1412 ,  1416  may be increased when compared to a dome that is circular in profile. This may allow the dome  1400  to operate in accordance with a force-displacement curve that may be difficult to achieve if the beams are constrained to be shorter due to a circular dome shape. For example, the deflection of the beams (in either an upward or downward direction) may occur across a shorter period, once the necessary force threshold is reached. This may provide a crisper feeling, or may provide a more sudden depression or rebound of an associated key. Further, fine tuning of a force-displacement curve for the dome  1400  may be simplified since the length of the beams  1412 ,  1416  is increased. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates another embodiment of a low travel dome  1500  that may be utilized in certain embodiments. As similarly shown and discussed with respect to  FIG. 14 , dome  1500  may be substantially square or rectangular. In one embodiment, major sidewalls  1502 ,  1504 ,  1506 ,  1508  may be substantially straight and define at least the majority of the outer edges or a perimeter of dome  1500 . Additionally, and as similarly discussed with respect to  FIG. 14 , dome  1500  may include angled or arcuate corners  1510  between each of the major sidewalls  1502 ,  1504 ,  1506 ,  1508  for providing clearance for dome  1500  during assembly of a key and/or keyboard, and/or for providing additional surface contact with respect to underlying membrane of the and/or keyboard. 
     Also similar to dome  1400  of  FIG. 14 , dome  1500  may also include two beams  1512 ,  1516  extending diagonally across dome  1500 , from respective angled corners  1510  positioned between major sidewalls  1502 ,  1504 ,  1506 ,  1508 . Beams  1512 ,  1516  may be made up of a plurality of arms  1518 ,  1520 ,  1522 ,  1524  all converging and/or meeting at top  1528  of dome  1500 . Further, dome  1500  may include a plurality of tuning members  1526  formed as voids or apertures through dome  1500 , adjacent the plurality of arms  1518 ,  1520 ,  1522 ,  1524 . The plurality of tuning members  1526 , and specifically the geometry of the tuning members  1526 , which ultimately affect the geometry of the plurality of arms  1518 ,  1520 ,  1522 ,  1524  may be associated with the force required to displace dome  1500  during operation. That is, as the geometry or size of each of the plurality of tuning members  1526  increases, the geometry or size of the plurality of arms  1518 ,  1520 ,  1522 ,  1524  may decrease. As a result of increasing size of the plurality of tuning members  1526 , and ultimately decreasing the surface area and/or rigidity for dome  1500  by decreasing the size of the plurality of arms  1518 ,  1520 ,  1522 ,  1524 , the required force to displace dome  1500  may also decrease. The opposite may also be true. That is, as the geometry or size of each of the plurality of tuning members  1526  decreases, the geometry or size of the plurality of arms  1518 ,  1520 ,  1522 ,  1524  may increase, which may ultimately increase the required force to displace dome  1500 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 15 , the geometry of tuning members  1526  may include a width that may diverge and/or decrease as tuning members  1526  moves closer to top portion  1528 . As shown in the example, the width of tuning members  1526  positioned adjacent major sidewalls  1502 ,  1504 ,  1506 ,  1508  of dome  1500  may be wider than a portion of tuning members  1526  positioned adjacent top portion  1528 . 
     In comparison with  FIG. 14 , dome  1500  of  FIG. 15  may also include a plurality of elongated protrusions  1530 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , each of the plurality of elongated protrusions  1530  extend partially into a unique tuning member of the plurality of tuning members  1526 . That is, each of the plurality of tuning members  1526  may include a substantially linear, elongated protrusion  1530  extending from perimeter  1532  of each tuning member  1526 , where the elongated protrusion  1530  may extend partially into each of the plurality of tuning member  1526 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , each of the plurality of elongated protrusions  1530  may be positioned adjacent to and/or extend from top  1528  of dome  1500 . The inclusion of the plurality of elongated protrusions  1530  within dome  1500  may provide additional structural support and/or may vary the stiffness of dome  1500 . For example, when compared to dome  1400  of  FIG. 14 , dome  1500  of  FIG. 15  may require a greater force for deflection (in either upward or downward direction). In the non-limiting example, the stiffness and/or the increase in the required force for deflecting  1500  may be a result of the inclusion of elongated protrusions  1530  in dome  1500 . As a result of the increased required force for deflection, a more crisp or sudden depression and/or rebound of the key may be realized when utilizing dome  1500  of  FIG. 15 . 
     In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 15 , and discussed herein, dome  1500  may include four distinct tuning members  1526  separated by arms  1518 ,  1520 ,  1522 ,  1524 . However, it is understood that dome  1500  may include any number of tuning members  1526  formed in dome  1500 . In another non-limiting example, dome  1500  may include two tuning members  1526 . As a further non-limiting example, when dome  1500  includes two distinct tuning members  1526 , tuning members  1526  may be positioned opposite one another on dome  1500  and may be separated by top portion  1528 . In another non-limiting example where dome  1500  includes two distinct tuning members  1526 , tuning members  1526  may be positioned adjacent one another on dome  1500 , and may be separated by a single arm  1518 ,  1520 ,  1522 ,  1524  of dome  1500 . 
     Although dome  1500 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , includes elongated protrusions  1530  positioned within every tuning member  1526 , it is understood that dome  1500  may not include elongated protrusions  1530  in all tuning members  1526 . That is, elongated protrusions  1530  may be positioned only a portion of the tuning members  1526  of dome  1500 . The position of elongated protrusions  1530  in tuning members  1526  and/or dome  1500  may influence and/or vary the stiffness and the force required for deflecting dome  1500 , as discussed herein. In a non-limiting example, two elongated protrusions  1530  may be positioned in opposition tuning members  1526  formed in dome  1500 . 
     Moreover, and as discussed herein, elongated protrusions  1530  may be positioned within predetermined tuning members  1526  of dome to increase the force for deflection of dome  1500  in certain areas. In a non-limiting example, two elongated protrusion  1530  may be positioned in adjacent tuning members  1526  of dome  1500 . In the non-limiting example dome  1500  may require a higher force for deflection in the portion of dome  1500  including the two elongated protrusions  1530  positioned within the adjacent tuning members  1526 , than the portion of dome  1500  that does not include elongated protrusions  1530 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates yet another low travel dome  1600  that may be utilized in certain embodiments. As similarly discussed with respect to  FIGS. 14  (e.g., dome  1400 ) and  15  (e.g., dome  1500 ), respectively, dome  1600  of  FIG. 16  may be a square, rectangular, ellipses or other shapes, and may include substantially similar components or features as described with respect to previous embodiments (e.g., beams  1612 ,  1616 , plurality of arms  1618 ,  1620 ,  1622 ,  1624 , plurality of tuning members  1626 ). It is understood that similar components and features may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , dome  1600  may include at least one angled member  1634 ,  1636  extending at least partially into a tuning member  1626  of dome  1600 . More specifically, dome  1600  may include two substantially angled members  1634 ,  1636  extending into two distinct tuning members  1626  positioned opposite to one another. The substantially angled members  1634 ,  1636  may be formed from two generally straight sub-members  1638 ,  1640  (or  1638 ′,  1640 ′) that join one another at a transition point and define an angle there between. First, sub-member  1638  may extend from arm  1618  as discussed herein. Second, sub-member  1640  may extend from and/or may be integrally formed with first, sub-member  1638 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 16 , second, sub-member  1640  may extend from first, sub-member  1638  and may be substantially parallel to a portion of the perimeter  1632  of tuning member  1626 . 
     The material used to form the sub-members  1638 ,  1640 , the length and/or thickness of the sub-members  1638 ,  1640 , and the angle formed at the transition point may all affect the stiffness of dome  1600  and thus the force required to collapse or displace dome  1600 . For example, as the thickness of the sub-members  1638 ,  1640  increases, the stiffness of dome  1600  may also increase. It should be appreciated that the angle defined at the transition point by sub-members  1638 ,  1640  may vary between embodiments. In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 16 , the angle defined at the transition point by sub-members  1638 ,  1640  may be an obtuse angle. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , angled member  1634  may define an edge of tuning member  1626 , and may extend from an arm  1618 . The angled member  1634  extends perpendicularly from an axis of arm  1618 , where the axis may be in substantial alignment with beam  1612 . Positioning of angled member  1634  with respect to tuning member  1626  may vary in other embodiments. Additionally, angled member  1636  may be positioned within any tuning member  1626 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , both arm  1618  and arm  1622  may be positioned along and/or outwardly from beam  1612  of dome  1600 . The angled members  1634 ,  1636  may be positioned in opposite tuning members  1626  such that dome  1600  may remain relatively symmetrical, although this is not required in all embodiments. More specifically, based on the positioning of angled members  1634 ,  1636 , dome  1600  may include a substantially uniform weight distribution and stiffness distribution, and may also include a relatively symmetrical physical configuration. 
     Although only two angled members  1634 ,  1636  are shown in  FIG. 16 , more or fewer angled members  1634 ,  1636  may be utilized in dome  1600 , as similarly discussed herein with respect to elongated protrusions  1530  of  FIG. 15 . The number of angled members  1634 ,  1636  implemented in dome  1600  may be dependent on the required stiffness for dome  1600 . That is, similar to the elongated protrusions  1530  of dome  1500  in  FIG. 15 , angled members  1634 ,  1636  may provide additional stiffness to dome  1600 , which may increase the required force for deflecting (in either upward or downward direction) dome  1600  during operation. As such, the number of angled members  1634 ,  1636  included in dome  1600 , in addition to the dimensions of tuning members  1626 , may be determined based on a desired force for actuating dome  1600  when dome  1600  is utilized in a key and/or keyboard, as discussed herein. In a non-limiting example, dome  1600  may include four distinct angled members  1634 ,  1636 , where each of the angled members  1634 ,  1636  may be positioned within distinct tuning members  1626  of dome  1600 . Other embodiments may have more or fewer angled members and more or fewer such members positioned with any given tuning member. 
     As similarly discussed herein with respect to elongated protrusions  1530  of  FIG. 15 , the positioning of angled members  1634 ,  1636  within dome  1600  may vary the stiffness and/or the required force for deflecting dome  1600 . Additionally, angled members  1634 ,  1636  may be positioned within a portion of dome  1600  that may require increased stiffness and/or an increased required deflection force for dome  1600 . For example, angled members  1634 ,  1636  may be positioned in adjacent tuning members  1626  formed in a first half of dome  1600 , where the first half of dome  1600  may require an increase in stiffness and/or deflection force when compared to a second half of dome  1600 . In the example, angled members  1634 ,  1636  may not be positioned within tuning members  1626  formed in the second half of dome  1600  to differentiate the stiffness and required deflection force between the first half and the second half of dome  1600 . 
     Additional characteristics of dome  1600  may also influence a force required to displace dome  1600 . In a non-limiting example, characteristics of arms  1618 ,  1620 ,  1622 ,  1624  of dome  1600  may influence the force required to displace or distress dome  1600 . The characteristics of arms  1618 ,  1620 ,  1622 ,  1624  of dome  1600  may include a width, an thickness, a length and/or a position of arms  1618 ,  1620 ,  1622 ,  1624  of dome  1600 . In the non-limiting example, the force required to displace dome  1600  may increase when the width and/or the thickness of arms  1618 ,  1620 ,  1622 ,  1624  of dome  1600  increase and/or when the length of the arms  1618 ,  1620 ,  1622 ,  1624  decrease. 
     In another non-limiting example, characteristics of tuning members  1626  of dome  1600  may influence the force required to displace, collapse or otherwise distress dome  1600 . The characteristics of tuning members  1626  of dome  1600  may include a size and/or a geometry of tuning members  1626 , as discussed herein; any or all of such characteristics may impact the force-displacement curve of the dome  1600 . In one non-limiting example, the force required to displace dome  1600  may decrease in response to an increase in the size of tuning members  1626 , as discussed herein, and vice versa. 
     In a further non-limiting example, characteristics of elongated protrusions  1630  and/or angled member  1634 ,  1636  of dome  1600  may influence the force required to displace or distress dome  1600 . The characteristics of elongated protrusions  1630  and/or angled member  1634 ,  1636  of dome  1600  may include a width, a thickness, a length, a geometry and/or a position of elongated protrusions  1630  and/or angled member  1634 ,  1636  of dome  1600 , and or all of which may be adjusted to vary the force-displacement curve of the dome  1600 . In the non-limiting example, the force required to displace dome  1600  may increase when the width, the thickness and/or the length of elongated protrusions  1630  and/or angled member  1634 ,  1636  of dome  1600  increase. 
     In addition to influencing the force required to displace or distress dome  1600 , the characteristics of the various portions of dome  1600  may also influence the force-displacement curve (see,  FIG. 9 ) of dome  1600 . That is, the characteristics of arms  1618 ,  1620 ,  1622 ,  1624 , tuning members  1626  and/or elongated protrusions  1630  of dome  1600  may also influence the force-displacement curve, and the force transitions for depressing dome  1600  to various positions (see,  FIG. 9 ; displacement without buckling, buckling, and so on). In a non-limiting example, the characteristics of the various portions of dome  1600  may vary (e.g., increase the slope) the gradual increase of force dome  1600  may withstand as keycap  200  moves from natural position  220  to position  230  (see,  FIG. 9 ). 
     In some embodiments, the angled members may extend downwardly, toward a base of the dome. The angle at which such members extend may vary between embodiments. Typically, the angle is chosen such that an end of the angled member may contact a substrate beneath the dome at approximately the same time the dome collapses, although alternative embodiments may have such a connection made shortly before or after the dome collapse. 
     Further, the end of the angled member(s) contacting the dome may be electrically conductive and an electrical contact may be formed on the substrate at the point where the angled member(s) touch during the dome collapse. An electrical trace or path may extend between the angled members or from one or more angled members to a sensor or other electrical component, which may be remotely located. A second electrical path may extend from the sensor or electrical component to the contact(s) on the substrate. Thus, when the angled member(s) contact the substrate, a circuit may be closed, and the sensor or other electrical component may register the closing of the circuit. In this manner, the angled member or members may be used to complete a circuit and signify an input, such as a depression of a keycap above the dome. 
     While there have been described a low travel switch assembly and systems and methods for using the same, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. It is also to be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up and “down,” “front” and “back,” “top” and “bottom,” “left” and “right,” “length” and “width,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the devices of this invention can have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of this invention. Moreover, an electronic device constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention may be of any suitable three-dimensional shape, including, but not limited to, a sphere, cone, octahedron, or combination thereof. 
     Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150317
Publication Date: 20170725
Grant Date: 20170725
Priority Date: 20140527
Inventors: HENDREN KEITH J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H2215/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/85", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7073", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/85", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7073", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 54702598