Compact input device

Abstract

Compact input devices formed on flexible substrates are disclosed. The input devices may be formed using three or more conducting layers. By including three or more conducting layers, the diameter of the input device may be minimized. In addition, to improve the flexibility of portions of the input device mounted, some portions of the input device may be made to have fewer layers than other portions of the input device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An input device comprising:
 a substrate;   a dome switch comprising a dome configured to collapse against the substrate during activation; and   a hole in the substrate underneath the dome configured to allow air to pass through the substrate when the dome is collapsed.   
     
     
         2 . The input device of  claim 1 , further comprising a coating on the dome configured to prevent electrostatic discharge. 
     
     
         3 . The input device of  claim 2 , wherein the dome comprises a hole and the coating seals the hole in the dome. 
     
     
         4 . The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the dome switch comprises a center button-type sensor element of the input device. 
     
     
         5 . An input device comprising:
 a substrate;   a dome switch comprising a dome mounted on the substrate;   a laminate covering the dome; and   a hole in the substrate underneath the dome.   
     
     
         6 . The input device of  claim 5 , wherein the dome comprises a hole. 
     
     
         7 . The input device of  claim 5 , wherein the dome switch comprises a center button-type sensor element of the input device.