Multi-layer integral keypad

Abstract

A multi-layer integral keypad is provided with a plurality of key tops each having a plastic layer coupled to a display layer. A key top support layer integrally couples a plurality of the key tops to one another. A method for producing a multi-layer integral keypad is also provided.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A keypad for actuating a plurality of switches of an electronic device, comprising:
 a plurality of key tops, at least some of said key tops having a display layer and a plastic layer;
 said display layer having an upward facing display surface and a downward facing back surface; 
 said plastic layer coupled to said back surface of said display layer and having an actuating structure extending downward and away from said display layer; 
   a resilient key top support layer coupled to said plastic layer of said key tops and integrally connecting said key tops to one another; said key top support layer having a support layer leg section extending downward and away from said key tops toward a support layer base;   wherein said key top support layer extends only partially underneath said key tops; and   wherein said key top support layer is configured to allow said key tops to be in a stationary position when no force is applied to said key tops by a user and to allow a single of said key tops to be in an activation position and actuate at least one of the switches when a predetermined force is applied to said single of said key tops.   
     
     
         2 . The keypad of  claim 1 , wherein said display layer of said key tops has at least one aperture therethrough. 
     
     
         3 . The keypad of  claim 2 , wherein said plastic layer is translucent. 
     
     
         4 . The keypad of  claim 3 , wherein said aperture is filled by said plastic layer. 
     
     
         5 . The keypad of  claim 1 , wherein said key top support layer is coupled to a downward facing surface of said plastic layer. 
     
     
         6 . The keypad of  claim 5 , wherein said leg section is arcuate. 
     
     
         7 . The keypad of  claim 6 , wherein said leg section is convex. 
     
     
         8 . The keypad of  claim 7 , wherein said plastic layer of a plurality of said key tops is translucent and extends beyond the periphery of said display layer. 
     
     
         9 . A keyboard having a multilayer keypad, comprising:
 a mounting surface supporting a plurality of switches in electrical communication with a keyboard circuit;   a plurality of key tops, at least some of said key tops having a display layer, a translucent plastic layer, and an actuating structure;
 said display layer having an upwardly facing display surface and a downward facing back surface; 
 said plastic layer having an upper surface coupled to said back surface of said display layer and a lower surface facing toward said mounting surface; 
 said actuating structure coupled to said lower surface of said plastic layer and positioned over a one of said switches; 
   a resilient key top support layer coupled to said plastic layer of at least two of said key tops and connecting said key tops to one another; said key top support layer having a support layer arcuate leg section extending downward and away from said key tops toward a support layer base contacting said mounting surface;   wherein said key top support layer is operable to allow a plurality of said key tops to be in a stationary position when no force is applied to said key tops and to allow a single of said key tops to be in an activation position and actuate at least one of said switches when a predetermined force is applied to said single of said key tops;   wherein said key top support layer is free from contact with any of said switches in said stationary position and in said activation position.   
     
     
         10 . The keyboard having a multilayer keypad of  claim 9 , further comprising a light source in optical communication with said plastic layer of said plurality of key tops. 
     
     
         11 . The keyboard having a multilayer keypad of  claim 9 , wherein said plastic layer extends beyond the periphery of said display layer. 
     
     
         12 . The keyboard having a multilayer keypad of  claim 11 , wherein said actuating structure comprises a protrusion extending in a direction downward and away from said lower surface of said plastic layer. 
     
     
         13 . The keyboard having a multilayer keypad of  claim 12 , wherein said actuating structure is integrally formed with said lower surface of said plastic layer. 
     
     
         14 . The keyboard having a multilayer keypad of  claim 13 , wherein each of said switches is a dome-switch. 
     
     
         15 . A keypad for actuating a plurality of switches, comprising
 a plurality of key tops, each of said key tops having a metal layer and a translucent plastic layer, said metal layer of each of said key tops having a display surface and a back surface, and said plastic layer of each of said key tops coupled to said back surface of said metal layer and having an actuating structure extending in a direction downward and away from said back surface of said metal layer;   a key top support layer, said key top support layer coupled to said plastic layer of each of said key tops and surrounding each said actuating structure of each of said key tops;   said key top support layer having leg section extending downward from each said plastic layer to a key top base;   wherein the entirety of said key top support layer is downward and below said metal layer and wherein said key top support layer extends only partially underneath said key tops; and   wherein said key top support layer is configured to allow a plurality of said key tops to be in a stationary position when no force is applied to said key tops and to allow a single of said key tops to be in an activation position and actuate at least one of the switches when a predetermined force is applied to said single of said key tops.   
     
     
         16 . The keypad of  claim 15 , wherein said metal layer of said key tops has at least one aperture therethrough. 
     
     
         17 . The keypad of  claim 16 , wherein said leg section is convex. 
     
     
         18 . The keypad of  claim 17 , wherein said key top support layer is coupled to a downward facing surface of said plastic layer. 
     
     
         19 . The keypad of  claim 18 , wherein said plastic layer of a plurality of said key tops is translucent and extends beyond the periphery of said metal layer. 
     
     
         20 . The keypad of  claim 19 , wherein said metal layer is aluminum.