Webbed keyboard assembly

Abstract

A keyboard assembly configured for converting keystroke activation into electrical signals. The keyboard assembly includes a plurality of key caps, each of the plurality of key caps being configured to transition between a rest position and a depressed position. The keyboard assembly also includes a web-like structure having a plurality of interconnected ribs defining a plurality of apertures. The plurality of key caps are disposed such that the plurality of key caps move within the plurality of apertures and traverse a plane formed by an upper surface of the web-like structure when the plurality of key caps transition between the rest position and the depressed position.

1 . A keyboard assembly configured for converting keystroke activation into electrical signals, comprising:
 a plurality of key caps, each of the plurality of key caps being configured to transition between a rest position and a depressed position; and   a web-like structure having a plurality of interconnected ribs defining a plurality of apertures, at least some of which have a shape and size in accordance with a respective key cap, the plurality of key caps being disposed such that at least some of the plurality of key caps move within the at least some of the plurality of apertures and traverse a plane formed by an upper surface of the web-like structure when the at least some of the plurality of key caps transition between the rest position and the depressed position, wherein at least some of the plurality of interconnected ribs fit interstitially between respective individual key cap assemblies.   
     
     
         2 . The keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the web-like structure is formed of a plastic material. 
     
     
         3 . The keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of key caps includes a first key cap, the first key cap having a top-hat configuration that includes flanges configured to mate with shoulders formed by ribs of the interconnected ribs when the first key cap is in the rest position. 
     
     
         4 . The keyboard assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the flanges completely surround a base of the first key cap. 
     
     
         5 . The keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical signals are configured to operate an electronic device. 
     
     
         6 . The keyboard assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the electronic device represents a laptop computer or a cell phone. 
     
     
         7 . An electronic device, comprising:
 a processor adapted to accept and act upon incoming electrical signals representing keystroke inputs from a user; and   a keyboard assembly coupled to the processor and configured to convert keystrokes from the user into electrical signals, the keyboard assembly including:
 a plurality of key caps, each of the plurality of key caps being configured to transition between a rest position and a depressed position, and 
 a web-like structure having a plurality of interconnected ribs defining a plurality of apertures, at least some of which have a shape and size in accordance with a respective key cap, the plurality of key caps being disposed such that at least some of the plurality of key caps move within the at least some of the plurality of apertures and traverse a plane formed by an upper surface of the web-like structure when the at least some of the plurality of key caps transition between the rest position and the depressed position, wherein at least some of the plurality of interconnected ribs fit interstitially between respective individual key cap assemblies. 
   
     
     
         8 . The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the web-like structure is formed of a plastic material. 
     
     
         9 . The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of key caps includes a first key cap, the first key cap having a top-hat configuration that includes flanges configured to mate with shoulders formed by ribs of the interconnected ribs when the first key cap is in the rest position. 
     
     
         10 . The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the flanges completely surround a base of the first key cap. 
     
     
         11 . The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the electronic device is a laptop computer or a cell phone. 
     
     
         12 . A method of forming a flexible keyboard, comprising:
 receiving a plurality of key cap assemblies each of which includes a key cap, an associated key cap support pad arranged to provide mechanical support only for the key cap, and a linkage unit that mechanically couples the key cap and the key cap support pad, the linkage unit facilitating the transitioning of the key cap between the rest and depressed positions;   receiving a keyboard support lattice comprising a web-like structure formed of a plurality of interconnected ribs that form an array of apertures each arranged to accommodate one of the key cap assemblies;   placing into at least some of the array of apertures an associated one of the plurality of key cap assemblies arranged such that the interconnecting ribs fit interstitially between at least some of the plurality of key cap assemblies; and   attaching the key cap support pad of each of the inserted key cap assemblies to the keyboard support lattice thereby connecting together and supporting at least some of the plurality of key cap support pads such that the associated ones of the plurality of key cap assemblies are supported by the keyboard support lattice and are physically separate from each other.   
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the web-like structure is formed of a plastic material. 
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the key cap support pad includes at least a plurality of counter-sunk features, a first plurality of portions of the plurality of interconnected ribs being disposed inside the plurality of counter-sunk features.