Configuration and method for mounting a key to a deflection web for a keypad

1. A key for a keypad comprising:

a key cap; and

a post operatively coupled to the key cap;

wherein the post comprises a plurality of channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of channels intersects at least one other of the plurality of channels; and

wherein the post further comprises a flange.

2. The key of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels are substantially uniformly arranged about the post.

3. The key of claim 1 , wherein the flange is proximate the key cap.

4. The key of claim 1 , wherein the key cap is positioned proximate a first end of the post, and wherein the plurality of channels extend between a second end of the post and the flange.

5. The key of claim 1 , wherein the key cap is operatively coupled to the post at a first end of the post and at least one of the plurality of channels extends from proximate the first end of the post to a second end of the post.

6. The key of claim 1 , wherein the key cap is operatively coupled to the post at a first end of the post and the flange is positioned on the post intermediate the first end of the post and a second end of the post.

7. A keypad assembly comprising:

at least one key having a post and a key cap;

wherein the post comprises a plurality of channels, wherein one of the plurality of channels intersects at least one other of the channels; and

a deflection web including at least one seat configured to receive the post;

wherein the seat comprises an open end and a closed end remote from the open end; and

wherein the seat comprises a shoulder intermediate the open end and the closed end.

8. The keypad assembly of claim 7 , wherein the post comprises a flange; and

wherein the shoulder is configured to mate with the flange when the key is received in the seat.

9. The keypad assembly of claim 8 , wherein the flange is proximate the key cap.

10. The keypad assembly of claim 8 , wherein the key cap is positioned proximate a first end of the post, and wherein the channels extend between a second end of the post and the flange.

11. The keypad assembly of claim 7 , wherein the key cap is operatively coupled to the post at a first end of the post and at least one of the plurality of channels is defined in the post and extends from proximate the first end of the post to a second end of the post.

12. The keypad assembly of claim 8 , wherein the key cap is operatively coupled to the post at a first end of the post and the flange is positioned on the post intermediate the first end of the post and a second end of the post.

13. A method of making a keypad, wherein the method comprises:

providing a key comprising a key cap and a post operatively coupled to the key cap,

wherein the post comprises a plurality of channels, wherein one of the plurality of channels intersects at least one other of the channels;

providing a deflection web comprising a seat configured to receive the post of the key;

providing an adhesive on the post of the key; and

inserting the post of the key into the seat.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the seat comprises an open end and a closed end remote from the open end; and

wherein the adhesive is provided proximate the closed end of the seat.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the adhesive is provided on a bottom of the post.

16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the seat comprises an open end and a closed end remote from the open end; and

wherein the seat comprises a shoulder intermediate the open end and the closed end.

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the post comprises a flange; and

wherein the shoulder is configured to mate with the flange when the key is received in the seat.

18. The key of claim 1 , wherein the flange extends around an entire periphery of the post.

19. The key of claim 1 , wherein the flange includes a shape that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the post.

20. The key of claim 1 , wherein the post includes a plurality of post sides, and the flange extends around at least two of the plurality of post sides.

21. The key of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of channels only extend between the second end and the flange.

22. The key of claim 1 , wherein the post is integrally formed with the key cap.

23. The key of claim 1 , wherein the post comprises a solid body.