Keypad with individual keys made from transparent plastic

Details Keypad with individual keys made from transparent plastic Keypad with individual keys made from transparent plastic

1999-09-10

2001-03-27

Gellner, Michael L. (Department: 2832)

Electricity: circuit makers and breakers

Multiple circuit control

Multiple switch

C200S341000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06207907

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on a keypad with individual keys made from transparent plastic. Keypads as used in telephone devices are already known in the art. A conventional telephone terminal contains a keypad part with individual numbers as well as keys which trigger defined functions. These special function keys are, for example, lettered or engraved on the keypad surfaces. In addition, conventional devices have keys whose function is freely programmable. In order to give the user information on the programmed function of the individual key, it is possible to write in a title block adjacent to the key. In order to guarantee the user the most simple use of his terminal, a number of function keys can be used. The number of function keys is limited due to their space requirements, as the freely programmable keys with their adjacent title blocks take up a large proportion of the surface of the device. In addition, conventional devices which contain lettered function keys are always designed for a certain language region. Thus different product lines are necessary to produce lettering in different languages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The keypad in accordance with the invention with individual keys made from transparent plastic with the characteristic features of the invention has the advantage that the individual keys are not lettered on the surface but the user can see through to a lettered label. This lettered label lies advantageously below the transparent individual keys so that the space requirement overall is low. The written label can be replaced easily through the fastening means.
Through the measures listed in the subclaims, advantageous additional embodiments and improvements to the keypad given in the main claim are possible. It is particularly advantageous that the transparent individual keys are glued, bonded or fused to a guard using connection points.
The surfaces of the transparent individual keys advantageously have a convex formed surface which magnifies the label below. In addition, the form of the surface is pleasant to use as the individual keys have a pleasant form and size for use. Advantageously, the whole unit comprising guard and individual keys has a snap closure by which the unit can be fastened to a housing. In addition, it is advantageous that the label is inserted between ribs formed in the surface of the housing. In a further embodiment, the label is centred by mountings applied to the guard.
The label itself is advantageously made from paper or foil and can be put together and labelled by the user. It is also possible to highlight the label with colour or patterns, to better differentiate the individual functions. The invention keypad can be advantageously used on telecommunications terminals, such as telephones, fax machines, etc.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4125934 (1978-11-01), Keough et al.
patent: 5193669 (1993-03-01), Demeo et al.
patent: 5280146 (1994-01-01), Inagaki et al.
patent: 5670759 (1997-09-01), Hsu
patent: 5745566 (1998-04-01), Petrella et al.
patent: 5828016 (1998-10-01), Grannan et al.
patent: 5982304 (1999-11-01), Selker et al.
patent: 0 163 624 A2 (1985-12-01), None
patent: 0 325 757 A2 (1989-08-01), None
patent: WO 90/00304 (1990-01-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Keypad with individual keys made from transparent plastic does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Keypad with individual keys made from transparent plastic, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Keypad with individual keys made from transparent plastic will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2494407