Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Multiple circuit control – Multiple switch
Patent
1987-12-10
1989-06-13
Scott, J. R.
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Multiple circuit control
Multiple switch
200513, H01H 1370
Patent
active
048394742
ABSTRACT:
A low profile switch or keypad has one or more touch buttons of circular or polygonal shape in plan formed integrally with and raised from a surrounding membrane of elastomeric material by a wall of resiliently deformable material of thickness and angle relative to the membrane so that the wall can flex under finger pressure on the or each button without deflecting the surrounding membrane. The membrane and at least the periphery of the button are relatively thick and the wall is relatively thin so that deformation during the keystroke is localized in the wall. The length of the wall is about equal to the keystroke and is relatively small compared to the width of the touch button. The junction between the wall and the membrane is located a distance greater than the keystroke above the lower surfaces of the membrane so that the wall passes overcenter during the keystroke resulting in a change in tactile sensation. The underside of each touch button is preferably formed with a convex contact pad dimensioned in relation to the button diameter and travel and the length of wall so that the contact pad makes surface to surface contact with conductors of an underlying circuit board.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3054879 (1962-09-01), Soreng
patent: 3699294 (1972-10-01), Sudduth
patent: 3728509 (1973-04-01), Shimajo
patent: 3760137 (1973-09-01), Shimojo et al.
patent: 3761944 (1973-09-01), Shimojo
patent: 3932722 (1976-01-01), Obata
patent: 4081631 (1978-03-01), Feder
patent: 4127758 (1978-11-01), Lowthorp
patent: 4343975 (1982-08-01), Sado
patent: 4378478 (1983-03-01), Deeg
patent: 4421966 (1983-12-01), Pounds
patent: 4491702 (1985-01-01), Kato
patent: 4532575 (1985-07-01), Suwa
patent: 4536625 (1985-08-01), Bebie
patent: 4634818 (1987-01-01), Hayes-Parkhurst et al.
Electronic Design; Ed Connolly; "Focus on Membrane Switches: Simple, Colorful, and Reliable"; vol. 30, Sep. 1982, pp. 183-192.
Hayes-Pankhurst Richard P.
Smith Brian D.
Key Innovations Limited
Scott J. R.
LandOfFree
Switches and keyboards does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Switches and keyboards, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Switches and keyboards will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1278831