US3742157A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard switch assembly with improved movable contact
Assignee: Magna Donnelly Corp
•
Filing: 1971-04-16
•
Granted: 1973-06-26
•
Expires: 1991-04-16
Abstract
Abstract A multiple switch construction for a keyboard or the like produced as a flat panel embodying laminates of electrical conductors in desired patterns, assembled as stratifications in close proximity and separated by spacers. Individual depressible means operating through resilient members urge movable switch elements into contact with fixed electrical conductors with a rotary, wiping action to insure positive electrical contact.
Inventors
- 👤 W Leposavic
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:53
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/78; H01H13/785; B; B41; B41J; B41J5/00; B41J5/08; B41J5/12; H01H13/702; H01H13/80; H01H13/703; H01H2201/00; H01H2201/004; H01H2201/01; H01H2201/014; H01H2201/022; H01H2201/026; H01H2203/00; H01H2203/018; H01H2203/022; H01H2205/00; H01H2205/032; H01H2207/00; H01H2207/022; H01H2209/00; H01H2209/01; H01H2211/00; H01H2211/026; H01H2211/03; H01H2217/00; H01H2217/024; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/05; H01H2223/00; H01H2223/002; H01H2229/00; H01H2229/008; H01H2229/016; H01H2229/024; H01H2229/028
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 89
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
In a multiple switch construction in which stratified laminates superimposed in spaced relation and in close proximity one upon another comprise in combination: 1. an electrically non-conductive base panel having one surface thereof divided into a plurality of switching areas; 2. a fixed electrically conductive switch element fixed upon said surface of said base panel within each of said switching areas thereon; 3. depressible means supported on said base panel in spaced relation to said surface thereof and selectively depressible toward the latter within any one of said switching areas thereon; 4. a flexible electrically conductive switching element having frame-like portions thereof conforming to and supported in spaced relation to said base panel with said depressible means for rotary flexing movement by the latter into electrical contact with the particular fixed electrically conductive switch element within the switching area into which said depressible means is selectively depressed; and 5. a spring laminate of resilient material interposed between said depressible means and said flexible switching element, said spring laminate including a plurality of spring stampings corresponding in number and location to each of said plurality of switching areas providing a positive spring return for each of said depressible means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
In a multiple switch construction in which stratified laminates superimposed in spaced relation and in close proximity one upon another comprise in combination: 1. an electrically non-conductive base panel having one surface thereof divided into a plurality of switching areas; 2. a fixed electrically conductive switch element fixed upon said surface of said base panel within each of said switching areas thereon; 3. depressible means supported on said base panel in spaced relation to said surface thereof and selectively depressible toward the latter within any one of said switching areas thereon; 4. a flexible electrically conductive switching element having frame-like portions thereof conforming to and supported in spaced relation to said base panel with said depressible means for rotary flexing movement by the latter into electrical contact with the particular fixed electrically conductive switch element within the switching area into which said depressible means is selectively depressed; and 5. a spring laminate of resilient material interposed between said depressible means and said flexible switching element, said spring laminate including a plurality of spring stampings corresponding in number and location to each of said plurality of switching areas providing a positive spring return for each of said depressible means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
a fixed electrically conductive switch element fixed upon said surface of said base panel within each of said switching areas thereon;
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
a fixed electrically conductive switch element fixed upon said surface of said base panel within each of said switching areas thereon;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The multiple switch construction in accordance with that of claim 1, including in combination:
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
non-conductive extensions on said spacers disposed on said frame-like portions of said flexible electrically conductive element;
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
non-conductive extensions on said spacers disposed on said frame-like portions of said flexible electrically conductive element;
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
a plurality of legs having base ends thereof equally spaced about said medial contact means, said legs being integral to said frame-like portions and extending across one side of said frame-like portions and inwardly therefrom into the switching area defined by said spacers; and
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
a plurality of legs having base ends thereof equally spaced about said medial contact means, said legs being integral to said frame-like portions and extending across one side of said frame-like portions and inwardly therefrom into the switching area defined by said spacers; and
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
electrically conductive switch elements fixed on the upper surface of said base panel;
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
electrically conductive switch elements fixed on the upper surface of said base panel;
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
10 words
a guide plate supporting said push buttons for linear movement;
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
10 words
a guide plate supporting said push buttons for linear movement;
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
a fixed electrically conductive switch element fixed upon said surface of said base panel within each of said switching areas thereOn;
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
a fixed electrically conductive switch element fixed upon said surface of said base panel within each of said switching areas thereOn;
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
a panel of flexible switching elements supported in spaced relation to said fixed elements on said spacers;
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
a panel of flexible switching elements supported in spaced relation to said fixed elements on said spacers;
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
44 words
a plurality of legs having base ends thereof equally spaced about said medial contact means, said legs being integral to said frame-like portions and extending across one side of said frame-like portions and inwardly therefrom into the switching area defined by said spacers; and
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
44 words
a plurality of legs having base ends thereof equally spaced about said medial contact means, said legs being integral to said frame-like portions and extending across one side of said frame-like portions and inwardly therefrom into the switching area defined by said spacers; and
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
a plurality of spider-like legs extending spirally inwardly of each of said frame-like portions and having inwardly bowed ends terminating in a common central ring.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
a plurality of spider-like legs extending spirally inwardly of each of said frame-like portions and having inwardly bowed ends terminating in a common central ring.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
61 words
each of said legs being of a length greater than the shortest distance between its base end and said medial contact element to thereby facilitate flexing of said legs toward said base panel while supporting said medial contact element parallel thereto for substantial linear and rotary movement upon depression thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said panel.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
61 words
each of said legs being of a length greater than the shortest distance between its base end and said medial contact element to thereby facilitate flexing of said legs toward said base panel while supporting said medial contact element parallel thereto for substantial linear and rotary movement upon depression thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said panel.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
61 words
each of said legs being of a length greater than the shortest distance between its base end and said medial contact element to thereby facilitate flexing of said legs toward said base panel while supporting said medial contact element parallel thereto for substantially linear and rotary movement upon depression thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said panel.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
61 words
each of said legs being of a length greater than the shortest distance between its base end and said medial contact element to thereby facilitate flexing of said legs toward said base panel while supporting said medial contact element parallel thereto for substantially linear and rotary movement upon depression thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said panel.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
35 words
a resilient insulating layer positioned over said flexible switching elements, said insulating layer having a plurality of expanded air pockets therein corresponding in number and location to each of said plurality of switching zones; and
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
a resilient insulating layer positioned over said flexible switching elements, said insulating layer having a plurality of expanded air pockets therein corresponding in number and location to each of said plurality of switching zones; and
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
depressible means supported on said base panel in spaced relation to said surface thereof and selectively depressible toward the latter within any one of said switching areas thereon;
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
depressible means supported on said base panel in spaced relation to said surface thereof and selectively depressible toward the latter within any one of said switching areas thereon;
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
a layer of resilient material disposed below said push buttons, said layer having a plurality of expanded portions formed therein for each of said push buttons in said array;
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
a layer of resilient material disposed below said push buttons, said layer having a plurality of expanded portions formed therein for each of said push buttons in said array;
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
a framework of spacers mounted on said upper surface of said base panel dividing the same into a plurality of switching areas;
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
a framework of spacers mounted on said upper surface of said base panel dividing the same into a plurality of switching areas;
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
41 words
A multiple switch construction as claimed in claim 2 and further including a layer of resilient, non-conductive material interposed between said flexible switching element and said spring laminate, said layer providing a damper for said movable contacts to minimize contact bounce.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
a plurality of integrated frames formed in said spring laminate conforming to said non-conductive extensions of said spacers and secured thereto;
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
a plurality of integrated frames formed in said spring laminate conforming to said non-conductive extensions of said spacers and secured thereto;
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
depressible means supported on said base panel in spaced relation to said surface thereof and selectively depressible toward the latter within any one of said switching areas thereon;
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
28 words
depressible means supported on said base panel in spaced relation to said surface thereof and selectively depressible toward the latter within any one of said switching areas thereon;
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
56 words
a flexible electrically conductive switching element having frame-like portions thereof conforming to and supported in spaced relation to said base panel with said depressible means for rotary flexing movement by the latter into electrical contact with the particular fixed electrically conductive switch element within the switching area into which said depressible means is selectively depressed; and
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
56 words
a flexible electrically conductive switching element having frame-like portions thereof conforming to and supported in spaced relation to said base panel with said depressible means for rotary flexing movement by the latter into electrical contact with the particular fixed electrically conductive switch element within the switching area into which said depressible means is selectively depressed; and
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
a plurality of spider-like legs extending spirally inwardly of each of said frame-like portions and having inwardly bowed ends terminating in a common ceNtral ring; and
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
a plurality of spider-like legs extending spirally inwardly of each of said frame-like portions and having inwardly bowed ends terminating in a common ceNtral ring; and
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
A multiple switch construction as claimed in claim 3 wherein said depressible means is an array of push buttons supported for linear movement in a guide plate.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
A multiple switch construction as claimed in claim 5 wherein said depressible means is an array of push buttons supported fro linear movement in a guide plate.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
flexible, electrically conductive switching elements having frame-like portions thereof conforming to and supported on said spacers in spaced relation to said base;
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
flexible, electrically conductive switching elements having frame-like portions thereof conforming to and supported on said spacers in spaced relation to said base;
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
13 words
an electrically non-conductive base panel having a plurality of switch elements fixed thereon;
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
13 words
an electrically non-conductive base panel having a plurality of switch elements fixed thereon;
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
47 words
a flexible electrically conductive switching element supported in spaced relation to said base panel with said depressible means for movement by the latter into electrical contact with the particular fixed electrically conductive switch element within the switching area into which said depressible means is selectively depressed; and
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
47 words
a flexible electrically conductive switching element supported in spaced relation to said base panel with said depressible means for movement by the latter into electrical contact with the particular fixed electrically conductive switch element within the switching area into which said depressible means is selectively depressed; and
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
16 words
a plurality of push buttons supported for linear movement into each of said independent switching zones.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
a plurality of push buttons supported for linear movement into each of said independent switching zones.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
38 words
a layer of non-conductive resilient material interposed between said depressible means and said flexible switching element, said layer having a plurality of expanded portions therein corresponding in number and location to each of said plurality of switching areas.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
38 words
a layer of non-conductive resilient material interposed between said depressible means and said flexible switching element, said layer having a plurality of expanded portions therein corresponding in number and location to each of said plurality of switching areas.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
a framework of spacers mounted on said base panel dividing said fixed switch elements into a plurality of individual switching areas;
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
a framework of spacers mounted on said base panel dividing said fixed switch elements into a plurality of individual switching areas;
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
41 words
A multiple switch construction as claimed in claim 1 and further including a layer of resilient, non-conductive material interposed between said flexible switching element and said spring laminate, said layer providing a damper for said movable contacts to minimize contact bounce.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
11 words
a sheet of resilient, non-conductive material supported on said switching elements;
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
11 words
a sheet of resilient, non-conductive material supported on said switching elements;
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
50 words
a depending central projection on the underside of said depressible means within each of said switching areas and supported on said common central ring for engaging said flexible element with the fixed electrically conductive element on said base panel upon depression of said depressible means in the respective switching area.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
50 words
a depending central projection on the underside of said depressible means within each of said switching areas and supported on said common central ring for engaging said flexible element with the fixed electrically conductive element on said base panel upon depression of said depressible means in the respective switching area.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
49 words
a spring laminate of resilient material interposed between said depressible means and said flexible switching element, said spring laminate including a plurality of spring stampings corresponding in number and location to each of said plurality of switching areas providing a positive spring return for each of said depressible means.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
49 words
a spring laminate of resilient material interposed between said depressible means and said flexible switching element, said spring laminate including a plurality of spring stampings corresponding in number and location to each of said plurality of switching areas providing a positive spring return for each of said depressible means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
16 words
a second framework of spacers aligned with said first-mentioned spacers on said sheet of resilient material;
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
16 words
a second framework of spacers aligned with said first-mentioned spacers on said sheet of resilient material;
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
51 words
a conductive switching panel supported in spaced relation to said base panel on said spacers and said push buttons, said panel having a plurality of flexible, movable switch elements formed therein, each said switch element movable spirally downwardly by said push buttons against said fixed element within each defined switching area.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
51 words
a conductive switching panel supported in spaced relation to said base panel on said spacers and said push buttons, said panel having a plurality of flexible, movable switch elements formed therein, each said switch element movable spirally downwardly by said push buttons against said fixed element within each defined switching area.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
20 words
a spring laminate of resilient material having frame-like portions conforming to and supported on said second framework of spacers; and
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
20 words
a spring laminate of resilient material having frame-like portions conforming to and supported on said second framework of spacers; and
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
58 words
The multiple switch construction in accordance with that of claim 2 wherein said spring laminate further includes a plurality of legs having base ends thereof integrally connected to said common central ring, extending spirally and radially inwardly therefrom and commonly terminating at their opposite ends to form a seat for said depending central projection on said depressible means.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a multiple switch construction having non-conductive spacers defining independent switch areas, the improvement comprising switching elements constructed of a panel divided into a plurality of frame-like portions having integral movable switch elements suspended from said frame-like portions for rotary flexing movement toward a base panel, said integral movable switching elements including:
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a multiple switch construction having non-conductive spacers defining independent switch areas, the improvement comprising switching elements constructed of a panel divided into a plurality of frame-like portions having integral movable switch elements suspended from said frame-like portions for rotary flexing movement toward a base panel, said integral movable switching elements including:
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
58 words
an array of pushbuttons supported for linear movement within a guide plate, said pushbuttons corresponding in location and number to each of said plurality of switching areas, said push-buttons being depressible within any one of said switch areas to move said flexible switch element into contact with said fixed switch element to thereby selectively close an electrical circuit.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
58 words
an array of pushbuttons supported for linear movement within a guide plate, said pushbuttons corresponding in location and number to each of said plurality of switching areas, said push-buttons being depressible within any one of said switch areas to move said flexible switch element into contact with said fixed switch element to thereby selectively close an electrical circuit.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
11 words
In a keyboard assembly for controlling electrical circuits the combination comprising:
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
11 words
In a keyboard assembly for controlling electrical circuits the combination comprising:
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
In a multiple switch construction in which stratified laminates superimposed in spaced relation and in close proximity one upon another comprise in combination:
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
In a multiple switch construction in which stratified laminates superimposed in spaced relation and in close proximity one upon another comprise in combination:
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
8 words
A keyboard assembly for controlling electrical circuits comprising:
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
8 words
A keyboard assembly for controlling electrical circuits comprising:
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
9 words
A keyboard assembly for selectively controlling electrical circuits comprising:
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
9 words
A keyboard assembly for selectively controlling electrical circuits comprising:
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
15 words
The keyboard assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein said electrically conductive switching elements comprise;
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
13 words
The keyboard assembly as claimed in clAim 12 wherein said spring laminate comprises:
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
169 words
In a multiple switch construction having movable switching elements formed in a panel divided into a plurality of framelike portions, said elements suspended in said frame for rotary and flexing movement toward a fixed contact, said elements within each frame comprising: a central movable switching element having a plurality of radially extending contact fingers thereon; a plurality of equally spaced flexible legs extending outwardly from said switching elements, said legs turning at an acute angle at a distance away from said element and extending along the sides of said frame through at least the greatest part of the length of said side to an adjacent side for integral connection therewith, said legs forming a hinge-like connection between said frame and said element whereby the distance between the ends of said legs and their connection with said frame changes relative to the vertical as said element is depressed resulting in a spiralling rotating descent of said elements and said contact fingers toward said fixed contacts for rotary wiping contact therewith.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
169 words
In a multiple switch construction having movable switching elements formed in a panel divided into a plurality of framelike portions, said elements suspended in said frame for rotary and flexing movement toward a fixed contact, said elements within each frame comprising: a central movable switching element having a plurality of radially extending contact fingers thereon; a plurality of equally spaced flexible legs extending outwardly from said switching elements, said legs turning at an acute angle at a distance away from said element and extending along the sides of said frame through at least the greatest part of the length of said side to an adjacent side for integral connection therewith, said legs forming a hinge-like connection between said frame and said element whereby the distance between the ends of said legs and their connection with said frame changes relative to the vertical as said element is depressed resulting in a spiralling rotating descent of said elements and said contact fingers toward said fixed contacts for rotary wiping contact therewith.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
19 words
The multiple switch construction of claim 15 in which said contact fingers extend radially inwardly from said central element.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
19 words
The multiple switch construction of claim 15 in which said contact fingers extend radially outwardly from said central element.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
21 words
The multiple switch construction of claim 17 in which the outermost ends of said radially outwardly extending contact fingers are bifurcated.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-25 | 1976-12-25 | 1977-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-25 | 1980-12-25 | 1981-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-25 | 1984-12-25 | 1985-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |