US3823309A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple key assembly for calculators and the like
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-06-21
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Granted: 1974-07-09
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Expires: 1993-06-21
Abstract
Abstract The keyboard for a small electronic calculator comprises a matrix of bosses connected by flexible webs. The bosses have the indicia printed on the top thereof. Projections extend from the underside of the bosses to the electric switches arranged on a separate circuit board. Each boss is covered with a transparent plastic cap, which caps are connected by integral webs.
Inventors
- 👤 J Caruso
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 09:39
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H13/705; G; G06; G06C; G06C7/00; G06C7/02; H01H2209/00; H01H2209/014; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/024; H01H2221/03; H01H2221/054; H01H2221/056; H01H2223/00; H01H2223/01; H01H2223/024; H01H2229/00; H01H2229/034; H01H2229/04; H01H2229/042; H01H2229/044; H01H2229/046; H01H2231/00; H01H2231/002; H01H2233/00; H01H2233/002; H01H2233/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
In a keyboard assembly for an electronic calculator or the like, which assembly includes a plurality of actuating elements arranged in a predetermined pattern, a corresponding number of key devices with each device being associated with a respective element so that when the device is pushed by an operator''s finger the respective element will be actuated, each device having an identifying indicia thereon, the improvement wherein said devices comprise: a matrix formed of a plurality of bosses interconnected by flexible membrane means, there being a boss for each of said elements with the boss being centered over the respective element, each boss having an underside adjacent the respective element and an outer side, said indicia being on the outer side of the bosses, said membrane means positioning said bosses in an orientation corresponding to said pattern of the elements while permitting each individual boss to move in the direction of its respective element for actuating the respective element; and a corresponding number of caps with each cap covering and protecting the outer side of a respective boss, said caps being transparent so that said indicia on said outer side can be seen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
In a keyboard assembly for an electronic calculator or the like, which assembly includes a plurality of actuating elements arranged in a predetermined pattern, a corresponding number of key devices with each device being associated with a respective element so that when the device is pushed by an operator''s finger the respective element will be actuated, each device having an identifying indicia thereon, the improvement wherein said devices comprise: a matrix formed of a plurality of bosses interconnected by flexible membrane means, there being a boss for each of said elements with the boss being centered over the respective element, each boss having an underside adjacent the respective element and an outer side, said indicia being on the outer side of the bosses, said membrane means positioning said bosses in an orientation corresponding to said pattern of the elements while permitting each individual boss to move in the direction of its respective element for actuating the respective element; and a corresponding number of caps with each cap covering and protecting the outer side of a respective boss, said caps being transparent so that said indicia on said outer side can be seen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
In an assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said matrix is molded of plastic and said membrane means comprises a plurality of individual webs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
88 words
In an assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said calculator includes a case within which is said elements and has openings through which the devices respectively project, the improvement comprising: said membrane means includes an integral border to which some of said webs connect, each boss having a projection extending from its underside toward the respective element, said caps being molded of plastic separate from said matrix, each cap having a projection adjacent its lower side to prevent it from coming out through the respective opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
In an assembly as set fortH in claim 3, wherein said caps are part of a unit molded of plastic, said unit including webs interconnecting the caps.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-08 | 1978-01-07 | 1978-07-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-08 | 1982-01-07 | 1982-07-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-08 | 1986-01-07 | 1986-07-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |