Patent US3916135A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3916135A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard type switch with rocker type key actuator
Assignee: HP Inc
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Filing: 1974-07-03
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1994-07-03
Abstract
Abstract A keyboard is disclosed having a printed circuit board with arched contacts fastened thereto which may be deflected into contact with conductors on the printed circuit board. The arched contacts provide a snap-action when they are deflected by a key so that the user receives tactile feedback when electrical contact is made between the arched contact and the conductor on the printed circuit board. The key has a flat portion on its lower surface which is in contact with the arched conductor. On either side of the flat area are recessed areas which receive the arched conductor when it is deflected toward the printed circuit board through the application of force to the key by a user. The key is also provided with a protrusion which limits the travel of the key.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas E Holden
- 👤 Thomas A Hender
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:44
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/7013; H01H21/00; H01H21/02; H01H21/18; H01H21/22; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/008; H01H2221/016
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A key switch comprising: a substrate; a first conductor supported on a first side of the substrate; a second conductor supported by the substrate and symmetrically arched over the first conductor; a key for deflecting the second conductor into contact with the first conductor upon the application of force to the key, the lower surface of the key resting on the arched conductor when no force is being applied to the key, the lower surface of the key having a substantially flat central portion and recessed portions on either side of the central portion for preventing the second conductor from buckling asymmetrically when it is deflected by the key, the recessed portions having a depth substantially equal to the height of the buckled second conductor above the central portion when the second conductor is deflected; and means connected to the substrate for supporting and guiding the key.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A key switch comprising: a substrate; a first conductor supported on a first side of the substrate; a second conductor supported by the substrate and symmetrically arched over the first conductor; a key for deflecting the second conductor into contact with the first conductor upon the application of force to the key, the lower surface of the key resting on the arched conductor when no force is being applied to the key, the lower surface of the key having a substantially flat central portion and recessed portions on either side of the central portion for preventing the second conductor from buckling asymmetrically when it is deflected by the key, the recessed portions having a depth substantially equal to the height of the buckled second conductor above the central portion when the second conductor is deflected; and means connected to the substrate for supporting and guiding the key.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A key switch as in claim 1 wherein the lower surface of the key includes a protrusion for limiting the travel of the key to a distance less than the undeflected separation of the first and second conductors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
A key switch as in claim 2 wherein the substrate is a printed circuit board, the first conductor is a printed circuit trace on the printed circuit board, and the second conductor is an arched conductive strip supported by and in contact with printed circuit traces on the printed circuit board.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A key switch as in claim 1 wherein the means for supporting and guiding the key includes a journal in which the key is rotatably mounted.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |