Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A membrane switch, comprising: a pair of flexible, Opposing, planar conductive electrodes electrically isolated from one another, each said electrode having an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surfaces opposing one another; a generally planar dielectric member disposed between said Opposing electrodes and having a pattern defining a plurality of opposing electrode contact portions which remain unobstructed by said dielectric member; and a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions defined on each said electrode outer surface, one said protrusion provided adjacent each said electrode contact portion, such that pressure exerted on said outwardly extending protrusion causes said corresponding, opposing, electrode contact portions to make electrical contact with one another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A membrane switch, comprising: a pair of flexible, Opposing, planar conductive electrodes electrically isolated from one another, each said electrode having an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surfaces opposing one another; a generally planar dielectric member disposed between said Opposing electrodes and having a pattern defining a plurality of opposing electrode contact portions which remain unobstructed by said dielectric member; and a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions defined on each said electrode outer surface, one said protrusion provided adjacent each said electrode contact portion, such that pressure exerted on said outwardly extending protrusion causes said corresponding, opposing, electrode contact portions to make electrical contact with one another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The switch as specified in Claim 1 wherein said dielectric member pattern comprises a plurality of adjacent geometric shapes having a cavity, said electrode contact portions being defined within said geometric shape cavities.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The switch as specified in Claim 1 wherein said protrusion is comprised of a dot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The switch of Claim 1, wherein said pattern defines a plurality of cavities between said pair of electrodes and opposing electrode contact portions are formed by the dielectric cavities.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The switch as specified in Claim 4 wherein said dielectric member pattern comprises a plurality of adjacent geometric shapes defining said cavities, said electrode contact portions being defined within said geometric shape cavities.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The switch as specified in Claim 4 or 5 wherein one said protrusion is defined on each said electrode outer surface adjacent said opposing contact portions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The switch as specified in any one of Claims 2 to 6 wherein said dielectric member pattern comprises a plurality of hexagons to form a honeycomb-like pattern.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The switch as specified in any preceding claim wherein said protrusions are spaced no more than 5.1 mm (.20 inches) from one another.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
A steering wheel having a resilient airbag assembly disposed therein, a resilient airbag cover for covering said airbag assembly, and a membrane switch disposed in a covering relation over said airbag assembly and under said airbag cover, said switch being constructed according to any preceding claim.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A horn for generating an audio output, and a switch coupled to said horn for activating said horn, said switch being constructed according to any preceding claim.