Patent US3692519A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3715541A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cushion seat switch sensor means
Assignee: Tapeswitch Corp of America
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Filing: 1971-05-18
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Granted: 1973-02-06
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Expires: 1991-05-18
Abstract
Abstract A ribbon switch is provided for operating on cushioned seats, for instance, between the spring and padding of automobile seats. First and second flexible conductive strips are normally separated by a plurality of insulating members sandwiched between them. The insulating members are spaced so as to hold the conductive strips separated unless the conductive strips are flexed or bowed; as for instance, into a soft cushion by someone sitting on them. The spacing of the insulating members and the flexibility of the strips is chosen so that after a predetermined amount of flexing, the conductive strips will snap together forming a good electrical contact. The strips are held together by an appropriate sleeve. The outer cover consists of two flexible strips having transverse curvature placed convexly opposing to form a central shaftway.
Inventors
- 👤 R Koenig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 05:18
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H3/00; H01H3/02; H01H3/14; H01H3/141; H01H3/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
Ribbon switch means for mounting between a seat cushion and one of its supporting springs comprising a first flexible conductive strips, a second flexible conductive strip, a plurality of insulating members connected between first and second strips, said insulating members being spaced along the axes of said strips so that said strips will be held in noncontact, separated position unless said strips are flexed about an axis perpendicular to their longitudinal axes, an insulating sleeve enclosing said strips, and third and fourth flexible strips having transverse curvature enclosing said sleeve, whereby when said strip assemblies are mounted between a soft seat cushion and a seat spring and a force is applied on top of said cushion, they will flex, and, after a predetermined amount of flexing, said first and second strips will snap together to provide a good electrical contact.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
Ribbon switch means for mounting between a seat cushion and one of its supporting springs comprising a first flexible conductive strips, a second flexible conductive strip, a plurality of insulating members connected between first and second strips, said insulating members being spaced along the axes of said strips so that said strips will be held in noncontact, separated position unless said strips are flexed about an axis perpendicular to their longitudinal axes, an insulating sleeve enclosing said strips, and third and fourth flexible strips having transverse curvature enclosing said sleeve, whereby when said strip assemblies are mounted between a soft seat cushion and a seat spring and a force is applied on top of said cushion, they will flex, and, after a predetermined amount of flexing, said first and second strips will snap together to provide a good electrical contact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
140 words
Ribbon switch means for mounting between a seat cushion and one of its supporting springs comprising a first flexible conductive strips, a second flexible conductive strip, a plurality of insulating members connected between first and second strips, said insulating members being spaced along the axes of said strips so that said strips will be held in non-contact, separated position unless said strips are flexed about an axis perpendicular to their longitudinal axes, an insulating sleeve enclosing said strips, and third and fourth flexible strips having transverse curvature enclosing said sleeve, whereby when said strip assemblies are mounted between a soft seat cushion and a seat spring and a force is applied on top of said cushion, they will flex, and, after a predetermined amount of flexing, said first and second strips will snap together to provide a good electrical contact.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
140 words
Ribbon switch means for mounting between a seat cushion and one of its supporting springs comprising a first flexible conductive strips, a second flexible conductive strip, a plurality of insulating members connected between first and second strips, said insulating members being spaced along the axes of said strips so that said strips will be held in non-contact, separated position unless said strips are flexed about an axis perpendicular to their longitudinal axes, an insulating sleeve enclosing said strips, and third and fourth flexible strips having transverse curvature enclosing said sleeve, whereby when said strip assemblies are mounted between a soft seat cushion and a seat spring and a force is applied on top of said cushion, they will flex, and, after a predetermined amount of flexing, said first and second strips will snap together to provide a good electrical contact.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said first and second strips have a transverse curvature, the degree of said transverse curvature being adapted to control rigidity and sensitivity.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-06 | 1976-08-07 | 1977-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-06 | 1980-08-07 | 1981-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-06 | 1984-08-07 | 1985-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |