Patent US3736397A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3736397A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard switch assembly with pushbutton magnetic latching structure for non-operative position
Assignee: Singer Co
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Filing: 1972-01-24
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Granted: 1973-05-29
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Expires: 1992-01-24
Abstract
Abstract A keyboard comprising a plurality of key assemblies mounted in a mounting member and a base member. Each key assembly is provided with a magnet which provides both a magnetic latching and an electrical switching action. The mounting member is constructed from a magnetic material having low magnetic remanence and is provided with an upper layer of resilient, foam material to provide key cushioning and a lower layer of resilient material to space the magnet from the mounting member. Each key assembly is also provided with a means for preventing formation of a vacuum between the bottom of an actuated key and the upper resilient layer of the mounting member.
Inventors
- 👤 E Pedersen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 11:25
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H36/00; H01H36/0006; H01H36/004; G; G06; G06C; G06C7/00; G06C7/02; G06C7/04; H01H13/00; H01H13/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A keyboard device comprising: a flat mounting member having an opening therein and a resilient surface surrounding said opening; a key assembly including a key stem reciprocably received by said opening in said mounting member and a key top mounted at one end of said key stem, the bottom portion of said key top being adapted to make contact with the resilient surface of said mounting member when said key assembly is in an actuated position to create a void under said key top; means for biasing said key assembly toward a non-actuated position; said key assembly further including means for preventing formation of a partial vacuum in said void when said contact has been established.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A keyboard device comprising: a flat mounting member having an opening therein and a resilient surface surrounding said opening; a key assembly including a key stem reciprocably received by said opening in said mounting member and a key top mounted at one end of said key stem, the bottom portion of said key top being adapted to make contact with the resilient surface of said mounting member when said key assembly is in an actuated position to create a void under said key top; means for biasing said key assembly toward a non-actuated position; said key assembly further including means for preventing formation of a partial vacuum in said void when said contact has been established.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said last-named means comprises a raised portion extending along the bottom of said key top.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said last-named means comprises a pair of raised portions extending along the bottom of said key top.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said last-named means comprises a groove extending longitudinally of said key stem and having a length sufficient to extend below the bottom of said mounting member when said key assembly is in an actuated position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring member mounted between said bottom of said key top and said mounting member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said keyboard further includes a base member mounted adjacent said mounting member and having a guide opening adapted to slidably receive the other end of said key stem.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said base member includes a guide insert mounted therein and said guide opening is defined by the inner surface of said guide insert.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said key stem has a main body portion having a cross-sectional configuration substantially the same as said opening in said mounting member and a lower body portion having a cross-sectional configuration substantially the same as said guide opening in said base member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said lower body portion is offset from said main body portion of said key stem.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The keyboard device according to claim 1 wherein said biasing means includes magnetic and spring means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3657492A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-28 | 1976-11-27 | 1977-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-28 | 1980-11-27 | 1981-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-28 | 1984-11-27 | 1985-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |