US3808384A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pushbutton keyboard system
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1973-02-21
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Granted: 1974-04-30
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Expires: 1993-02-21
Abstract
Abstract A keyboard system in which a plurality of spaced sets of conductive members including U and rivet shaped are arranged at a surface of a support in electrical communication with conductive paths on an opposite surface of the support. A plurality of actuatable conductive elements, one for each set of conductive members, are provided to establish bridging electrical connection between conductive members of a set upon application of a preselected deflecting force to the conductive elements. Two pole embodiments are disclosed also employing rivet shaped and modified U shaped conductive members.
Inventors
- 👤 H Boulanger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:40
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06C; G06C7/00; G06C7/02; G06C7/08; H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/50; H01H13/64; H01H13/70; H01H13/7006; H01H13/702; H01H2203/00; H01H2203/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
281 words
A selectively energizable keyboard system comprising an electrically insulating support member having a generally planar first surface on which a plurality of conductive paths are disposed arranged in a preselected pattern adapted to transmit electrical information in response to selective energization of portions of said paths, a plurality of selectively actuatable conductive elements adjacent a second opposite surface of said support member said conductive elements each being dish shaped having a single smooth surface contained within its outer peripheral margin, the surface being convex in a first configuration but movable to concave in a second configuration upon receiving a preselected deflecting force, a set of conductive contact members associated with each said actuatable conductive element, at least one of said sets comprising a pair of conductive contact members, said contact members being arranged at said second surface of said support member in electrical communication with preselected portions of said paths, conductive support means disposed at said second surface of said support member, said support means supporting each said selectively actuatable conductive member in overlying relation to its said associated set of conductive contact members with the said set of contact members generally centrally located beneath its said conductive element in continuous electrical engagement with said conductive support means and in selective disengagement with said set of conductive contact members, said conductive elements being adapted to be deflected into a position of engagement with said set of conductive contact members so as to establish an electrical connection between said conductive support means and said respective set of conductive contact members and said respective preselected portions of said paths in response to the application of a preselected deflecting force to said conductive element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
281 words
A selectively energizable keyboard system comprising an electrically insulating support member having a generally planar first surface on which a plurality of conductive paths are disposed arranged in a preselected pattern adapted to transmit electrical information in response to selective energization of portions of said paths, a plurality of selectively actuatable conductive elements adjacent a second opposite surface of said support member said conductive elements each being dish shaped having a single smooth surface contained within its outer peripheral margin, the surface being convex in a first configuration but movable to concave in a second configuration upon receiving a preselected deflecting force, a set of conductive contact members associated with each said actuatable conductive element, at least one of said sets comprising a pair of conductive contact members, said contact members being arranged at said second surface of said support member in electrical communication with preselected portions of said paths, conductive support means disposed at said second surface of said support member, said support means supporting each said selectively actuatable conductive member in overlying relation to its said associated set of conductive contact members with the said set of contact members generally centrally located beneath its said conductive element in continuous electrical engagement with said conductive support means and in selective disengagement with said set of conductive contact members, said conductive elements being adapted to be deflected into a position of engagement with said set of conductive contact members so as to establish an electrical connection between said conductive support means and said respective set of conductive contact members and said respective preselected portions of said paths in response to the application of a preselected deflecting force to said conductive element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
99 words
A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein means are provided for applying the preselected deflecting force to said conductive elements, including a plurality of pushbutton members adapted to be manually actuated to apply the deflecting force to said conductive elements to effect deflection thereof into a position of engagement with said conductive contact member, each of said pushbutton members having a force applying surface in registration with a said conductive element and another surface adapted to be symbolized in a manner indicative of the electrical information transmitted in response To the energization of said portions of said paths.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said conductive support means comprises a sheet of electrically conductive material, apertures are formed in the sheet to encompass each said set of conductive contact members, the said apertures being smaller than the said conductive elements so that each said conductive element is supported on the sheet in continuous electrical engagement therewith and in selective disengagement with its said set of conductive contact members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said set of conductive contact members project outwardly a first preselected distance from said second surface of said insulating support and said conductive support means project outwardly a second preselected distance more than said first preselected distance from said second surface of said insulating support member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
A system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said conductive elements are each of a generally circular configuration having marginal edge portions supported on the conductive support means and a generally central portion maintained in selective disengagement with and adapted to be deflected into engagement with said set of conductive contact members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
A system in accordance with claim 5 wherein a relatively thin, flexible, insulative, force-transmittive overlayer is disposed on said insulating support member in overlying relationship with respect to said conductive elements so as to maintain said conductive elements in a position supported by the conductive support means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said of conductive contact members having a pair of conductive contact members comprise headed rivets.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
93 words
A system in accordance with claim 7 wherein said conductive elements are each a generally circular configuration having a marginal boundary supported on said conductive support means and having a generally central portion spaced from and maintained in selective disengagement with said headed rivets and adapted to be deflected into engagement therewith in response to the application of the preselected deflecting force to said conductive element thereby establishing a bridging electrical contact between said conductive support means and said set of headed rivets so as to energize preselected portions of said conductive paths.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said conductive support means comprises a plurality of spaced apart sets of conductive support members arranged in a preselected configuration at said second surface of said support member in electrical communication with preselected portions of said paths, a set provided for each said conductive element.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system in accordance with claim 9 wherein each of said sets of conductive support members includes a plurality of spaced first metallic members extending through said insulating support member and terminating in electrical contact with preselected portions of said conductive paths.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system in accordance with claim 9 wherein each set of conductive support members comprises a pair of staples secured to said insulating support member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system in accordance with claim 11 wherein the said sets of conductive contact members having a pair of conductive contact members comprise generally L-shaped metallic wire members of a smaller guage than the guage of said conductive support members.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the sets of conductive contact members having a pair of conductive contact members comprise a pair of generally L-shaped metallic wire members, each L-shaped member comprising first and second legs, the first legs of each extending through apertures in the support member and terminating in electrical contact with preselected portions of said conductive paths.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system in accordance with claim 13 wherein the second legs of the L-shaped metallic members extend toward each other.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system in aCcordance with claim 13 wherein the second legs of the L-shaped metallic members extend away from each other.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
188 words
A keyboard system comprising an electrically insulative support member having a generally planar surface and having apertures therein, a plurality of selectively deflectable conductive elements, a pair of spaced wire staples having a first guage provided for each said conductive element, each said staple having legs joined to a bight portion, the said legs extending through selected ones of said apertures in said support member with each said bight portion contiguous to said planar surface, said conductive elements supported on its respective said pair, a pair of conductive contact members disposed between each said pair of wire staples, each said conductive contact member comprises a generally L-shaped metallic wire member of a second smaller guage, each said L-shaped wire member having a first and a second leg, the said first leg extending through a selected said aperture in the said support member and the said second leg lying along the said planar surface, and electrical circuit means connected to said staples and said L-shaped wire members, deflection of any said conductive element bridging its respective said pair of wire staples and its respective pair of conductive contact members.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
188 words
A keyboard system comprising an electrically insulative support member having a generally planar surface and having apertures therein, a plurality of selectively deflectable conductive elements, a pair of spaced wire staples having a first guage provided for each said conductive element, each said staple having legs joined to a bight portion, the said legs extending through selected ones of said apertures in said support member with each said bight portion contiguous to said planar surface, said conductive elements supported on its respective said pair, a pair of conductive contact members disposed between each said pair of wire staples, each said conductive contact member comprises a generally L-shaped metallic wire member of a second smaller guage, each said L-shaped wire member having a first and a second leg, the said first leg extending through a selected said aperture in the said support member and the said second leg lying along the said planar surface, and electrical circuit means connected to said staples and said L-shaped wire members, deflection of any said conductive element bridging its respective said pair of wire staples and its respective pair of conductive contact members.
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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) | 1977-04-29 | 1977-10-29 | 1978-04-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-29 | 1981-10-29 | 1982-04-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-29 | 1985-10-29 | 1986-04-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |