US3845255A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard switch assembly with ball and slider interlock mechanism
Assignee: ELMEG Elektro Mechanik GmbH
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Filing: 1973-12-19
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1993-12-19
Abstract
Abstract A keyboard has keys each of which when depressed displaces a row of balls and a column of balls respectively for operating two switches. The columns are associated with slides, and each slide is shifted when a key of the respective column is depressed, thereby blocking actuation of the other keys on that column. A slide when shifted projects into an additional row of balls and locks them so that none of the other slides can project into that additional row of balls, and all keys of the other columns are blocked for being depressed.
Inventors
- 👤 A Zielke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:37
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/02; H04M1/23; G; G05; G05G; G05G5/00; G05G5/06; G05G5/08; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/72
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
226 words
In a keyboard having a plurality of keys arranged in a matrix and wherein a plurality of individual displaceable elements are arranged in intersecting rows and columns for displacement along the rows and columns upon actuation of individual ones of the keys, the keys being arranged in positions corresponding to the intersections of the rows and columns of displaceable elements so that upon displacement of a key the elements in the respective row and the elements in the respective column intersecting in the intersection associated with the key are being displaced, there being switching means associated with the rows and columns of elements and actuated upon displacement of the elements in the respective rows and columns, the improvement comprising: an additional row of displaceable elements arranged alongside one said rows and arranged for limited displacement only of the elements of the additional row; and plural slide means, respectively associated with said columns and operatively coupled to the keys so that one slide means of the plurality is displaced upon depression of a key pertaining to the column with which the one slide means is associated, each slide means when displaced locking the elements of the additional row, so that the elements of the additional row inhibit displacement of the remaining slide means of the plurality thereby inhibiting depression of any key of the respective other columns.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
226 words
In a keyboard having a plurality of keys arranged in a matrix and wherein a plurality of individual displaceable elements are arranged in intersecting rows and columns for displacement along the rows and columns upon actuation of individual ones of the keys, the keys being arranged in positions corresponding to the intersections of the rows and columns of displaceable elements so that upon displacement of a key the elements in the respective row and the elements in the respective column intersecting in the intersection associated with the key are being displaced, there being switching means associated with the rows and columns of elements and actuated upon displacement of the elements in the respective rows and columns, the improvement comprising: an additional row of displaceable elements arranged alongside one said rows and arranged for limited displacement only of the elements of the additional row; and plural slide means, respectively associated with said columns and operatively coupled to the keys so that one slide means of the plurality is displaced upon depression of a key pertaining to the column with which the one slide means is associated, each slide means when displaced locking the elements of the additional row, so that the elements of the additional row inhibit displacement of the remaining slide means of the plurality thereby inhibiting depression of any key of the respective other columns.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
In a keyboard as in claim 1, wherein each slide means is constructed for operating, upon displacement, as stop for the keys of said column other than the one that has been depressed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
83 words
In a keyboard as in claim 1, wherein each key is provided with means for selective engagement with the respective slide means when undisplaced, for displacement of the slide means upon further depressing of the key, the key remaining in engagement with the slide means and remaining depressed for as long as the slide means remains displaced, there being spring means to return the slide means upon release of the ley, whereupon the key is raised by engagement with the returning slide means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
In a keyboard as in claim 3, and including timed locking means actuated upon depressing any of the keys and holding the respective displaced slide means in displaced position for a predetermined period of time, independently from the release of the key.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
In a keyboard as in claim 4, the timed locking means including a pawl locking any displaced slide means, and a timer for retracting the pawl for unlocking the slide means a predetermined period after depressing of the key.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
145 words
In a keyboard as in claim 1, including a first plurality of channels holding displaceable elements and a second plurality of channels holding displaceable elements and intersecting the channels of the first plurality, the elements in the channels of the first plurality defining the rows of elements, the elements in the channels of the second plurality defining the columns, the keys disposed above the channels, each key having a stem projecting down, next to, but not into the respective intersection to which the key pertains, the stem having first and second blades respectively placeable into the intersecting channels, the slide means of the plurality each including a slide with oblique cam slots, the stems of the key of the column to which the slide means pertains having pins insertable into the cam slots upon depression of a key and when the slide is not displaced.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
105 words
In a keyboard as in claim 1, wherein said slide means include a slide with a plurality of slots having oblique orientation to both, a direction of sliding displacement of the slide means and to directions of displacement of the keys on the respective column, each key on the column having a pin for entering a slot of the plurality upon depression of a key thereby sliding the slide in the said direction; and spring means for retracting the slide when a depressed key is released, whereby the respective slot guides the pin to return in up direction, the released key following that up return.
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) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |