US3908100A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Touch blend smooth surface switch assembly
Assignee: Iona Appliances Inc
•
Filing: 1974-03-25
•
Granted: 1975-09-23
•
Expires: 1994-03-25
Abstract
Abstract A touch button control system for controlling the speed and functioning of a universal motor in an automatic blender is disclosed. The touch button system features a switch assembly for controlling motor speed, including a smooth surface, extremely flexible, indicia-bearing panel or cover plate which is contacted by the user so as to close selectively a plurality of switch contacts, thereby effectuating predetermined motor speeds.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl E Richard
- 👤 Richard H Seager
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:25
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02P; H02P7/00; H02P7/06; H02P7/18; H02P7/24; H02P7/28; H02P7/285; H02P7/292; H02P7/295; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H9/00; H01H9/18; H01H2223/00; H01H2223/002; H01H2223/003; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S388/00; Y10S388/935; Y10S388/936
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A switch assembly, comprising: a plurality of fixed and movable switch contacts having open and closed positions; an array of separated, spring-biased, rigid touch-buttons respectively movably actuating the movable switch contacts to their closed positions with respect to said fixed contacts; a smooth surface, extremely flexible and resilient, indiciabearing cover plate, adapted to be contacted by a user, fitting over and contacting said array of touch-buttons so that flexure of a predetermined area on said cover plate operates selectively to depress one of said touch-buttons and to move a corresponding one of said movable contacts into its closed position; a console having a wall provided with openings, said array of touch-buttons extending respectively through said openings and slightly above said wall said cover plate bearing on said console wall.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A switch assembly, comprising: a plurality of fixed and movable switch contacts having open and closed positions; an array of separated, spring-biased, rigid touch-buttons respectively movably actuating the movable switch contacts to their closed positions with respect to said fixed contacts; a smooth surface, extremely flexible and resilient, indiciabearing cover plate, adapted to be contacted by a user, fitting over and contacting said array of touch-buttons so that flexure of a predetermined area on said cover plate operates selectively to depress one of said touch-buttons and to move a corresponding one of said movable contacts into its closed position; a console having a wall provided with openings, said array of touch-buttons extending respectively through said openings and slightly above said wall said cover plate bearing on said console wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination as defined in claim 1, in which each of said touch-buttons includes a cap having a convex upper surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
The combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising a circuit board, including said fixed contacts thereon, said fixed contacts being adapted to be momentarily contacted respectively by said movable switch contacts, each of said touch-buttons including a stud portion projecting through an opening in said circuit board.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination as defined in claim 1, in which the slight extension of said touch-buttons above the console wall is of the order of 0.015 inches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination as defined in claim 3, in which the clearance between each of the said movable contacts and said respective fixed contacts is of the order of 0.030 inches.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination as defined in claim 1, in which said indicia-bearing cover plate is composed of a plastic material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination as defined in claim 6, in which said cover plate is a laminate of two layers of plastic material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination as defined in claim 6, in which said plastic material is polyester.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination as defined in claim 1, in which said array of touch-buttons is closely spaced in an area approximately 2 X 3.5 inches.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination as defined in claim 1, in which said cover plate is adhered to the console wall, except in the area occupied by said touch-buttons.
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) | 1978-09-22 | 1979-03-24 | 1979-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-22 | 1983-03-24 | 1983-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-22 | 1987-03-24 | 1987-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |