Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
226 words
A push-button type switch device for use in generating binary coded signals comprising an insulative board having flat opposite surfaces, and an overcenter, snap-acting diaphragm switch member movable between a first inactive position and a second overcenter operative position in response to application of a predetermined operating force thereon, said member having a centrally disposed common contact area, said switch member having a plurality of radially spaced contact elements formed on the periphery thereof, at least some of said contact elements respectively engaging first terminal pads on one surface of said board and normally supporting said member thereon in said first position, a common terminal on said one surface of said board and having an external conductor connected thereto, said common terminal being in registry with said common contact area and spaced therefrom in said first position, at least one of said contact elements having a portion respectively in registry with and spaced from another terminal pad on said one surface of said board in said first position of said member, at least one preselected terminal pad having another external conductor connected thereto, said member being proportioned and arranged so that said contact element portion engages said other terminal pad in a third position of said member intermediate said first and second positions and prior to engagement of said common contact area with said common terminal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
226 words
A push-button type switch device for use in generating binary coded signals comprising an insulative board having flat opposite surfaces, and an overcenter, snap-acting diaphragm switch member movable between a first inactive position and a second overcenter operative position in response to application of a predetermined operating force thereon, said member having a centrally disposed common contact area, said switch member having a plurality of radially spaced contact elements formed on the periphery thereof, at least some of said contact elements respectively engaging first terminal pads on one surface of said board and normally supporting said member thereon in said first position, a common terminal on said one surface of said board and having an external conductor connected thereto, said common terminal being in registry with said common contact area and spaced therefrom in said first position, at least one of said contact elements having a portion respectively in registry with and spaced from another terminal pad on said one surface of said board in said first position of said member, at least one preselected terminal pad having another external conductor connected thereto, said member being proportioned and arranged so that said contact element portion engages said other terminal pad in a third position of said member intermediate said first and second positions and prior to engagement of said common contact area with said common terminal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said contact elements is a leg member extending outwardly from said periphery of said switch member and having an outer end engaging a first terminal pad.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said portion is formed on said leg member inwardly from said outer end thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said contact elements are leg members extending outwardly from said periphery of said switch member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
The device of claim 4 wherein there are a plurality of other terminal pads, there being first and second groups of said leg members, all of said first group engaging first terminal pads and supporting said switch member thereon, all of said second group having said portions thereon and being respectively in registry with said other terminal pads.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said first group of leg members are respectively longer than said second group.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device of claim 6 wherein the outer ends of said first group of leg members engage respectively said first terminal pads, the outer ends of said second group of leg members comprising said portions and being respectively in registry with said other terminal pads.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 7 wherein there are four of said first group of leg members and three of said second group.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 7 wherein said common contact area disengages said common terminal upon release of said force prior to disengagement of said portions of said second group of leg members from said other terminal pads.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 5 wherein all of said leg members have outer ends which respectively engage said first terminal pads, all of said leg members having said portions respectively formed thereon inwardly from said outer ends.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 10 wherein said leg member portions are formed thereon adjacent the junctions of said leg members with said switch member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device of claim 10 wherein said switch member has another contact area formed at the periphery thereof and spaced from said leg members, said other contact area engaging a terminal pad on said one surface of said board and supporting said member thereon in said first position.