US3979568A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard switch assembly having raised contacts supported by helicline legs on a common conductive sheet
Assignee: Xerox Corp
•
Filing: 1974-09-23
•
Granted: 1976-09-07
•
Expires: 1994-09-23
Abstract
Abstract A switching device having a movable contact that is an integral part of a metallic support substrate and is supported above the support substrate by a plurality of spring-like support legs that are also an integral part of the support substrate. The support legs extend radially outward from the movable contact and contact the substrate and the movable contact at equally spaced points. The movable contact is aligned with either a stationary contact or another movable contact and a stationary contact to provide either single or multiple switching. The switching device can be used for contact switching or capacitive switching. A plurality of the switching devices can be formed on the support substrate making the switching device particularly well suited for use in a keyboard. A portion of each support leg may be thinned to provide a negative force-displacement characteristic which provides a good tactile feedback signal indicating switching. One or more of the switching devices are produced by forming one or more groups of curved, unconnected, radially extending slots in a metallic substrate, deforming the legs defined by the slots past their elastic limit, and then, if desired, precipitation hardening the completed structure. To assure movement of the central area of the movable contact past the plane of the support substrate, a portion of each of the legs is thinned prior to the legs being plastically deformed.
Inventors
- 👤 Wendell C. Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 18:41
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/78; H01H13/807; H01H13/702; H01H13/785; H01H13/80; H01H2201/00; H01H2201/004; H01H2201/022; H01H2201/03; H01H2205/00; H01H2205/006; H01H2205/01; H01H2205/032; H01H2205/036; H01H2215/00; H01H2215/004; H01H2215/028; H01H2215/034; H01H2215/04; H01H2225/00; H01H2225/002; H01H2227/00; H01H2227/018; H01H2229/00; H01H2229/016; H01H2229/05; H01H2229/06; H01H2239/00; H01H2239/006; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49105; Y10T29/49117; Y10T29/49204; Y10T29/49208; Y10T29/49218; Y10T29/49222
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A switching device comprising: a first contact member comprised of a forcibly movable contact area portion supported above a supporting surface portion by a plurality of support legs, said contact area portion, said supporting surface portion and said support legs being parts of a continuous metallic material, a second contact member having at least a portion thereof in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion of said first contact member, and means for normally separating said first contact member from said second contact member but permitting said contact area portion of said first contact member to travel toward said second contact member along said alignment axis when a force is applied to said contact area portion of said first contact member to effect a switching action, said contact area portion of said first contact member retaining its shape while effecting said switching action.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
A switching device comprising: a first contact member comprised of a forcibly movable contact area portion supported above a supporting surface portion by a plurality of support legs, said contact area portion, said supporting surface portion and said support legs being parts of a continuous metallic material, a second contact member having at least a portion thereof in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion of said first contact member, and means for normally separating said first contact member from said second contact member but permitting said contact area portion of said first contact member to travel toward said second contact member along said alignment axis when a force is applied to said contact area portion of said first contact member to effect a switching action, said contact area portion of said first contact member retaining its shape while effecting said switching action.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The switching device of claim 1 wherein said contact area portion has a substantially planar shape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The switching device of claim 1 wherein each of said support legs is in the form of a helicline.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The switching device of claim 2 wherein each of said support legs is in the form of a curved, ascending ramp.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The switching device of claim 1 wherein each of said support legs is non-planar.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The switching device of claim 1 wherein said support legs are of equal width.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
139 words
A switching device comprising: a first contact member consisting of a supporting surface portion situated substantially in a first plane, a forceably movable, substantially planar contact area portion normally situated out of said first plane, and a plurality of supporting legs connecting said supporting surface portion and said movable contact area portion, said supporting surface portion, said contact area portion and said supporting legs being parts of a continuous metallic material, a second contact member positioned adjacent to said first contact member and in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion, and means for normally separating said first and second contact members but permitting said contact area portion to travel toward said second contact member along said alignment axis when a force is applied to said contact area portion to effect a switching action.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
139 words
A switching device comprising: a first contact member consisting of a supporting surface portion situated substantially in a first plane, a forceably movable, substantially planar contact area portion normally situated out of said first plane, and a plurality of supporting legs connecting said supporting surface portion and said movable contact area portion, said supporting surface portion, said contact area portion and said supporting legs being parts of a continuous metallic material, a second contact member positioned adjacent to said first contact member and in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion, and means for normally separating said first and second contact members but permitting said contact area portion to travel toward said second contact member along said alignment axis when a force is applied to said contact area portion to effect a switching action.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The switching device of claim 7, wherein each of said support legs is in the form of a helicline.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The switching device of claim 7 wherein each of said support legs is in the form of a curved ascending ramp.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The switching device of claim 7 wherein each of said support legs is non-planar.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
60 words
The switching device of claim 7 wherein each of said support legs extends through a planar arc by a number of degrees such that a first portion of each support leg is above at least a portion of another support leg and a second portion of each support leg is below at least a portion of still another support leg.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
125 words
A switching device comprising: an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a continuous body of a metallic material, said continuous body defining a first contact member including a forceably movable contact area portion supported above another portion of said body in contact with said insulating member by a plurality of support legs, and a second contact member having at least a portion thereof positioned both adjacent to said insulating member and in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion, said insulating member having an aperture therein along said alignment axis for permitting said contact area portion to be forced toward said second contact to effect a switching action, said contact area maintaining its shape while effecting said switching action.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
125 words
A switching device comprising: an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a continuous body of a metallic material, said continuous body defining a first contact member including a forceably movable contact area portion supported above another portion of said body in contact with said insulating member by a plurality of support legs, and a second contact member having at least a portion thereof positioned both adjacent to said insulating member and in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion, said insulating member having an aperture therein along said alignment axis for permitting said contact area portion to be forced toward said second contact to effect a switching action, said contact area maintaining its shape while effecting said switching action.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The switching device of claim 12 wherein said contact area portion has a substantially planar shape.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The switching device of claim 12 wherein each of said support legs is in the form of a helicline.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The switching device of claim 12 wherein each of said support legs is non-planar.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
128 words
A switching device comprising: an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a continuous body of a metallic material, said continuous body defining a first contact member including a supporting surface portion situated substantially in a first plane, a forcibly movable substantially planar contact area portion substantially situated in a second plane, and a plurality of supporting legs connecting said supporting surface portion and said contact area portion, and a second contact member having at least a portion thereof positioned both adjacent another surface of said insulating member and in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion, said insulating member having an aperture therein for permitting said contact area portion to be forced toward said second contact member to effect a switching action.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
128 words
A switching device comprising: an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a continuous body of a metallic material, said continuous body defining a first contact member including a supporting surface portion situated substantially in a first plane, a forcibly movable substantially planar contact area portion substantially situated in a second plane, and a plurality of supporting legs connecting said supporting surface portion and said contact area portion, and a second contact member having at least a portion thereof positioned both adjacent another surface of said insulating member and in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion, said insulating member having an aperture therein for permitting said contact area portion to be forced toward said second contact member to effect a switching action.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The switching device of claim 16 wherein said supporting legs are in the form of a helicline.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The switching device of claim 16 wherein each of said support legs is in the form of a helicline and each support leg is of equal height.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The switching device of claim 16 wherein each of said support legs is non-planar.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
60 words
The switching device of claim 16 wherein each of said support legs extends through a planar arc by a number of degrees such that a first portion of each support leg is above at least a portion of another support leg and a second portion of each support leg is below at least a portion of still another support leg.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
142 words
A switching device comprising: an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a continuous body of a metallic material, said continuous body defining a first contact member including a supporting surface portion situated substantially in a first plane, a forcibly movable substantially planar contact area portion substantially situated in a second plane, and a plurality of supporting legs connecting said supporting surface portion and said contact area portion, and a second contact member having at least a portion thereof positioned both adjacent another surface of said insulating member and in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion, said insulating member having an aperture therein for permitting said contact area portion to be forced toward said second contact member to effect a switching action, said contact area portion retaining its substantially planar shape while effecting said switching action.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
142 words
A switching device comprising: an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a continuous body of a metallic material, said continuous body defining a first contact member including a supporting surface portion situated substantially in a first plane, a forcibly movable substantially planar contact area portion substantially situated in a second plane, and a plurality of supporting legs connecting said supporting surface portion and said contact area portion, and a second contact member having at least a portion thereof positioned both adjacent another surface of said insulating member and in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion, said insulating member having an aperture therein for permitting said contact area portion to be forced toward said second contact member to effect a switching action, said contact area portion retaining its substantially planar shape while effecting said switching action.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The switching device of claim 21 wherein each of said supporting legs is in the form of a helicline.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The switching device of claim 21 wherein each of said support legs is in the form of a curved ascending ramp.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The switching device of claim 21 wherein each of said support legs is non-planar.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
60 words
The switching device of claim 21 wherein each of said support legs extends through a planar arc by a number of degrees such that a first portion of each support leg is above at least a portion of another support leg and a second portion of each support leg is below at least a portion of still another support leg.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
The switching device of claim 21 wherein each of said support legs has a small portion of reduced width.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
120 words
A switching device comprising: a switch actuating member, a first contact member including a forcibly movable substantially planar contact area portion supported above a substantially planar supporting surface portion by a plurality of support legs; said contact area portion, said support surface portion and said support legs being parts of a continuous metallic material, a second contact member having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with both said switch actuating member and said contact area portion, and means for normally separating said first contact member from said second contact member but permitting said contact area portion to travel toward said second contact member when a force is applied to said switch actuating member to effect a switching action.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
120 words
A switching device comprising: a switch actuating member, a first contact member including a forcibly movable substantially planar contact area portion supported above a substantially planar supporting surface portion by a plurality of support legs; said contact area portion, said support surface portion and said support legs being parts of a continuous metallic material, a second contact member having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with both said switch actuating member and said contact area portion, and means for normally separating said first contact member from said second contact member but permitting said contact area portion to travel toward said second contact member when a force is applied to said switch actuating member to effect a switching action.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
The switching device of claim 27 in which each of said support legs is in the form of a helicline.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
132 words
A switching device comprising: a switch actuating member, a first contact member including a forcibly moveable substantially planar contact area portion supported above a substantially planar supporting surface portion by a plurality of support legs; said contact area portion, said support surface portion and said support legs being parts of a continuous metallic material, a second contact member having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with both said switch actuating member and said contact area portion, and means for normally spearating said first contact member from said second contact member but permitting said contact area portion to travel toward said second contact member when a force is applied to said switch actuating member to effect a switching action, said contact area portion retaining its shape while effecting said switching action.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
132 words
A switching device comprising: a switch actuating member, a first contact member including a forcibly moveable substantially planar contact area portion supported above a substantially planar supporting surface portion by a plurality of support legs; said contact area portion, said support surface portion and said support legs being parts of a continuous metallic material, a second contact member having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with both said switch actuating member and said contact area portion, and means for normally spearating said first contact member from said second contact member but permitting said contact area portion to travel toward said second contact member when a force is applied to said switch actuating member to effect a switching action, said contact area portion retaining its shape while effecting said switching action.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The switching device of claim 29 wherein each of said support legs is in the form of a helicline.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
143 words
A switching device comprising: a switch actuating member, an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a continuous body of a metallic material, said continuous body defining a first contact member including a supporting surface portion situated substantially in a first plane, a forcibly moveable, substantially planar contact area portion substantially situated in a second plane, and a plurality of non-planar supporting legs connecting said supporting surface portion and said contact area portion, a second contact member positioned adjacent another surface of said insulating member, at least a portion of said second contact member in operative alignment with said switch actuating member and said contact area portion, said insulating member having an aperture therein for permitting said contact area portion to be forced toward said second contact member when a force is applied to said switch actuating member to effect a switching action.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
143 words
A switching device comprising: a switch actuating member, an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a continuous body of a metallic material, said continuous body defining a first contact member including a supporting surface portion situated substantially in a first plane, a forcibly moveable, substantially planar contact area portion substantially situated in a second plane, and a plurality of non-planar supporting legs connecting said supporting surface portion and said contact area portion, a second contact member positioned adjacent another surface of said insulating member, at least a portion of said second contact member in operative alignment with said switch actuating member and said contact area portion, said insulating member having an aperture therein for permitting said contact area portion to be forced toward said second contact member when a force is applied to said switch actuating member to effect a switching action.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The switching device of claim 31 wherein each of said support legs is in the form of a helicline.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
157 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, a metallic substrate having a plurality of switching members formed as integral parts thereof, at least some of said plurality of switching members including a forcible movable, substantially planar contact area portion supported above a substantially planar support surface by a plurality of non-planar support legs, a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent said metallic substrate, at least some of said contact regions having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, and means for normally separating said substrate from said plurality of contact regions but permitting each of said aligned contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned switch actuating means to thereby effect a switching action.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
157 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, a metallic substrate having a plurality of switching members formed as integral parts thereof, at least some of said plurality of switching members including a forcible movable, substantially planar contact area portion supported above a substantially planar support surface by a plurality of non-planar support legs, a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent said metallic substrate, at least some of said contact regions having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, and means for normally separating said substrate from said plurality of contact regions but permitting each of said aligned contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned switch actuating means to thereby effect a switching action.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
176 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, a metallic member having a plurality of switching members formed as integral parts thereof, at least some of said plurality of switching members including a forceable movable, substantially planar contact area portion supported above a substantially planar supporting surface portion by a plurality of non-planar support legs, a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent said metallic member, at least some of said contact regions having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, and means for normally separating said metallic number from said plurality of contact regions but permitting each of said aligned contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned switch actuating means to thereby effect a switching action, each of said contact area portions retaining its substantially planar shape while effecting its related switching action.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
176 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, a metallic member having a plurality of switching members formed as integral parts thereof, at least some of said plurality of switching members including a forceable movable, substantially planar contact area portion supported above a substantially planar supporting surface portion by a plurality of non-planar support legs, a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent said metallic member, at least some of said contact regions having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, and means for normally separating said metallic number from said plurality of contact regions but permitting each of said aligned contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned switch actuating means to thereby effect a switching action, each of said contact area portions retaining its substantially planar shape while effecting its related switching action.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
182 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, a metallic substrate having a plurality of switching members formed as integral parts thereof, at least some of said plurality of switching members including a supporting surface situated substantially in a first plane, and a forceably movable contact area portion supported out of said first plane by a plurality of non-planar support legs, a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent said metallic substrate, at least some of said contact regions having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, and means for normally separating said metallic substrate from said plurality of contact regions but permitting each of said aligned contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned switch actuating means to thereby effect a switching action, each of said contact area portions retaining its substantially planar shape while effecting its related switching action.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
182 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, a metallic substrate having a plurality of switching members formed as integral parts thereof, at least some of said plurality of switching members including a supporting surface situated substantially in a first plane, and a forceably movable contact area portion supported out of said first plane by a plurality of non-planar support legs, a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent said metallic substrate, at least some of said contact regions having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, and means for normally separating said metallic substrate from said plurality of contact regions but permitting each of said aligned contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned switch actuating means to thereby effect a switching action, each of said contact area portions retaining its substantially planar shape while effecting its related switching action.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
177 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a plurality of separate bodies of metallic material, at least some of said bodies having at least one contact member formed as an integral part thereof, each of said contact members including a supporting surface situated substantially in a first plane, and a forceably moveable substantially planar contact area portion supported out of said first plane by a plurality of non-planar support legs, a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent another surface of said insulating member, some of said contact regions having at least a portion in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, said insulating means having a plurality of apertures therein for permitting each of said contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned switch actuating means to thereby effect a switching action.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
177 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a plurality of separate bodies of metallic material, at least some of said bodies having at least one contact member formed as an integral part thereof, each of said contact members including a supporting surface situated substantially in a first plane, and a forceably moveable substantially planar contact area portion supported out of said first plane by a plurality of non-planar support legs, a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent another surface of said insulating member, some of said contact regions having at least a portion in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, said insulating means having a plurality of apertures therein for permitting each of said contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned switch actuating means to thereby effect a switching action.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
201 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a plurality of separate bodies of a metallic material, at least some of said bodies having a contact member formed as an integral part thereof, each of said contact members including a supporting surface situated substantially in a first plane, a forcibly movable, substantially planar contact area portion substantially situated in a second plane, and a plurality of non-planar supporting legs connecting said supporting surface and said contact area portion, and a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent another surface of said insulating member, at least some of said contact regions having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, said insulating member having apertures therein for permitting each of said contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned siwtch actuating means to effect a switching action, each of said contact area portions retaining its substantially planar shape while effecting its related switching action.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
201 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a plurality of separate bodies of a metallic material, at least some of said bodies having a contact member formed as an integral part thereof, each of said contact members including a supporting surface situated substantially in a first plane, a forcibly movable, substantially planar contact area portion substantially situated in a second plane, and a plurality of non-planar supporting legs connecting said supporting surface and said contact area portion, and a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent another surface of said insulating member, at least some of said contact regions having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, said insulating member having apertures therein for permitting each of said contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned siwtch actuating means to effect a switching action, each of said contact area portions retaining its substantially planar shape while effecting its related switching action.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
197 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a plurality separate of bodies of metallic material, at least some of said bodies including at least one contact member formed as an integral part thereof, each of said contact members including a supporting surface situated substantially in a first plane, a forcibly movable contact area portion situated out of said first plane, and a plurality of non-planar supporting legs connecting said supporting surface and said contact area portion, and a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent another surface of said insulating member, some of said contact regions having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, said insulating member having apertures therein for permitting each of said contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned switch actuating means to effect a switching action, each of said contact areas retaining its substantially planar shape while effecting its related switching action.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
197 words
A keyboard switching device for effecting a switching action when a key is depressed comprising: a plurality of switch actuating means, an insulating member supporting on a surface thereof a plurality separate of bodies of metallic material, at least some of said bodies including at least one contact member formed as an integral part thereof, each of said contact members including a supporting surface situated substantially in a first plane, a forcibly movable contact area portion situated out of said first plane, and a plurality of non-planar supporting legs connecting said supporting surface and said contact area portion, and a plurality of contact regions positioned adjacent another surface of said insulating member, some of said contact regions having at least a portion thereof in operative alignment with different ones of said switch actuating means and with different ones of said contact area portions, said insulating member having apertures therein for permitting each of said contact area portions to be forced toward its aligned contact region when a force is applied to its aligned switch actuating means to effect a switching action, each of said contact areas retaining its substantially planar shape while effecting its related switching action.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
229 words
A switching device comprising: a first contact member comprised of a metallic supporting surface portion situated in a first plane, a substantially planar, metallic contact area portion situated in a second plane, and at least three metallic support legs integral with said surface portion and said contact area portion for normally maintaining said contact area portion displaced from said first plane, each of said support legs being in the form of a helicline with said legs contacting said contact area portion at evenly distributed locations such that lines joining said locations define a equilateral geometric shape, each of said support legs extending through a planar arc by a number of degrees such that a first portion of each support leg is above at least a portion of another of said support legs and a second portion of each support leg is below at least a portion of still another support leg, a second contact member having at least a portion in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion of said first contact member, and means for normally separating said first and second contact members but permitting said contact area portion to be forced toward said second contact member along said axis and past said first plane to thereby effect a switching action, said contact area portion retaining its shape while effecting said switching action.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
229 words
A switching device comprising: a first contact member comprised of a metallic supporting surface portion situated in a first plane, a substantially planar, metallic contact area portion situated in a second plane, and at least three metallic support legs integral with said surface portion and said contact area portion for normally maintaining said contact area portion displaced from said first plane, each of said support legs being in the form of a helicline with said legs contacting said contact area portion at evenly distributed locations such that lines joining said locations define a equilateral geometric shape, each of said support legs extending through a planar arc by a number of degrees such that a first portion of each support leg is above at least a portion of another of said support legs and a second portion of each support leg is below at least a portion of still another support leg, a second contact member having at least a portion in axial alignment with at least a portion of said contact area portion of said first contact member, and means for normally separating said first and second contact members but permitting said contact area portion to be forced toward said second contact member along said axis and past said first plane to thereby effect a switching action, said contact area portion retaining its shape while effecting said switching action.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3133170A
Cited
US3331040A
Cited
US3600528A
Cited
US3742157A
Cited
US3831118A
Cited
US3842230A
Cited
US3800104A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-09-07 | 1980-03-08 | 1980-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-09-07 | 1984-03-08 | 1984-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-09-07 | 1988-03-08 | 1988-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |