Pressure sensitive matrix switch having apertured spacer with flexible double sided adhesive intermediate and channels optionally interposed between apertures

Claim 1

In a switch control device, a backing layer with a printed circuit having switch conductors on the upper surface thereof defining at least one switch contact area, a flexible adhesive insulating layer adhering to the upper surface of the backing layer with at least one opening around the switch contact area, and a flexible contact layer adhering to the upper surface of the adhesive insulating layer and overlying the opening with a conductive shorting bar on the lower surface thereof aligned with the opening over the contact area, the flexibility and thickness of the adhesive insulating layer causing it to participate in the deformation of the contact layer to allow for contact of the shorting bar with the switch contact area without elongation of the contact layer when the contact layer is pressed toward the backing layer in the area aligned with the opening in the flexible adhesive insulating layer and causing spring return of the contact layer when such pressure is released, the adhesive insulating layer adhering to the upper surface of the backing layer and the lower surface of the contact layer to structurally retain the dimensional stability of the switch control device.