US4304973A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rugged low force switch apparatus
Assignee: Otis Elevator Co
•
Filing: 1980-02-19
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Granted: 1981-12-08
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Expires: 2000-02-19
Abstract
Abstract A pressure plate is depressed to actuate a momentary closing switch by exerting pressure on a flexible cover on the switch through a semi-rigid separator and an elastomeric diaphragm. A projection on the plate contacts the separator to focus the pressure on a portion thereof. A foam ring is disposed around the projection and between the plate and separator and is compressed as the plate is depressed.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas J. Fenelle
- 👤 Jip F. Chun
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 02:31
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H13/703; H01H2209/00; H01H2209/014; H01H2211/00; H01H2211/026; H01H2211/028; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/036; H01H2221/042; H01H2221/05; H01H2221/058; H01H2223/00; H01H2223/03; H01H2231/00; H01H2231/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A switch apparatus, comprising: a low force switch of the type having a resilient cover thereon to which force is applied for actuating said switch; a pressure plate which is depressed for applying said actuating force to said cover, said plate including a force concentrating projection having a flat surface through which said force is applied to said cover; and a generally planar semirigid separator; and a generally planar elastomeric diaphragm; said separator and said diaphragm being disposed between said plate and said cover; said actuating force being transmitted from said plate to said cover as said projection is forced against a portion of said separator, said portion thereby forcing a corresponding portion of said diaphragm against said cover; said separator being characterized in that said portion is smoothly curved and said actuating force is substantially evenly distributed over said portion; and said diaphragm being characterized in that said corresponding portion conforms to said separator portion and provides a cushion between said separator portion and said cover.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A switch apparatus, comprising: a low force switch of the type having a resilient cover thereon to which force is applied for actuating said switch; a pressure plate which is depressed for applying said actuating force to said cover, said plate including a force concentrating projection having a flat surface through which said force is applied to said cover; and a generally planar semirigid separator; and a generally planar elastomeric diaphragm; said separator and said diaphragm being disposed between said plate and said cover; said actuating force being transmitted from said plate to said cover as said projection is forced against a portion of said separator, said portion thereby forcing a corresponding portion of said diaphragm against said cover; said separator being characterized in that said portion is smoothly curved and said actuating force is substantially evenly distributed over said portion; and said diaphragm being characterized in that said corresponding portion conforms to said separator portion and provides a cushion between said separator portion and said cover.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A switch apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said separator is constructed of a plastic material, said diaphragm is constructed of a rubber material, and said diaphragm is substantially thinner than said separator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A switch apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means disposed around said projection for resiliently supporting said plate as it is depressed for maximizing the contact area between said projection and said separator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A switch apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said means comprises a ring which is compressed as said plate is depressed, said ring being constructed of a foam material.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-12-07 | 1985-06-08 | 1985-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-12-07 | 1989-06-08 | 1989-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-12-07 | 1993-06-08 | 1993-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |