Patent US4345119A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4345119A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Membrane switch assembly with improved spacer
Assignee: EAC TECHNOLOGIES CORP 395 CARY-ALGONQUIN ROAD CARY ILLINOIS 60013 A CORP OF
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Filing: 1981-02-19
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Granted: 1982-08-17
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Expires: 2001-02-19
Abstract
Abstract A resilient spacer for use in a membrane switch assembly is formed of an open-cell, non-reticulated foam felt layer, allowing air from the space between the upper and lower switch contacts to move into the foam material surrounding the contacts when a switch contact is made. The switch contacts remain protected from atmospheric contamination regardless of whether the assembly is edge sealed or not.
Inventors
- 👤 Leonard Latasiewicz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 12:55
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H2209/00; H01H2209/024; H01H2209/026; H01H2213/00; H01H2213/01; H01H2213/012; H01H2227/00; H01H2227/002; H01H2227/006; H01H2227/018; H01H2229/00; H01H2229/002; H01H2229/004; H01H2239/00; H01H2239/034
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A membrane switch assembly comprising a flexible upper member bearing a plurality of contact areas on a first surface and a bottom member including at least one contact area on a first surface thereof and a foam felt spacer including a plurality of apertures in registration with at least the contact areas on the upper member, and wherein said spacer is adhesively attached to the first surface of the upper member, and to the first surface of the bottom member, and is composed of a resilient, non-conductive, open-cell, non-reticulated foam felt material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
A membrane switch assembly comprising a flexible upper member bearing a plurality of contact areas on a first surface and a bottom member including at least one contact area on a first surface thereof and a foam felt spacer including a plurality of apertures in registration with at least the contact areas on the upper member, and wherein said spacer is adhesively attached to the first surface of the upper member, and to the first surface of the bottom member, and is composed of a resilient, non-conductive, open-cell, non-reticulated foam felt material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A foam felt spacer according to claim 1 wherein the spacer material is a polyester urethane foam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A foam felt spacer according to claim 1 wherein the spacer material has a density of approximately 12 pounds per cubic foot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A foam felt spacer according to claim 1 wherein the range of open cell walls is between 20% and 30%.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A foam felt spacer according to claim 1 wherein the spacer material has substantially 80 cells per linear inch.
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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) | 1985-08-16 | 1986-02-15 | 1986-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-08-16 | 1990-02-15 | 1990-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-08-16 | 1994-02-15 | 1994-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |