US4420663A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Material for electrical devices having a flexible member
Assignee: Oak Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1980-12-08
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Granted: 1983-12-13
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Expires: 2000-12-08
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to flexible materials for use in electrical devices, such as membrane switches. The flexible component of the device is formed of paper.
Inventors
- 👤 Willis A. Larson
- 👤 Edwina K. Dulen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 08:47
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H2209/00; H01H2209/014; H01H2209/068; H01H2209/072; H01H2227/00; H01H2227/002; H01H2227/004; H05; H05K; H05K1/00; H05K1/02; H05K1/03; H05K1/09; H05K1/092; H05K1/095
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
19 words
An electrical switch having a flexible component made of paper said flexible component having electrical conductive areas printed thereon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
19 words
An electrical switch having a flexible component made of paper said flexible component having electrical conductive areas printed thereon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The structure of claim 1 wherein the switch is a membrane type switch and the flexible component is the membrane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the paper flexible component is laminated with a layer of polyester film on at least one side of the paper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The structure of claim 3 wherein the substrate is formed of paper.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The structure of claim 3 wherein the spacer is formed of paper.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
85 words
A membrane switch of the type having a flexible membrane, a substrate, facing patterns of conductors printed on the membrane and substrate respectively, and an insulative spacer disposed between the conductor patterns to normally hold them in non-contacting relation, the spacer having openings therein such that aligned portions of the conductor patterns may contact each other in response to pressure on the membrane whereby the membrane is moved through a spacer opening to contact the substrate, the improvement comprising a membrane made of flexible paper.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
85 words
A membrane switch of the type having a flexible membrane, a substrate, facing patterns of conductors printed on the membrane and substrate respectively, and an insulative spacer disposed between the conductor patterns to normally hold them in non-contacting relation, the spacer having openings therein such that aligned portions of the conductor patterns may contact each other in response to pressure on the membrane whereby the membrane is moved through a spacer opening to contact the substrate, the improvement comprising a membrane made of flexible paper.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The structure of claim 6 where the paper membrane is laminated with a layer of polyester on at least one side of the paper.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1986-12-12 | 1987-06-13 | 1987-12-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-12 | 1991-06-13 | 1991-12-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-12 | 1995-06-13 | 1995-12-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |