Patent US4553009A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4553009A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard switch with pivotal actuator lever
Assignee: Oak Industries Inc
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Filing: 1983-11-21
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Granted: 1985-11-12
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Expires: 2003-11-21
Abstract
Abstract A keyboard switch which is used in combination with a membrane switch array includes a housing adapted to be positioned on the membrane switch array. There is an upright opening in the housing and a plunger is reciprocal in the housing opening. There is a spring urging said plunger outwardly in said opening and there is an actuator lever pivotally mounted on said housing and positioned for engagement by said plunger. Inward movement of said plunger through a given distance causes the application of a switch closing force by said lever on the underlying switch array. The geometry of the actuator lever-plunger interface can be arranged for linear application of the switch closing force or sudden application of said force. Sudden application of the switch closing force provides a tactile feedback.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony J. Van Zeeland
- 👤 Ronald S. Denley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 11:28
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H13/705; H01H13/02; H01H13/12; H01H13/20; H01H2215/00; H01H2215/034
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A low profile keyboard switch having tactile feel for use in combination with a membrane switch array, including a housing adapted to be positioned on a membrane switch array, an upright opening in said housing, a plunger reciprocal in said housing, an actuator lever pivotally mounted on said housing and positioned for engagement by said plunger, spring means seated upon said lever and urging said plunger outwardly in said opening, cooperating cam surfaces on said plunger and lever preventing movement of said lever to a membrane switch closing position until said plunger has moved inwardly a given distance, inward movement of said plunger compressing said spring means with movement of said plunger beyond the given distance causing the sudden application of a switch closing force, from said compressed spring means, by said lever on the underlying switch array.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A low profile keyboard switch having tactile feel for use in combination with a membrane switch array, including a housing adapted to be positioned on a membrane switch array, an upright opening in said housing, a plunger reciprocal in said housing, an actuator lever pivotally mounted on said housing and positioned for engagement by said plunger, spring means seated upon said lever and urging said plunger outwardly in said opening, cooperating cam surfaces on said plunger and lever preventing movement of said lever to a membrane switch closing position until said plunger has moved inwardly a given distance, inward movement of said plunger compressing said spring means with movement of said plunger beyond the given distance causing the sudden application of a switch closing force, from said compressed spring means, by said lever on the underlying switch array.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The switch of claim 1 further characterized in that said lever has a portion aligned with said plunger and extending into said opening, said spring means being positioned between said lever portion and said plunger.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
The switch of claim 2 further characterized in that said cooperating cam surfaces includes an arm on said lever and a threshold on said plunger, said threshold holding said lever in a non-membrane switch operative position until the plunger has moved inwardly the distance to permit said arm to pass said threshold, whereby said lever will suddenly move, in response to force from said spring means, to a switch closing position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The switch of claim 3 further characterized in that said cooperating cam means includes a reset ramp, with a portion of said lever being in engagement with said reset ramp when said plunger moves outwardly of said opening to return to a non-actuated position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The switch of claim 1 further characterized in that said lever includes an inner projecting surface located directly above a membrane switch array to cause actuation thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
The switch of claim 1 further characterized in that said spring means is a coil spring extending within said plunger, said lever having a portion extending into said opening, underlying said plunger and seating said coil spring, inward movement of said plunger compressing said spring whereby inward movement of said plunger through the given distance causing the sudden pivotal movement of said lever, with said spring applying a switch closing force thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The switch of claim 6 further characterized by and including an arm on said lever in contact with a threshold portion of said plunger, inward movement of said plunger through the given distance permitting said arm to move past said threshold, thereby permitting pivotal movement of said lever to a switch closing position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
132 words
A keyboard switch for use in combination with a membrane switch array, including a housing adapted to be positioned on a membrane switch array, an upright opening in said housing, a plunger reciprocal in said housing, an actuator lever pivotally mounted on said housing and positioned for engagement by said plunger, spring means seated upon said lever and urging said plunger outwardly in said opening, cooperating cam surfaces on said plunger and lever preventing movement of said lever to a membrane switch closing position until said plunger has moved inwardly a given distance, inward movement of said plunger compressing said spring means with movement of said plunger beyond the given distance allowing the application of a switch closing force, from said compressed spring means, by said lever on the underlying switch array.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
132 words
A keyboard switch for use in combination with a membrane switch array, including a housing adapted to be positioned on a membrane switch array, an upright opening in said housing, a plunger reciprocal in said housing, an actuator lever pivotally mounted on said housing and positioned for engagement by said plunger, spring means seated upon said lever and urging said plunger outwardly in said opening, cooperating cam surfaces on said plunger and lever preventing movement of said lever to a membrane switch closing position until said plunger has moved inwardly a given distance, inward movement of said plunger compressing said spring means with movement of said plunger beyond the given distance allowing the application of a switch closing force, from said compressed spring means, by said lever on the underlying switch array.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The switch of claim 8 wherein the cam surfaces have a sloped configuration such that the lever gradually applies a switch closing force on the membrane switch array.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The switch of claim 8 wherein the cam surfaces have a discontinuous configuration such that the lever initially is restrained in a non-operative position and then is released to apply a sudden switch closing force and provide a tactile feedback.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The switch of claim 8 wherein the actuator lever is connected to the housing by an integral hinge.
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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) | 1988-11-11 | 1989-05-13 | 1989-11-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-11-11 | 1993-05-13 | 1993-11-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-11-11 | 1997-05-13 | 1997-11-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |