US5118910A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminated, pressure-actuated switch
Assignee: Tapeswitch Corp of America
•
Filing: 1990-03-12
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Granted: 1992-06-02
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Expires: 2010-03-12
Abstract
Abstract An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device which can be actuated by the application of or the removal of pressure at substantially any point along one surface of the switching device.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward W. Duhon
- 👤 Timothy P. DiPeri
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 09:41
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H3/00; H01H3/02; H01H3/14; H01H3/141; H01H3/142; H01H9/00; H01H9/16; H01H9/161; H01H9/18; H01H2009/186; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/802
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device comprising: a switching assembly in an elongated actuation zone and comprising a first, flexible electrically-conductive movable contact and a second electrically conductive contact, said first contact movably positioned relative to said second contact; means for illuminating said actuation zone comprising a substantially planar member movably disposed over said switching assembly, wherein said planar member is a continuous source of light providing constant illumination over said elongated actuation zone, such that pressure applied along a portion of said illuminating means brings said contacts into electrical communication, and means maintaining said illumination means over said actuation zone.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device comprising: a switching assembly in an elongated actuation zone and comprising a first, flexible electrically-conductive movable contact and a second electrically conductive contact, said first contact movably positioned relative to said second contact; means for illuminating said actuation zone comprising a substantially planar member movably disposed over said switching assembly, wherein said planar member is a continuous source of light providing constant illumination over said elongated actuation zone, such that pressure applied along a portion of said illuminating means brings said contacts into electrical communication, and means maintaining said illumination means over said actuation zone.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A switching device according to claim 1 wherein said illuminating means is disposed adjacent said switching element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A switching device according to claim 1 wherein said maintaining means comprises a protective cover which encloses said switching element and said illuminating means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
A switching device according to claim 3 wherein said protective cover comprises plastic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A switching device according to claim 3 wherein said protective cover comprises an impact-resistant polycarbonate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A switching device according to claim 1 wherein said contacts are disposed in close proximity and are normally separated by at least one insulating member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A switching device according to claim 3 further comprising a protective sleeve which encloses said switching element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A switching device according to claim 1 further comprising a protective sleeve which encloses said switching element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A switching device according to claim 1 wherein said illuminating means is adhered directly to at least one of said contacts.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A switching device according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of switching elements.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
106 words
An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device comprising: an outer, moisture-proof cover having a translucent window defining one end of an actuation zone; a substantially planar, flexible member disposed under said translucent portion, wherein said planar member is a continuous source of light providing constant illumination over said actuation zone; a pressure actuated switching assembly in said actuation zone and comprising a first electrically-conductive contact member and a second electrically-conductive contact member, wherein said first contact is movable relative said second contact and said first contact is positioned under said flexible member such that pressure applied to a portion of said window brings said contacts into electrical communication.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
106 words
An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device comprising: an outer, moisture-proof cover having a translucent window defining one end of an actuation zone; a substantially planar, flexible member disposed under said translucent portion, wherein said planar member is a continuous source of light providing constant illumination over said actuation zone; a pressure actuated switching assembly in said actuation zone and comprising a first electrically-conductive contact member and a second electrically-conductive contact member, wherein said first contact is movable relative said second contact and said first contact is positioned under said flexible member such that pressure applied to a portion of said window brings said contacts into electrical communication.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A switching device according to claim 11 wherein said planar member is disposed adjacent said switching element.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A switching device according to claim 11 wherein said cover encloses said lamp and said switching element.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
A switching device according to claim 11 wherein said protective cover comprises plastic.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
A switching device according to claim 11 wherein said protective cover comprises an impact-resistant polycarbonate.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
A switching device according to claim 11 further comprising a protective sleeve which encloses said switching element.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A switching device according to claim 11 wherein said illuminating means is adhered directly to at least one of said contacts.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
A switching device according to claim 11 comprising a plurality of switching elements.
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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) | 1995-06-02 | 1995-12-02 | 1996-06-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-06-02 | 1999-12-02 | 2000-06-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-06-02 | 2003-12-02 | 2004-06-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |