US5401929A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Structure of computer key switch
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1993-10-27
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Granted: 1995-03-28
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Expires: 2013-10-27
Abstract
Abstract A computer key switch consisting of a key cap, a locating plate, a key body, a rubber cone, and a printed circuit board, wherein the key cap has two bottom rods movably inserted into two pin holes on the key body and two corresponding pin holes in the circuit board, two bottom hooks movably hooked in two retaining holes on the key cap and passable through two corresponding through holes in the circuit board, and a bottom plunger disposed in line with the center through hole on the key body and forced to squeeze the rubber cone; the key body protrudes over a hole on the locating plate, having an outward bottom flange retained between the locating plate and the printed circuit board and two opposite stop rods stopped against the locating plate at the top; the rubber cone is received within the key body and driven by the plunger of the key cap to electrically connect a circuit on the printed circuit board.
Inventors
- 👤 Pao-Chin Chen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:05
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H13/705
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
320 words
A computer key switch comprising: a printed circuit board; a locating plate spaced above said printed circuit board, said locating plate having a key body slot; a key body mounted on said printed circuit board and extended out of said locating plate through said key body slot, said key body comprising an outward bottom flange retained between said printed circuit board and said locating plate, two downward stop rods on two opposite sides of said key body respectively stopped against said locating plate at the top, a center through hole through a flat top surface of said key body disposed centrally therein, two opposite pin holes and two opposite retaining holes through the flat top surface of said key body, and alternatively spaced around said center through hole; a rubber cone made gradually smaller toward the top and received within said key body, said rubber cone comprising an annular top flange extended into the center through hole of said key body and a conductive rubber on the inside spaced above said printed circuit board; a key cap mounted on said key body at the top, said key cap comprising a bottom plunger stopped against the annular top flange of said rubber cone, two opposite bottom rods respectively inserted into the two opposite pin holes on said key body, and two opposite bottom hooks respectively hooked in the two opposite retaining holes on said key body; and said printed circuit board including two opposite pin holes and two opposite through holes for passing therethrough the bottom rods and bottom hooks of said key cap as said key cap is depressed; whereby when the annular top flange of said rubber cone is squeezed by the bottom plunger of said key cap, said rubber cone is deformed, and the conductive rubber of said rubber cone is moved down to connect with a switch on said printed circuit board, and a circuit is triggered.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
320 words
A computer key switch comprising: a printed circuit board; a locating plate spaced above said printed circuit board, said locating plate having a key body slot; a key body mounted on said printed circuit board and extended out of said locating plate through said key body slot, said key body comprising an outward bottom flange retained between said printed circuit board and said locating plate, two downward stop rods on two opposite sides of said key body respectively stopped against said locating plate at the top, a center through hole through a flat top surface of said key body disposed centrally therein, two opposite pin holes and two opposite retaining holes through the flat top surface of said key body, and alternatively spaced around said center through hole; a rubber cone made gradually smaller toward the top and received within said key body, said rubber cone comprising an annular top flange extended into the center through hole of said key body and a conductive rubber on the inside spaced above said printed circuit board; a key cap mounted on said key body at the top, said key cap comprising a bottom plunger stopped against the annular top flange of said rubber cone, two opposite bottom rods respectively inserted into the two opposite pin holes on said key body, and two opposite bottom hooks respectively hooked in the two opposite retaining holes on said key body; and said printed circuit board including two opposite pin holes and two opposite through holes for passing therethrough the bottom rods and bottom hooks of said key cap as said key cap is depressed; whereby when the annular top flange of said rubber cone is squeezed by the bottom plunger of said key cap, said rubber cone is deformed, and the conductive rubber of said rubber cone is moved down to connect with a switch on said printed circuit board, and a circuit is triggered.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-03-27 | 1998-09-26 | 1999-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-03-27 | 2002-09-26 | 2003-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-03-27 | 2006-09-26 | 2007-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |