Patent US5430267A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5430267A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard switch
Assignee: SMK Corp
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Filing: 1993-12-01
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Granted: 1995-07-04
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Expires: 2013-12-01
Abstract
Abstract In a keyboard switch that switches on and off by sliding a key stem, the key stem is slidably inserted in a key stem sleeve that is integral with the housing of the keyboard switch. The key stem comprises a sliding member integrally formed therewith and a keytop support whose shape is a wide flange formed integrally with and projecting outwardly from the outer periphery of the sliding member. An elastic hollow cylinder has one end hermetically joining the lower face of the keytop support and its other end hermetically joining the outer periphery of the key stem guide sleeve. With this structure, there can be no gap between the sliding member and the keytop support, so the interior of the keyboard switch is kept completely free from dust and moisture.
Inventors
- 👤 Kumio Ozeki
- 👤 Fumio Watanabe
- 👤 Haruo Yoshida
- 👤 Yosuke Sakai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 18:30
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/68; H01H13/02; H01H13/04; H01H13/06; H01H13/063; H01H1/00; H01H1/12; H01H1/14; H01H1/24; H01H1/242; H01H2215/00; H01H2215/004; H01H2215/02; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/066; H01H2233/00; H01H2233/05; H01H2233/054; H01H2233/056; H01H2233/07; H01H2233/074; H01H2235/00; H01H2235/016
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A keyboard switch comprising: a key stem guide sleeve made integral with a housing of said keyboard switch; a key stem slidably inserted in said key stem guide sleeve to perform a switching operation by a sliding motion of said key stem; said key stem further comprising: a sliding member slidably fitted in said key stem guide sleeve; a keytop support made integral with and projecting outwardly from an outer periphery of said sliding member; a stopper; a hollow cylinder portion into which said stopper is inserted; said stopper including means for locking said stopper in said hollow cylinder; and means for preventing said key stem from rotating about an axis of said hollow cylinder; and an elastic hollow cylinder having a first end hermetically joining an undersurface of said keytop support and having a second end hermetically joining an outer periphery of said key stem guide sleeve.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
A keyboard switch comprising: a key stem guide sleeve made integral with a housing of said keyboard switch; a key stem slidably inserted in said key stem guide sleeve to perform a switching operation by a sliding motion of said key stem; said key stem further comprising: a sliding member slidably fitted in said key stem guide sleeve; a keytop support made integral with and projecting outwardly from an outer periphery of said sliding member; a stopper; a hollow cylinder portion into which said stopper is inserted; said stopper including means for locking said stopper in said hollow cylinder; and means for preventing said key stem from rotating about an axis of said hollow cylinder; and an elastic hollow cylinder having a first end hermetically joining an undersurface of said keytop support and having a second end hermetically joining an outer periphery of said key stem guide sleeve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A keyboard switch as in claim 1, wherein said means for locking includes: a flap on said stopper; means for urging said flap radially outward from said hollow cylinder axis; and an edge on said hollow cylinder for engaging an edge of said flap.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A keyboard switch as in claim 1, wherein said means for preventing includes: an extension of said stopper; said key stem guide sleeve having an internal surface; and said extension of said stopper engaging said internal surface.
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) | 1998-07-03 | 1999-01-02 | 1999-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-07-03 | 2003-01-02 | 2003-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-07-03 | 2007-01-02 | 2007-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |