US6667446B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotary knob device with a key function
Assignee: Preh GmbH
•
Filing: 2000-11-22
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Granted: 2003-12-23
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Expires: 2020-11-22
Abstract
Abstract A rotary knob device ( 1, 20 ) having a key function includes a key ( 5, 30 ) in a rotary knob ( 2, 23 ), which is operated separately from the rotary knob so that the key ( 5, 30 ) need not also be moved when the rotary knob ( 2, 23 ) is moved. In this regard, a holder ( 6, 24.1 ) is provided inside the rotary knob ( 2, 23 ), on which the rotary knob ( 2, 23 ) and the key ( 5, 30 ) are mounted to be thereby linked together structurally while functioning separately. The rotational control is transmitted by the rotary knob ( 2, 23 ), while key, linear movement, control is transmitted through the separate key ( 5, 30 ).
Inventors
- 👤 Stefan Schuberth
- 👤 Reinhold Moret
- 👤 Oliver Zegula
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:40
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05G; G05G1/00; G05G1/08; G05G1/10; G05G1/105; H; H01; H01H; H01H25/00; H01H25/06; H01H25/065; H01H9/00; H01H9/18; H01H9/182
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A rotary knob device having a key function for manipulating control elements, wherein the rotary knob device includes a hollow rotary knob which can be rotated to manipulate a first control element, a key mounted in the rotary knob which can be linearly moved within the rotary knob to manipulate a second control element, wherein the rotary knob device further includes a holder which supports both the rotary knob and the key such that each can be moved separately on the holder from the other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
A rotary knob device having a key function for manipulating control elements, wherein the rotary knob device includes a hollow rotary knob which can be rotated to manipulate a first control element, a key mounted in the rotary knob which can be linearly moved within the rotary knob to manipulate a second control element, wherein the rotary knob device further includes a holder which supports both the rotary knob and the key such that each can be moved separately on the holder from the other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The rotary knob device of claim 1 , wherein the second control element is an electrical switch push member having a central bore for permitting central illumination through a bore of a key symbol on the key while also allowing the second control element to make a central electrical contact beneath the key when the key is depressed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
The rotary knob device of claim 1 , further including a rotary-knob substructure functioning as a mating component for the rotary knob which is mounted on the holder to allow rotation of the rotary knob about the holder, but with the holder having at least one holding finger for engaging directly in a guide groove of the key, so that the key is securely attached to the holder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The rotary knob device of claim 1 , wherein the holder is fixedly connected to a housing which functions as a mating component, while the key is movably guided on the holder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The rotary knob device of claim 1 , wherein a variable-film potentiometer plate is attached to the rotary knob.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The rotary knob device of claim 1 , wherein teeth are provided around a periphery of the rotary knob for driving a non-centrally located potentiometer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The rotary knob device according to claim 1 , wherein the key remains in a starting position during operation of the rotary knob.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
86 words
A rotary knob device having a key function for manipulating control elements, the rotary knob device comprising: a hollow rotary knob which can be rotated to manipulate a first control element; a key mounted in the rotary knob which can be linearly moved within the rotary knob to manipulate a second control element; and a holder, positioned between the rotary knob and the key, for supporting both the rotary knob and the key such that each can be moved on the holder separately from the other.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
86 words
A rotary knob device having a key function for manipulating control elements, the rotary knob device comprising: a hollow rotary knob which can be rotated to manipulate a first control element; a key mounted in the rotary knob which can be linearly moved within the rotary knob to manipulate a second control element; and a holder, positioned between the rotary knob and the key, for supporting both the rotary knob and the key such that each can be moved on the holder separately from the other.
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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) | 2006-12-22 | 2007-06-23 | 2007-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-12-22 | 2011-06-23 | 2011-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-12-22 | 2015-06-23 | 2015-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |