Abstract:
An apparatus for using a hand-held device is disclosed. In a first embodiment, an apparatus for using a hand-held device includes a body configured to conform to a digit, and a member connected to the body adjacent to the digit, wherein bringing the member into contact with the hand-held device transfers force from the digit to the hand-held device. In another embodiment, the member may be movable to a desired position along a slot located on the outer surface of the body.
Abstract:
A keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys coupled to the housing. Each of the keys has means for making the selection of smaller key sizes easier for a user. The keys may incorporate a flexible or resilient upper part, or be configured to transform to a larger surface area upon the application of pressure. The keys may be configured to rotate away from a selected key. The keys adjacent a selected key may be configured to lock mechanically or electrically. The keys may have multiple parts that are movable relative to one another. The upper part of the key may include a fluid, with a selection rod positioned inside the upper part to enter the fluid.
Abstract:
A rotary control knob (110) for a portable radio (100) utilizes a flexible shaft (112) as a tether to provide a plurality of flexible positions. The flexible shaft (112) is coupled to a switch mechanism (116) located in the radio housing (102). The rotary control knob (110) can be slid up and down the flexible shaft (112) and the flexible shaft can be bent to provide improved user access to the knob, such as for gloved usage.
Abstract:
A foil-type switching element comprises a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance by means of an inner spacer. The inner spacer comprises at least one cut-out defining an active area of said switching element where at least two electrode structures are arranged between said first and second carrier foil so as to define at least one pair of spaced switch contacts. According to the invention, the switching element further comprises a first outer spacer layer, said first outer spacer layer being arranged on an outer surface of said first carrier foil and said first outer spacer layer comprising at least one opening in the region of said active area. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the foil-type switching element further comprises a second outer spacer layer, said second outer spacer layer being arranged on an outer surface of said second carrier foil and said second outer spacer layer comprising at least one opening in the region of said active area.
Abstract:
An elastomeric switch control element for push button switches and the like, including first and second annular spring portions formed of elastic material, one of the spring portions adapted to undergo a rolling action upon depression of the switch control element, and the other annular portion adapted to flex and undergo a snap transformation to provide a tactile feel to the operator.
Abstract:
A full travel membrane keyboard is presented having membrane switches with an elastomeric layer between the membrane switching array and upper mechanical elements of the key, the elastomeric layer serving to evenly distribute actuation forces, contribute to the sensation of pretravel and provide the sensation of overtravel. The assembly results in reduced cost and reduced number of components.
Abstract:
A keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys coupled to the housing. Each of the keys has means for making the selection of smaller key sizes easier for a user. The keys may incorporate a flexible or resilient upper part, or be configured to transform to a larger surface area upon the application of pressure. The keys may be configured to rotate away from a selected key. The keys adjacent a selected key may be configured to lock mechanically or electrically. The keys may have multiple parts that are movable relative to one another. The upper part of the key may include a fluid, with a selection rod positioned inside the upper part to enter the fluid.
Abstract:
Switching device for installation in a switchboard or the like, composed of: an actuator composed of a housing and a plunger and arranged to be pushed into and fastened to a supporting wall; and a contactor joined and fastened to the actuator and arranged to be on the interior of the supporting wall, wherein the contactor includes a supporting member connected to a plate arranged to be parallel to the supporting wall and carrying conductor paths and a rubber elastic membrane body coaxial with the plunger and carrying a layer of a conductive elastomer, the membrane body being located to be disposed between the plunger and the plate with the layer of conductive elastomer facing the plate, and with the plunger being actuatable to press against the membrane body and deform the latter in the axial direction in order to press the layer of conductive elastomer against the conductor paths.
Abstract:
An economical yet versatile dual spring actuator switch assembly providing an excellent tactile impression includes a planar switch closure assembly having domed protrusions extending from a surface thereof to provide switch closure when depressed and a switch actuator assembly. The easily assembled switch actuator assembly includes a cover plate with a guiding, key receiving plate aperture disposed therein opposite each protrusion, a plurality of keys, each key having a central key aperture, and a guide post within the central key aperture and being slideably received by a different plate aperture, a plurality of followers, each disposed adjacent a different protrusion and having a central aperture slideably receiving a guide post in guiding, mating relationship, a plurality of first springs, each maintaining a repulsive force between a different key and the surface, and a plurality of second springs, each coupling a different key to a follower to communicate a switch closure force to a protrusion upon depression of a key. The double spring arrangement permits independent selection of key and protrusion actuation forces and buffers each protrusion from its associated key for longer switch lifetime.
Abstract:
A manual keyboard includes a nomenclature bearing sheet supported on a rigid frame having finger keying openings through which soft elastomeric pads project. Below the pads an actuator sheet bearing clusters of individual projections is positioned with the projections aligned with the openings for operation of the actuable inputs of an array of diaphragm switches including a plurality of electrical contacts. Stops for projections include a peripheral array of additional projections which can be shorter, elevated adjacent surface areas or rings.