Switches and Devices for Integrated Soft Component Systems
First Claim
1. A switch for use in a soft article, such as a textile article, comprising:
- a conductor carrier having a plurality of electrical conductors; and
a flexible contact maker comprising an electrically conductive substrate, the flexible contact maker being disposed adjacent to the conductor carrier;
wherein the contact maker is configurable in either a first configuration in which it electrically connects two of the electrical conductors or a second configuration in which it does not electrically connect two of the electrical conductors, the contact maker being resiliently biased in at least one of the first and second configurations.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Switches and devices suitable for use in soft articles such as textiles are provided, which can be used to create integrated soft component systems. According to one embodiment, a conductor carrier (2) containing two parallel electrically conductive tracks (1) is disposed adjacent to a flexible contact maker (4). The flexible contact maker (4) comprises an electrically conductive substrate. One of the electrically conductive tracks of the conductor carrier (2) is permanently attached to the flexible contact maker (4) at a contact point (6). The other electrically conductive track has a contact point (3). In an open configuration, the flexible contact maker (4) does not make electrical contact with the contact point (3). In a closed configuration, the contact maker does make contact with the contact point (3) and closes the circuit between the two electrically conductive tracks. The flexible contact maker may be resiliently biased in either or both of the open and closed configurations.
34 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A switch for use in a soft article, such as a textile article, comprising:
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a conductor carrier having a plurality of electrical conductors; and a flexible contact maker comprising an electrically conductive substrate, the flexible contact maker being disposed adjacent to the conductor carrier;
wherein the contact maker is configurable in either a first configuration in which it electrically connects two of the electrical conductors or a second configuration in which it does not electrically connect two of the electrical conductors, the contact maker being resiliently biased in at least one of the first and second configurations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A device for use in a soft article, such as a textile article, comprising:
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a conductor carrier having a plurality of electrical conductors; at least one contact maker mounted on the conductor carrier and physically attached to two of the electrical conductors; and an outer layer covering the conductor carrier and the at least one contact maker;
wherein each contact maker is configurable to provide an electrical connection between the two electrical conductors to which it is physically attached, the electrical connection depending on a force exerted on the outer layer above the contact maker. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. (canceled)
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30. (canceled)
Specification