CUSHION SWITCH MEANS

• US 3,694,600 A
• Filed: 04/05/1971
• Issued: 09/26/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert H. Koenig
• Original Assignee: Robert H. Koenig
• Inventors: Koenig, Robert H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Jr., David
• Application Number:
  US05/131,083
• Time in Patent Office: 540 Days
• Field of Search: 307/15B 200/86R 340/228
• US Class Current: 200/86.00R
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 3/142 of the elongated strip type

Abstract

A ribbon switch is provided for operating on soft surfaces such as cushioned seats; for instance, automobile seats. First and second flexible conductive strips are normally separated by a plurality of insulating members sandwiched between them. The insulating members are spaced so as to hold the conductive strips separated unless the conductive strips are flexed or bowed; as for instance, into a soft cushion by someone sitting on them. The spacing of the insulatng members and the flexibility of the strips is chosen so that after a predetermined amount of flexing, the conductive strips will snap together forming a good electrical contact.

Claims

1. Ribbon switch means for mounting on soft, yielding surfaces comprising, a first flexible conductive strip, having transverse curvature, a second flexible conductive strip, having transverse curvature, a plurality of insulating members connected between first and second strips, said insulating members being spaced along the axes of said strips so that said strips will be held in noncontact, separated position unless said strips are flexed about an axis perpendicular to their longitudinal axes, whereby when said strip assemblies are mounted on a soft surface and a force is applied on top of them, they will flex, and after a predetermined amount of flexing, the strips will snap together to provide a good electrical contact.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1, having a third strip mounted parallel and adjacent to one of said first and second strips.

3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said third strip has a transverse curvature.

4. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said third strip has raised projections extending towards one of said first and second strips.

5. Apparatus as in claim 1 having a flexible insulating jacket enclosing said first and second strips.

6. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said third strip have a transverse curvature opposite to that of one of said strips.