Membrane switch and components having means for preventing creep
First Claim
1. In a membrane switch of the type having a membrane and substrate, each with electrical conductors formed thereon, a spacer having an opening therein disposed between the membrane and substrate, with the membrane being movable, in response to selectively applied pressure, through a spacer opening into contact with an electrical conductor on the substrate, and means for preventing creep of the membrane, caused by maintained tension thereon from selectively applied pressure thereto, including a patch of low creep material affixed to the membrane at those portions of the membrane which are subject to creep.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A membrane switch panel has patches of low creep material attached to the membrane at portions thereof which are subject to creep. Membrane switch panels may be incorporated in keyboards wherein some of the keys may be of the alternate action type. If the alternate action keys are left in an actuated position and the keyboard is stored at a high temperature, the membrane material may be subject to creep. The present invention prevents this by including a stainless steel patch on the membrane under each alternate action type key. The stainless steel patch will not creep at elevated storage temperatures. The patch causes the membrane to be restored to its original location even after being subjected to conditions which would cause the membrane material to creep.
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Citations
14 Claims
- 1. In a membrane switch of the type having a membrane and substrate, each with electrical conductors formed thereon, a spacer having an opening therein disposed between the membrane and substrate, with the membrane being movable, in response to selectively applied pressure, through a spacer opening into contact with an electrical conductor on the substrate, and means for preventing creep of the membrane, caused by maintained tension thereon from selectively applied pressure thereto, including a patch of low creep material affixed to the membrane at those portions of the membrane which are subject to creep.
- 7. In a keyboard assembly, a base having a membrane switch thereon, a plurality of actuators attached to the base and adapted to actuate the membrane switch, at least one of said actuators being adapted for alternate action, and a patch of low creep material attached to the membrane under each alternate action actuator to prevent membrane creep should said actuator be left in an actuated position.
Specification