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Low current switching apparatus having detent structure providing tactile feedback

  • US 5,053,592 A
  • Filed: 02/28/1990
  • Issued: 10/01/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/28/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Low current switching apparatus comprising, in combination:

  • spaced stationary conductive elements;

    a conductive member overlying said stationary conductive elements in spaced relation thereto;

    an operator movable from a first position to a second position effecting depression of said conductive member into bridging current conducting relation with said stationary conductive elements; and

    detent means comprising;

    a normally planar flat beam leaf spring distinct from said conductive member;

    means fixing opposite ends of said leaf spring, supporting said leaf spring in a bowed, flexed condition; and

    means on said operator bearing upon an intermediate portion of said leaf spring deflecting said intermediate portion from a convex condition to a concave condition upon movement of said operator from said first position to said second position, said leaf spring initially applying an increasing force to said operator resisting said operator movement and changing to a decreasing force at a predetermined point in said movement to provide tactile feedback to said operator.

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