Illuminated, pressure-actuated switch

• US 5,118,910 A
• Filed: 03/12/1990
• Issued: 06/02/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tapeswitch Corporation of America
• Original Assignee: Tapeswitch Corporation of America
• Inventors: DiPeri, Timothy P., Duhon, Edward W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tolin, Gerald P.
• Application Number:
  US07/491,542
• Time in Patent Office: 813 Days
• Field of Search: 362/146, 362/95, 362/251, 362/802, 362/155, 362/394, 340/665, 340/666, 307/119, 200/86 R, 200/86 A, 200/86.5, 200/310, 200/317, 200/275, 200/279, 200/293, 200/294, 200/295, 200/333
• US Class Current: 200/86.00R
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2009/186 using an electroluminiscent panel
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 3/142 of the elongated strip type
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/161 comprising light emitting elements
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/802 Position or condition responsive switch

Abstract

An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device which can be actuated by the application of or the removal of pressure at substantially any point along one surface of the switching device.

Claims

1. An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device comprising:

a switching assembly in an elongated actuation zone and comprising a first, flexible electrically-conductive movable contact and a second electrically conductive contact, said first contact movably positioned relative to said second contact;

means for illuminating said actuation zone comprising a substantially planar member movably disposed over said switching assembly, wherein said planar member is a continuous source of light providing constant illumination over said elongated actuation zone, such that pressure applied along a portion of said illuminating means brings said contacts into electrical communication, and

means maintaining said illumination means over said actuation zone.

2. A switching device according to claim 1 wherein said illuminating means is disposed adjacent said switching element.

3. A switching device according to claim 1 wherein said maintaining means comprises a protective cover which encloses said switching element and said illuminating means.

4. A switching device according to claim 3 wherein said protective cover comprises plastic.

5. A switching device according to claim 3 wherein said protective cover comprises an impact-resistant polycarbonate.

6. A switching device according to claim 1 wherein said contacts are disposed in close proximity and are normally separated by at least one insulating member.

7. A switching device according to claim 3 further comprising a protective sleeve which encloses said switching element.

8. A switching device according to claim 1 further comprising a protective sleeve which encloses said switching element.

9. A switching device according to claim 1 wherein said illuminating means is adhered directly to at least one of said contacts.

10. A switching device according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of switching elements.

11. An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device comprising:

an outer, moisture-proof cover having a translucent window defining one end of an actuation zone;

a substantially planar, flexible member disposed under said translucent portion, wherein said planar member is a continuous source of light providing constant illumination over said actuation zone;

a pressure actuated switching assembly in said actuation zone and comprising a first electrically-conductive contact member and a second electrically-conductive contact member, wherein said first contact is movable relative said second contact and said first contact is positioned under said flexible member such that pressure applied to a portion of said window brings said contacts into electrical communication.

12. A switching device according to claim 11 wherein said planar member is disposed adjacent said switching element.

13. A switching device according to claim 11 wherein said cover encloses said lamp and said switching element.

14. A switching device according to claim 11 wherein said protective cover comprises plastic.

15. A switching device according to claim 11 wherein said protective cover comprises an impact-resistant polycarbonate.

16. A switching device according to claim 11 further comprising a protective sleeve which encloses said switching element.

17. A switching device according to claim 11 wherein said illuminating means is adhered directly to at least one of said contacts.

18. A switching device according to claim 11 comprising a plurality of switching elements.