Multi-status multi-function data processing key and key array

• US 5,528,235 A
• Filed: 09/03/1991
• Issued: 06/18/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Edward D. Lin
• Original Assignee: Edward D. Lin
• Inventors: Lin, Edward, Lin, Wallace
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Application Number:
  US07/753,728
• Time in Patent Office: 1,750 Days
• Field of Search: 341/22, 341/23, 341/28, 341/20, 200/5 R, 200/5 A, 200/6 R, 400/479, 400/485, 400/490, 400/491.2, 400/493, 400/494, 400/495, 400/495.1, 379/36 B, 364/709.01, 364/709.08, 364/709.12, 364/709.15
• US Class Current: 341/22
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0234 using switches operable in different directions
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0018 Constructional details, e.g. of drawer, printing means, input means
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/70 having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard mounting together a plurality of independent switches H02B
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/036 Plural multifunctional miniature keys for one symbol
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/012 Joy stick type
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 25/008 Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being perpendicular to the axis of angular movement
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 25/041 having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/23 Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof by improving visibility H04M1/22
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/066 Telephone sets adapted for data transmision

Abstract

Multi-status data entry key and keyboard capable of a one-to-one correspondence between each key status and a pre-assigned signal or state, with the neutral position or status being one of the states. Each non-neutral key status is associated with a unique pre-determined signal and corresponds uniquely to a specific symbol function or operation. The implementation of this keypad in telephones, computers, cash registers and other devices is shown. Its implementation in telephones is extensively covered.

Claims

1. An alpha-numeric keyboard, comprising:

an array of at least ten multi-status keys, each of said keys having a digit of 0 through 9 uniquely associated therewith, six of said keys having three different letters uniquely associated therewith and two of said keys having four different letters uniquely associated therewith, there being eight keys having letters associated therewith, said eight keys having associated letters accommodating all twenty-six letters of the alphabet, wherein one of said two keys having four letters associated therewith has the number 7 associated therewith and the other of said two keys having four letters associated therewith has the number 9 associated therewith, and further wherein said two keys having the digits 0 and 1 associated therewith have no alphabetic letters associated therewith, but have punctuational, calculation and telephonic functions associated therewith, and further comprising a circuit board, and wherein certain of said multi-status keys comprise;

a key top member having n facets;

a resilient member extending from said circuit board and connected to a bottom of said key top member, said resilient member accommodating movement of said key top member under operator control and biasing said key top member to a neutral position;

n-1 key contacts connected to and positioned about a bottom surface of said key top; and

n-1 board contacts connected to the circuit board, one of each of said key contacts being uniquely associated and in juxtaposition with one of said board contacts, wherein each of n-1 of said facets is uniquely associated with one of said key contacts and one of said board contacts, and wherein one of said facets, exclusive of said n-1 of said facets, is associated with all of said key contacts and said board contacts.

2. The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.

3. The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 1, wherein movement of said key top member upon said resilient member obtains engagement of selected ones of uniquely associated key contacts and board contacts.

4. The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 3, wherein said movement of said key top member upon said resilient member further attains simultaneous engagement of each of said uniquely associated key contacts and board contacts.

5. A multi-status key for data or signal input to a circuit board, comprising:

a key top member having n facets;

a resilient member extending from said key top member, said resilient member accommodating movement of said key top member under operator control and biasing said key top member to a neutral position;

n-1 key contacts connected to and positioned about a bottom surface of said key top; and

n-1 board contacts connected to the circuit board, each of said key contacts being uniquely associated and in juxtaposition with one of said board contacts, each of n-1 of said facets being uniquely associated with one of said key contacts and one of said board contacts, and wherein one of said facets, exclusive of said n-1 of said facets, is associated with the totality of said key contacts and said board contacts.

6. The multi-status key according to claim 5, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.

7. The multi-status key according to claim 5, wherein movement of said key top member upon said resilient member attains engagement of selected ones of said uniquely associated key contacts and board contacts.

8. The multi-status key according to claim 7, wherein said movement of said key top member upon said resilient member further attains simultaneous engagement of each of said uniquely associated key contacts and board contacts.