Multi-layer keys with translucent outer layer
First Claim
1. A key for a key switch, comprising:
- an outer layer having an interior and a recess in the shape of a predetermined indicium;
an inner layer having a protrusion in the shape of the predetermined indicium;
wherein, the inner layer is located in the interior of the outer layer, the protrusion is located in the recess and contained entirely within the outer layer, and the protrusion is visible through the outer layer.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A highly legible key that is durable and suitable for electronic devices, including gaming consoles and controllers. The key includes an outer layer and an inner layer and may be formed by a two-shot injection molding process. The outer layer has a cavity delineating a negative form of a desired indicia or indicium. The inner layer is located interior to the outer layer filling the negative form with the desired indicium. The outer layer is formed of transparent or translucent material and the inner layer is formed of an opaque or darker material, such that, the indicium is visible through the outer layer material. The outer layer can be tinted. The outer layer protects and magnifies the indicium of the inner layer. The inner layer in the region of the indicium can be domed for increased visibility. The outer layer can have a dome surface, which is on a slope for improved finger-to-button contact. The outer layer can have a step and a tab for retaining the button in an electronic device housing.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. A key for a key switch, comprising:
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an outer layer having an interior and a recess in the shape of a predetermined indicium;
an inner layer having a protrusion in the shape of the predetermined indicium;
wherein,the inner layer is located in the interior of the outer layer, the protrusion is located in the recess and contained entirely within the outer layer, and the protrusion is visible through the outer layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A game controller, comprising:
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a casing having an opening; and
,a key for a key switch positioned in the opening and including;
an outer layer having an interior and a recess in the shape of a predetermined indicium;
an inner layer having a protrusion in the shape of the predetermined indicium;
wherein,the inner layer is located in the interior of the outer layer, the protrusion is located in the recess and contained entirely within the outer layer, and the protrusion is visible through the outer layer. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A pushbutton, comprising:
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a translucent outer portion having an inner surface, and an opaque inner portion contained substantially within the outer portion;
wherein,the inner portion has a raised indicium, the inner surface of the outer portion includes a recess shaped complementary to and receiving the raised indicium. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A game controller, comprising:
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a plurality electronic switches;
wherein, at least one of the electronic switches includes a pushbutton;
comprising;
a translucent outer portion having an inner surface, and a opaque inner portion contained substantially within the outer portion;
wherein,the inner portion has a raised indicium, the inner surface of the outer portion includes a recess shaped complementary to the raised indicium.
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Specification