Multi-layer keys with translucent outer layer

• US 6,498,311 B1
• Filed: 06/29/2001
• Issued: 12/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zhigu Holdings Limited
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Liu, Dick C. K., Luke, Hok-Sum Horace, Stewart, James R.
• Primary Examiner(s): FRIEDHOFER, MICHAEL A
• Application Number:
  US09/895,422
• Time in Patent Office: 543 Days
• Field of Search: 200/5.R, 200/5.A, 200/517, 200/520, 200/308, 200/310, 200/313, 200/314, 200/341, 200/345, 339/433, 400/490, 400/494
• US Class Current: 200/313
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/14 Operating parts, e.g. push-button
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/066 Lens
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/046 Multi-colour or double shot injection moulding
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/18 Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks

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.

Claims

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.

2. The key of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is transparent.

3. The key of claim 2, wherein the inner layer is colored.

4. The key of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is translucent.

5. The key of claim 4, wherein the outer layer is tinted.

6. The key of claim 5, wherein the inner layer is colored.

7. The key of claim 1, wherein the outer layer further comprises a dome portion.

8. The key of claim 7, wherein the dome portion is configured to magnify the protrusion.

9. The key of claim 8, wherein the dome portion is an exterior surface of the outer layer.

10. The key of claim 7, wherein the outer layer further comprises a first portion having a slope, and the dome portion is positioned on the first portion along the slope.

11. The key of claim 1, wherein the outer layer further comprises a generally elliptical portion.

12. The key of claim 11, wherein the outer layer further comprises a dome portion connected to the elliptical portion, and the recess is located in the dome portion.

13. The key of claim 12, wherein the elliptical portion has a slope and the dome portion is positioned along the slope.

14. The key of claim 1, wherein the inner layer comprises a first section connected to a second section, the second section including a pedestal having the protrusion located generally opposite the first section.

15. The key of claim 14, wherein the first section of the inner layer includes a web.

16. The key of claim 15, wherein the web comprises a plurality of webs.

17. The key of claim 14, wherein the protrusion of the inner layer is contiguous with the recess of the outer layer in an airless interface.

18. The key of claim 1, wherein the inner layer and the outer layer are made of substantially similar materials, and the inner layer and outer layer are cohesively connected.

19. A game controller, comprising:

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.

20. The game controller of claim 19, wherein the key comprises a plurality of keys.

21. The game controller of claim 20, wherein the plurality of keys include at least two keys of different colors.

22. The game controller of claim 20, wherein the plurality of keys include at least two keys of different sizes.

23. The game controller of claim 19, wherein the outer layer has a step, the opening has a periphery, and the step engages the periphery of the opening.

24. A game controller of claim 19, wherein the outer layer further comprises a dome portion, and the dome portion is tilted towards a center of the game controller.

25. The game controller of claim 19, wherein the outer layer is transparent and the inner case is colored.

26. The game controller of claim 19, wherein the outer layer is tinted and the inner layer is colored.

27. The game controller of claim 26, wherein the inner layer is opaque.

28. A pushbutton, comprising:

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.

29. The pushbutton of claim 28, wherein there is an airless interface between the inner and outer portions.

30. The pushbutton of claim 28, wherein the outer portion has an upper surface that is positioned at a tilted angle.

31. The pushbutton of claim 28, wherein the outer portion is tinted.

32. The pushbutton of claim 28, wherein the indicium is a letter or a numeral.

33. The pushbutton of claim 28, wherein the outer portion is colorless and the inner portion is colored.

34. The pushbutton of claim 28, wherein the inner portion has a raised rim around the raised indicium, and the inner surface of the outer portion includes a recess shaped complementary to and receiving the raised rim.

35. A game controller, comprising:

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.