Switch configuration for detecting writing pressure in a writing device

• US 8,599,143 B1
• Filed: 02/06/2006
• Issued: 12/03/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (VTech Holdings Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (VTech Holdings Ltd.)
• Inventors: Rymarz, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Eisen, Alexander
• Assistant Examiner(s): LAM, NELSON C
• Application Number:
  US11/348,804
• Time in Patent Office: 2,857 Days
• Field of Search: 345173-179, 345/184, 345/156
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus

Abstract

An apparatus for detecting writing pressure is comprised of a carrier. A mode selection device coupled to the carrier is operable to select writing modes. A switch coupled to the carrier is operable to move between a first state and a second state in response to writing pressure coupled to the switch. An actuator coupled to the carrier is configured to actuate the switch in response to pressure applied to the actuator in response to writing.

Claims

1. A pressure sensitive writing assembly, comprising;

a carrier configured to receive a writing insert;

a writing insert slidably coupled to said carrier;

a switch coupled to said carrier, wherein a length of said switch is shortened responsive to application of a pressure thereto;

an actuator coupled to said carrier and configured to activate said switch in response to pressure applied to said actuator by said writing insert;

a tip coupled to said writing insert and configured to slidably move a portion of said writing insert in response to pressure applied to said tip; and

a mode selector slidably and rotatably coupled to said carrier and operable to select writing modes of said writing insert without interfering with the operation of said switch by isolating forces applied to said mode selector and said actuator.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said carrier defines a channel for receiving said writing insert.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said switch is an electrical switch.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said writing insert is a pen insert and said writing modes are associated with said pen insert.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said writing insert is a mechanical pencil insert and said mode selector is configured for selecting writing modes of said mechanical pencil insert.

6. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said electrical switch comprises a mylar type material.

7. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said switch senses varying levels of pressure applied to said switch.

8. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said switch is a two-position switch.

9. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said switch is a normally open switch.