Button assembly with status indicator and programmable backlighting

• US 7,432,463 B2
• Filed: 09/03/2003
• Issued: 10/07/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Legrand Home Systems Incorporated (Legrand SA)
• Original Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc. (Legrand SA)
• Inventors: Allen, Douglas E., Day, Wallace E., Clegg, Paul T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Friedhofer; Michael A
• Application Number:
  US10/654,778
• Publication Number:
  US 20040163936A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,861 Days
• Field of Search: 200308-317, 341 22- 28, 345168-172
• US Class Current: 200/310
• 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 2207/048 Inductive or infrared coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/062 Light conductor
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/056 Modular conception
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/066 replaceable
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2223/058 flush mounted
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/022 Modular assembly
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2237/004 Cantilever
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/016 combined with start switch, discrete keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/03 Application domotique, e.g. for house automation, bus connected switches, sensors, loads or intelligent wiring
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/14 Protecting elements, switches, relays or circuit breakers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49105 Switch making

Abstract

A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.

Claims

1. An apparatus for backlighting an object with varying colors of light, said apparatus comprising:

a power supply;

a first plurality of individual light sources each capable of emitting a distinct color of light;

a micro-processor capable of controlling the intensity of each of the first plurality of individual light sources;

a base member positioned over the first plurality of individual light sources, the base member having a first portion configured and dimensioned for removably receiving the object; and

whereby the color of light backlighting the object may be varied by instructing the micro-processor to alter the intensity of each of the first plurality of individual lights.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of individual light sources comprise LEDs.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the LEDs comprise a red LED, a green LED and a blue LED.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base member is part of a button or key, said button or key actuating a switch controlling an electrical device.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first plurality of individual light sources comprises two or more LEDs chosen from the group comprising a red LED, a blue LED, and a green LED.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the color of light backlighting the object is dependent upon the status of the electrical device controlled by the switch.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the color of light backlighting the object is dependent upon an input selected from the group consisting essentially of the time of day and an input from a light sensor.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the intensity of light backlighting the object is dependent upon an input selected from the group consisting essentially of the time of day and an input from a light sensor.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a second plurality of individual light sources, said second plurality of individual light sources also illuminating at least a portion of the object.

10. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a lens for covering the object.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said lens and base member couple together using a snap fit.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said lens magnifies said object.

13. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said base member further comprises a passage for allowing light to pass freely through the base member.

14. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the base member further comprises a translucent or transparent portion for allowing light to pass through the base member to backlight the object.

15. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a means for attaching the base member to a switch matrix.

16. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the object is a label.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising a lens for covering the label.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said base member comprises a hollow passage for allowing light to freely pass through the base member and a translucent or transparent portion for allowing light to pass through the base member.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a means for diffusing the light from the first plurality of individual light sources.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base member is movable to a depressed position to thereby activate a switch.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said base member is restored from the depressed position via a resilient member.