Covers Patents (Class 200/333)
  • Patent number: 11933090
    Abstract: There are provided a hinge arm having a lever and a rotational axis to rotate the lever so as to be projected from the door panel, and a driving unit to transmit a drive force to the hinge arm so as to project the lever from the door panel. The driving unit comprises a motor and an output axis connected to the motor and the hinge arm so as to transmit a motor output to the hinge arm in a region from a storage position to an open position, wherein the drive force is transmitted from the motor to the hinge arm via the output axis when the lever is moved from the storage position to a gripping position and the drive force is transmitted from the hinge arm to the motor via the output axis when the lever is moved from the open position to the gripping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukihiro Moriyama, Eisuke Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 11598128
    Abstract: A vehicle door device includes: a latch mechanism configured to be switchable between a latch state and an unlatch state; a door handle configured to be movable between a first position and a second position; a door handle projecting mechanism configured to move the door handle from the first position to the second position when a press portion provided on an outer surface of the door handle or in a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the door handle is pressed; and an electrical unlatch operation mechanism including a switch and an electric actuator, the switch being operated by the door handle or the door handle projecting mechanism when the press portion is pressed, and the electric actuator being configured so that, when the switch is operated, the electric actuator is operated to switch the latch mechanism from a latch state to an unlatch state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuki Murata
  • Patent number: 11349991
    Abstract: Systems and methods to process and/or present information relating to voice messages for a user that are received from other persons. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a data processing system includes: receiving first data associated with prior communications or activities for a first user on a mobile device; receiving a voice message for the first user; transcribing the voice message using the first data to provide a transcribed message; and sending the transcribed message to the mobile device for display to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bonforte
  • Patent number: 11164709
    Abstract: A device for limiting movement of an operator of at least one switch of a light fixture can include a body. The device can also include at least one fixture coupling feature disposed on the body, where the at least one fixture coupling feature is configured to couple to at least one device coupling feature of the light fixture. The body, when coupled to the light fixture, can be configured to limit the movement of a first operator of a first switch of the at least one switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Chris Voelker, Michael Winslett
  • Patent number: 11067269
    Abstract: A backlit haptic keyboard of an information handling system may comprise a contact foil placed between a coversheet and a support layer, operatively coupling an LED controller to an LED via metallic traces printed upon a top surface of the contact foil and operatively coupling a piezoelectric element to a keyboard controller via metallic traces printed upon a bottom surface of the contact foil. The system may further comprise the LED placed between the coversheet and the contact foil, and a piezoelectric element placed between the contact foil and support layer to receive an applied mechanical stress at a key and generate an electric actuation signal. A keyboard controller of the information handling system may receive an electric actuation signal from the piezoelectric element via the bottom metallic traces and send an electrical haptic response control signal to the piezoelectric element to cause it to generate haptic feedback at the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Priyank Gajiwala, Michiel Knoppert
  • Patent number: 11054656
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for autostereoscopic imaging in a vehicle provide for an enhanced viewer experience. In one example, a reflector is positioned to receive an image from a projector and reflect the image onto a viewing surface through which an external scene is visible, and a camera is positioned relative to the viewing surface to observe the external scene. The system determines first and second viewing distances and viewing angles from the viewing surface to respective first and second eyes for a viewer; produces first and second sub-images for viewing at the respective eyes based on an image; and projects the first and second sub-images from the projector to the reflector to reflect the sub-images to the respective first and second positions on the viewing surface, wherein the positions are set according to the viewing distances and angles to provide a 3D image to the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Haseltine, Jonathan Rd Hsu
  • Patent number: 11035566
    Abstract: A backlit haptic keyboard of an information handling system may comprise a contact foil placed between a coversheet and a support layer, operatively coupling an LED controller to an LED via metallic traces printed upon a top surface of the contact foil and operatively coupling a piezoelectric element to a keyboard controller via metallic traces printed upon a bottom surface of the contact foil. The system may further comprise the LED placed between the coversheet and the contact foil, and a piezoelectric element placed between the contact foil and support layer to receive an applied mechanical stress at a key and generate an electric actuation signal. A keyboard controller of the information handling system may receive an electric actuation signal from the piezoelectric element via the bottom metallic traces and send an electrical haptic response control signal to the piezoelectric element to cause it to generate haptic feedback at the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Priyank Gajiwala, Michiel Knoppert
  • Patent number: 10967783
    Abstract: Provided is a soft upper trim of a vehicle door, in which an upper substrate, foam, and a transparent skin are laminated, and particularly, to a soft upper trim for switch assembly of a vehicle door, in which a switch, which is configured to preserve continuity of a transparent skin and display lock and unlock symbols on the transparent skin, is easily assembled to an upper substrate, and a method of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: SEOYON E-HWA CO., LTD., SEOYON AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ji Hyun Cho, Dong Suk Kim, Jong Kyu Kim, Sung Won Lee
  • Patent number: 10076894
    Abstract: Provided is a film laminator for cell phones, useful for film lamination on a surface of a cell phone, including: a cell phone fixing plate, on which a through hole for receiving the cell phone is established, and a top surface of which is a horizontal face; with at least one position limiting plate for abutting the cell phone within the through hole being also fixed on the top surface. The film laminator for cell phones further includes: a film laminating plate for fixing a cell phone film; one end of which is hinged to the cell phone fixing plate, and the other end of which is movable freely so that the film laminating plate is bonded with the top surface of the cell phone fixing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Alpha Comm Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaoyu Lin, Qiang Xiong
  • Patent number: 9417669
    Abstract: A case includes a housing, a cover and a switch module with a secure mechanism. The case has an accommodation portion. The cover is disposed on the case to have a cover position. The cover covers the accommodation portion. The switch module including a pressing switch and a switch-changing element is located in the accommodation portion and connected to the housing. The switch-changing includes a first pivot part, a pressing part, and a stop part. The first pivot part pivots the housing. The pressing part and the stop part jut from the first pivot part along different radial directions. The switch-changing element has a test position and a non-test position for rotating relative to the housing. When the switch-changing element locates at the test position, a position of the position of the stop part overlaps the cover position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: WISTRON CORP.
    Inventors: Shih-Lung Lin, Ta-Wei Chen, Yi-Shan Chen
  • Patent number: 8916789
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for creating an integrated access door and switch actuator. The integrated access door and switch actuator are created from a single composite material. The composite material is flexible to allow movement, but is also durable to provide a protective covering. The integrated access door and switch actuator include a living hinge, which allows the access door to move to an open and closed position while the switch actuator is stationary in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventor: William Woodburn
  • Patent number: 8866032
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns an electrical switch for nautical equipment. The switch comprises electric actuation means, which in turn comprise at least one control button, able to be connected to an external electric circuit, and a housing of such electric actuation means. Advantageously, the switch also comprises a covering element that is moveable with respect to the housing between a first position, at which the button can be directly activated by the user by just inserting a finger into a suitable recess, and a second position, at which the covering element prevents direct access to the button and is itself moveable by the user in the direction towards the button for its activation. When the covering element is in the second position, the activation of the button can be obtained by pressing the covering element with a foot or with a hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Harken Italy, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Giordano, Pietro Dario Binda, Andrea Zanetti
  • Publication number: 20140291132
    Abstract: The instant invention teaches a protective cover for an electrical switch forming part of an electrical circuit having three key components: a fastening flange adapted to be secured to a cover plate for the switch, a shield portion connected to the fastening flange which serves to help block accidental contact, activation and/or access to the electrical switch, but does not totally prevent intentional movement of the switch by a user (especially via a hand-held tool), and a snap off tab or tabs forming part of the shield portion, with the snap off tab or tabs being adapted to be snapped off and removed to allow freer access to and movement of the electrical switch by a user while still providing significant protection against accidental contact and activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Todd
  • Patent number: 8823649
    Abstract: A pointing device and method for providing both translational and rotational input to a computer, to manipulate graphical objects. In one embodiment, a pointing stick is cantilevered to a base. One or more translational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate translational signals in response to lateral forces applied to the pointing stick. One or more rotational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate rotational signals in response to rotational forces applied to the pointing stick. The rotational sensor may sense torque, such as with a piezoelectric sensor configured to detect rotational strain on a fixed pointing stick. The rotational sensor may alternatively sense rotational displacement, such as with a potentiometer configured to detect rotation of a rotatable sleeve about a fixed shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: James McArdle
  • Publication number: 20140197016
    Abstract: A medium voltage switchgear (1) which is characterized in that it comprises a casing (2) defining an internal volume for housing at least a circuit breaker assembly (4) movable between at least two operative positions, said casing comprising a front panel (21) provided with an opening (5) for the insertion of an operating handle (8) for actuating the movement of said circuit breaker assembly between said operative positions, a closing and retaining device (6) being positioned in correspondence of said opening (5) and movable between a closed position when said operating handle is not inserted and an open position for allowing insertion of said operating handle, said closing and retaining device (6) comprising locking means for retaining said operating handle in position when inserted in said opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Fabio Capelli
  • Patent number: 8742274
    Abstract: In a switching device (1), in particular a line circuit breaker and/or a residual current circuit breaker, having a housing (2) and having switching contacts for closing and/or opening at least one circuit, wherein a tripping apparatus for automatically disconnecting the switching contacts is provided, wherein the housing (2) has at least one front side (3), the invention proposes, for the purpose of meeting changing requirements from the market or the customers quickly, flexibly and at favorable cost, clipping a cover cap (4) onto the front side (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Moeller Gebaeudeautomation GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Hammermayer
  • Patent number: 8658920
    Abstract: A switch module system includes switch modules. Each switch module has a housing, a keypad with switch domes, and an actuator for the switch domes. The housing of each switch module includes a housing chassis and a housing cover. The switch modules are attached to a substrate with contact areas of the substrate being electrically connectable through the switch domes of the keypads of the switch modules. For each switch module a respective section of the substrate is inserted into the housing chassis of the switch module and the respective section of the substrate is attached by the housing cover of the switch module to the housing chassis of the switch module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Harry Engelhardt, Markus Adam
  • Patent number: 8541708
    Abstract: A button switch includes a main body. The main body includes a switch member therein. The switch member has a start portion and a stop portion to connect with a start button and a stop button, respectively. The stop button has a first position and a second position. In a normal state, the stop button is located at the first position and doesn't drive the stop portion. When the stop button is at the second position, the stop button will drive the stop portion. Thus, the operator is enforced to press the stop button again and the stop button is returned to the first position to start the switch member, preventing the operator to press the start button unexpectedly to start the switch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: General International Mfg (Co) Ltd.
    Inventor: Christian Chenier
  • Patent number: 8471163
    Abstract: Provided is a cover for protecting an upper end of a normal power terminal and an upper end of an emergency power terminal of an auto transfer switch. In this case, terminal covers are formed on the upper ends of the terminals to protect the terminals, thereby preventing operators from being hurt by electric shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Vitzrotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: No-Chun Park, Choong-Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8410384
    Abstract: An actuating device (1), generating an electrical switching signal, comprising a housing (2) and a cover (4) which is held in a groove (8) worked into the housing, and a switching contact (6) attached in the interior (21) of the housing (2), the switching contact (6) is moved from an initial position (a) to a switching position (b) by closure of the cover (4) either directly or by intermediate elements (19) attached to the cover (4), a reliable and positionally accurate closure of the cover (4) in order to generate a switching contact, even if the cover (4) has an off-center actuation force applied to it is achieved because at least one abutment (11) is attached facing the cover (4) on the base (23) of the housing, and has a support surface (17) corresponding to the movement of the cover (4) mounted in the groove (8), and at least one bearing element (12) is attached to the cover (4) which, when the cover (4) is in its assembled status, makes contact with the support surface (17) of the abutment (11) and is t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Rafi GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Manuel da Silva, Ralf Siegler
  • Patent number: 8400263
    Abstract: A slide actuated key fob includes a housing having a transmitter disposed therein and at least one slide actuated button disposed on the housing. The transmitter sends an actuating signal when the at least one slide actuated button is slidably moved in a first direction and subsequently depressed in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian K. Lickfelt, Dave Choi
  • Patent number: 8334469
    Abstract: An interlock switch includes a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a switch having an arm as an actuator, a holding member to which the switch is fastened by a rocking mechanism, the holding member being rotatably disposed in an apparatus body, one pressing member which presses the arm from the arm side, other pressing member which presses the holding member from the side opposite to the arm side, one elastic member which regulates the ON position of the switch in a releasing direction in arm-side view, and other elastic member which applies a force to the switch in a direction in which the one pressing member comes close to the switch. The switch is turned on when the one pressing member presses the arm from the arm side and the other pressing member presses the holding member from the side opposite to the arm side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kohta Takenaka
  • Patent number: 8294055
    Abstract: Disclosed are an electronic device case provided with a touch sensor unit having an improved adherence structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The electronic device case includes a cover, and a touch sensor unit arranged on a front surface of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheul Gon Kim, Jun Gyu Song, Kyoung Min Lee, Jun Ho Park, Jin Ho Jung
  • Patent number: 8226255
    Abstract: A button includes a keycap made of transparent material and including a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, a light guide block set on the first side surface of the keycap, and an ultraviolet lighting element set on the first side surface to emit ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet lighting element may enter into the light guide block, then is reflected by the light guide block to pass through the keycap to arrive to the second side surface of the keycap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Tsung Fan
  • Publication number: 20120097510
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing young children from activating a push button switch while allowing adults to activate said button. The apparatus is a semi-rigid child-proof cover or cap for the “home button” or menu button on a personal electronic device or computing tablet. The cap is disposed over the push button switch and prevents young children from pressing it because the strength necessary to bend the semi-rigid material of the cap is beyond that of young children. However, adults have sufficient strength to push the semi-rigid material with enough force that it bends and thus exerts a downward pressure and activates the push button below it. A small hole may also be defined in middle of the cap that allows an adult to use a paperclip or other pointed object to activate the button, while being too small for a young child's finger to pass through and activate the button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Mendel Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20120039057
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in an electronic device is described. The actuator assembly includes a support tray, an actuator supported on the support tray, and a cover over the actuator and coupled to the support tray, a portion of the cover being movable relative to the support tray when the actuator is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Research in Motion Limited
    Inventors: Todd Robert Paleczny, Timothy Herbert Kyowski, Ramon Lamers
  • Patent number: 8035050
    Abstract: A deformable cap for a computer pointing device is provided that may be particularly useful for miniature joystick-type pointing devices such as the TrackPoin™ and ScrollPoint™ devices manufactured by the IBM corporation of Armonk, N.Y. When an operator places a fingertip on the cap, the cap deforms thereby advantageously increasing the surface area of contact between the cap and the fingertip. All embodiments of the cap are placed on an upper portion of a control stick of the pointing device. A first embodiment of the cap includes a bottom support, a disc, a plurality of wire supports, and an elastic cover that overlays the disc and wire supports. An inner surface of the cover may be scored to ensure repeatable deformation of the cap. A spring may be attached to a lower surface of the disc to assist the cap in regaining its original shape once the operator's fingertip is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Y. Hsu, Jimmy Ming-Der Hsu
  • Patent number: 7964808
    Abstract: A button apparatus and a mobile appliance having the same are provided. A button cover plate having button areas forms an external portion of a case of the appliance. The button areas may be flat on the surface of the button cover plate 36, and include compression bosses on a rear side thereof that contact and manipulate corresponding switches mounted on a substrate. The button cover plate may be seated in a button recess formed on the case 10. When so arranged, the button apparatus does not project from an outer surface of the mobile appliance, and an external design of the mobile appliance may be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Min Seo, Dong Han Kim
  • Patent number: 7855346
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes a manipulation member, a protection cover, a latch member, a coupling device, and a control unit. The protection cover covers a removable recording medium attached to the data processing apparatus. The latch member engages the protection cover to set the protection cover in a closed condition. The coupling device couples or uncouples the manipulation member and the latch member. The control unit controls a coupling condition of the manipulation member and the latch member. The control unit selectively transmits a first signal for coupling the manipulation member and the latch member and a second signal for uncoupling the manipulation member and the latch member depending on whether or not data processing for the removable recording medium is in progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Okada
  • Publication number: 20100294637
    Abstract: In an actuating device (1) for generating an electrical switching signal, with a housing (2) on which a cover (4) accessible from the outside is attached, which is held in a groove (8) worked into the housing, and with a switching contact (6) attached in the interior (21) of the housing (2) in which case the switching contact (6) is moved from an initial position (a) to a switching position (b) by the closure of the cover (4) either directly or by means of intermediate elements (19) attached to the cover (4), a reliable and positionally accurate closure of the cover (4) should be guaranteed at all times in order to generate a switching contact, even if the cover (4) has an off-centre actuation force applied to it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Manuel da Silva, Ralf Siegler
  • Patent number: 7834285
    Abstract: A compact keypad structure includes a keypad panel with a smooth face, matted face or patterned layer. The keypad structure includes a flexible printed circuit board, an illumination layer, a resilient layer and a keypad layer in bottom-up order. The illumination layer includes an illumination plate to illuminate the bottom of the resilient body when the keypad is operated. Therefore, the surface of the keypad has a transparent effect for display. The first carrier and the second carrier of the keypad layer, and the resilient body of the resilient layer are deformed when an external force is applied to the surface of the keypad. A protrusion is pressed against the surface of the illumination plate and a metal dome on another face of the illumination plate is deformed and pressed against the flexible printed circuit board. The metal dome is in contact with a contact of the flexible printed circuit board to output an operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ichia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Ho Hsu
  • Patent number: 7829810
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pushbutton switch cover sheet formed by using a thin metal plate, in which damage or deformation, such as bending or denting, of the thin metal plate is prevented, thereby making it possible to continuously maintain a satisfactory design. The pushbutton switch cover sheet comprising: a plurality of display portions; a plurality of depressing-operation portions for effecting key input on the display portions, respectively; a base sheet formed of a rubber-like elastic material; and a thin metal plate provided on the base sheet, wherein a reinforcing member formed of a polymeric material is provided for each depressing-operation portion so as to be adjacent to the thin metal plate in a direction of a thickness of the thin metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Polymatech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7820929
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical interface shield. The shield includes, a transparent support member having a first end and a second end, a transparent housing hingedly attached at the first end of the transparent support member and latchably engagable with the second end, and at least one brace. The at least one brace has at least one mounting hole therethrough and is removably attached to the transparent support member and the at least one mounting hole is configured to receive a fastener therein for mounting the transparent support member to an electrical interface frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Dale N. Thorp, Jerold L. John, Tony Cammarano
  • Publication number: 20100246112
    Abstract: A cover for a device is disclosed. The cover may include a first portion operable to protect a button of a device from inadvertent actuation, wherein the first portion enables viewing of the button while the cover overlaps the device. The cover may also include an opening operable to afford access to an interface component of the device, wherein the opening is operable to enable a user to reach through and physically interact with the interface component while the cover overlaps the device. The cover may further include a second portion enclosing the opening on all sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: PALM, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Albertini, Frank Annerino, Ben Dettmann, Troy Hulick, William Webb
  • Patent number: 7728241
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus, an imaging apparatus, and a printer are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a main body case; a cover that is provided on the main body case so as to be openable and closable; a button, which is provided on the cover, for making a pressing operation; and a switch that is provided on the main body case, the switch being pressed by receiving a pressing force from the button in a state where the cover is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Ito
  • Patent number: 7718911
    Abstract: An electronic device comprises a housing, a circuit board, a cover and a switch. The housing comprises an opening receiving a card. The circuit board is disposed in the housing. The cover is disposed on the housing corresponding to the opening. The switch is disposed on the circuit board, wherein when the cover is moved, the cover actuates the switch to control the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corp.
    Inventors: Fang-Jin Lin, Wen-Kuei Lo
  • Publication number: 20100072048
    Abstract: A key mechanism is used in an electronic device, the electronic device includes a housing. The key mechanism includes a key cap made of elastic material. The key cap includes an edge and a protrusion. The edge is waterproofly connected to the housing. The protrusion allows a user to detect the key cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: ZHOU-QUAN ZUO, XU MING
  • Patent number: 7663069
    Abstract: A switch structure of an automatic external defibrillator including a housing member and a flap member for covering the housing member, open and closed states of the flap member and ON and OFF of a switch of the automatic external defibrillator which are associated with each other, the switch structure includes a movable unit for turning ON the switch when the flap member is in the open state and turning OFF the switch when the flap member is in the closed state and an operator performs further operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ishino, Kazunori Yoshifuku
  • Patent number: 7601925
    Abstract: A fixing device for mounting a button having a switch includes a base defining a though hole for receiving the switch, two first mounting walls adjacent to the through hole configured for clipping the button, a second mounting wall adjacent to the through hole and including a first blocking portion, an elastic piece adjacent to the through hole, and a third mounting wall extending from the elastic piece and including a second blocking portion. The first mounting walls are spaced by the through hole and located at two opposite sides of the through hole. Each first mounting wall includes a hook. The hooks are opposite to each other configured for clipping the button. The second mounting wall and the elastic piece are located at another two opposite sides of the through hole. The first blocking portion and the second blocking portion are configured for blocking the button therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lian-Chen Li, Guang-Yao Lee, Pin-Shian Wu, Hsuan-Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 7595459
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a button display apparatus of a refrigerator which can improve an illumination effect of operation buttons by condensing light of lamps for illuminating display characters or contours of the operation buttons on the operation buttons. The button display apparatus of the refrigerator includes: a control board; switches installed on the front surface of the control board, for recognizing external operations; lamps mounted on the front surface of the control board around the switches, for irradiating light according to the recognition operations of the switches; a cover installed to cover the front surface of the control board, and composed of button printed units; contact units for displaying operation ranges of the user on parts of the button printed units; and condensing members for covering the paths from the lamps to the contact units, so that the light generated by the lamps can reach the contact units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seung-Jin Oh
  • Publication number: 20090236210
    Abstract: A keyboard assembly is provided. The keyboard assembly includes a keyboard having at least one input key assembly positioned within the housing and an infection controllable apparatus attached thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Advanced Input Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Clark, Mitchell S. Butzer, Lee B. Snow, Richard B. Lawrence, Cody G. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20090166165
    Abstract: A silicone rubber composition having such selective adhesiveness that shows high adhesion to an organic material than to a molding die is bonded to a sheet of the organic material and is vulcanized and cured in the mold. Thus, an elastomer keypad of double-layer structure is produced in which an organic material layer (3), which can be easily subjected to coating, bonding with an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive, or the like, has been united and bonded as a surface layer to the rubber. Keytops are bonded to the elastomer keypad to produce a covering member (1) for push-button switches. A polyurethane elastomer sheet is preferably used as the organic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU POLYMER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Aoki, Mitsutoshi Hiraya, Shinji Hotta
  • Patent number: 7523544
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing compact keypad, a first molding die with bottom surface of smooth face, matted face or patterned layer is prepared. Colloid is injected into the first molding die and a first carrier covers the surface of the colloid. A rolling wheel presses the first carrier and the colloid evenly into the first molding die. The colloid is cured by UV light to form a keypad layer attached on the first carrier. A background color layer, a functional color layer and a textual color layer are formed on the first carrier. A second carrier is prepared and a reflection layer is printed on the surface of the second carrier. The second carrier and silicon rubber are placed into a second molding die and thermally pressed therein to form a resilient layer. The resilient layer is adhered with the keypad layer to form the keypad panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Ichia Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Ho Hsu
  • Patent number: 7511238
    Abstract: A switch actuation device includes a first actuation portion driven by a first moving member and a second actuation portion driven by a second moving member. The switch actuation device further includes a first lever, a second lever, and an actuator. The first actuation portion contacts the second lever to swing the second lever toward the actuator connected to a switch when driven by the first moving member. The second actuation portion swings the first lever to cause the first lever to move the second lever closer to the actuator when driven by the second moving member. The actuator is driven by a combination of the swing of the second lever caused by the first moving member and the movement of the second lever caused by the second moving member so as to turn on the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Sugane, Gakushi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7465895
    Abstract: Provided is an operating switch mechanism having a handle cover with enhanced rigidity. The operating switch mechanism has a chassis 1 in which individual switches 21 and a group switch are exposed from the front side. An indicator hole for passing light is formed in the chassis 1 to at locations facing light-emitting diodes indicating operation states of lighting apparatuses in association with the group switch. A handle body 4 is rotatably attached on the front side of the chassis 1 so as to press the group switch. An indicator hole is formed at the location corresponding to the indicator hole formed in the chassis 1. A handle cover 5 is rotatably attached on the front side of the handle body 4. An indicator hole is formed at the location corresponding to the indicator hole formed in the handle body 4. A concave groove 44 for attaching an indicator window 8 is formed on the front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20080302644
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical interface shield. The shield includes, a transparent support member having a first end and a second end, a transparent housing hingedly attached at the first end of the transparent support member and latchably engagable with the second end, and at least one brace. The at least one brace has at least one mounting hole therethrough and is removably attached to the transparent support member and the at least one mounting hole is configured to receive a fastener therein for mounting the transparent support member to an electrical interface frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Dale N. Thorp, Jerold L. John, Tony Cammarano
  • Publication number: 20080264767
    Abstract: An exemplary push button (10) includes a main body (12) made of a ceramic material; and a connecting portion (14) integrally formed with the main body. The push button has an improved performance and is scratch resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen)CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WU-KUANG CHEN, HAO-ZHUAN LIN, XIAO-SHE BIAN, YONG-CHUAN YANG, BAI-DA YU, QIANG ZHAO
  • Patent number: 7442893
    Abstract: A U-shaped spring member is placed on the outer periphery of a hollow cylindrical part of an operating body. Engaging portions in arm portions upwardly inwardly extending from both ends of the spring member are fitted into holes through the hollow cylindrical part and brought into resilient contact with a groove on the outer periphery of an operating shaft. This structure provides a switch device that has great resistance to pull-out of the operating body for secure fastening thereof and is easy to assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayoshi Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 7435921
    Abstract: An enclosure for an electronic device includes a base having an outwardly extending peripheral wall which forms a compartment for receiving the electronic device. A caseplate is mounted to the peripheral wall for enclosing the electronic device. The caseplate has an access opening extending completely through the caseplate and located at a switch on the electronic device. The access opening is covered by a thin membrane which protects the electronic device and yet permits actuation of the switch. The caseplate can be decorated by art work on by another layer of material or can be clear and cover the device and an optional art work insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: La France Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick A. M. Rae, Roland M. Wolstenholme, Justin M. Mazzoni
  • Publication number: 20080223702
    Abstract: A compact keypad structure includes keypad panel with smooth face, matted face or patterned layer. The keypad structure includes a flexible printed circuit board, an illumination layer, a resilient layer and a keypad layer in bottom-up order. The illumination layer includes an illumination plate to illuminate the bottom of the resilient body when the keypad is operated. Therefore, the surface of the keypad has transparent effect for display. The first carrier and the second carrier of the keypad layer, and the resilient body of the resilient layer are deformed when external force is applied to the surface of the keypad. A protrusion is pressed against the surface of the illumination plate and a metal dome on another face of the illumination plate is deformed and pressed against the flexible printed circuit board. The metal dome is in contact with contact of the flexible printed circuit board to output an operation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Ho HSU