Abstract: A membrane switch having a first flexible substrate segment with a pattern of conductive elements thereon at discrete coordinate locations and overlaying this substrate is a spacer layer having a plurality of apertures arranged on the same center-to-center spacing as the conductive elements on the spacer substrate. This spacer layer has the same general shape as the substrate but is of a smaller size so that when superposed on the substrate with the hole pattern aligned with the conductive elements, a border of the first substrate is exposed beyond the edges of the spacer member. Disposed atop the apertured spacer member is a further segment of flexible material also having a pattern of conductive elements at discrete coordinate locations corresponding to the coordinate locations of the conductive elements on the first substrate. When this further segment is superimposed upon the spacer layer, its conductive elements are aligned with the apertures in the spacer layer and face those on the first substrate.

Abstract: A membrane switch comprised of first and second flexible layers having corresponding patterns of metallization thereon, these layers being separated by an apertured spacer. The first layer is of a larger size than the spacer and the second layer is of a smaller size than the spacer so that when the three are superposed, a border on the first layer and spacer are exposed to meet the second layer. Completing the assembly is a label layer which is of a flexible, non-conductive material having a desired pattern of graphics printed on it and an adhesive coated undersurface. When the label layer is pressed against the exposed surface of the second substrate, it bonds all three of the lower layers together and creates a seal around the perimeter of the switch assembly. With the label layer being of a greater size than the other three layers, it may also be used to affix the composite switch to the appliance on which it would be used.