Push Button Patents (Class 200/341)
  • Patent number: 8292444
    Abstract: An uniformly self-luminous keyboard device comprises a housing and a keyboard unit. The housing includes an upper casing and a lower casing, which can be assembled together. After the upper casing and the lower casing are assembled together, an accommodation space is formed therebetween. The upper casing has an opening interconnecting the accommodation space. The keyboard unit is arranged in the accommodation space and includes a plurality of press members passing through the opening and moved by a force to have a displacement, and a baseplate supporting the press members. A light conduction space is formed between the baseplate and the lower casing. A light emitting unit is arranged inside the light conduction space. The height of the light conduction space decreases with the distance to the light emitting unit, whereby light is uniformly distributed over the bottom of the keyboard unit. Thus is achieved the uniformly self-luminous keyboard device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chin-Yi Lin, Chih-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 8288671
    Abstract: A key button structure includes a button body, a fixing member and a housing. The housing comprises a first housing and a second housing placed in the first housing. The first housing and the second housing together define an accommodating space. The first housing has a window defined therethrough communicating with the accommodating space. The fixing member and the button body are integrally and detachably assembled within the accommodating space of the housing. The button body is exposed through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Shi-Xu Liang, Yung-Chang Yen
  • Publication number: 20120250234
    Abstract: A thin press button is provided. The press button includes a base plate, a link member, a cap, and at least one stopper. The link member, having a sliding recess, is disposed on the base plate. The cap pivots on the link member. The stopper has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end pivots on the cap and the second end is slidably disposed in the sliding recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: WISTRON CORP.
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang, Chun-Chien Chen, Shun-De Bai, San-Pao Kao
  • Publication number: 20120250273
    Abstract: A button structure and an electronic device using the same are provided. The button structure is disposed on a casing and comprises an elastic element and a button. The elastic element comprises a first support portion, a second support portion and a carrying portion. The carrying portion is connected between the first support portion and the second support portion. The first support portion and the second support portion lean on the casing. The button is disposed on the carrying portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ting-Chang KUO
  • Publication number: 20120247802
    Abstract: A keyswitch structure is implemented in a protective casing for an electronic device. The keyswitch structure includes a flexible part and an insertion part. The flexible part is disposed on a position of the protective casing corresponding to a button of the electronic device. The flexible part includes a pressing portion, a connecting portion connected between the pressing portion and the main body for allowing the pressing portion to move elastically relative to the protective casing, and a protruding portion protruding from the pressing portion for reaching the button. The insertion part is embedded in the protruding portion for pressing the button down cooperatively with the protruding portion when the pressing portion is pressed. The hardness of the insertion part is greater than that of the flexible part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Kai-Hung Wang
  • Patent number: 8278574
    Abstract: The invention relates to a switch element including an actuating element that can be impinged upon by an energy accumulator (force storage device) and is mounted so that it can be moved along a trajectory. At least two energy accumulators are used to impinge the actuating element and the number of the energy accumulators impinging the actuating element varies in predetermined positions of the trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Mathias Grimm
  • Patent number: 8278579
    Abstract: A thin key structure includes a keycap, a key body, an elastic piece and a base. The keycap has a first side wall. The key body has a second side wall forming a hollow chamber in which the keycap can be put to connect the elastic piece. The inner of the second side wall is provided with guiding portions for guiding the keycap to move steadily in the key body. With the keycap being put in the key body, the total height of the key structure can be reduced, and the vertical moving distance of the keycap with respect to the key body to press the elastic piece can be shortened. Thus, the thin key structure can be made more compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: Silitek Electronic (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Kuan Lin, Hsien-Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20120234659
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a push button structure including a casing and a button body that are integrally formed by injection molding. The casing has an opening that extends through the surface of the casing. The button body is formed within the opening, and has an outer periphery spaced from the inner periphery of the opening and has an outer surface exposed on the surface of the casing and an inner surface extended by the curved lever. The curved lever has one end fixedly connected to an inner wall of the casing at a position adjacent to the opening such that the button body is movably positioned inside the opening. When the button body is pressed, the elasticity of the curved lever allows the button body to move toward the inside of the casing and thereby trigger an electronic switch in the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: D-Link Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Chun Huang
  • Publication number: 20120229994
    Abstract: A push button for mounting on an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a shell defining a hole, and a circuit board received in the shell. The push button includes a pressing member, a switch and a lever. The depressing member is received in the hole. The switch is received in the shell and connected to the circuit board. The switch is configured to be misaligned with the hole. The lever includes a spring arm and an body pivotally connected to the shell. When pressed, the depressing member pushes the lever to rotate from the first position to a second position where the other end of the body of the lever actuates the switch. The disclosure also provides the means of incorporating the push button into a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: KENNETH ZHAO, CHI-HSIEN FONG, PU ZHAO, ZE-BING QIU
  • Publication number: 20120228105
    Abstract: A keyswitch controller includes a housing, a circuit board, a keyswitch module, and a force feedback module. The housing includes a keyswitch hole. The circuit board is disposed in the housing and includes a switch. The keyswitch module disposed on the circuit board and passing out of the keyswitch hole is for turning on the switch by being pressed so as to generate a pressing signal. The force feedback module is coupled to the keyswitch module for vibrating according to the pressing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Fu-Mei HSU, Ching-Hsiang YU, Shao-Hsiung CHANG
  • Publication number: 20120222943
    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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Christian CHENIER
  • Patent number: 8253050
    Abstract: When the assembly is complete, the protrusion 2e of the leaf spring 2b abuts against the bottom wall surface 3g which is an inner bottom surface of the cover member 3 and the leaf spring 2b is bent. Since the protrusion is pushed against the cover member 3, the leaf spring 2b generates force of repulsion which pushes the frame member 2f toward the opposite direction of the cover member 3. In addition, since the leaf springs 2b are aligned straightly between three bosses 3b, the leaf spring 2b pushes the push button 2 toward the switch board 1 almost in parallel. In other words, if the push button 2 is held in the cover member 3, without further components, the push button 2 is pushed against the switch board 1 and there will not be a possibility of a wobble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahito Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8253594
    Abstract: A keyboard includes a plug, a hub, a keyboard controller, a keyboard circuit, a camera controller, and an image capturing device. The hub includes an output terminal connected to the plug, a first input terminal, and a second input terminal. The keyboard circuit is connected to the first input terminal of the hub via the keyboard controller. The image capturing device is mounted on the keyboard and connected to the second input terminal of the hub via the camera controller. The image capturing device is configured for capturing sensed image signals. The keyboard circuit communicates with the computer via the keyboard controller and the hub, and the image capturing device transmits the sensed image signals to the computer via the camera controller and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai-Li Wang, Xiang Cao
  • Publication number: 20120211342
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a keypad structure having an engraved pattern, in which a keycap layer including a hard coating as a top layer is provided. The keycap layer is punched to form at least a keycap component utilized to assembly a keypad semi-product. The keypad semi-product is kept in a storage place. A pattern is provided. After a demand of the pattern is confirmed, the keypad semi-product is fetched and the hard coating is partially removed to form the confirmed pattern to complete a keypad structure. A keypad structure and a keypad semi-structure are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Ko-Ju Chen
  • Publication number: 20120215953
    Abstract: A large-key numeric keypad includes large keys with bold, easy-to-read lettering for increased visibility and contrast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Jack E. Kosmach
  • Patent number: 8247717
    Abstract: A power button assembly includes a printed circuit board having a switch, a support plate engaging with the printed circuit board, and a push button to activate the switch. The support plate includes abutting portions to elastically abut against the push button, and one of the support plate and the push button includes hook portions, and the other includes latching portions engaging with the hook portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bin Dai
  • Patent number: 8247719
    Abstract: A button device includes a button unit, a resilient member, and a switch unit. The button unit includes a button, a transparent power icon member, and a retaining member. The power iron member is attached to the button. The retaining member includes an elastic element, a tray located at one end of the elastic element, and a fixing loop located at the other end of the elastic element. The button and the power iron member are retained on the tray. The tray includes a seat with a hole for receiving an illuminator, and reflects lights of the illuminator to the power icon member. The resilient member is sandwiched between the button unit and the switch unit to reset the button unit back to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guang-Yao Lee, Hsuan-Tsung Chen, Gang Liu, Qing-Hui Mi
  • Patent number: 8247718
    Abstract: A button structure for actuating a switch includes a pressing part, a protruding part connected to a side of the pressing part for being driven to actuate the switch when the pressing part is pressed, and a constraining part. An end of the constraining part is connected to the pressing part in an elastically deformable manner. A guiding slot is formed on the constraining part. The button structure further includes a fixing part. An end of the fixing part is disposed inside the guiding slot. The guiding slot slides relative to the fixing part when the pressing part is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Zhong-hui Mao, Chia-Hsin Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8243442
    Abstract: An integrated switch assembly is described, the integrated switch assembly including at least an actuator and a flexible membrane mechanically coupled to the actuator, the flexible membrane formed of a resilient, electrically conductive material. In the described embodiment, the flexible membrane is held at a first electrical potential. The integrated switch assembly also includes at least an electrical contact at a second electrical potential connected to an electrical circuit. The integrated switch assembly is engaged when the actuator applies a mechanical force to the flexible membrane causing the flexible membrane to deflect to a point of contact with the electrical contact causing the electrical potential of the electrical contact to change from the second potential to the first potential. The electrical circuit detects the change in potential of the electrical contact as a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Stephen Brian Lynch
  • Patent number: 8235611
    Abstract: A key structure of a keyboard, comprising: a backplane and a plurality of key caps. The backplane is concaved a plurality of grooves. A frame is deposed on the groove, and outside of the frame two fixed bases and two positioning columns are correspondingly deposed on the opposite sides. A clamp is deposed on the fixed base. A link bar, consists of a cross bar and two struts. The cross bar and the struts are mutually perpendicular and shown as an upside-down U shape. A key cap, in which a convex column is extended from the inside of the key cap, and two clips are protruded respectively on the opposite sides of the convex column, as well as a slot is deposed on the clip. The clips are adapted to position the cross bar of the link bar to a clamp of a fixed base on the backplane. And two struts are adapted to be held by the positioning column, so that the two struts only can be moved up and down and will not mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Mae Tay Plastic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 8237072
    Abstract: A pushbutton switch includes a pushbutton for changing a switching mode of a tact switch provided on a switch holder fixedly disposed within a casing. The pushbutton includes a push operation portion disposed in a through hole provided in the casing and a collar that protrudes outwardly from the push operation portion and faces an inner face of the casing at the peripheral edge of the through hole. The pushbutton is connected to the switch holder and resiliently urged toward the side on which the collar gets closer to the inner face of the casing. Projections projecting toward the inner face of the casing are projectingly provided integrally at a plurality of positions spaced in the peripheral direction on an opposing face, of the collar of the pushbutton, that is opposed to the inner face of the casing. This prevents a freezing problem in the operation of a pushbutton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventor: Yuji Kubota
  • Patent number: 8232493
    Abstract: An operating device is provided having a supporting member, a button, an elastic member, and a bearing member. The supporting member has an opening which passes through the thickness direction of the supporting member. The button has a shaft and an engaging portion. The shaft is arranged such that the axial direction of the shaft is parallel to the thickness direction of the supporting member. The engaging portion projects parallel to the axial direction of the shaft. The elastic member is set onto the supporting member so as to cover the opening, and has a projecting portion which engages the end of the shaft. The bearing member is provided between the supporting member and the elastic member, which is provided around the opening and is located nearer to the shaft than the engaging portion in the direction orthogonal to the projecting direction of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Ichikawa, Akiko Ogata
  • Patent number: 8227717
    Abstract: A key mechanism is used in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing defining an opening. The key mechanism includes: a plate, at least one latching portion positioned on a first side of the plate; at least one post positioned on a first side of the plate; and a protrusion extending from a second side opposite to the first side. The protrusion extends from the opening, the latching portion and the plate resist the housing. The present disclosure further discloses an electronic device using the key mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Pen-Uei Lu
  • Patent number: 8227714
    Abstract: A switch assembly is provided to actuate a pair of switches using a single push key. e.g. for a camera that utilizes a first switch to activate an image focusing function and a second switch to activate a camera shutter. The switch assembly comprises a contact pad switch and a dome switch that are located laterally to one another. When the push key receives a first downward force, only the contact pad switch becomes activated and a first electric circuit is completed. When the push key receives a second downward force that is greater than the first force, the dome switch collapses and a second electric circuit is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Vijai Rajagopal, Firmansyah Sulem, James Infanti, Timothy Kyowski
  • Publication number: 20120182673
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body and a push-button assembly. The main body defines a first through hole. The push-button assembly is detachably connected to the main body. The main body partially protrudes out of the main body from the through hole. The push-button assembly can rotate relative to the main body along a first direction to be locked to the main body and rotate relative to the main body along a second direction opposite to the first direction to be unlocked from the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YUAN-MING WANG, XUE-FENG WAN, ZHAO-YONG LI, CHIN-SUNG YANG
  • Publication number: 20120181155
    Abstract: Key impact noise produced during data entry operations is abated with a configuration in which the deformable portion of the resilient member can abut the bottom surface of the key top and a gap is formed between the key top and the membrane sheet when the key top is displaced to the lowered position. This allows for the key top to be prevented from abutting the membrane sheet when the key top is displaced by the user from the raised position to the lowered position. As a result, the noise of collision between the key top and the membrane sheet is no longer produced and the key impact noise of the keyboard can be diminished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira IWAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20120175232
    Abstract: Slide switch assemblies with structural enhancements are provided for use in electronic devices. Slide switch assemblies in accordance with embodiments the invention can include a button, an engagement member, and switch box. The engagement member couples the button to the switch box and translates any movement of the button to the switch box. The switch box is mounted offset with respect to the button because another component such as, for example, a display screen occupies the space that would have been a better mounting position for the switch box. To compensate for the offset, and the added torsion that is applied to the engagement member during button movement events, the engagement member is structurally enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Shukla, Scott Myers, Matthew Hill, Mike Wittenberg
  • Patent number: 8217288
    Abstract: A keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys coupled to the housing. Each of the keys has means for making the selection of smaller key sizes easier for a user. The keys may incorporate a flexible or resilient upper part, or be configured to transform to a larger surface area upon the application of pressure. The keys may be configured to rotate away from a selected key. The keys adjacent a selected key may be configured to lock mechanically or electrically. The keys may have multiple parts that are movable relative to one another. The upper part of the key may include a fluid, with a selection rod positioned inside the upper part to enter the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Norman M. Ladouceur, Jason T. Griffin, Frank M. Tyneski
  • Patent number: 8217289
    Abstract: A keyboard and key structure thereof includes a keycap, an elastic element, a supporting element, a base and a frame. The elastic element is located below the keycap. The supporting element has a supporting part, a connecting part and an end part, wherein the supporting part supports the keycap and the connecting part connects the supporting part and the end part. The base supports the elastic element. The frame secures the end part on the base. A keyboard includes a plurality of key structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chia-Hung Liu
  • Patent number: 8209868
    Abstract: A button assembly for displaying an illuminated symbol has a locking ring and a solid light guide positioned within and spaced apart from the locking ring. The light guide has a top surface for displaying an illuminated symbol and a bottom surface with a light receiving member having a refracting surface with a first lens member for receiving and directing light to the top surface of the light guide. A resilient sealing member interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The resilient sealing member is mounted on the locking ring and interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The sealing member has an unsupported portion that facilitates movement of the light guide relative to the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Fred Schnak, Stefan Rehbein, Gerd Laschinski, Klaus Günther Amsel, Werner Hübscher, Herbert Lessiak
  • Patent number: 8212166
    Abstract: A switch assembly includes a panel defining a receiving portion. The receiving portion includes two opposite first sidewalls, two opposite second sidewalls, and a bottom wall connected between the first sidewalls. A switch member is attached to the panel. An actuating member is accommodated in and engaged with the second sidewalls of the receiving portion. The actuating member includes a pressing plate. Two guiding walls extend from two opposite first sides of the pressing plate, and two elastic hooks protruding from two opposite second sides of the pressing plate. A spring member is disposed between the pressing plate of the actuating member and the bottom wall of the receiving portion, to provide resilient force to expose the actuating member outside of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Wen Yeh, Zhen-Neng Lin, Jian-Guo An
  • Publication number: 20120160648
    Abstract: A keyswitch includes a cover, a frame, a keycap, two connecting parts, and a base. The cover has an opening. The frame is disposed under the cover. The base is disposed under the frame. The keycap is located in the opening. The keycap has two opposite edges. The two connecting parts are connected between the two opposite edges and the frame. The cover abuts against the two connecting parts to restrain the keycap from moving up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Ling-Hsi Chao, Po-Wei Tsai, Chih-Chung Yen
  • Publication number: 20120160640
    Abstract: The present technology provides a bridge-style push-button with anchoring, a device comprising same, and a method of assembly. The push-button comprises a first anchor portion for coupling to the device, a second anchor portion for coupling to the device, a resilient bridge portion suspended between the anchor portions, and an actuating portion mounted on the bridge portion. The first anchor portion is mounted along a differently oriented axis from the second anchor portion. The first and second anchor portions may be slideably mounted, rotatably mounted, or both. The device comprises anchor sites for mounting of the push-button. The method of assembly comprises coupling the first anchor portion to the device before the second anchor portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Leonardo ALDANA, Felipe Oliveira SIMOES, Marc Èlis MEUNIER
  • Publication number: 20120160647
    Abstract: A push switch comprising: a button made of a flexible material having a cap shaped top operation part, a flat part formed extending laterally from an edge of an opening in the top operation part, and a side wall formed extending downward from an outer edge of the flat part; a switch substrate fitted in close contact with the inner circumference of the side wall and abutting the bottom face of the flat part of the button; and a switch arranged inside the button, on the switch substrate, wherein the outer circumferential face of the side wall of the button and the bottom face of the switch substrate are covered by integrally molded resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Tetsushi Yashima
  • Patent number: 8207805
    Abstract: The invention relates to a push-button (5) having a housing (10), with which there are associated at least a first actuation member (6) which triggers a haptic control signal and one or more permanent magnet(s) (3) which can be guided past at least a second actuation member (2) which triggers a switching operation, and there is associated with the first actuation member (6), which triggers a haptic response, a control element having a first progressive or degressive control face portion (6.1) and at least a second adjoining control face portion (6.2) which behaves in an inverse manner and along which the actuation member is guided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: W. Gessmann GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Wild, J{hacek over (o)}rg Reisinger, Oliver Höger, Nikolaus Rades
  • Patent number: 8207464
    Abstract: In a portable terminal, a plurality of operation keys 7 are formed in a key through hole, which is formed in a housing main body that covers a printed board 15, by partitioning a stainless steel sheet 26 (a key sheet) by slits 26a. A urethane sheet 28 is attached to the rear side of the stainless steel sheet 26, where the urethane sheet 28 has ridge portions 28a that bulge out through the slits 26a to the front side of the stainless steel sheet 26, and the rear sides of the ridge portions 28a have groove-like openings. A rubber layer 29 is attached to the rear side of the urethane sheet 28, where the rubber layer 29 has a plurality of protruding portions 23 that protrudes toward a substrate 25 at positions corresponding to a plurality of fixed contacts 16 over the substrate 25. LEDs (light emitting means) and a light guide sheet 21 are disposed closer to the substrate than the rubber layer 29 is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Matsumoto, Kimiaki Imai
  • Publication number: 20120152709
    Abstract: An exemplary key device includes a circuit board, a frame, a cap, a partition board and two protrusions. The circuit board has two contacts thereon. The cap is configured on the frame and includes a bottom surface facing the circuit board. The partition board extends down from the bottom surface and abutting against the circuit board. The two protrusions are at two opposite sides of the partition board. The two protrusions extend down from the bottom surface, and each includes a distal end adjacent and above a respective one of the contacts of the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO. LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: TING-TING ZHAO, XIAO-HUI ZHOU, MIN-LI LI, HONG LI
  • Publication number: 20120152711
    Abstract: A touch pad for an operating button of an electronics device provides a contact point for tactile input through the button. The button is adhesively mounted to the button, the surface of the electronics device surrounding the button, or both button and surrounding surface. The pad preferably fully overlies the button, and may have a lower surface that conforms to the shape of the top surface of the button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Joshua SILVERMAN
  • Publication number: 20120152710
    Abstract: A power button includes a holder and a push-button. The holder includes an assembling hole defined therein, an annular groove defined on a top portion of an inner wall of the assembling hole, and a latching slot defined in the inner wall of the assembling hole located adjacent to and apart from the annular groove. The push-button includes a cover body in the shape of conical frustum, a plurality of hook portions formed on the cover body. A shape of the annular groove allows it to mesh with the cover body, the cover body is movably received in the annular groove, and the hook portions engage with the latching slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: ZHI-HUA LIU
  • Patent number: 8203093
    Abstract: A pushbutton for an electronic device includes a pushbutton cap, a pushbutton base, and an adhesive member. The pushbutton cap has a flange extending from an edge thereof. The pushbutton base engages with the flange of the pushbutton cap, thus enveloping the adhesive member between the pushbutton cap and the pushbutton base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Jun Wang, Zi-Ming Tang
  • Publication number: 20120138438
    Abstract: A key includes a base and a top cover. The base is made of a non-plated first plastic material. The base defines a through hole in a center portion, and a plurality of receiving portions surrounding and communicating with the through hole. The top cover is made of plated second plastic material. The top cover forms a plurality of connecting portions received in the receiving portions of the base The top cover is covered with a metal plating layer. A method of manufacturing a key is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: WEI DENG
  • Patent number: 8183478
    Abstract: The present application provides a key assembly for use in an electronic device. The key assembly comprises a plurality of dome switches and one or more single-piece keycaps. Each keycap has a plurality of key portions separated by deforming portions. The key assembly further comprises a plurality of actuators for activating the dome switches. Each actuator has a stem portion and an enlarged rigid blocking portion. The key assembly also comprises one or more rigid blocking members disposed between the blocking portion of the actuators and the keycaps and in close proximity to the blocking portion of the actuators. The blocking members form a barrier to limit a rotational movement of the actuators away from the dome switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Ramon Lamers, Timothy Kyowski
  • Publication number: 20120111709
    Abstract: A switch device includes a lid arranged between a tactile switch, which is arranged on a substrate, and an operation button, which is coupled to a retainer so that the operation button can be pushed. The lid includes an opening at a location corresponding to the tactile switch. A lower surface of the elastic member is coupled to a surface of the lid. The operation button, when pushed, activates the tactile switch with an elastic member. The operation body, when released from the pushed state, deactivates the tactile switch as a reaction force of the elastic member returns the operation button to an initial position. The switch device includes a projection that supports the operation button. The projection is formed on an upper surface of the elastic member at a location corresponding to the surface of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Daisuke SENZAKI, Hiromitsu MIZUNO, Shinichi KOGA, Kota NISHIDA, Shinya HATTORI, Katsuharu TACHIBANA, Akira OGINO
  • Publication number: 20120111704
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed, comprising: a translucent user input element body; a first layer comprising a first shade, the first layer disposed on a surface of the translucent user input element body; a second layer comprising a second shade, the second layer disposed on a surface of the first layer; an aperture through the first layer and the second layer, the aperture having a character shape; and the first layer comprising an exposed portion configured to form a dark outline for the character shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Josef Stöhr, Martin Punke
  • Patent number: 8171907
    Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Eric R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20120103772
    Abstract: Provided is an operation key in which power of a finger is efficiently transmitted and a terminal device equipped with the operation key. The operation key is equipped with a first surface which protrudes upwards in an entire region and has an upper side which is smoothly curved part having a maximum point between both corners and a second surface which overlays the curved part and the opposing side of the first surface, protrudes upwards in the entire region in a direction of the opposing side, has the maximum point between the both corners, and is a curved surface which is descended in a direction crossing at right angles with the opposing side, wherein a length of a line from the maximum point of the first surface to a bottom side of the first surface perpendicularly to the bottom side along the first surface is shorter than a length of a line from the maximum point to a side which is opposing the first surface perpendicularly to the opposing side along the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Iwaki
  • Patent number: 8154375
    Abstract: This invention relates to an overcurrent protection device, which comprises a housing having a first side mounted with first and second wire terminals and a second side installed with a button, an elastic element installed therein for abutting against the button, a memory alloy plate disposed therein and having a first end connected to the first wire terminal and a free end having a first contact, and an elastic metal sheet having two ends movably connected to the first and free ends respectively. When the button is pressed, an extended rod thereof can push the first contact and cause the memory alloy plate to be deformed for enabling the first contact to contact a second contact on the second wire terminal. When the button is released and shifted away from the first contact, a space will be provided for the first contact to return an original status prior to deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Tsan-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 8148658
    Abstract: A non-contact touch switch comprises an outer cover installed at an outlet of an AC power source, a microcomputer control circuit installed on an inner side of the outer cover, a medium transferring interface installed on the outer cover and connecting with the microcomputer control circuit, a start switch with one end thereof being connected with the microcomputer control circuit and another end thereof being disposed with a control contact connected to the power source so as to control electrifying time of an electrical device connected therewith, and a power interceptor disposed between the microcomputer control circuit and the start switch capable of directly intercepting, rectifying, and stabilizing an external power supply as a power supply available for a normal operation of an internal circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Chi-Jen Wang
  • Patent number: 8148656
    Abstract: A push-button assembly has a button retainer having a first side wall connected to a second side wall, with an included angle between the first and second side wall being in the range of about 100 degrees to about 170 degrees. Additional side walls connect the second side wall back to the first side wall, forming a hollow portion within the button retainer. The button retainer can be mated within the channel of a corresponding bezel structure. The bezel structure can be tuned to fit the button retainer along a single axis of the bezel structure. A tune-to-fit process includes forming the bezel structure from a mold and measuring the fit of the button retainer within the bezel structure along an x-axis. The bezel mold is either re-cut or material is added to the bezel mold along the x-axis, without re-cutting or adding material along any other axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Vistcon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Krista Lynn Orr, Sabin Oana
  • Publication number: 20120073944
    Abstract: A switch integrated type housing includes a housing body, a switch button sheet, a conductor and a cover sheet. The housing body is provided with a plurality of concave sections on an outer surface of the housing body. The switch button sheet is provided on the outer surface to cover the plurality of concave sections. The conductor has a dome shape downwardly projecting and is provided in each of the plurality of concave sections to contact the switch button sheet. The cover sheet is provided between the switch button sheet and the outer surface of the housing body in a portion of the outer surface of the housing body other than the plurality of concave sections and to cover a lower surface of the conductor in each of the plurality of concave sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki KOBAYASHI, Takaaki YOSHIHIRO, Nobuhiro MIKAMI