Hinged Button (e.g., Piano Key) Patents (Class 200/343)
  • 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: 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: 8143542
    Abstract: A keypad assembly is used for an electronic device. The keypad assembly includes a support member, a plurality of key strips and a plurality of elastic members. The support member defines a plurality of openings and a plurality of cantilever plates, each cantilever plate extending into a corresponding opening. The key strips are received in the openings. Each key strip defines a first slot in which each cantilever plate is received. Each elastic member supports one of the key strips and provides a force extending one portion of the key strips out of its corresponding opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Foxconn Communication Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Wang-Hung Yeh, Chung-Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 8071899
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure accommodating a plurality of electronic elements therein, a circuit board positioned in the enclosure and spaced from the panel, and a key assembly positioned between the panel and the circuit board. The enclosure includes a panel defining an opening. The circuit board includes a plurality of switches. The key assembly includes a plurality of key bodies protruding out from the opening of the panel and movable relative to the panel, and a supporting frame attached to the panel for supporting and fixing the plurality of key bodies. The switches are positioned under the plurality of key bodies. Movement of a portion each of the plurality of key bodies along a first direction allows movement of another portion of each of the key bodies along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to open or close a corresponding switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wu-Jen Lo
  • Patent number: 8053689
    Abstract: A communication terminal including a housing having elastic key buttons integrally coupled thereto is provided. The housing is configured to define an external appearance of the communication terminal. Each of the key buttons may have one end thereof integrally coupled to the housing and a free end at an opposite end thereof. A plurality of key-input switches may be respectively positioned beneath each key button. Each of the key-input switches may detect a corresponding key-input when the free end of the key button is brought into contact with the key-input switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: LG-Ericsson Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Hyun Kim, Kyung Soo Ji, Jong Won Lim
  • Patent number: 8035051
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing in which an opening is made, a button fit inside the opening such as to be movable forward and backward, a printed wiring board housed inside the housing and provided with a switch which detects pushing operation of the button and a pair of supports. Each of the supports projects inside the housing such as to support both end portions of the printed wiring board and also serve as a stopper for the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Yanagida
  • Patent number: 8017882
    Abstract: A side key assembly includes a base plate, a mounting shaft and two push buttons. The base plate has an opening defined therein and a sidewall formed in the opening. The mounting shaft is rotatably mounted on the base plate and received in the opening of the base plate. The two push buttons is rotatably received in the opening and respectively resisting against two opposite sides of the mounting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8008592
    Abstract: A side key assembly comprises a base plate, a first push button and a second push button. The base plate has an opening defined therein and two opposite sidewalls defined in the opening. The first push button is rotatably assembled to the base in the opening, and the first push button is situated adjacent to one of the sidewalls. The second push button is rotatably assembled to the first push button in the opening and the second push button is situated adjacent to another sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8008593
    Abstract: A switch comprises a key top to be pushed down; an operation knob pushed down by the key top to rotate around a pivot point, having a working portion; and a contact rubber switch pushed down by the working portion of the operation knob. The rubber switch is provided with a push-button portion having an upper surface pushed down by the working portion of the operation knob and an under surface formed with a movable contact; and a skirt portion extending obliquely downward from an edge of the push-button portion. The skirt portion has a thinner portion on the side of the pivot point of the operation knob and a thicker portion on the opposite side of the pivot point. The push-button portion has an upper surface inclined upward toward the side of the pivot point. The switch has advantages such as simple structure, reliable conduction, and excellent click feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Covac Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuji Inagaki
  • Patent number: 7928335
    Abstract: An operating key part (60) includes hinge keys (11), protrusions (12), stoppers (13), a frame (20), and hinges (21), which are molded integrally out of thermoplastic resin. The frame (20) takes the form of a grid or lattice. Each of the hinge keys (11) is positioned in one box of the frame (20) and supported as floating through hinges (21) by the frame (20). The frame (20) has four protrusions (22) protruding from the corners of its front side. When the operating key part (60) is fitted to a main apparatus, the front ends of the frame protrusions (22) are positioned at a predetermined distance in a direction Y2 from the position to which the front sides of the hinge keys (11) have moved farthest in this direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhito Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20110026199
    Abstract: A button structure for a portable electronic device includes a button and a latching member, the button includes a plate portion and an extending arm, the button has a resisting block formed. The latching member includes a plate body and a branch, the plate body defines a guiding slot, the branch is bendable elastically corresponding to the plate body and has a wedge formed, the wedge is configured for latching with a housing of an electronic device. After the button structure is assembled, the distal end of the extending arm is secured to the plate body, the resisting block passes through the guiding slot. When the button is pressed, the resisting block moves together with the button to urge the wedge remove from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventor: Yu Zhang
  • Patent number: 7820930
    Abstract: A switch mechanism includes a frame, an electrical switch on the frame, a lever extending from the frame alongside the switch and including an activation portion whereupon deflection of the lever, the activation portion bears upon the switch so as to activate the switch A force-transfer device associated with the frame moves upon user-activation to deflect the lever. Furthermore, the present switch mechanism is not limited in its application to ON-OFF switches as it could be equally applied to other function switches of low-profile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: Camry Industries (H.K.) Limted, Zhongshan Camry Electronic Company Limited
    Inventor: Da-Yong Mao
  • Patent number: 7795554
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an antistatic component and a method of manufacturing the same. An antistatic component of the present invention comprises buttons each of which includes a push portion 11 or 11? formed at one end of the button and made of a first resin and a switch contact 13 or 13? formed at the other end of the button and made of a second resin; and an elastically-deformable connection portion 15 formed integrally with the switch contact 13 or 13? so as to connect the plurality of buttons to one another. The push portion is exposed outward to be pushed and has a plating layer 12 or 12? formed thereon, and the switch contact selectively operates a tact switch 4 or 4?. The first resin comprises a plating material and the second resin comprises a non-plating material. The switch contact and the connection portion, and the push portion are formed integrally with each other by means of dual injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jae Moon Kim
  • Patent number: 7781691
    Abstract: A bezel assembly includes a bezel, a button, a rotating member, and an elastic member engagable with the bezel and the rotating member for restoring the rotating member. The bezel defines a through hole therein, and the button is installed in the through hole. The rotating member is mounted to an inside surface of the bezel, and the rotating member is engagable with the button and rotatable upon manipulation of the button for controlling a functional component behind the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignees: Hon Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Song Chen
  • Patent number: 7635821
    Abstract: The invention provides a remote controller which can prevent a discordant rattle noise and an operation sound of a button from being generated without deteriorating operability of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shingo Hamada
  • Publication number: 20090301853
    Abstract: A side key assembly comprises a base plate, a first push button and a second push button. The base plate has an opening defined therein and two opposite sidewalls defined in the opening. The first push button is rotatably assembled to the base in the opening, and the first push button is situated adjacent to one of the sidewalls. The second push button is rotatably assembled to the first push button in the opening and the second push button is situated adjacent to another sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: MU-WEN YANG, CHIH-CHIANG CHANG
  • Publication number: 20090301854
    Abstract: A side key assembly includes a base plate, a mounting shaft and two push buttons. The base plate has an opening defined therein and a sidewall formed in the opening. The mounting shaft is rotatably mounted on the base plate and received in the opening of the base plate. The two push buttons is rotatably received in the opening and respectively resisting against two opposite sides of the mounting shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: MU-WEN YANG, CHIH-CHIANG CHANG
  • Patent number: 7622689
    Abstract: A switch activator includes a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion. The tongue is joined to the surrounding portion at the first end and has a pressing point adjacent the second end. The tongue may be joined by glue, a heat stake or a rivet. Preferably, the tongue and the surrounding portion integrally formed in a surface. This invention provides a very low cost method of actuating a SOCI (State Of Charge Indicator) push-button switch under the requirements of MIL-PRF-49471B, paragraph 4.7.17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Integrated Device Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Strangfeld, Jason G. Pecor
  • Publication number: 20090242375
    Abstract: A communication terminal including a housing having elastic key buttons integrally coupled thereto is provided. The housing is configured to define an external appearance of the communication terminal. Each of the key buttons may have one end thereof integrally coupled to the housing and a free end at an opposite end thereof. A plurality of key-input switches may be respectively positioned beneath each key button. Each of the key-input switches may detect a corresponding key-input when the free end of the key button is brought into contact with the key-input switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Tae Hyun Kim, Kyung Soo Ji, Jong Won Lim
  • Patent number: 7592560
    Abstract: An exemplary button device includes a cover and a push button. The cover includes a main body with an opening defined therein, two spaced blocks, and a post extending from the main body between the blocks. The push button includes a positioning portion with a through hole defined therein for extension of the post, a pressing portion with a key top accommodated in the opening, a connecting portion for connecting the pressing portion to the positioning portion, and two wings stretching from opposite edges of the positioning portion adjacent to the connecting portion into a space between the blocks and the main body respectively. The positioning portion forms a protrusion which resists against the main body and separates the push button from the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignees: Premier Image Technology(China) Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Ping Lai
  • Publication number: 20090229961
    Abstract: A switch assembly operating an electrical circuit using an elastomeric pad is provided. The elastomeric pad comprises one or more collapsible domes that are positioned such that a plunger element supported by the switch assembly collapses the domes when an actuation button is tilted. The plunger element may have a limiting mechanism to limit downward movement of the plunger element such that the collapsible domes are not overloaded. The body and plunger may also be formed with complementary profiled portions that restrict any one or more of fore/aft, side-to-side and up/down movements of the plunger with respect to the body to prevent abnormal loading on the collapsible domes to increase the lifecycle of the elastomeric portion. The elastomeric portion may also be adapted to provide both single and dual double detent feedback by using passive collapsible domes that provide tactile feedback without operating on the electrical circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Larsen, Albert Beyginian, Theodor Nuica
  • Publication number: 20090223797
    Abstract: An exemplary button device includes a cover and a push button. The cover includes a main body with an opening defined therein, two spaced blocks, and a post extending from the main body between the blocks. The push button includes a positioning portion with a through hole defined therein for extension of the post, a pressing portion with a key top accommodated in the opening, a connecting portion for connecting the pressing portion to the positioning portion, and two wings stretching from opposite edges of the positioning portion adjacent to the connecting portion into a space between the blocks and the main body respectively. The positioning portion forms a protrusion which resists against the main body and separates the push button from the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicants: PREMIER IMAGE TECHNOLOGY(CHINA) LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YU-PING LAI
  • Patent number: 7554050
    Abstract: An electronic device (20) includes a housing (24) and a rocking key button assembly (200) rockingly assembled to the housing. The housing includes a shaft portion (264) and a blocking board (268). The key button assembly includes a key button (30) having two opposite key portions (312), two elastic retaining members (40), two elastic arms (50) and two triggers (60). The elastic retaining members are retained to the shaft portion. The elastic arms resist against the blocking board. The key portions can rock relative to each other and about the shaft portion, the corresponding one trigger swings relative to the other trigger and about the shaft portion. The corresponding elastic arm is compressed by the blocking board. The elastic retaining members, the elastic arms and the triggers are arranged at the same side of the key button opposite to the two keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Yue-Hui Lv
  • Publication number: 20090152088
    Abstract: An operating key part (60) includes hinge keys (11), protrusions (12), stoppers (13), a frame (20), and hinges (21), which are molded integrally out of thermoplastic resin. The frame (20) takes the form of a grid or lattice. Each of the hinge keys (11) is positioned in one box of the frame (20) and supported as floating through hinges (21) by the frame (20). The frame (20) has four protrusions (22) protruding from the corners of its front side. When the operating key part (60) is fitted to a main apparatus, the front ends of the frame protrusions (22) are positioned at a predetermined distance in a direction Y2 from the position to which the front sides of the hinge keys (11) have moved farthest in this direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhito Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20090107822
    Abstract: A sunroof switch assembly for a vehicle includes a switch housing, a push switch, a first tilting switch, and a second tilting switch. The switch housing is installed in a cabin of the vehicle and has a plurality of contacts for respective operations of a sunroof. The push switch is mounted to the switch housing. The first tilting switch is mounted to the switch housing by the medium of a first hinge part which is located adjacent to one side of the push switch. The second tilting switch is mounted to the switch housing by the medium of a second hinge part, which is located adjacent to the other side of the push switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Young Sub Oh
  • Patent number: 7485820
    Abstract: A button assembly includes a bezel, an elastic member, and a button. The bezel defines a through hole. The elastic member forms a locating portion on an end thereof, and a mounting portion on the other end thereof. The locating portion is movably mounted to the bezel. The button is assembled on the mounting portion of the elastic member. The button includes a manipulating section extending through the through hole of the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yue-Hai Zhang, Chien-Li Tsai, Wen-Kang Lo
  • Publication number: 20080302647
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device for controlling an electronic apparatus may include a top panel which can produce at least one control signal for the electronic apparatus when a pointing element comes into contact on the top face of the top panel. The device may include a support frame relative to which the top panel is fitted to move, a disengageable endstop for the top panel in a raised position, wherein the top panel is supported by a guide deck which is linked to the support frame so as to maintain the top panel orthogonal to a first plane when the top panel is moved relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: COACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Villain, Michel Cour
  • Patent number: 7446276
    Abstract: An improved button actuation assembly for activating a switch on hand held devices such as portable barcode readers has an improved structure that absorbs and dissipates the force exerted on the button. The improved structure thus protects the switch and the button actuation assembly itself from being damaged by excessive force such as from an impact shock caused by dropping or misuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Plesko, Yuan-Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 7431103
    Abstract: A contact trip assembly for a power nailer, wherein a contact member includes a curved portion that loops rearwardly towards a handle of the nailer. Also provided is an adjustment assembly including an adjustment plate and a pinion gear, a trigger that is slidably engageable within a housing of the tool, a trigger lock including a ring element, an anti-discharge mechanism including a stop member, and a contact trip lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Schell, Ashok Samuel Baskar, Paul G. Gross, Charles L. Bradenbaugh, IV, Robert Alan Berry, David C. Tomayko, Li Xu
  • Patent number: 7427723
    Abstract: A keyboard apparatus constructed to be capable of reducing the depth size thereof and permitting a key unit to be mounted to a key frame with a simple operation. Hinges are extended downward from rear ends of black key main bodies of a black key unit in the vertical direction, and are connected at their lower ends to a common-to-black-keys base end. The black key main bodies are pivotable via the hinges relative to the common-to-black-keys base end in the key depression/release direction. Similarly, white key main bodies of first and second white key units are pivotable via hinges relative to a common base end in the vertical direction. The key frame is formed at its rear portion with a recessed groove over the entire width of all keys and formed with elastic members extending in the front-to-rear direction on the front and rear sides of the recessed groove. Using elastic deformations of the elastic members, a common-to-all-keys base end of the key unit is fitted and fixed to the recessed groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Keisuke Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20080190750
    Abstract: An improved button actuation assembly for activating a switch on hand held devices such as portable barcode readers has an improved structure that absorbs and dissipates the force exerted on the button. The improved structure thus protects the switch and the button actuation assembly itself from being damaged by excessive force such as from an impact shock caused by dropping or misuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: METROLOGIC INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: George A. Plesko, Yuan-Hua Wang
  • Publication number: 20080169179
    Abstract: A switch activator includes a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion. The tongue is joined to the surrounding portion at the first end and has a pressing point adjacent the second end. The tongue may be joined by glue, a heat stake or a rivet. Preferably, the tongue and the surrounding portion integrally formed in a surface. This invention provides a very low cost method of actuating a SOCI (State Of Charge Indicator) push-button switch under the requirements of MIL-PRF-49471B, paragraph 4.7.17.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Bruce A. Strangfeld, Jason G. Pecor
  • Patent number: 7381919
    Abstract: A lever button of an electronic product is provided. The lever button is disposed inside a housing, and is deformed under an external force to generate a displacement to press a switch. The lever button includes a fulcrum shaft pivotally disposed in the housing, a pressing section extending from the fulcrum shaft, and at least one suspension arm in the direction opposite to the extending direction of the pressing section. The suspension arm together with the pressing section and the fulcrum shaft forms a lever structure to urge against the housing in the direction opposite to the pressing direction when a user presses the pressing section. The lever button adopts an assembly configuration, and after being assembled, the fulcrum shaft and the suspension arm urge the housing to make the pressing section evenly attached on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Chin Yu, Chia-Ju Ho
  • Patent number: 7371984
    Abstract: A button assembly of a dishwasher is provided. The button assembly includes a button portion and a front panel. The button portion has a button head for a user to press and a button body extending down from the button head. A button connecting portion connects a plurality of button bodies, and hence, a plurality of button portions along one piece. The button portion is installed at the rear of the front panel. The front panel has a button window formed therein for inserting the button head therethrough. Because the button portions do not need to be individually mounted using individual springs and fasteners, the assembly process is simplified, and manufacturing cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Jae Lee, Yong Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 7348511
    Abstract: A button device for an electronic device, includes a panel defining an opening, a button module, and a switch. The button module has two opposite ends attached to the panel. A button is suspended at a middle of the button module and aligned with the opening of the panel. A triggering member is movable together with the button. The switch is remained a pre-determined distance from the panel, and out of alignment with the opening of the panel. The triggering member is laterally inserted between the switch and the panel for triggering the switch when the button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Li Tong, Quan-Guang Du
  • Patent number: 7342192
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a resilient switch mounted in a housing and comprising a flexible arm including a first seat formed on one end of the flexible arm and a second seat formed on the other end of the flexible arm. After fastening the second seat on a first inner surface of the housing, the pressing member projects out of the housing through an opening on the first inner surface of the housing. A first projection is formed on a second surface of the flexible arm opposite the pressing member and is disposed proximate the second seat. A portion of the first projection opposite the flexible arm is extended to be proximate a second inner surface of the housing opposite the first inner surface of the housing. By utilizing this resilient switch, the first seat moves toward the second inner surface of the housing when a pressing force is exerted upon the pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Inventec Appliances Corp.
    Inventors: Su-Tane Yin, Hong-Chao Liu
  • Patent number: 7320146
    Abstract: An manual activation mechanism for an electronic flushometer system. A manual activation or override plate has a sensor switch directly coupled thereto and is hingedly connected to a sensor bracket. When a user presses the manual activation or override plate, the sensor switch acts against a bumper, which is compressed to create an electrical contact with a printed circuit board. The electrical contact results in the transmission of an electrical signal to a solenoid system, actuating a flushometer valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Nortier, Steven R. Oliver
  • Patent number: 7304257
    Abstract: A kinetic energy transferring element applied to a button structure for pressing an electric switch has a curved portion, a first extended portion and a second extended portion, in which the curved portion is bridged between the first extended portion and the second extended portion. The first extended portion is served as a fulcrum of the transferring element, while the second extended portion is a free end to receive foreign application. When the user presses the second extended portion, the curved portion of the kinetic energy transferring element can protrude to touch the electric switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Yung Chi, San-Peng Lin, Wei Wu
  • Publication number: 20070227872
    Abstract: The invention provides a remote controller which can prevent a discordant rattle noise and an operation sound of a button from being generated without deteriorating operability of the button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shingo Hamada
  • Patent number: 7268312
    Abstract: A button protecting structure is for an electronic product. The electronic product comprises a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) installed in the housing, and a button module installed in the housing and touchable with the PCB to execute specific functions. The button module has a plurality of bridge sections in which one end of each bridge section is positioned in the housing. The button protecting structure comprises a connection unit and a stopping unit extended from the connection unit. The connection unit is detachably positioned in the housing and located at one side of the PCB. And, the stopping unit is extended and installed at a bottom of the PCB and positioned in a displacement path of each button. Whereby, a plurality of electronic elements or the PCB is prevented from being damaged and broken owing to an overdoing exerted force generated an accidental pressing on the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventor: Chun-Yao Chen
  • Patent number: 7256363
    Abstract: A switch actuator assembly is provided comprising a circuit board housing including an upper housing and a lower housing forming a board compartment. A circuit board assembly, mounted within the board compartment, includes a switch element. A button assembly, positioned remotely from the upper housing, includes a cantilever button element. A plunger array assembly is included comprising a plunger array frame and a plunger element. The plunger element comprises a main plunger piston having a first plunger end configured to engage the cantilever button element only in a radial direction and a second plunger end configured to transfer force to the switch element. A plunger cantilever arm has a first cantilever end affixed to the plunger array frame and a second cantilever end affixed to the main plunger piston and is mounted in a mount position configured to minimize horizontal displacement of said second plunger end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John E. McConnell, Bruce H. Pierik
  • Patent number: 7244897
    Abstract: An opening switch (1) for vehicle doors or rear hatches comprises an actuator device (5) for activating a microswitch (6) which can be moved between two positions: a first open position in which the actuator device is kept away from the microswitch (6), and a second closing position in which the actuator device is in contact with the microswitch (6). The actuator device for activating the microswitch (6) comprises a rocking actuator (5) which incorporates within itself at least one pair of elastic tongues (7) whose reaction brings about return of the rocking actuator (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Sistemas De Seguridad S.A.
    Inventors: Victor Villagrasa, Ramon Alvarez Vilchez
  • Patent number: 7193171
    Abstract: An outer wall is created for an electrical kitchen appliance and has a formation of recesses defining strips. A button is disposed on the strips. Regions embodied as film hinges are provided between the strips, enabling them, and thus the button disposed in-between the same, to pivot, in order to actuate an electrical button or a switch inside the housing of the kitchen appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Marko Areh, Henrik Pavlovic, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 7189937
    Abstract: A button structure includes a cantilever connected with a housing and a key connected with the cantilever. This cantilever includes two connection parts and a curved part. The two connection parts are coupled together through the curved part. One connection part is connected to a housing. The other connection part is connected to a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Chiu-Chia Chen
  • Patent number: 7173205
    Abstract: The invention provides a manual operation button having a large operable area. A manual operation button is composed of a manual operation plane, a holder for assembling the manual operation plane and a stopper for fixing the holder to a casing. The casing has a mounting hole having substantially the same size and shape as the manual operation plane, so that when the manual operation plane is assembled to the mounting hole, the manual operation plane forms a substantially continuous flat plane with the casing. The holder includes a substantially L-shaped mounting portion for mounting to the casing, a flat plate-like mounting plane for mounting the manual operation plane, and a hinge portion connecting the mounting portion and the mounting plane. The whole width of the hinge portion is disposed within the outer projection plane of the manual operation plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Orion Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masateru Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7126069
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus with an operation button that can be easily mounted and prevents from being pushed into the electronic apparatus excessively. A front panel is provided with a button mounting portion. The front panel is further provided with an opening, a stopper portion, and a convex portion. The convex portion is fitted into a concave portion formed in an operation button to position the operation button. The operation button is sandwiched between the convex portion and a decorative panel. When an operating portion is pushed, a hinge portion formed on the operation button is bent to allow a pushing portion inserted through the opening to operate an internal switch. An abutting portion abuts against the stopper portion to inhibit the operation button from being excessively pushed in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Orion Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenobu Mukougawa, Daisuke Shimizu, Takayuki Horie, Tsuyoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7123473
    Abstract: A computer bezel includes a front panel, a power button attached to the front panel; an annular member attached to the front panel and set around the power button; and a protective member for covering the power button. The front panel includes a concave portion defining two slots and two through holes therein, the protective member includes two hooks engaging in the slots for slidably attaching the protective member to the front panel. Two posts formed on the protective member. When each post is in alignment with the corresponding through hole, the protective member is depressed to push the power button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-Guo Xu
  • Patent number: 7119291
    Abstract: A touch pad device for a portable computer includes a key deck (20); a touch region (24) formed on a portion of the key deck (20); penetration portions (28) extending through the key deck (20) while being adjacent to the touch region (24); push buttons (32) integrally formed with the key deck (20) while being able to deform elastically inside the penetration portions (28); a touch pad (40) formed on a lower surface of the key deck (20) in a position corresponding to the touch region (24) for information input; a cover button (30) mounted on an upper surface of the key deck (20) to cover at least the push buttons (32) and the penetration portions (28), the cover button (30) having first and second button units (31) and (31?) able to deform elastically and compress the push buttons (32); and a board (42) having switches (44) toggled on/off by pushing the button units (31) and (31?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: You Myoung Sun
  • Patent number: 7102090
    Abstract: A front panel for electrical equipment is provided that has a plurality of push buttons formed integrally with the front panel and requires no additional panel for covering around the push buttons while being excellent in appearance. Each of the push buttons is linked to the face plate of the front panel through a button supporting portion and a button arm. The button supporting portion is extended from the back of the face plate at a substantially right angle to the face plate. The button arm is extended from the rear end of the button supporting portion so as to be parallel to the face plate. The face plate and the button arm are arranged, with a space formed by removing a slidable core, to overlap each other when viewed from front. Thus, the front panel does not require any additional cover panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Morisada
  • Patent number: 7098417
    Abstract: An auxiliary supporting frame of an electronic device that has a stopper hole to which a portion of a projection of a surface pressing part is inserted. The stopper hole is open in a direction that a front cover of the surface pressing button is mounted, and a stopper formed on a side opposite to the open side. Therefore, the surface pressing button can be surely and easily mounted on a back surface of a front panel, and a large load can be prevented from being applied to a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadanari Fuji