Control device having buttons with metallic surfaces and backlit indicia
AssigneeLutron Technology Company LLC
InventorsChris Dimberg, Kevin J. Heimann, Brad M. Kreschollek, Matthew P. McDonald
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A control device includes a button with a body defining an outer surface; a metallic veneer coupled to the button opposite the outer surface; and a machined indicia formed in the veneer and defining an open portion, a floating portion, and one or more ribs that suspend the floating portion. The rib has an upper surface recessed relative to a front surface of the veneer, and opposed tapered sides extending from a base of the rib to the upper surface, such that the upper surface is narrower than the base.
Claims18
A veneer that is configured to be attached to a control device configured to control an electrical load, the veneer comprising:
- a front surface;
- an indicium representative of a command for controlling an electrical load, wherein the indicium defines:
- an open portion within the front surface of the veneer;
- a floating portion within the open portion;
- and
- a rib that suspends the floating portion within the open portion, the rib comprising:
- an upper surface that is recessed relative to the front surface;
- and
- opposed sides that extend from a base of the rib to the upper surface;
- and wherein the opposed sides are configured to be tapered between the base and the upper surface such that the upper surface is narrower than the base.
A control device comprising:
- at least one button having a body that defines an outer surface;
- a veneer that is proximate to the outer surface of the body;
- and
- an indicium representative of a command for controlling an electrical load, wherein the indicium defines:
- an open portion within the veneer, wherein a portion of the outer surface of the body of the at least one button is exposed through the open portion of the indicium;
- and
- a floating portion suspended within the open portion via a rib, the rib defining an upper surface that is recessed relative to a front surface of the veneer;
- and
- wherein the control device is configured to transmit a message to a load control device in response to an actuation of the at least one button, the message corresponding to the command of which the indicium is representative.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.