Elastomeric Joystick Assembly
AssigneeCSI Keyboards, Inc.
InventorPeter Castner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides, in some aspects, a rugged and inexpensive joystick assembly comprising a core configured to manipulate a series of switches and located by an elastomeric overlay. The elastomeric overlay can include a tactile surface for a user, a water-resistant coating for a switch panel and a flex-wall disposed between the tactile surface and switch panel coating. The elastomeric overlay can be configured to positively locate the joystick core relative to the switch panel and provide a water-tight seal. The thickness, width and hardness of the flex-wall can be tuned to provide adequate locating strength and resistance to wear.
Claims20
An electrical switch assembly comprising:
- a base member
- a first momentary switch fixed to the base member;
- an actuator arm configured to activate the first momentary switch;
- an elastomeric layer;
- wherein, the elastomeric layer comprises an actuator arm overlay fixed to the actuator arm, a flex-wall fixed to the actuator arm overlay and a base member connection area fixed to the flex-wall;
- wherein the base member connection area is fixed to the base member;
- and
- wherein the actuator arm is located laterally relative to the base member substantially via the elastomeric layer.
An electrical joystick assembly comprising:
- a base member;
- a plurality of switches fixed towards an upper surface of the base member and spaced apart radially from a fulcrum point;
- an actuator arm configured to activate the momentary switches when manipulated about the fulcrum point;
- an elastomeric layer fixed to the actuator arm and the base member;
- wherein the elastomeric layer further comprises a flex-wall extending between the actuator arm and the base member, configured to laterally locate the actuator arm relative to the base member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.