Dovetail base assembly for keyswitches
AssigneeHi-Tek Corporation
InventorsEldon R. Lancaster, Manual T. Guest, Robert W. Bessier
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The modular structural base assembly is provided for constructing a custom key switch array which includes a foundation structural base module and a grouped keyswitch station arranged similarly to a typewriter key matrix. Accessory base modules of various keyswitch groupings are provided for attachment to the foundation module to permit addition of accessory keys at virtually any location and in any desired plurality. Accessory modules are coupled to the foundation module by a tongue-and-groove type connector which includes means for effectuating an interference fit to interlock adjacent modules. The tongue-and-groove couplers preferably have a dovetail shaped configuration.
Claims14
A modular base assembly for constructing a keyswitch array, comprising:
- a foundation base module having a plurality of receptacles for receiving and supporting keyswitch elements, said receptacles grouped to form a standard typewriter key matrix;
- plural accessory base modules, each having at least one receptacle for receiving and supporting keyswitch elements;
- coupling means, comprising a flange and a recess, for coupling said accessory base modules to said foundation base module to form said keyswitch array, said coupling means including first and second contact surfaces, said first surface comprising a crush rib disposed on the sidewalls of said recess, said crush rib being adapted to deform when said base modules are coupled by engagement of said first and second contact surfaces, said second surface being more rigid than said first surface and adapted to tightly engage said first surface to provide interfering engagement between said flange and recess and to restrict movement between said flange and said recess.
A modular assembly for constructing a keyswitch station array comprising:
- a plurality of modules each having at least one keyswitch receptacle;
- a plurality of vertically tapered flanges on at least one surface of each module;
- a plurality of vertically tapered recesses on at least one surface of each module, said recesses having an open end for receipt of said flanges, said recesses further including a crush rib disposed substantially along the vertical length of each side wall of the recess, said crush rib being deformable upon sliding engagement of the flange so as to ensure rigid mating of said vertically tapered recess and said vertically tapered flange.
A modular assembly for constructing a keyswitch array, comprising:
- a plurality of modules each having at least one keyswitch receptacle;
- and
- coupling means, comprising a flange and recess, for coupling pairs of said plural modules together to form said assembly, said flange including first and second contact surfaces, said recess including third and fourth contact surfaces for slideably engaging said first and second contact surfaces, respectively, said first and third contact surfaces adapted for deformable contact and said second and fourth contact surfaces adapted for rigid contact, said flange and recess correspondingly tapered to permit said flange to be partially inserted into said recess without deformation of said first and third contact surfaces, said first and third contact surfaces configured to deformably cooperate to increasingly bias said second and fourth rigidly contacting surfaces into increasingly tighter engagement as said first and third surfaces and said second and fourth surfaces slideably engage each other during further insertion of said flange into said recess, thereby accurately locating said pairs of said plural modules.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.