Force-responsive detectors and systems

A force-responsive longitudinally extending sensor, comprising

• first longitudinally extending electrically conductive means in the form of a first electrically conductive layer of generally rectangular strip-like configuration having a predetermined width,
• second longitudinally extending electrically conductive means in the form of a second electrically conductive layer of generally rectangular strip-like configuration having a width matching the width of the first electrically conductive layer and extending at least partially along and aligned with the first electrically conductive layer, and
• electrically insulating means positioned between, and spacing the first electrically conductive layer from, longitudinally distributed parts of the second electrically conductive layer, the electrically insulating means comprising a plurality of discrete insulating means spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the sensor with gaps between them and co-extensive with the longitudinally distributed parts of the second electrically conductive layer, each of the discrete insulating means being positioned at an oblique angle to the longitudinal direction of the sensor and each extending across the whole of the width of the layers,
• areas of the first electrically conductive layer and of the second electrically conductive layer facing each other across said gaps normally being resiliently held spaced apart from each other but being able to be flexed into contact with each other in response to an applied force,
• the discrete insulating means being applied by a printed circuit technique.